The Mountaineers' offense projects as the best in the Big 12, with QB Geno Smith and WR Tavon Austin each boasting All-American caliber. A staff with heavy knowledge of the conference will aid the Year 1 transition.

2. Oklahoma

OU has the talent to win the league, highlighted by a key requirement: a talented and experienced QB in Landry Jones. Still, questions from a year ago — a lack of wide receiver playmakers, a scarred secondary among them — need answers.

3. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys will miss Weeden2Blackmon, for sure. Still, the overall talent remains strong. And even with a rookie quarterback, the offense figures to keep producing. Think Texas Tech of the Mike Leach era, with better defense.