In the world of college football, where predictions are as unpredictable as the game itself, the Big 12's preseason media poll has become a curious spectacle. This year, the poll has taken an interesting turn, with a focus on the writers' picks rather than the official rankings. As a BYU beat writer, I was invited to participate in this unique process, and the results were quite surprising. The poll, conducted by a group of writers from each of the Big 12's 16 schools, aimed to predict the conference's top teams for the upcoming season. But, as BYU coach Kalani Sitake humorously pointed out, prognostications are rarely accurate. Sitake's statement, 'They are wrong every time, so they stopped making predictions as a league,' highlights the unpredictable nature of college football. The poll's results, however, offer an intriguing insight into the writers' perspectives. Texas Tech emerged as the top choice, with 14 first-place votes and a total of 254 points. This choice seems to have been influenced by the team's quarterback situation, which has been a bit uncertain. BYU, on the other hand, secured the other two first-place votes and 239 points, thanks to its more settled quarterback position. The poll's third and fourth spots were shared by Arizona and Houston, respectively, with 207 points each. Utah, with 198 points, was picked to finish fifth. Interestingly, the poll's results reflect a certain level of uncertainty and unpredictability, which is a refreshing change from the usual preseason hype. The writers' picks seem to have been influenced by a variety of factors, including team dynamics, quarterback situations, and even personal preferences. As a BYU beat writer, I found the poll's results particularly fascinating. The fact that BYU was picked to finish second, despite the team's recent struggles to make the College Football Playoff, suggests that the writers are taking a step back and considering the bigger picture. In my opinion, this poll highlights the importance of humility and a growth mindset in college football. As Sitake wisely noted, 'I’m not in the business of campaigning for the playoffs.' Instead, the focus should be on 'doing our job and playing our best.' The poll's results also raise a deeper question about the role of preseason polls in college football. Are they meant to be taken seriously, or are they simply a fun exercise in speculation? Personally, I think they serve both purposes. They provide a platform for writers to express their opinions and predictions, while also offering a lighthearted look at the conference's top teams. In the end, the Big 12's preseason media poll is a fascinating glimpse into the writers' perspectives and the unpredictable nature of college football. It's a reminder that, in the world of sports, anything can happen, and that's what makes it so exciting.
