Big 12 North Predictions and Power Rankings (Week Nine)

Pardon the cliche, but it's been Misery in Columbia over the past three weeks.

In all fairness, the schedule has been rough, but Gary Pinkel's guys don't even look mediocre right now. The high-powered offense has simply shut down, and the defense has been on the field for what seems like the entire season.

This week provides the opportunity to at least begin turning things around. Colorado lost at Manhattan, which these days doesn't look too bad, but the Tigers have the advantage here.

I think the key lies in Derrick Washington. If he bounces back and does half of what Daniel Thomas did to the Buffs last week, Missouri takes this one 24-17 in Boulder. If he doesn't...well...

We all see that Todd Reesing is going through a slump, but what about everyone else? Kerry Meier isn't creating, Dezmon Briscoe is bobbling, Jake Sharp is limping, and the offensive line is flat-out failing.

I guess it just goes to show the world that Reesing makes our offense work, not the other way around.

The land-sliding Hawks need a victory here but will have to play as such to stand a chance in Lubbock. A&M ran all over the Red Raiders, but KU is not equipped with the right personnel to do the same.

Toben Opurum would need to have a monster game but hasn't been given the opportunity to do so of late.

I say Mark Mangino's revamped defense continues to grow and the offense starts getting back on track in Lubbock. However, I think an angry Mike Leach still leads his feisty Red Raiders over KU in a roller coaster, 38-30 contest.

I can't keep picking the Jayhawks forever...

Talk about getting big-headed.

Sure, I was in denial when picking Colorado to beat Kansas State, but the Buffalo could have at least shown up. Instead, it was Bill Snyder keeping his overachieving Wildcats level-headed enough to win the contest in Manhattan with relative ease.

I didn't expect much out of the offense against the Wildcats, but the defense didn't have to let Daniel Thomas beat them single-handed.

This week, the Tigers come to town. While I was tempted to give Colorado one more chance, I didn't have the heart. The Buffs are scrappier and playing at home, but I think Missouri's talent and brutal game experience this season both contribute to a Buffalo loss in Boulder.

That Missouri game seems like forever ago, doesn't it? Funny how at the time it was so important.

The Huskers don't deserve this ranking whatsoever, but I suppose someone has to have it. I don't know how you can commit eight turnovers in one game and be a contender in this conference or any other.

If they can't beat a depleted, flailing Baylor Bears team in Waco this week, their win-loss columns will be in greater jeopardy than even Kansas'.

Fortunately for the Huskers, I think they will hold on to the ball well enough to manage a 33-20 victory this week.

Then again, my thoughts don't count for much at this point.

Their matchup with Nebraska was perfect proof that sometimes all you can do is manage the game.

The Cyclones were dominated in nearly every major category but didn't give away any freebees, and ultimately, that was the only difference.

With Austen Arnaud still questionable and Alexander Robinson gone for the season, I'm not sure if they'll snag that elusive bowl bid, but this victory is one they should be proud of.

Dare I pick against Iowa State again? Yes. Texas A&M got trounced by Kansas State because the Wildcats are a good team, and I personally don't think the Aggies' victory in Lubbock last week was much of a fluke.

Congratulations, Paul Rhoads, but give me Texas A&M in a 31-13 defeat anyway.

So the Wildcats have managed to shut my mouth, almost.

The defense has looked good, Daniel Thomas has been even better, and Bill Snyder is some sort of genius for managing to put the pieces all together. Congratulations, and maybe a Kansas team can still play in the Big 12 Championship game.

No offense, though, but I still doubt it. Sure, the Wildcats match up better against OU than Kansas did, but I refuse to believe it will be enough to make up that kind of difference, especially in Norman.

Plus, Thomas gets nothing on the ground against this defense, and the Wildcats still don't have a prayer when passing.

KSU is the best team in the North without question right now. However, forgive me for being skeptical, but they're still not a South-competitive football team. I say the Sooners win easily 27-10.

This game is huge for the Cats, so prove me wrong and maybe I'll change my tune.