Five Most Important Conference Games
1. Oklahoma vs. Texas, Oct. 9
2. Kansas St at Missouri, Nov. 6
3. Missouri at Nebraska, Oct. 30
4. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State, Oct. 30
5. Nebraska at Kansas St, Oct. 23
Team that will surprise
Texas A&M
Team that will disappoint
Kansas
Coach that must produce
Gary Barnett, Colorado
Best head coach
Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
The potentially huge Big XII upset might be ... Iowa State over Missouri, Nov. 27
The potentially worst Big XII game might be ... Baylor at Texas, Oct. 2
Best player no one pays attention to ... Missouri LB James Kinney
North
1. Missouri (6-2 in Big XII, 9-2 overall)
Offense: An interesting mix, Missouri will run the ball again with superstar QB Brad Smith and a fleet stable of backs, but the offensive line isn't as good as last year and several new players need to become factors right off the bat. The receiving corps is loaded with potential, and now it needs to get involved more in the overall scheme.
Defense: This has to be the year Missouri comes up with a killer defense with nine returning starters, one of the best lines in the league, and speed to burn in the secondary. The linebacking corps is going to be fascinating to watch with All-America candidate James Kinney working with former Michigan State RB David Richard and former safety Dedrick Harrington. Now if the run defense could stop someone, things will be O.K.
T2. Kansas State (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: The line is strong, the receiving corps has tremendous talent, and the running back corps is among the best in the country. It all comes down to the quarterbacks as multi-talented sophomores Dylan Meier and Allen Webb need to find a way to replace Ell Roberson. Meier will most likely be the opening day starter, and he needs to prove he can spark the potentially explosive attack.
Defense: The Kansas State defense was tremendous again last year allowing 16.3 points and 283 yards per game. The back seven needs players who were average backups last year to become top starters. Fortunately the line should be tremendous with several unsung players ready to form a brick wall..
T2. Nebraska (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: Much has been made about the transformation from one of college football's greatest rushing offenses to a hopefully fearsome air attack. Things aren't quite as bad as they probably should be considering the pieces aren't there to fit what head coach Bill Callahan wants to do. This won't be a complete disaster, but it won't be Texas Tech overnight.
Defense: The defense turned into a killer last year under Bo Pelini and needs to have the same ball-hawkish attitude under defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. The rest of the defensive coaching staff is excellent, and there's a lot to work with thanks to one of the nation's best secondaries, a good line and star MLB Barrett Ruud.
T4. Colorado (2-6, 4-7)
Offense: Occasionally explosive but maddeningly inconsistent, the Colorado offense will try to get back to Buff ball with a good group of running backs, even with Brian Calhoun transferring, working behind a veteran offensive line trying to overcome a ton of issues. The receiving corps needs playmakers to help out rising star quarterback Joel Klatt.
Defense: This wasn't a strong defense giving up yards and points in bunches, particularly through the air. The 4-2-5 alignment is being changed to more of a true 4-3 making one of the safeties a linebacker (which was already happening anyway.) There's experience and tons of athleticism, but not much in the way of size. The pass defense has to become far tighter. The transfer of CB Sammy Joseph and DE Marques Harris is a killer.
T4. Iowa State (2-6, 3-8)
Offense: The quarterbacks had problems, the running game went nowhere and the receivers didn't make many plays; the offensive line was mostly to blame. The line was never consistent and rarely allowed the skill players to show if they could play or not. The receiving corps is starting from scratch and might have a redshirt freshman in Bret Meyer throwing to them, but there's still a chance for explosiveness. Former Nebraska offensive coordinator Barney Cotton will run the ball first, and he has the backs to do it with Stevie Hicks and Jason Scales talented enough to put up big numbers if, and this is a very big if, the line plays far better.
Defense: Injuries and youth hit the Cyclone defense hard as it allowed over 442 yards and 36 points per game. This is still a young group, but there's experience and interesting young playmakers including sophomore star DE Jason Berryman and tackles Nick Leaders and Brent Curvey. The line has to get more of a consistent pass rush and the secondary has to pick off more passes. This isn't a particularly big or fast group so this has to be a disciplined D.
6 Kansas (0-8, 1-10)
Offense: The offense was great with Bill Whittemore at quarterback and was mediocre without him. Now it'll be up to three average prospects to take over with sophomore Adam Barmann getting the first look. If he ends up playing well, the offense will be better than last year. The receiving corps is great by KU standards and the running backs will be good if John Randle gets over his off-the-field issues.
Defense: The defense should be stronger than last year when it gave up 30.5 points and 412.6 yards per game. It was fine against mediocre teams, but was carved up by the good ones. The key will be the line needing an overhaul with only one starter returning. The back seven will be fantastic with a deep and productive linebacking corps and a secondary that could be stellar if CB Charles Gordon and S Rodney Harris play as well as they did this spring.
