The South: Texas and Oklahoma are the big dogs (big
surprise), but as formidable as they may be, each has various flaws. Texas Tech
makes up for what they’re lacking in receiver experience with a strong defense
and a promising QB in Graham Harrell. Texas A&M is resurrecting all of the
usual suspects from a team that went 9-4 led by an explosive backfield.
The North: After years of mediocrity, the North may actually prove to be
watchable again. Despite a massive rebuilding process, Iowa State has one of the
league’s best quarterbacks (Bret Meyer) to build around. Kansas’ pass defense
should be a bit better; Kansas State’s team of toddlers has enough talent to
beat anyone; Colorado will be better; Missouri will be much better; and Nebraska
just might become relevant again.
Team to watch: Red-headed stepchild
Oklahoma State looks close to having a team that could upset a lot of schools
this fall. An offense that will be the most balanced and explosive in the
conference coupled with an aggressive, athletic defense should make the Sooner
State pay attention to the team from Stillwater. They still won’t pull off a
season-opening upset at Georgia, though.
The Big 12 is finally a real
conference again, and it’ll be a week-to-week dogfight with plenty of wild
games, upsets, and a fight down to the wire for spots in the title game. – todd williams
