The Big 12 may be the most competitive conference in the country right now. Only two teams seem to be automatic wins (Kansas and Iowa State). The other 8 seem to present formidable challenges on any given day. Recently, this board was asked to present predictions for the new year. The results were remarkably similar:
10: Iowa State.
9) Kansas
8) Texas Tech
7) West Virginia
6) Texas
5) Kansas State
4) Oklahoma
3) OSU
2) Baylor
1) TCU
No doubt that this will end not quite like we predict, but anything close will lead to a lot of coaching turmoil.
Consider:
1) Mike Gundy. The late season rally does not take Mike off the hook. When it appeared he may go 5-7, the student newspaper and many alumni were calling for change. Anything less then 9 wins in 2015 and Mike is coaching for his life in 2016.
2) Bob Stoops. The last NC came 15 years ago. Bob Stoops is not loved like Switzer was. They like Bob, they loved Switzer.
Nevertheless, Switzer was coaching for his life in 84 after 3 mediocre seasons. If Bob has another season under 10 wins and loses to OSU again, 2016 he is coaching for his life
3) Charlie Strong: I always felt he would only have 3 seasons. UT alums were expecting a Nick Saban or an Urban Meyer.
Strong was a major letdown. He may be fired after only 2 seasons if they can secure a commitment from a Meyer, Harbaugh or Saban. Regardless, 2016 he is coaching for his life.
4) Coach Bro: 2016 he is coaching for his life after he fails again in 2015.
5) Paul Rhoads and Dana Holgerson: Both gone in 2015 if finished as expected.
That's what makes this year so important for OSU. Take care of business and we can negatively recruit against our major rivals with the idea the head man may be gone soon.
10: Iowa State.
9) Kansas
8) Texas Tech
7) West Virginia
6) Texas
5) Kansas State
4) Oklahoma
3) OSU
2) Baylor
1) TCU
No doubt that this will end not quite like we predict, but anything close will lead to a lot of coaching turmoil.
Consider:
1) Mike Gundy. The late season rally does not take Mike off the hook. When it appeared he may go 5-7, the student newspaper and many alumni were calling for change. Anything less then 9 wins in 2015 and Mike is coaching for his life in 2016.
2) Bob Stoops. The last NC came 15 years ago. Bob Stoops is not loved like Switzer was. They like Bob, they loved Switzer.
Nevertheless, Switzer was coaching for his life in 84 after 3 mediocre seasons. If Bob has another season under 10 wins and loses to OSU again, 2016 he is coaching for his life
3) Charlie Strong: I always felt he would only have 3 seasons. UT alums were expecting a Nick Saban or an Urban Meyer.
Strong was a major letdown. He may be fired after only 2 seasons if they can secure a commitment from a Meyer, Harbaugh or Saban. Regardless, 2016 he is coaching for his life.
4) Coach Bro: 2016 he is coaching for his life after he fails again in 2015.
5) Paul Rhoads and Dana Holgerson: Both gone in 2015 if finished as expected.
That's what makes this year so important for OSU. Take care of business and we can negatively recruit against our major rivals with the idea the head man may be gone soon.
