Big 12 football predictions
I don’t really get into preseason predictions much. I’ll glance at where teams are picked to finish, but I never participate in those preseason polls, conference or otherwise.
But after three days of wall-to-wall football talk, I’ll weigh in on the Big 12 outlook. Sometimes, something a coach says can change your mind about a team. So here’s my Big 12 outlook for 2008:
SOUTH
1. Oklahoma: Nothing changes here. The Sooners have the most returning talent and a favorable schedule. Missouri is gone from the schedule, and Kansas plays in Norman. OU has four conference road games. At A&M, at OSU, at K-State, at Baylor. College Station and Stillwater could be dicey.
2. Texas Tech: Red Raiders, too, get Missouri off the schedule but have to go to Norman. If OU went to Lubbock this year, things would get very interesting.
3. Texas: Can the Longhorns thrive in the underdog role? OU has.
4. Oklahoma State: Cowboys’ season comes down to three games. Home against A&M, at Colorado, home against OU. That’s not such a bad spot to be; two of three at home amid the games that will determine the season.
5. Texas A&M: Just not a lot of excitement over the Aggies.
6. Baylor: I like Art Briles, but I liked Guy Morriss, too.
NORTH
1. Missouri: Don’t look now, but Gary Pinkel is becoming a heck of a coach.
2. Nebraska: I’m a big believer in Bo Pelini. He will lose most interviews but win most games.
3. Kansas: The blessing of 2007 (easy schedule) turns around in 2008. KU has a very tough slate. OU, Tech, Texas.
4. Colorado: If Dan Hawkins could run the program and Gary Barnett could coach ‘em up, CU would have a powerhouse.
5. Iowa State: The Cyclones changed my mind more than any other team. Gene Chizik’s team showed great improvement the last half of the season. Respectable losses to OU and Missouri, victories over Kansas State and Colorado.
6. Kansas State: I was big on Ron Prince. Heck, he’s beaten Texas two straight years. Quick story. Wednesday, Mack Brown was standing around chatting, and someone told him Prince really had good things to say about Brown. Mack laughed. “He ought to,” Brown said. “I’ve been really good to him.” But still; 19 juco transfers? That’s ridiculous. I’m worried about the Kansas State program. Really worried.
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