As the college football season approaches, anticipation is building for the matchup between Kansas State and Iowa State. This thrilling game will kick off on August 23 in Dublin, Ireland, marking an exciting beginning to the season for both teams. According to a recent poll conducted by On3, if the predictions of the Big 12 coaches hold true, these two teams are also set to face off for the Big 12 title on December 6 in Arlington, Texas.
In a survey of the 16 coaches within the Big 12 conference, Kansas State and Iowa State emerged as the frontrunners to compete in the league’s championship game. The poll was conducted anonymously, allowing coaches to provide honest predictions without the influence of personal biases, as they were not permitted to vote for their own teams.
Kansas State led the poll with an impressive eight votes, while Iowa State closely followed with seven votes. Other contenders included Arizona State with six votes and Texas Tech with five. Additionally, TCU received three votes, Baylor garnered two, and Utah received one, indicating a competitive landscape where seven of the sixteen teams received recognition in the poll.
With a talented roster led by quarterback Avery Johnson, Kansas State has not only been predicted to reach the Big 12 Championship but also to emerge as the champion. Six coaches have expressed confidence in the Wildcats, marking them as the team to beat in the conference. Defending champion Arizona State, featuring quarterback Sam Leavitt, was also a strong contender, receiving four votes for the top spot.
Other teams receiving votes for the championship title include Texas Tech with three votes, TCU with two, and Baylor with one. Interestingly, despite Iowa State being predicted to finish as runners-up with the most votes (seven), none of the coaches selected them to win the league, underscoring the competitive nature of this year’s Big 12 landscape.
The unpredictability of the Big 12 was evident last season when Arizona State, initially projected to finish 16th in the preseason media poll, defied expectations by clinching the Big 12 championship. Similarly, BYU, predicted to finish 13th, surprised everyone by tying for second place in the league. These surprising performances led the Big 12's athletic directors and coaches to decide to discontinue the preseason media poll this year, aiming for a more accurate assessment of team capabilities.
As the season opener in Dublin approaches, the excitement surrounding Kansas State and Iowa State continues to grow. With the Big 12 championship on the line come December, fans can expect a thrilling season filled with surprises and intense competition. Keep an eye on these teams as they strive to make their mark in the Big 12 conference!
