Last year the Big 12 gave us some of the most compelling football of the season. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy leads his Longhorns to an upset over Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. A last second TD grab by Michael Crabtree led Texas Tech to an upset win over then number one Texas. Then Oklahoma dominates Tech, thus leaving us with the classic Big 12 title game tiebreaker.

Nonetheless, last year was a great one, and this season should be just as good, if not better.

In the North, Nebraska will look to claim its hands on another division title. The blackshirts appear to be heading in the right direction and the offense moved the football under Joe Ganz, but Ganz is gone, and the Husker offense will be handed over to an inexperienced junior. Also making a transition is Missouri. Gone is Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, and Chase Coffman. Blaine Gabbert should get the job at QB, and the Missouri defense will be led by Sean Weatherspoon, an All Big 12 Linebacker. In Lawrence the fans are as opportunistic as they can be. Todd Reesing leads a potent passing game that can put up points against anybody. Then there are the other teams in the North, Colorado, Kansas State, and Iowa State. Can they make some strides and pull off a few upsets in route to a surprise bowl trip?

In the South there are three odds on favorites. Oklahoma, Texas, and Oklahoma State are all in line for a shot at the division and ultimately the conference crown. Oklahoma gets Heisman winner Sam Bradford back along with dual threat at tailback in DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown. The big question in Norman is how quickly the offensive line comes together. In Austin there is still the chant of “We got robbed!” Colt McCoy is back after finishing runner up in the Heisman, and Jordan Shipley provides a huge big play threat. The question in Texas may be who can step up and help McCoy out in the running game. In Stillwater the big three of Robinson, Hunter, and Bryant are the best in the country. The defense will look for big things from new coordinator Bill Young, formerly of Miami. Also watch for a Texas Tech team that always seems to reload, a Baylor team that has one of the best dual threat QB’s in the nation, and A&M may be ready to make a move back into the bowl season.

In the Big 12 anything may be possible and that makes this one of the more entertaining conferences to watch.

Big 12 North

Nebraska 2008 Record 9-4 (5-3)

Bo Pellini’s first year in Lincoln gave Cornhuskers fans a sense of hope, a hope that they are ready to take the next step and get back to a BCS bowl. In order to do that, Nebraska will hope that junior quarterback Zac Lee is ready to take the reins. Lee has been a scout team QB for most of his stay in Lincoln, but coaches are confident he can step up and make big plays. The Cornhusker offensive line appears to be their strength, especially on the left side. Mike Smith, Keith Williams, and center Jacob Hickman are all back, and the right side will be loaded with 300 pounders. The running game may be the key to a trip to the Conference title game. Last year Roy Helu emerged as the guy with his 800 plus yards on the ground. But then in the bowl game Quentin Castille stepped it up with 125 yards on the ground. A two headed monster in Lincoln? I have never heard of that. The receiving corps will be consisted of Menelik Holt, Niles Paul, Chris Brooks, and Will Henry. One of these guys will have to have a good year if the passing game is to be efficient.

The blackshirt defense is led by all conference tackle Ndamukong Suh. Last year Suh dominated the front four, recording 76 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He also got into the passing game taking two picks back to the house. Barry Turner is back at end after missing all but two games last season with an injury. He was a freshman All American back in 2005. At linebacker the Huskers are not very experienced, minus Phillip Dillard who started nine games last year. The guy everyone is rooting for is outside backer Mathew May, a walk on two years ago. Coaches were impressed with his performance during spring practice and down the stretch last year. Experience is not a problem in the secondary where eight players who have had at least one start return. Larry Asante will be the leader in this unit and will be a force in the run defense. Corner Anthony West had two picks last year, and could be the benefactor of the Husker pass rush.

The expectations are high in Lincoln. Bo Pellini and company gave the Husker faithful a taste of success, and now they want more. Nebraska should be in a good position to do so. They will have a setback to Virginia Tech, and lose a close one at home versus Oklahoma. Nebraska will go 10-3 (7-1) losing the Big 12 title game, but end up playing in the Cotton Bowl.

