Big 12 Schedule Released, Conference Favorite Oklahoma Facing Tough Late-Season Stretch

The Big 12 schedule for the 2021 season has been released. As always, there are plenty of compelling nuggets to discover once we have the "when" and "where" down. It's simply a matter of finding them.

There was one obvious nugget from the reveal, however.

Oklahoma is the odds-on favorite to win the conference, but the Big 12 isn't going to make it easy on them. The Sooners have a rough three-game stretch to finish the regular season:

Baylor is looking to make a second-year leap under coach Dave Aranda after going 2-7 in 2020. The Bears aren't a top-tier team, but they will be an improved squad. It could be those last two games that determines the conference's Playoff chances.

As it sits, Iowa State is projected to be a top-5 team. After a 9-3 season and top-10 finish, the Cyclones return several of their top stars, including Brock Purdy, Breece Hall and Charlie Kolar. That will be a tough obstacle, but then to follow it up with Oklahoma State? Brutal.

The Cowboys lost offensive stalwarts Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace, but quarterback Spencer Sanders will be back and healthy.

This stretch of games will be harder than some people realize. It could either ruin Oklahoma's chances at a College Football Playoff berth, or it could act as a launching point in the eyes of the committee. We also can't forget the Big 12 Championship that will immediately follow.

To check out the entirety of the Big 12 schedule, click here.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.