Big 12 football power rankings after spring portal closes: Did Buffaloes get better?

Coach Prime and his family have talked a big game out all offseason in Boulder, but where do the Buffs realistically stack up in the new-look Big 12? It might not be as high as Sanders and Colorado fans hope.

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

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Head Coach: Neal Brown. . . . 469. West Virginia. . Last Year: 9-4 Mayo Bowl W. . 5

Key losses: Zach Frazier, Beanie Bishop Jr. Tomiwa Durojaiye Key additions: T.J. Jackson, Jaden Bray

Neal Brown was on the hot seat to start last season, but quickly cooled it off with a 9-win season. Now, with Garrett Greene returning at quarterback and Jahiem White next to him in the backfield, the Mountaineers will be a force in the Big 12.

The biggest issue for West Virginia is the season opener against Penn State. For a program with high expectations and excitement entering the year, a Week 1 loss will put a damper on things and could send the team into a spiral. However, if Brown knocks off James Franklin’s Nittany Lions, then it’ll be a springboard for West Virginia’s best season since 2011.

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