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As I sit down to analyze the Big 12 football landscape this season, I can't help but draw parallels to the recent developments in international volleyball. Just as Angel Canino, Shevana Laput, and Amie Provido are preparing to join Alas Pilipinas training for the 2024 AVC Women's Volleyball Nations Cup from June 7 to 14, our Big 12 football programs are undergoing their own crucial preparation phases. The intensity of these volleyball athletes' training camp mirrors what we're seeing across Big 12 football programs right now - that relentless drive to build championship-caliber teams through dedicated preparation and roster development.

Looking at the conference's historic rivalries, I've always believed the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma stands in a class of its own. Having attended this game multiple times, I can tell you the atmosphere at the Cotton Bowl is simply electric - it's what college football is all about. The statistics back up the intensity too: through 118 meetings, Oklahoma leads the series 63-51-4, but what those numbers don't show is how many of those games came down to final possessions. With Texas moving to the SEC soon, I'm genuinely concerned this rivalry might lose some of its traditional significance, which would be a real shame for the conference.

The Bedlam Series between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State represents another cornerstone of Big 12 football, though I'll admit I've always found it slightly less compelling than the Red River showdown. These teams have met 117 times since 1904, with Oklahoma holding a commanding 91-19-7 advantage. What makes this rivalry special in my view is how it divides households across the state - there's a personal element you don't find elsewhere. With realignment shaking up the conference, we might be witnessing the final chapters of this historic matchup, which makes every meeting feel more significant.

When it comes to championship predictions, I'm leaning heavily toward Texas as my frontrunner for the 2024 season. Their returning production numbers are impressive - they're bringing back approximately 78% of their offensive production and 65% of their defensive snaps from last year's squad. Quinn Ewers has shown tremendous growth, and I believe he's poised for a breakout season that could see him throwing for over 3,200 yards if he stays healthy. The Longhorns have the most favorable schedule among the contenders, with only four true road games and their toughest conference matchups at home.

That said, I can't ignore Kansas State as a dark horse candidate. The Wildcats return 16 starters from a team that went 8-4 last season, including their entire offensive line. Having watched them develop under Chris Klieman, I'm convinced their physical style of play gives them an edge in conference matchups. Their ground game should be among the nation's best, potentially averaging over 200 rushing yards per game. The key will be navigating a tricky mid-season stretch that includes back-to-back road games at West Virginia and Iowa State.

What fascinates me about this season is how these football programs mirror the preparation we're seeing in international volleyball. Just as the Philippine volleyball team is integrating new talent like Canino, Laput, and Provido ahead of their Nations Cup campaign, Big 12 teams are blending returning stars with transfer portal additions. This integration process often determines championship outcomes - teams that gel quickly typically separate themselves by October. From my experience covering the conference, the programs that manage this transition most effectively are usually the ones holding trophies in December.

Ultimately, while rivalries provide the emotional backbone of the conference, championships are won through roster development and strategic preparation. The teams that emulate the focused training approach we're seeing from Alas Pilipinas volleyball - building cohesion and maximizing each player's contribution - will likely emerge as this season's Big 12 contenders. As much as I appreciate the history and passion of these rivalries, I'm even more excited to see which programs can translate that intensity into championship performance when it matters most.