Kansas 2008 Record 8-5 (4-4)

Quarterback Todd Reesing enters his senior season with a record of 20-6 as a starter, including two bowl victories. He will also enjoy a weak non conference to start the season, which may lead to some very big numbers. Reesing threw for close to 3900 yards and 32 touchdowns last year, and when you take a look at the weapons he has around him you’ll know why. Kerry Meier may have the best hands in the Big 12. His 26 yard TD catch against Missouri last year ensured at least a .500 record in conference for the Jayhawks. Meier ended with almost 100 grabs for over 1000 yards and 8 touchdowns. The guy on the other side of him is just as solid. Dezmon Briscoe grabbed 92 balls for 15 touchdowns and over 1400 yards. Briscoe also was the best kick returner the Jayhawks had, averaging over 27 yards per return. When it comes to pounding the ball on the ground, Jake Sharp is their go to guy. He ran for 860 yards and 12 TD’s as a junior. Also watch for Jocques Crawford to get his share of carries. The interior of the offensive line may be the Jayhawks big question marks. Both tackles return in Hatch and Spikes, but who will step up and secure jobs inside the tackles? Either way, this is a unit that will be at the top of most offenses categories when it is all said and done.

On defense the key may be in the secondary. Darrell Stuckey returns after a 98 tackle 5 INT year in 2008. He is the guy the Jayhawks will look to be their enforcer. At corner Justin Thornton is back and converted receiver Daymond Patterson should get the start on the other side. Patterson should be able to use his speed and quickness to make teams think twice about throwing it in his direction. Chris Harris and Calvin Rubles will also see plenty of action at corner. With all of the high powered passing games, coach Mangino likes to go with three safeties, which means they play with two backers most of the time. This unit appears to be inexperienced, but watch for converted tailback Angus Quigley to be a solid cover linebacker. Up front Jake Laptad returns along with his seven sacks from a year ago. Along with returning tackle Jamal Greene, this unit will be asked to pressure the big name QB’s and force bad things to happen.

It may be difficult to take out Nebraska, but if any team in the North is capable of doing it, it will be Kansas. They are as good as it gets on offense and have a talented secondary. The only real questions may be on the lines, where football games are won. The Jayhawks will start fast and notch several early wins. They will cough one up in Boulder, and lose to Oklahoma and Nebraska at home. The Jayhawks go 9-3 (5-3) and end up remembering the Alamo in San Antonio for bowl season.

Missouri 2008 Record 10-4 (5-3)

Missouri is the one team that may have to replace the most. Both coordinators are gone, in addition to a starting quarterback, special teams star, and stud tight end. But, they do have some pieces returning. Running back Derrick Washington returns after a 1000 yard 17 touchdown season a year ago. With a new quarterback coming into the season watch for Washington to get more carries and have at least 1300 yards on the ground this season. The offensive line is another place where the Tigers should be okay. Tackles Elvis Fisher and Dan Hoch are talented sophomores who can push a pile or two. At quarterback Blaine Gabbert gets the ball. He had a very poor spring game, but the coaching staff is confident that he can lead the way. When he throws the ball, he has a talented group of sophomores out wide, including Jerrell Jackson, who could be the next big thing in Columbia. This is a unit that lacks experience and will have to rely on the legs of Derrick Washington for success.

The Tiger defense is led by potential All American Sean Weatherspoon. Last year he led the team with 155 tackles, tied for the lead in tackles for loss, and was also a leader in the INT category. He will need another season similar if the Tiger unit that returns just four starters are to make an impact. Watch for Luke Lambert to secure the middle backer position and help Weatherspoon with at least 85 tackles. Up front all the talk is about sophomore Jacques Smith. Smith is a big athletic end that will be a primary pass rusher for the Tigers, and most coaches have been comparing him to Justin Smith, a former NFL draftee. The secondary will rely on the play of the corners. Juniors Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland will be called upon to shut down the high powered attacks of the Big 12.

If Gary Pinkel and Missouri are going to make the North a three team dance, they are going to need Gabbert and the passing game to step up. If the passing game is on, they may have the ability to pull off an upset or two. But most likely it will take a little time. Look for an opening night loss to Illinois, with losses to Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma State, and Texas in conference. Missouri goes 7-5 (4-4) and will go bowling again, this time to Phoenix for the Insight Bowl.

