Country Roads Confidential: A WVU Mountaineers podcast

No Big 12 team had more preseason all-conference picks than Kansas State, and a new quarterback, an new offensive coordinator and a fierce front seven on defense could life the Wildcats to the top of the standings.

TCU is going to look and maybe even act a bit unusual in 2022, beginning with a focus on offense and a new-look defense as the program looks toward an exciting future in the new Big 12.

One of the best stories and best programs in the Big 12 in recent years belongs to Iowa State, but many of the mainstays have moved on. Is it possible to learn more about Matt Campbell, his staff and his roster this season?

Steve Sarkisian's debut season was bumpy down in Austin, but the offseason has been stellar. The offense is loaded. The defense has sneaky support. The arrow is pointinh up again for Texas.

Texas Tech has a new coach, an accomplished staff, a reputable recruiting class and plenty of talent on offense and, for a change, on defense. Will it be enough to reach a bowl in 2022?

Maybe the record or the final standings won't chance too much for Kansas in 2022, but the expectation is the Jayhawks will be better and more competitive as head coach Lance Leipold uses transfers to create a winning culture for young talent.

The Cowboys return the top quarterback in the Big 12, but there are questions on offense and new leadership on defense. Can new names and faces keep Oklahoma State at the top?

There have been many ups and downs for Baylor football the past several seasons, but coach Dave Aranda and his capable staff are attempting to stabilize things and sustain the success they started as the Big 12 champs last season. It won't be easy, but the Bears have ammo.

The 2022 season could be the last chance for West Virginia to beat Oklahoma in a Big 12 game, and a lot about the Sooners has changed since the last time these two played down to the wire in Norman. Through it all, Oklahoma remains talented and one of the safest bets to win the league.

If we're heading toward a new era of college football with a split in the FBS and a split from the NCAA, then there might be some exclusivity in who makes the cut ... and there might be some surprises about who doesn't want to participate. How do the decision-makers build the new leagues?