BIG 12 NORTH

1) Kansas: Though rotund head coach Mark Mangino may be the most visible presence on the Kansas sidelines, quarterback Todd Reesing is the unquestionable leader of this team. The senior has thrown for over 7,000 yards and 65 touchdowns in the past two seasons. The Jayhawks will likely have trouble stopping the run this year, but strong players in the backfield, coupled with an easy schedule, will put this team on the fast track to a division title.

2) Nebraska: The Cornhuskers matched their best record since 2003 last season when new head coach Bo Pelini led the team to a 9-4 finish. Pelini installed an offense that combined a strong running game with a productive passing attack. However, this year Pelini must replace a starting quarterback and top two receivers. The good news is that Nebraska’s defense could be one of the best in the Big 12.

3) Missouri: The losses of quarterback Chase Daniel, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and tight end Chase Coffman are the first things that come to mind when looking at the Tigers’ 2009 season. But Missouri also has to replace seven starters on what was already a mediocre defense. The bright side is that Mizzou has many capable back-ups from last year to take the reins this year.

4) Colorado: Head coach Dan Hawkins, the man who built the foundation at Boise State for the success current coach Chris Petersen has enjoyed, is entering his fourth year in Boulder. His son, Cody, will start at quarterback for the third straight year, but Cody has struggled under center. The Buff’s strongest position is at running back, where they have three players capable of contributing, including Darrell Scott. Holes on the defensive line and at wide receiver will keep Colorado in mediocrity.

5) Kansas State: With the departure of quarterback Josh Freeman to the NFL comes the return of Kansas State icon Bill Snyder, who coached the Wildcats from 1989-2005. The defense tied with Iowa State for second worst in the conference last year; many blamed the defense for the team’s second consecutive 5-7 record. With eight returning starters on defense, it’s hit or miss with the Wildcats this season.

6) Iowa State: The Cyclones have only won nine games in the past three seasons, and they enter the 2009 year under new head coach Paul Rhoads, who served as Auburn’s defensive coordinator last year. Rhoads and new offensive coordinator Tom Herman will go with a spread attack this year behind quarterback Austen Arnaud, but it won’t be enough to counter the Cyclones’ glaring defense.

BIG 12 SOUTH

1) Oklahoma: There isn’t much that can be said here that hasn’t already been written about 537 times during the past couple of months. We know the big question is whether or not the new guys on the offensive line will be able to perform like last year’s unit. The defense will likely be the best Bob Stoops’ has had in his 10-year career. Essentially, it comes down to the matchup against Texas in Dallas. Since I think Ryan Reynolds will play the entire game this year, I’m going to give the Sooners the edge.

2) Texas: Colt McCoy returns for his fourth and final season as the starter under center in Austin. Just as well, preseason All-American Jordan Shipley, who is now in his sixth year of eligibility, will be back at wide receiver as McCoy’s go-to target. The main hurdle will be replacing holes on the defensive line, which led the nation in sacks last season, though the secondary is talented enough to make up for a loss in the pass rush.

3) Oklahoma State: The Cowboys finished with their first winning Big 12 record since 2003 last year. Senior quarterback Zac Robinson, as well as a highly-touted pair of juniors, running back Kendall Hunter and receiver Dez Bryant, will give Oklahoma State one of the most explosive offenses in the country. New defensive coordinator Bill Young comes in to try and fix a secondary that gave up too many big plays last year.

4) Texas Tech: We all know the story of the Red Raider’s season last year. Head coach Mike Leach orchestrated his most high-powered offense yet last season, but only ten starters are returning from last year’s entire team, and most of the holes are on offense. The Red Raider’s have won at least eight games in each of the last seven seasons, and Leach has never had a losing team during his tenure in Lubbock, so he’s proven he can reload.

5) Baylor: Two Words. Robert Griffin III. Or maybe three. Regardless, that’s all there really is to know about this year’s Baylor squad. Griffin, a Freshman All-American last season, is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. The Bears went 4-8 last year, but three of those losses were by one touchdown or less. With a year of experience under Griffin’s belt, Baylor could experience as much as a three-game swing in the record books.

6) Texas A&M: Former Green Bay Packer coach Mike Sherman starts his second year in College Station. Last year’s 4-8 record was disappointing to Aggies fans. The good news is the 2008 squad was an inexperienced and young squad. 16 starters return this season, including the top three receivers. The defense gave up a terrible 37 points per game last year, and there isn’t reason to expect a huge improvement.