Shedeur Sanders made a significant impact on Colorado’s entry back into the Big 12 conference, showcasing the league’s reputation for producing exceptional passers. In an overtime victory against Baylor, Sanders threw for 341 yards, including a crucial 58-yard touchdown pass that initiated the Buffaloes’ comeback from a 14-point deficit. His 43-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester as time expired in regulation forced the game into overtime.
The Big 12 currently boasts two of the top five passers in the nation in terms of yards per game, with five of the top 17 players hailing from the league. Sanders, along with other standout quarterbacks like TCU’s Josh Hoover and Arizona’s Noah Fifita, have already achieved over 400 passing yards in a single game this season. The infusion of Colorado and Arizona from the Pac-12, alongside Arizona State and No. 10 Utah, has added a new dynamic to the Big 12’s passing game.
Teams in the Big 12, especially struggling secondaries, are anticipated to witness more impressive passing displays as the season progresses. Schools like Texas Tech, TCU, Colorado, and Oklahoma State are at the forefront of the passing game statistics, reflecting a trend of high passing attempts and completions.
The Big 12 conference has a history of prolific passing performances, with over two dozen instances of quarterbacks surpassing 4,000 yards in a single season. Sanders and Hoover are on track to potentially join this exclusive club, illustrating the league’s tradition of standout quarterbacks. UCF coach Gus Malzahn, who recruited Sanders during his time at Auburn, is set to face Sanders in a game this weekend in Orlando, Florida.
However, porous defenses within the Big 12 should be wary of the offensive firepower displayed by these talented quarterbacks. Teams like Oklahoma State and Texas Tech are struggling defensively, conceding significant passing yards per game and numerous touchdowns. The introduction of five new defensive coordinators within the league adds another layer of uncertainty to defensive strategies.
Despite the impressive passing numbers, high-flying offenses in the Big 12 are not without their challenges. Quarterbacks like Sanders and Hoover have faced issues such as frequent sacks and turnovers, emphasizing the need for improvement and adjustments as the season progresses. Players like Alan Bowman of Oklahoma State have experienced fluctuations in performance, underlining the unpredictable nature of college football.
KJ Jefferson, a transfer from Arkansas, has emerged as a key player for UCF and has displayed resilience and leadership on the field. With standout performances, veterans like Jefferson are pivotal to their teams’ success. Meanwhile, quarterbacks such as Utah’s Cam Rising and Kansas’ Jalon Daniels have faced setbacks, highlighting the ups and downs experienced by players in a competitive conference like the Big 12.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex continues to be a hotbed for quarterback talent in the Big 12, producing top-tier athletes like Sanders, Hoover, and Morton. The concentration of skilled quarterbacks in this region underscores the rich football talent pool in Texas.