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Big 12 Football: Predicting Every 2016 Bowl Game

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Nov 19, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; The Big 12 logo on the chains during a game between the Baylor Bears and Kansas State Wildcats at McLane Stadium. Kansas State won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; The Big 12 logo on the chains during a game between the Baylor Bears and Kansas State Wildcats at McLane Stadium. Kansas State won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners coaches and players take a team photo with the Big 12 championship trophy after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners coaches and players take a team photo with the Big 12 championship trophy after the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Sugar Bowl – Jan. 2
Auburn vs. Oklahoma

Possibly the hottest team in college football has been Oklahoma. Ever since starting the season 1-2, they won nine straight games, including beating West Virginia and Oklahoma State to close the season. It made up for the early season losses to Houston and Ohio State, both ranked at the time. Baker Mayfield, Joe Mixon, Samaje Perine, and Dede Westbrook all came into their own to lead this high-powered offense in Norman. These four made up for just about the entire Sooner offense, and two of them (Mayfield and Westbrook) even were Heisman Trophy finalists.

The problem for Oklahoma has been on defense. They ranked 52nd in rush defense and 117th in pass defense, which isn’t far off from being the worst in the nation. These have been glaring flaws which hurt the team early on, but has been somewhat masked with the success over the past two months.

What plays in the Sooner’s favor is Auburn’s offense. They had one of the best defenses in the SEC, but passing the ball became a program for this program. Sean White had five 200-yard passing games, but also had some clunky performances along the way. An injury near the end of the season further exposed the Tiger offense with Jeremy Johnson struggling to get going. They did win a game, 55-0, but this came against Alabama A&M.

The Auburn running game is dangerous, however. Kamryn Pettway, Kerryon Johnson, and Kam Martin each had a significant impact throughout the season. Even quarterback John Franklin III got his chance to show off his legs in certain packages. He once had an 80-yard rush to help push his yards per carry to 10.1

Both teams certainly have their flaws, but it may be tough for Auburn to keep up with Oklahoma’s passing game. This may not be a blowout, but there will be a multi-score deficit.

Prediction: Oklahoma defeats Auburn, 44-27.

Related Story: 5 Ways Tom Herman Can Succeed in 2017

There will be plenty of Big 12 action to go down during the college football bowl season. Which teams will win their respective games?

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