South
1. Oklahoma (8-0, 11-0)
Offense: This is the best returning offense in the country. You know your attack is good when your backup quarterbacks are more talented than your returning Heisman trophy winning starter, but don't be shocked if Jason White puts up even better numbers this season. The receiving corps and offensive line are among the best in the nation, while super-recruit Adrian Peterson joins Kejuan Jones to add more pop to the ground game.
Defense: Oklahoma might have lost two games when Mike Stoops left for Arizona, but all problems have been remedied with the addition of former Nebraska defensive coordinator Bo Pelini as assistant defensive coordinator joining forces with Brent Venables. Even with the loss of Tommie Harris, Derrick Strait and Teddy Lehman, don't expect much of a drop-off in overall production. The only concerns are with the tackle depth and possibly with the outside linebackers, but there's not that much to worry about.
2. Texas (7-1, 10-1)
Offense: An interesting offensive mix, the Longhorns have a loaded backfield with two great quarterbacks and RB Cedric Benson operating behind one of the best lines Mack Brown has ever put together. The concern is the passing game with a very raw receiving corps.
Defense: It's not like the defense was bad last year, but it wasn't quite the killer it should've been. That should change with seven starters returning along with two new coaches. Former Arizona head coach Dick Tomey, architect of the Desert Swarm years, and NFL defensive coordinator Greg Robinson will combine forces and should make this group great. There are some question marks in the back seven, but the safeties will be tremendous if Michael Huff ends up manning the strong safety job instead of playing corner. Derrick Johnson is a fantastic linebacker to anchor a defense around.
T3. Oklahoma State (5-3, 7-4)
Offense: Vernand Morency and Seymore Shaw will run wild behind one of the Big XII's best lines, but all attention will be paid to the passing game. With Josh Fields leaving to play baseball and star-recruit Bobby Reid hurt, the explosive and multi-talented Donovan Woods will have to shine under center. He's only a redshirt freshman and needs to break in a young, but very fast, group of receivers led by another Woods, D'Juan.
Defense: Nine starters return to a defense that gave up too many passing yards and got torched by any offense with a pulse. That should change a bit with a very experienced, very fast back seven led by four great linebackers for the two starting spots and All-Big XII CB Darrent Williams. The line needs to replace the top three defensive ends, but sophomore Marque Fountain looks like a good player to start rebuilding with.
1. Oklahoma vs. Texas, Oct. 9
2. Kansas St at Missouri, Nov. 6
3. Missouri at Nebraska, Oct. 30
4. Oklahoma at Oklahoma State, Oct. 30
5. Nebraska at Kansas St, Oct. 23
Team that will surprise
Texas A&M
Team that will disappoint
Kansas
Coach that must produce
Gary Barnett, Colorado
Best head coach
Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
The potentially huge Big XII upset might be ... Iowa State over Missouri, Nov. 27
The potentially worst Big XII game might be ... Baylor at Texas, Oct. 2
Best player no one pays attention to ... Missouri LB James Kinney
North
1. Missouri (6-2 in Big XII, 9-2 overall)
Offense: An interesting mix, Missouri will run the ball again with superstar QB Brad Smith and a fleet stable of backs, but the offensive line isn't as good as last year and several new players need to become factors right off the bat. The receiving corps is loaded with potential, and now it needs to get involved more in the overall scheme.
Defense: This has to be the year Missouri comes up with a killer defense with nine returning starters, one of the best lines in the league, and speed to burn in the secondary. The linebacking corps is going to be fascinating to watch with All-America candidate James Kinney working with former Michigan State RB David Richard and former safety Dedrick Harrington. Now if the run defense could stop someone, things will be O.K.
T2. Kansas State (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: The line is strong, the receiving corps has tremendous talent, and the running back corps is among the best in the country. It all comes down to the quarterbacks as multi-talented sophomores Dylan Meier and Allen Webb need to find a way to replace Ell Roberson. Meier will most likely be the opening day starter, and he needs to prove he can spark the potentially explosive attack.
Defense: The Kansas State defense was tremendous again last year allowing 16.3 points and 283 yards per game. The back seven needs players who were average backups last year to become top starters. Fortunately the line should be tremendous with several unsung players ready to form a brick wall..
T2. Nebraska (5-3, 8-3)
Offense: Much has been made about the transformation from one of college football's greatest rushing offenses to a hopefully fearsome air attack. Things aren't quite as bad as they probably should be considering the pieces aren't there to fit what head coach Bill Callahan wants to do. This won't be a complete disaster, but it won't be Texas Tech overnight.
Defense: The defense turned into a killer last year under Bo Pelini and needs to have the same ball-hawkish attitude under defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. The rest of the defensive coaching staff is excellent, and there's a lot to work with thanks to one of the nation's best secondaries, a good line and star MLB Barrett Ruud.