Kansas State 2008 Record 5-7 (2-6)

It didn’t take head coach Bill Snyder much time to return to the game. He retired after the 2005 season, watched Ron Prince let the program hit a low, and has finally seen enough. This rebuild is similar to the one he had to endure when he started at K-State back in 1989. The first thing Snyder must do is find a quarterback. Three year starter Josh Freeman is now in the NFL and the betting Wildcat fan will put his or her money on Carson Coffman to win the job. Coffman’s brother Chase was a center piece for Missouri’s high powered offense a year ago, and his dad played in the NFL for 11 seasons. Now Coffman will be asked to run a balanced offense that will require him to run with the ball and make big throws. Who will start at running back is also a big question. Keithen Valentine is another JUCCO transfer who is looking to make a big splash. He only had 129 yards last season but had a very impressive spring game, and Coach Snyder likes him. Also look for big back Logan Dold to get his share of the carries. The receiving core also must step up. Watch for little guy Brandon Banks to come up big again, adding to his 67 catches from a year ago.

Bill Snyder had some of the best defenses in all of college football back in the day. Looking at his team this year, Snyder may wish he could step into a time machine. The best player up front is end Brandon Harold, who as a true freshman led the team with 10.5 sacks. If they can get big plays from the other defensive end position, the Wildcats could be on to something in Manhattan. There are several backers that return from last season. Watch for senior Ulla Pomele to have a great year and be the guy that Snyder turns to for leadership. In the secondary Joshua Moore returns after a sophomore season that saw him lead the Big 12 pass breakups.

Most times turning a program around is very difficult, especially in the Big 12. There is some talent here, but talent that will need some time to gel. They have two quick wins off the start and then get their first test at UCLA. Watch for them to play tough, but lose. They also have setbacks to Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Kansas State is bowl eligible at 6-6 (3-5) and will earn a trip to the Texas Bowl.

Colorado 2008 Record 5-7 (2-6)

Dan Hawkins may be on the hot seat. Hawkins has been 13-24 in his three seasons in Boulder with only one bowl appearance. Hawkins fate may lie in the hands of his son, quarterback Cody Hawkins. The knock on Hawkins has been his efficiency. At times Hawkins has been inaccurate and had made bad throws. Perhaps the answer at quarterback may be Tyler Hansen. Hansen filled in for Hawkins last year in the Kansas State game and led them to victory. Tyler is more athletic and has the ability to run with the ball, which may be what the Buffs need. At tailback watch for Darrell Scott to show he was as good as advertised coming into his freshman season as he returns from injury. Rodney Stewart also returns as the leading rusher from a year ago with 622 yards and also returns from injury after suffering a broken leg. Scotty McKnight is a blazer at wideout, and could have some big numbers if someone could get him the ball. Josh Smith is also a good receiver and solid kick return guy. The young offensive line should be steady, as they all earned game experience last year.

The defense has quite a bit of speed. Jeff Smart is a linebacker that has speed and strong tackling ability. Paired with Shaun Mohler and newcomer to the starting lineup Marcus Burton, this is a unit that should be very good. Up front there is a lack of experience. Marquez Herrod is one of the few guys the Buffs know what they will get out of. The secondary will have to stand out to get the Buffs back to bowling. Corners Cha’pelle Brown and Jimmy Smith will have to grab some balls and make some big plays happen. With the lack of production on offense, this unit will have to be stellar.

Colorado is a long way from being a contender in the North. Until they solidify their quarterback issues and learn how to win big games, they will continue to be in the middle of the pack. This year they will lose games to West Virginia, Texas, Kansas State, Missouri, Oklahoma State, and Nebraska. Colorado wins their six and goes 6-6 (3-5) but will get left out of the bowl picture.

Iowa State 2008 Record 2-10 (0-8)

Before Gene Chizik could get booed out of Ames, he found a new job as the head man at Auburn. Now the Cyclones look for Paul Rhoades to come in and right the ship. Rhoades may be wondering what he has in the cupboard, and the answer is not too much. He does have Austen Arnaud returning at quarterback. He was accurate and threw for over 2700 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first year as a starter. New offensive coordinator Tom Herman has implemented a spread no-huddle offense for Arnaud to operate. The buzz after spring practice was how good it looked, even though it was against a terrible cyclones defense. At tailback watch for Florida transfer Bo Williams to eventually take the starting job. At wide receiver five or six guys should see action. Look for senior Marquis Hamilton to be the leader and reek the most benefits of the new system. On the line there is plenty of experience and depth, which may come in handy in the fact paced system

The Cyclone defense was nothing short of terrible last year and must make huge improvements. The secondary may be the most experienced and their biggest strength. Free Safety James Smith is a heavy hitter, while corner Leonard Johnson showed he was more than just a kick returner in the spring game. The Cyclones will need to get more pressure on the quarterback, and senior end Rashawn Parker may be their answer. Parker is a veteran on this unit and may be asked to do more under the new tenure. At linebacker two of top three tacklers from last year return in Jesse Smith and Fred Garrin. They will be asked to make tackles and force mistakes. The bottom line here is that for the Cyclones to even think about .500 the defense will have to make things happen.

