In the world of college sports, the Big 12 Conference has long been a peculiar creature, a bit like a 'pretend monster' as described by Casagrande. It's a league that has always had a certain charm, a unique brand of self-assurance, and a willingness to try something new. But is it all just talk, or can the Big 12 truly live up to its ambitions? Personally, I think the answer lies in the very heart of the conference's identity. The Big 12 has always been a bit of an underdog, a league that has often been overlooked in favor of its more prominent counterparts. But what makes this particularly fascinating is the way it has embraced its role as the 'little engine that could'. The conference's commissioner, Brett Yormark, is a natural salesman, and his efforts to promote the Big 12 brand are commendable. However, what many people don't realize is that the conference's attempts to project an image of competitiveness and relevance often fall flat. For instance, the announcement of a partnership with Monster Energy, a second-tier energy drink, as the title sponsor for the football season, seems like a desperate attempt to boost the league's profile. While it's a bold move, it raises a deeper question: is the Big 12 truly ready to take on the big leagues? In my opinion, the conference's struggles to produce consistent playoff contenders speak volumes. The fact that the Big 12 has only produced one College Football Playoff participant in the last few years, and that team scored zero points, is a stark reminder of the league's limitations. The conference's 1-8 record in playoff games since 2014 further underscores this point. Despite these challenges, the Big 12 continues to chug along, fueled by the 'Monster Energy' of self-assurance and optimism. But is this enough to sustain its relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports? What this really suggests is that the Big 12 has a long way to go before it can truly live up to its ambitions. The conference needs to address its fundamental issues, such as the lack of consistent playoff contenders, if it wants to establish itself as a true power in college athletics. In the meantime, the 'little engine' will continue to chug along, fueled by the Monster Energy of self-assurance and optimism, but the question remains: can it truly make it to the finish line?
