BIG 12 Preview

(Sorry. I know you missed me. But this is a fresh batch of goodness right here.)

NORTH

1. Nebraska: 10-2

Bo Pelini’s team will strive this season after just one year under his system. Former Cornhusker Quarterback, Joe Ganz will need to be replaced, but the defense will be superior. This team is going to be explosive with their aggressiveness on the offensive line. (Note: Receiver Mike McNeill should have a huge year. The tight end had 442 last year, and I expect Pelini to acquire him into the offense more as a safety cushion for a young QB.)

2. Kansas: 9-3

One of the top five best coaches in the NCAA – Mike Mangino – is completely underrated. It was so hard for me to pick Pelini over Mangino, for the fact that unlike Nebraska, the Jayhawks return one of the most prolific college QB’s (Todd Reesing). They also return Dezmon Briscoe (who is a projected top five receiver in next year’s draft) and tailback Jake Sharp who rushed for over 860 yards last year as a back up. Here’s where the Jayhawks are weak: DEFENSE. Although it is the Big 12 Conference and that seven letter word seems irrelevant at times, you can’t lose your entire defensive line and expect to get pressure on quarterbacks. Another great year for Man”genius,” but he fails to get to a BCS Bowl game.

3. Colorado: 6-6

Besides Head Coach Dan Hawkins, there is nothing to like about these Buffaloes. (Note: That being said, I can’t wait to see how “Future NFL Star” Running Back, Darrell Scott plays – only a Sophomore.) The coach’s son, Cody Hawkins is now battling for the starting QB role. You know what I say about “family situations” in athletics – they screw up chemistry, and are greasier than a fast food apron. “Dem Buffaloes will struggle … yet again.”

4. Missouri: 5-7

Lets see … you lose Jeremy Maclin, your starting Quarterback (Chase Daniel), and a slew of defensive talent including Evander “Ziggy” Hood, your looking at a rough season Mr. Gary Pinkel. Enough said. Good luck scoring.

5. Kansas State: 5-7

Poor poor Bill Snyder. (Pause.) Not really. Good luck with revamping a program that relies solely on your skill to coach. New Quarterback, new head coach, new system equals an exhausting season.

6. Iowa State: 3-9

Eh. Should I just move on? Ok I will.

SOUTH

Talk about a 180-degree turn from the North. The Big 12 South is stacked with talent. Four of the six starting QB’s on these teams are NFL Locks. Lets just get started.

1. Texas: 11-1

(Note to Sam Bradford: My man. You do not know how shameful I am for doing this to you. I am obsessed with you because you ARE the next Peyton Manning.)

Before I move on, let me say one more thing. Although it hurts me for not putting Oklahoma on top, it’s sort of irrelevant due to Bob “Oops”-I-Can’t-Win-A-Big-Bowl-Game.

Mac Brown’s team is going to be solid. However, this Longhorn team goes as (Heisman Hopeful) Colt McCoy goes. He is the Prince to the team’s Charming. He is the Sour Cream on the team’s Bake Potatoes. He is the … ok I will stop because I am not good with that type of analogy. You get my point though. One other aspect that is underrated on this Longhorn team is their defense. Yes, they lose Brian Orakpo, but they return three Corner Backs (Curtis Brown, Cody Johnson, and Deon Beasly), plus they have the best Defensive Coordinator in the country – Will “I Spend 20 Hours A Day, So Take That Michigan Players Who Like To Rat Out Their Coach” Muschamp.

2. Oklahoma: 10-2

(Pause.) Sad face. Should I dedicate another note to Sam Bradford for my preview. Yes. Ok.

Dear Sam Bradford,

You are the most prolific, fantastic, and superb Quarterback in the nation. Although you lost A-Quarterbacks-Best-Friend (Center, Jon Cooper), and a fantastic wide outs – Juaqin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson – you still have a barn yard full of talent (RB Chris Brown – 1,220 yards, TE Jermaine Gresham – 950 yards, and Utility Demarco Murray.) You also have a treasure chest of talent coming back on defense to back you up. I know why you came back Sam. You came back because (somehow) Bob (I refuse to spell out the analogy again) “Oops” convinced you and you love college. I mean why would you want to leave a place where the girls come so easy, and you’re the starting Quarterback on a national powerhouse? Exactly. Good choice. Ok, I’m going to leave this shorter than anticipated. Good luck.

Sincerely,

Jamie “Jay Mac” McCracken.

(Translation: I hope you kick the Longhorns @$$!)

3. Oklahoma State: 10-2

As much as I wanted to surprise all of you and take the Cowboys to win the Big 12 Conference, I just could not convince myself after staring at the computer screen with Zac Robinson and Dez Bryant staring in my face. Virtually, in any other conference, the Cowboys would be the favorite to win (excluding the SEC). Great running back in Kendell Hunter (1,555 yards), best receiver in the country in Dez Bryant, and a mobile yet steady (with a rocket arm) Quarterback in Zac Robinson. Ah. I have to stop before I copy and past this to paragraphs above. Not to mention they return a line-backing core that could rip down a house by their selves for “Extreme Home Make Over.”

4. Baylor: 9-3

Another team that could surprise people and end up slotted in the second place spot by the end of the season. If you want a guy that showed up his freshman year, look up Bears QB, Robert Griffin (2,091 passing yards). Not to mention he has one of his top receivers back from last year – Kendall Wright (649 yards last year). No question this team will be able to pound the football down teams’ throats, but the offensive line is unconvincing. Jason Smith went to the NFL and two others graduated. This Bears team can go anywhere from 6-6 to 10-2. I’ll settle in the middle.

5. Texas Tech: 8-4

No Graham Harrell, no Michael Crabtree, but the system undeniably works. New Quarterback, Junior Taylor Potts will take over for Harrell, and I expect Lubbok to will their new QB to at least an eight win season.

6. Texas A&M: 5-7

The only team with a losing record in the Big 12 South does not deserve a preview. Thank you and goodnight.