Oklahoma State Could Benefit From Big 12 Tiebreaker Clarification
A clarification of the Big 12’s tiebreakers could help send Oklahoma State to Arlington.
The original language in the Big 12 tiebreakers meant that head-to-head advantages could be voided in a tie among three or more teams if they had not all played each other in a mini-round-robin. However, this will no longer be the case.
Initially reported by Berry Tramel, the Big 12 will clarify the rules to ensure that head-to-head is the most important aspect. In a potential three-way tie with Oklahoma and Kansas State, OSU could have been left on the outside looking in.
Because OU and KSU do not play each other this season, OSU’s 2-0 record against the two would have been irrelevant, according to the original wording. However, OSU would now automatically win the tiebreaker as a result of the clarification.
While this eases certain tiebreakers, the Cowboys are still in the midst of a complicated Big 12 race. However, the Cowboys’ chances of making the Big 12 Championship may have a boost.
That scenario where OSU is tied at 7-2 in conference play with KSU and OU may be the most likely possibility. But of course, OSU winning out is the first thing that must happen.
Wins against Houston and BYU would open up OSU’s path to the Big 12 title game. The current four-way tie in second place also includes KSU, OU and Iowa State.
But ISU could throw a wrench in OSU’s plans. Because ISU beat OSU this season, it holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.
With its two final games against Texas and KSU, the Cyclones could heavily disrupt the current structure. But if Texas wins its last game against ISU and OSU wins out, the Cowboys will secure a spot in Arlington.
The Cowboys’ situation will be much clearer after this weekend, as every Big 12 game has potential championship implications.
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