MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — From an Oklahoma four-peat to Kansas keeping the basement warm, the Big 12 media mostly scribbled its preseason picks in chalk. But West Virginia’s weigh-in at No. 2 pays respect to the league’s far-flung East Coast partner, and puts the onus on Dana Holgorsen to get the Mountaineers back into the top 25, where they have finished only twice in seven seasons.
Here’s how the conference poll unfolded (with first-place votes in parentheses):
1. OKLAHOMA (46)
Year 2 of Lincoln Riley meets Year 1 of Kyler Murray — and OU meets Lane Kiffin and Chip Kelly in September! The Sooners won’t be as lethal as last season, but if the Big 12 is mediocre, they could return to the college football playoff.
2. WEST VIRGINIA (2)
The Mountaineers are the runner-up pick in the Big 12, which matches the highest preseason spot for the program since joining the league. (Then again, the last time they were chosen second was 2012 … when they finished eighth.) With five league games at home and Will Grier steering a loaded offense, WVU has the juice to reach the league championship game. If that comes to fruition, it could foster Bob Bowlsby’s nightmare — West Virginia and Oklahoma meeting in back-to-back weeks.
3. TCU (1)
A top-10 program three of last four years, the Frogs will be salty again. But they can’t count on a late pass-interference flag going their way in Morgantown.
4. TEXAS (1)
The Longhorns sport the Big 12’s best defense, but can Sam Ehlinger alleviate those game-changing brain cramps?
5. OKLAHOMA STATE
After a mildly disappointing 2017, the Cowboys’ string of three 10-win seasons appears to be in peril.
6. KANSAS STATE (2)
Look here — at least two media members think Bill Snyder has more underdog magic cooking in Manhattan.
7. IOWA STATE
Matt Campbell’s guys beat both of last season’s Big 12 title game participants and were a play away in losses to Iowa, West Virginia and K-State. The coach promptly signed a six-year extension to stay in Ames instead of tantalizing more proven programs.
8. TEXAS TECH
The Red Raiders face 40/1 odds of winning the Big 12 title. Kingsbury hopes his defense finally can hold opponents under 40.
9. BAYLOR
Matt Rhule’s second go-around features Charlie Brewer and other offensive building blocks, but defensive woes and a frightening lack of depth means this is still a fixer-upper in Waco.
10. KANSAS
Can Jeff Long just hire Les Miles already?
How Allan Taylor voted:
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas
3. West Virginia
4. TCU
5. Kansas State
6. Oklahoma State
7. Iowa State
8. Texas Tech
9. Baylor
10. Kansas