Big 12 North Preview
Time to finally finish up in the Big 12…
1. Nebraska – No real surprise here as most people are calling for Nebraska to take this division. There are heavy losses on both side of the ball with only 11 returning starters. But QB Sam Keller played at Arizona St in 2005 and sat out his transfer year last season learning the system and they return 4 of their top 5 tacklers. They have a big, experienced offensive line leading the way. Despite playing Texas and USC, 10 wins is a good possibility. Winning the division will probably take winning at Missouri. If they can do that, they’ll be back in the Big 12 title game. Prediction: 9-3, 6-2
2. Missouri – In my opinion, the Tigers have a good shot at getting to their first ever Big 12 title game this year. They are coming off an 8-5 year, but really 3 of those losses were close, last second losses that if they can turn in their favor this year, they could have a great season. Last year, they started 7-1, before a holding call negated their winning TD against Iowa St. They return 9 on offense, including QB Chase Daniel who was #2 in total offense in the Big 12 last year. With the Kansas game at a neutral site, they have only 3 Big 12 road games and get Nebraska at home. Prediction: 9-3, 5-3
3. Kansas – This is a team that despite the nonconference schedule having several tough MAC opponents, could very well start the season 5-1, which will build a lot of confidence later in the season. They also avoid Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech from the South. They’ll be bowl eligible by the end of October and with 8 back on defense, they should be competitive in most of their games. Prediction: 7-5, 3-5
4. Kansas State – Ron Prince is still rebuilding this team and making it his own. He returns 8 starters on offense and will be much improved there as they are in their 2nd year of the new offense. QB Josh Freeman improved as the season progressed last year and will only be better and more reliable this season. The defense has 7 starters back, but has a new defense coordinator in Tim Tibesar (formerly of North Dakota). This is an improved team and should make a return trip to a bowl game this year. Prediction: 6-6, 3-5
5. Colorado – This is the 2nd year of Dan Hawkins offenses, so look for vast improvement in the offense over last year. Plus, the projected starting QB is the coach’s son, so who could possibly know the offense better? They have 9 starters back on offense and 6 back on defense, and I look for this team to improve on their 2-10 record of last year and if they catch a few breaks, they could even make it to a bowl game. The schedule is tough though as they play 7 teams that went to a bowl last year, including improved Miami, FL and Florida State teams. Prediction: 5-7, 5-3
6. Iowa St – 1st year coach GeneChizik (former defensive coordinator at Auburn) has a long year ahead of him. All 4 of their wins last year were close wins and they were outgained by an average of 131 yards per game all last season. New coaches on both sides of the ball and only 11 starters back could make for some tough times in Ames, IA this season. Prediction: 3-9, 0-8