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BIG 12

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

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