Nationally, the Big 12 was irrelevant this December.
Because of what transpired in September.
Tasked with the most challenging non-conference schedule in league history, the Big 12 had a prime opportunity this season to gain respect. And to send the College Football Playoff selection committee a statement.
Instead, the Big 12 completely flopped, cementing its status at the bottom of the Power 5 playoff pecking order.
Sunday, the selection committee made its top four selections, presumably without giving the Big 12 champion much consideration, even though Oklahoma became the first team in seven years to run the table in Big 12 play.