What's the story of Week 1 in the Big 12?
Let's take a look at the biggest storylines I'm keeping an eye on to open the season.
QB craziness: Five Big 12 teams (K-State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, West Virginia) have already committed to playing two quarterbacks (or in West Virginia's case, it could be three) and four teams (Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, West Virginia) have yet to officially name a starter. The Big 12's earned its reputation on QB play and it might do so again this season, but entering the season, there are tons of question marks at the position.
Adjusting to injuries/departures: Preseason camp means injuries, but TCU dealt with a pair of surprising exits. Starting tackle Tayo Fabuluje transferred and leading returning tackler Joel Hasley left the team. Both were surprises, but the Frogs will have to adjust. Guard Michael Thompson also retired. Gary Patterson has lauded the efforts of Fabuluje's likely replacement, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, aka "Big V," and linebackers Marcus Mallet, Jonathan Anderson and Paul Dawson are fighting for starting spots in the Frogs' 4-2-5 scheme. Mallet and Anderson are listed as starters in TCU's Week 1 depth chart, but that's a fluid position. Texas Tech will have to adjust to Michael Brewer's back injury, likely by turning to Davis Webb against SMU. Oklahoma State offensive line coach Joe Wickline has to deal with the loss of starting LT Devin Davis. Michael Wilson was listed as Davis' backup, but Parker Graham may move back from guard.
Tech-nical difficulties: Kliff Kingsbury spent much of his offseason pointing to two stats that sunk Texas Tech in 2012: Penalties and turnover margin. The Red Raiders ranked outside the top 110 in both stats last season, but nonconference play is a great opportunity to make some headway in both areas of emphasis during spring and fall camp.
Breakout newcomers: We've heard about them all offseason, but new faces across the Big 12 will finally make their playing debuts this weekend. A few guys I'm really looking forward to seeing: Oklahoma QB Trevor Knight, West Virginia RB Charles Sims, Baylor WR Robbie Rhodes, Kansas State QB Jake Waters, Oklahoma State DE Sam Wren, TCU RB Aaron Green and WR Ja'Juan Story, Oklahoma DT Quincy Russell, Baylor DT Andrew Billings and Oklahoma S Hatari Byrd.
Down and dirty: Saturday night's showdown between No. 12 LSU and No. 20 TCU will absolutely be decided at the line of scrimmage. Keep an eye on the trenches in this one. Whoever wins the line of scrimmage more consistently wins this game.
Where's the surprise?: After eight months of talking and analysis, it always feels like you've got a good feel for how the season's going to play out. Then Week 1 happens. You never know who'll change your mind in their opener, for better or worse. Trust me, though: Someone will.