Paul Rhoads will eventually bring Iowa State football back to respectability, just not this season. They will improve on both sides of the ball, and the offense should be clicking on all cylanders by season’s end. The Cyclones will notch wins over North Dakota State, Kent State, and Army, but go winless again in a tough Big 12 conference. Iowa State finishes 3-9 (0-8) and will achieve greater success in 2010.

Big 12 South

Oklahoma State 2008 Record 9-4 (5-3)

Mike Gundy has found the “men” for the Cowboys program. It all starts with the offense and starting quarterback Zac Robinson. When most people talk about the best QB’s in the Big 12, many leave Robinson out. Last year Robinson threw for over 3000 yards and 25 touchdowns in an offense that is as balanced as it is good. On the ground Kendall Hunter returns after a Big 12 leading 1555 yards a season ago. Hunter is a speed back with a great deal of power and will leave defenses with the question of how many do we need in the box? Most of the time defenses will have to try and stop the passing game. Dez Bryant is an absolute force on the outside. Bryant had almost 1500 yards receiving and led the Big 12 with 19 touchdown grabs. He also had over 400 yards in the kick return game. The Cowboys have all of these star players, but what about the line? Well, it is solid. All Big 12 tackle Russell Okung is back and leads a group that will knock people off of the ball and keep their QB protected.

On defense there needs to be an improvement for the Cowboys to take the next step, and they may do that this year. Bill Young comes over from Miami to coach the defense, which is in desperate need of some sacks. The Cowboys were last in conference play with just 15 sacks. Look for Jeremiah Price and Ugo Chinasa to step it up on the ends and record the 15 sacks between just the two of them under Young. The ‘Boys return three senior linebackers, including Orie Lemon in the middle. He has the potential to excel this season, and must for the defense to make strides. In the secondary it is manned by Perrish Cox, a ball-hawking senior corner that can cover and hit. The safety position will also need to be covered well, and Young and the Cowboys are hoping two sophomores can do the trick.

In the Big 12 South any week could be your week to come up with a big win, or suffer a big loss. The offense can score with the best of teams, but this year watch for an improved defense to be the difference. In my upset of the year pick, Oklahoma State goes unbeaten, beats Nebraska in the Big 12 Title game, and advances to Pasadena to play for the BCS National Title.

Oklahoma 2008 Record 12-2 (7-1) Lost BCS National Title Game

It was all set up to be the story book ending for the Sooners last year. Sam Bradford had won the Heisman, the Sooners were playing for a National Title, life was good… until the Florida Gators handed the Sooners another bowl loss, 24-14. Sam Bradford returns after his monster 50 touchdown year in 2008. Again Bradford will be at the top of the nation in most passing categories, but just not the eye popping stats he had a year ago. On the ground the Sooners have a dual threat in Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray. Both had over 1000 yards on the ground a year ago, and Murray possesses the speed to break one at any time. Perhaps the best receiver on the field is tight end Jermaine Gresham who had over 900 yards and 14 TD’s last year. Gresham provides a huge target across the middle and has the speed to go right past linebackers. At wide receiver I would watch for two guys to have big season. Adron Tennell is a big 6’4” receiver and will win a lot of jump balls, and Ryan Broyles will be a guy to get a lot of yards after the catch by going over the middle and using his speed. The big area of concern is on the line where some new guys will have to step in. Back is all Big 12 tackle Trent Williams, who will shore up the left side, but the rest of the group is considered a work in progress.

The Sooner defense will be solid up front. Junior end Jeremy Beal returns after an 8.5 sack campaign, and Gerald McCoy and Adrian Taylor are forces in the middle. Emerging as a star at linebacker is Travis Lewis. Lewis led the team with 144 tackles last season. Joining him are Mike Balogun, Ryan Reynolds, and Keenan Clayton. All are fast and make tackles, and will be one of the best groups of backers in the country. In the secondary Dominique Franks is their best defender. He made four INT’s last year. Watch for several others to get solid playing time in the secondary, including junior safety Quinton Carter, who may be the next Roy Williams.

