In recent years, the Big 12 had rarely been party to so much confetti. Or so much momentum.
After an otherwise dismal year, the Big 12 defied low expectations this bowl season, delivering a sparkling 4-2 record despite being an underdog in five of the six contests. Oklahoma routed the SEC’s second-highest ranked team in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Oklahoma State battered the Pac-12 South champs in the Valero Alamo Bowl. Kansas State and Baylor impressed, as well.
This year, the Big 12 became the first Power 5 league to miss out on the playoff for a second time.