The Division Champion will be...Nebraska - Pelini seems to have a natural command of this team and that's crucial for the program to succeed; the coach must buy into Husker nation and Bo, more than anyone since Big Tom, does. While the option might be gone, the defensive success of the heyday is back. Nebraska returns the second most starters in the Big-XII, including nine on a steadily-improving offense. Defensively, Jared Crick might not be Ndomakung Suh, but he should fill the hole left nicely. NU gets a bye heading into league play and the schedule falls favorably with no Oklahoma and the toughest road game being at A&M. the Texas game will be big, but even if they lose it, Nebraska should dominate the North and make a second consecutive B12CG.
2. Missouri - Me, last year: "...I think they can edge out the lowly Cyclones...barely. A 2-6 mark will not be surprise."Missouri last year: 8-5. I really didn't think Pinkel was this type of coach, able to keep the Tigers winning despite the losses they suffered in '08. This year, Mizzou has eight returning on offense and eight on defense - a great core on which to continue building. QB Blaine Gabbert had a great season in '09 and if they find a playmaker athlete to complement his arm, look for double digit wins. The Tigers draw Oklahoma and Nebraska back-to-back, but if Mizzou recovers for the late stretch, look for 5-3 and second place in the North.
3. Colorado - Man, this was a tough call. I've had the Buffs placed everywhere from second to fifth and bowl-less. Last year, I chose the Buffs third, putting faith in their running game, which turned out inconsistent at best. Throw in the nepotistic QB situation and the offense finished dead last in the league. But, call it persistent stupidity, I think the Buffs might e able to pull it together this year with 10 starters returning on offense, including 109 along the O-line. Defensively, seven returners should be enough to bump the Buffs up from eighth to the top half of the Big-XII. There's no Texas on the schedule, but Oklahoma and Nebraska are still out of Coach Hawk's reach. Still, Colorado should finish up with 4-4 conference mark and a bowl game.
4. Kansas State - The winner of the Sunflower Showdown gets the fourth spot, and after some waffling, I went with the 'Cats over the Jayhawks. Picking KSU here doesn't really fit my decision making paradigm, but call it a hunch. There's only five starters back for the offense, but it'll be enough to improve on their 10th in the league statistical finish in '09. The defense should be solid enough to maintain their middle of the pack standing. I see 4 conference wins, but all before November, as the home stretch includes Texas and two road trips to better teams (Mizzou and Colorado).
5. Kansas - Turner Gil has his job cut out for him. Last year, I picked KU second in the North, but the Jayhawks paid me back by winning one conference game and finishing up in the basement. Todd Reesing kept the offense respectable, but he's gone and new head man, Gil, is breaking in a new system. One saving grace is the schedule. From the South, Kansas draws A&M, OK St., and Baylor - all winnable. In-division, they get a Colorado team recovering from Oklahoma at home and a bye heading into their in-state tilt with State. Still, though, I got burned by the Jayhwaks last year, and I don't have enough faith to support both them and Colorado. Call it 3-5 and Christmas with the family.
6. Iowa State - I was impressed with Rhoads' initial success here, but F this year's schedule, State. They're the only North team drawing Texas and Oklahoma and play Utah and Iowa out of conference. So, while they might be an improving team, the schedule dooms them. Kansas is a winnable game, but it's book ended by Texas and Nebraska. The offense should be good, returning eight, including dual threat QB Arnaut, but it won't be enough to get to a bowl against this murderers row.
Big Games :
1. Texas at Nebraska - A rematch of the '09 B12CG and chance for Nebraska to punctuate their farewell to this league. That scrapped "Beat Texas" video clip will certainly make it's way across Austin airwaves this season.
2. Missouri at Nebraska - The Tigers come calling between cupcake road games and if the Huskers aren't vigilant, this could be a season-spoiler.
3. Oklahoma at Missouri - Here's a chance for a North team besides Nebraska to make some noise. If OU falls into this trap, it could derail a national championship.
4. Colorado at Missouri - Pecking order.
5. Nebraska at Colorado - Ah, the season ending trap game. The Huskers could be playing for something big by this point, and one slip up in focus and the Buffs could ruin all their hard work.
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