There are many out there that think Oklahoma will win the Big 12 and advance to the National Title game. There is certainly a good chance of that. The offense and defense are both very good and well coached. The only question will be how the new offensive line comes together. Oklahoma plays many close games in the Big 12 and wins them all until Oklahoma State comes knocking. The Sooners go 11-1 (7-1) and earn a BCS at large berth in the Fiesta Bowl.

Texas 2008 Record 12-1 (7-1)

The Longhorns still feel they were screwed over in the Big 12 South. They beat Oklahoma, the team that got the bid, but had a lower BCS ranking. What? That was exactly what head coach Mack Brown was saying about that. But Mack will make another run towards the Big 12 title in 2009. Leading the troops on offense is Heisman candidate Colt McCoy. McCoy threw for 3800 yards and 34 touchdowns. The problem is he was also their leading rusher with 561 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Longhorns desperately need a tailback to step up and make some big plays. Watch for either Vondrell McGee or Cody Johnson to be that guy. The offensive line is also a concern. Last year the Horns only averaged 4.3 yards per carry and half the reason McCoy ran for the yards he did was to avoid the pass rush. This unit has to get better. On the outside Jordan Shipley will provide the big play target for McCoy. Last year Shipley had 11 TD’s and over 1000 yards receiving. Malcolm Williams, Brandon Collins, and James Kirkendoll are all capable of having big seasons too.

On the other side of the ball the defense may have lost some NFL talent, but that talent is replaced by talent. Up front Brian Orakpo is gone, but Sergio Kindle is back. Kindle has 10 sacks last year and will line up all over the place to try and get to the quarterback. Look for him to be the next top defensive draft pick from Texas. The Longhorns coaching staff are also impressed by the play of end Alex Okafor and he could be a nice complement on the other side of the line. The middle is commanded by linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy, who led the team with 112 tackles a year ago. In the secondary big things will happen courtesy of safety Earl Thomas. The sophomore had two picks last year and had an impressive pick 6 in the spring game. According to Mack Brown the corners all have speed and can cover, but are lacking good hands. Look for a plethora of drills this fall to help this unit make more big picks.

Texas will be one of the best in the Big 12 once again. Colt McCoy will put up his numbers, and the defense will do their thing. The question is can they go unbeaten and make the BCS title game? I still think that Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are better at this point, but you never know what can happen in the crazy south division. Texas goes 10-2 (6-2) and earns a trip to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl.

Baylor 2008 Record 4-8 (2-6)

The Baylor Bears have not gone to a Bowl game since 1994. Many fans in Waco are banking on this being the year that drought ends. Their hopes lie in the legs and arm of quarterback Robert Griffin. Griffin emerged on the scene in a big way, throwing for over 200 yards and 15 touchdowns and running for another 800 yards and 13 touchdowns. All of this was done by Griffin as a true freshman, and in the offseason he dropped track and decided to focus on football. This should help him with reads and make him a better overall QB entering his sophomore season. On the ground Jay Finley returns at tailback after leading the team with 865 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns. The offensive line should still be solid, despite the loss of superstar tackle Jason Smith. This should help the running game continue to pile up yardage week in and week out. The Bears also have a group of solid receivers. Kendall Wright had 5 TD’s and 649 receiving last year, and seniors Ernest Smith and David Gettis will return as well. This should be an interesting offense to say the least.

On D the Bears return nine starters from a year ago and none are bigger than middle linebacker Joe Pawelek. Pawelek was among the top ten in tackles per game and has the speed to take the ball out of the air as well. Jordan Lake is the big hitter at safety and will literally make receivers drop the ball when they are in his presence. Up front watch for Penn State transfer Phil Taylor to be an absolute force at tackle. The 355 pounder had a dominating Spring. The Bears will need the ends to step up and apply more pressure this season, and look for sophomore Zac Scotton to be a guy that does. At 6-7 and 260 pounds he has speed and power to get by tackles and imprint quarterbacks into the ground. Watch for him in 2009.

