Big 12 preseason conference outlook

By J.R. Hopwood  |   Thursday, July 28, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The Big 12 South and North won't have as big of a gap in talent this year as compared to last year. But I would still bet that the winner of the North will win the conference.

Big 12 North
1. The Iowa State Cyclones return some solid talent on offense, including 1000+ yard rusher Stevie Hicks. The defense should be fairly solid and should allow the offense to cushion leads.

2. Colorado Buffaloes QB Joel Klatt is as experienced as you can get now. The defense returns 10 starters and should be very solid.

3. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are still transitioning from an option team to a pass team. Helping the transition this year will be talented QB JUCO transfer Zac Taylor. The defense may be down a bit though as they return only 5 starters.

4. Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel tinkered a bit with the offense last year, which would explain QB Brad Smith's lower numbers. Pinkel has vowed to return to his schemes that helped Smith capture the eyes of the nation only 2 years ago. However, the defense will be down a notch or two, returning only 4 starters.

5. Kansas State Wildcats QB Dylan Meier needs to improve his numbers this year and has 3 of his top 4 receivers returning to help him out.

6. The Kansas Jayhawks may have a chance to up their defensive numbers from last year, but don't expect much else from this team.

Big 12 South
1. Texas Longhorns QB Vince Young is now more experienced and matured. Mixed with solid rushers and a defense that returns 9 starters, there are big things expected in Austin.

2. Texas A&M Aggies Reggie McNeal threw for 14 TDs and ran for 8 last year. FS Jaxson Appel anchors what looks to be a solid defense this season.

3. The Oklahoma Sooners lose some leadership and top talent. They return a solid group of rushers, including phenom Adrian Peterson, but they will be running behind a less experienced O-Line.

4. The Texas Tech Red Raiders offense is constantly among the top in yardage. QB Cody Hodges will be pressured to make the right passes as he has a great supporting cast around him.

5. The Oklahoma State Cowboys may be looking at a down year. They lose Morency and a list of others, returning only 13 starters. They also lose a great head coach in Les Miles.

6. The Baylor Bears will still be at the bottom this year. They do return top tackler Maurice Lane on D, but the talent in the Big 12 is just too strong.
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