No surprises in the Big 12 this year, much like any other year. Texas and Oklahoma dominate the South and a potentially resurgent Nebraska in the North. After those three, though, it becomes a bit muddled.
North
1. Nebraska (10-2, 6-2) Only questions about Nebraska's offense could keep them out of the national title conversation. A huge home game against Texas is the marquee matchup of the year in Lincoln. Bo Pelini should have a very good defense. Can they score?
2. Missouri (9-3, 5-3) The Tigers should improve offensively with quarterback Blaine Gabbert back under center and healthy. Mizzou's defense should be improved but a difficult road schedule in league play will be tough to overcome.
3. Kansas (7-5, 5-3) Turner Gill's first Jayhawks team should have at least the potential to reach a bowl game with 15 starters returning. Interesting non-conference games with Georgia Tech and Southern Miss could make or break KU's season.
4. Colorado (5-7, 3-5) Is this finally Dan Hawkins' last season? Probably. The Buffs should be better if they commit to quarterback Tyler Hansen as the starter over Cody Hawkins. But the schedule, including a trip to Cal, is going to make it tough to reach a bowl.
5. Iowa State (3-9, 1-7) Everyone in Ames seems excited about second-year coach Paul Rhoads. That's great. The Cyclones play Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska this year. That's not great.
6. Kansas State (3-9, 1-7) Bill Snyder's back. The talent isn't - yet.
South
1. Oklahoma (12-0, 8-0) The Sonners were poor last year and proceeded to have half their team drafted in the NFL's first round. Why do I think they'll go unbeaten? Eh. I dunno. Why not? Landry Jones looked great at times. There's plenty of talent and the rest of the league is down. Interesting non-conference games with Florida State and Cincinnati could define the season early.
2. Texas (11-1, 7-1) You can pretty much flip a coin between the Longhorns and Sooners. The 'Horns have a cake non-conference schedule and only a tough trip to Nebraska outside of the Red River Rivalry game. Texas could easily run the table and reappear in the national title game.
3. Oklahoma State (9-3, 5-3) Same old. Lots of points: scored and allowed. Crazy offensive plays. And no wins against the big boys.
4. Baylor (7-5, 4-4) Yes, that's right, Baylor in fourth and in a bowl game. Robert Griffin is back at quarterback for the Bears after missing most of last year with a knee injury.
5. Texas Tech (7-5, 3-5) Tommy Tuberville takes over in Lubbock after the Mike Leach fiasco. Tuberville claims he's going to continue running Leach's wide-open offense, but improve the defense. Yeah, sure. That ain't how it works. Eventually Tuberville will become uncomfortable with 60 passes a game. This is going to be a transition.
6. Texas A&M (5-7, 2-6) A&M could be the team that makes the biggest jump forward in 2010. There were signs of a turnaround last year with some close losses. But defensively, ugh, they're the worst of a bad bunch.
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