there are two different ways of looking at the Big 12.
Oklahoma -- and thus the league -- blew an incredible opportunity in the Rose Bowl losing to Georgia in a College Football Playoff semifinal. That or the 10-team Big 12 is just getting started. Entering only its seventh year in its current configuration, the league has survived defection (Texas, A&M, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska), scandal (Baylor) and the downturn of one of its cornerstones (Texas).
Things seem to be on an uptick with a second CFP appearance in four years. The league is still basking in the glow of its third Heisman Trophy since 2008. OU isn't going away (definitely). Texas is rising (maybe).
We'll find out more this week at The Star in Frisco, Texas, during the Big 12 Media Days. Here are five things to watch throughout the week.
1. What will Oklahoma do for an encore? Lincoln Riley is favored to win the Big 12 again in his second full season as coach. But, gosh darn, there has to be a lingering hurt after a conference title, Heisman and playoff berth.