T4. Colorado (2-6, 4-7)
Offense: Occasionally explosive but maddeningly inconsistent, the Colorado offense will try to get back to Buff ball with a good group of running backs, even with Brian Calhoun transferring, working behind a veteran offensive line trying to overcome a ton of issues. The receiving corps needs playmakers to help out rising star quarterback Joel Klatt.
Defense: This wasn't a strong defense giving up yards and points in bunches, particularly through the air. The 4-2-5 alignment is being changed to more of a true 4-3 making one of the safeties a linebacker (which was already happening anyway.) There's experience and tons of athleticism, but not much in the way of size. The pass defense has to become far tighter. The transfer of CB Sammy Joseph and DE Marques Harris is a killer.
T4. Iowa State (2-6, 3-8)
Offense: The quarterbacks had problems, the running game went nowhere and the receivers didn't make many plays; the offensive line was mostly to blame. The line was never consistent and rarely allowed the skill players to show if they could play or not. The receiving corps is starting from scratch and might have a redshirt freshman in Bret Meyer throwing to them, but there's still a chance for explosiveness. Former Nebraska offensive coordinator Barney Cotton will run the ball first, and he has the backs to do it with Stevie Hicks and Jason Scales talented enough to put up big numbers if, and this is a very big if, the line plays far better.
Defense: Injuries and youth hit the Cyclone defense hard as it allowed over 442 yards and 36 points per game. This is still a young group, but there's experience and interesting young playmakers including sophomore star DE Jason Berryman and tackles Nick Leaders and Brent Curvey. The line has to get more of a consistent pass rush and the secondary has to pick off more passes. This isn't a particularly big or fast group so this has to be a disciplined D.
6 Kansas (0-8, 1-10)
Offense: The offense was great with Bill Whittemore at quarterback and was mediocre without him. Now it'll be up to three average prospects to take over with sophomore Adam Barmann getting the first look. If he ends up playing well, the offense will be better than last year. The receiving corps is great by KU standards and the running backs will be good if John Randle gets over his off-the-field issues.
Defense: The defense should be stronger than last year when it gave up 30.5 points and 412.6 yards per game. It was fine against mediocre teams, but was carved up by the good ones. The key will be the line needing an overhaul with only one starter returning. The back seven will be fantastic with a deep and productive linebacking corps and a secondary that could be stellar if CB Charles Gordon and S Rodney Harris play as well as they did this spring.
South
1. Oklahoma (8-0, 11-0)
Offense: This is the best returning offense in the country. You know your attack is good when your backup quarterbacks are more talented than your returning Heisman trophy winning starter, but don't be shocked if Jason White puts up even better numbers this season. The receiving corps and offensive line are among the best in the nation, while super-recruit Adrian Peterson joins Kejuan Jones to add more pop to the ground game.
Defense: Oklahoma might have lost two games when Mike Stoops left for Arizona, but all problems have been remedied with the addition of former Nebraska defensive coordinator Bo Pelini as assistant defensive coordinator joining forces with Brent Venables. Even with the loss of Tommie Harris, Derrick Strait and Teddy Lehman, don't expect much of a drop-off in overall production. The only concerns are with the tackle depth and possibly with the outside linebackers, but there's not that much to worry about.
2. Texas (7-1, 10-1)
Offense: An interesting offensive mix, the Longhorns have a loaded backfield with two great quarterbacks and RB Cedric Benson operating behind one of the best lines Mack Brown has ever put together. The concern is the passing game with a very raw receiving corps.
Defense: It's not like the defense was bad last year, but it wasn't quite the killer it should've been. That should change with seven starters returning along with two new coaches. Former Arizona head coach Dick Tomey, architect of the Desert Swarm years, and NFL defensive coordinator Greg Robinson will combine forces and should make this group great. There are some question marks in the back seven, but the safeties will be tremendous if Michael Huff ends up manning the strong safety job instead of playing corner. Derrick Johnson is a fantastic linebacker to anchor a defense around.
T3. Oklahoma State (5-3, 7-4)
Offense: Vernand Morency and Seymore Shaw will run wild behind one of the Big XII's best lines, but all attention will be paid to the passing game. With Josh Fields leaving to play baseball and star-recruit Bobby Reid hurt, the explosive and multi-talented Donovan Woods will have to shine under center. He's only a redshirt freshman and needs to break in a young, but very fast, group of receivers led by another Woods, D'Juan.
Defense: Nine starters return to a defense that gave up too many passing yards and got torched by any offense with a pulse. That should change a bit with a very experienced, very fast back seven led by four great linebackers for the two starting spots and All-Big XII CB Darrent Williams. The line needs to replace the top three defensive ends, but sophomore Marque Fountain looks like a good player to start rebuilding with.
