Is Utah Big 12's BIGGEST Embarrassment? Kansas, Oklahoma State Also Oddly Stink at College Football

Locked On Big 12 | Daily College Football & Basketball Podcast

Teams in the Big 12, such as Utah or Oklahoma State, occasionally underperform despite having talent and high expectations. This underperformance can be attributed to a variety of factors. Injuries to key players, especially in critical positions like quarterback or on the defensive line, can severely impact a team’s ability to maintain consistency. Coaching changes or struggles with adapting to new systems can also hinder performance, even for programs with strong foundations. For example, when a new offensive or defensive scheme is introduced, players may need time to adjust, which can lead to early-season losses.

Additionally, the Big 12 is a competitive conference where teams often beat each other up, making it hard for any one team to dominate consistently. The parity in the league means that even highly ranked teams like Oklahoma State or Utah can stumble against lesser-ranked opponents. This "any given Saturday" dynamic creates opportunities for upsets, and teams with higher expectations can fall victim to trap games or simply run into a team that is playing its best football at the right time.

Finally, mental lapses and inconsistency are common culprits in underperformance. A team like Oklahoma State, for instance, might have all the physical tools to succeed but fail to deliver in key moments, such as late-game situations or on the road. Similarly, Utah, known for its physical style, could struggle against teams with a faster, more explosive offense, leading to frustrating losses. These factors, combined with the pressures of high expectations, can cause even the most promising teams to underperform at times.

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