The days of a trip to Waco equaling an automatic win are over. This is a program that is up and coming and just needs one break-through season to get it all together. This year may be it, as I see Baylor recording wins over all four of its non conference foes, and wins in conference over Iowa State, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. The Baylor Bears will bowl for the first time since the Clinton administration as they finish 7-5 (3-5) and earn a trip to El Paso and the Sun Bowl.

Texas Tech 2008 Record 11-2 (7-1)

West Texas was the scene for one of the game of the year, when they defeated number one Texas on a last second touchdown pass. It was a scene that will live forever in Red Raider lore. This year, a game to that magnitude may not happen. Gone is record breaking quarterback Graham Harrell and Biletnikoff winner Michael Crabtree. But, if history has taught us anything, Texas Tech will reload and be ready to put up big numbers with whoever they play at quarterback. This year Taylor Potts will get the ball. He has a stronger arm and has been sitting behind Harrell for the last two seasons. Potts should have a solid season, but look for the Red Raiders to run the ball more. The offensive line should be solid again. The big anchor will be 300 pound left tackle Brandon Carter. Look for the running game to step it up behind tailback Baron Batch, who had over 700 yards on the ground in ’08. Replacing Crabtree may be impossible, but look for Detron Lewis to be the leading pass catcher. He had 76 grabs and three touchdowns last year. Also watch for true freshman Eric Ward to have an immediate impact. He will most likely play slot and has the speed to turn a 5 yard catch into a 50 yard touchdown.

On defense the front seven will provide the strength for this unit. Up front seniors Richard Jones and Brandon Sharpe will be hassling quarterbacks all year from their end positions, and tackles Colby Whitlock and Richard Jones will shut down the run. At linebacker Brian Duncan is the best tackling defender. He notched 89 tackles a year ago. Bront Bird and Marlon Williams should be solid complements on the outside. The big question is in the secondary where they must replace two guys that combined for 12 big picks. At this point the starters here should be TBD.

Mike Leach has found ways to get the Red Raiders to bowl games year in and year out. They win the games they are supposed to, and generally pull off at least one upset. That should be the formula again in 2009 as Tech wins all of their non conference games and notches wins over Texas A&M and Kansas State. Texas Tech is bowling again at 6-6 (2-6) and will be selected to play in the Independence Bowl.

Texas A&M 2008 Record 4-8 (2-6)

Last year was one to forget in College Station. The Aggies couldn’t stop anyone, couldn’t run the ball, and was inconsistent all around. Head Coach Mike Sherman has addressed many of these issues with the recruiting class that saw 20 players at skill positions. But a turnaround will be down the road for this unit. The quarterback position is up for grabs. Jerrod Johnson stepped in last year for an injured Stephen McGee. He played well some of the time, and some of the other time he was throwing four interceptions in a 20 point loss to Baylor. Ryan Tannehill will be his competition. The converted receiver had over 800 yards receiving last year and is athletic. But, Tannehill was injured through all of spring ball and had to have shoulder surgery. The offensive line returns numbers, but those numbers were not very good last year, and also played sparingly in the spring due to injury. The running game will get a boost with true freshman Christine Michael. This is a guy who has astro-speed and will help the running game immediately. Jeff Fuller is the best receiver returning with 50 catches and 9 touchdowns. The bottom line is that this is a unit in transition.

The defense will get better this year. Von Miller had a huge spring game in what the Aggies call the “jack” position which is a hybrid of end and linebacker. Watch for Paul Freeney to get to the quarterback a few more times this year, and newcomer Jonathan Stewart to get a chance to play at linebacker. Stewart is a big heavy hitter that has the speed to be a starter in the division one level. In the secondary big thins will be needed out of senior corner Jordan Pugh, and senior safety Jordan Peterson.

It will take at least another season for the Aggies to get back to a bowl game. The newcomers may have the speed and quickness, but will lack the experience this year. The offense gets a little bit better, they find a star running back, and the defense does better against the pass. Texas A&M finishes 4-8 (1-7) with their only conference win versus Iowa State.

Again the Big 12 will be full of huge games and major upsets, but just how many this season will be the question. Can Texas live up to their hype and make it to Pasadena? Will OK-State finally get their defense together and make a run? Are Mangino’s boys ready to shock someone? All are good questions that will get answered by early December, but what do you think? Who do think will win it, and who might be a sleeper?