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As I sit down to map out my predictions for the upcoming Big 12 football season, I can't help but draw parallels to the disciplined preparation I've observed in other sports—like the recent news about Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido joining Alas Pilipinas training ahead of the 2025 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup from June 7 to 14. Just as these athletes are honing their skills months in advance, Big 12 teams are deep into their own preseason rituals, and I believe this kind of early commitment often separates contenders from pretenders. Having followed college football for over a decade, I've seen how summer training camps set the tone for those high-stakes autumn showdowns, and this year, the Big 12 landscape looks as unpredictable as ever, with key matchups that could redefine the conference hierarchy.

Let's dive into the games that I think will make or break the season, starting with the early October clash between Texas and Oklahoma. Now, I'll admit I've got a soft spot for the Longhorns—their offensive line depth is impressive, with about 85% of last year's starters returning, and I predict they'll edge out a 31-28 win in a nail-biter. But don't sleep on Oklahoma's revamped defense; they've been grinding in offseason workouts much like the Alas Pilipinas volleyball squad is doing now, and that dedication could lead to a surprise upset if Texas isn't sharp. Another game that's got me buzzing is the late-season face-off between Kansas State and Baylor. From what I've seen, Kansas State's quarterback has been putting up numbers that remind me of a well-oiled machine—think 280 passing yards per game in scrimmages—and I'm leaning toward them pulling off a 24-21 victory, though Baylor's home-field advantage might just throw a wrench in that.

Moving into November, the matchup between TCU and Iowa State stands out as a potential sleeper hit. I've always been a bit skeptical of TCU's consistency, but their recruitment of young talent reminds me of how Angel Canino and her teammates are building for the future in volleyball. If TCU's defense holds up, I'd say they take it 27-24, but Iowa State's gritty playstyle could easily flip the script. And let's not forget the conference championship implications here—based on my analysis, the Big 12 title could hinge on these games, with Texas and Kansas State emerging as front-runners for a spot in the playoffs. I'm projecting Texas to finish with around 11 wins, but if injuries pile up, that number might drop to 9, shaking things up entirely.

In wrapping up, my take is that this season's biggest games will be defined by those summer preparations, much like the Alas Pilipinas team's focused training. While I'm bullish on Texas and Kansas State, the beauty of Big 12 football lies in its unpredictability—one bad bounce or inspired performance can turn everything on its head. So, as we gear up for kickoff, keep an eye on those key dates and remember that, in my experience, it's often the underdogs who steal the show when we least expect it.