Sports

Big 12 emphasizing 'One True Champion' mantra in college football's new playoff era

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty looks downfield while throwing on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Waco Tribune Herald, Jerry Larson) (The Associated Press)

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops answers a question during Media Day in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) (The Associated Press)

The Big 12 Conference is emphasizing its unique standing in the new playoff era with its mantra of "One True Champion."

With 10 teams playing a round-robin schedule, the Big 12 is the only one of the five power conferences in which every team plays each other. It is also the only league without a championship game.

Baylor is coming off its first Big 12 title, and like all champions since Texas was national runner-up in 2009, the Bears didn't win all of their league games.

It remains to be seen if a Big 12 champion with a blemished record would get into one of first College Football Playoff semifinal games.

Baylor coach Art Briles doesn't believe that will be an issue because of the league's strength.