Oklahoma, Missouri Will Again Battle for Big 12 Title In 2008

NORTH DIVISION

The Pick: Missouri

Missouri versus Kansas was probably one of the toughest picks for me to make.  The Big 12 has replaced the Pac-10 as the “all offense, no defense” conference, meaning that a team that can play defense will have a definite advantage.  I suspect Mizzou will have the better offense, but Kansas could have the better defense.

I think the difference between the offenses will be greater than the difference between the defenses, so the Tigers get the edge.  They just have so many weapons on offense that they are impossible to ignore.

There is some defined risk here.  As I pointed out in my analysis of Gary Pinkel’s coaching record, the last time Missouri had any expectations was 2004.  Despite having one of Pinkel’s best defenses and Brad Smith returning at quarterback, they stumbled to a 5-6 record that season.

The Tigers won’t fall that far, but one great year does not wash away all the rest.  They must still prove they can win with the spotlight on.

The Runner-Up: Kansas

Kansas’ schedule was a complete joke last year, but at least they completely blew out their non-conference patsies.  Plus, it’s not the Jayhawks’ fault that the conference schedule rotated out Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech.

They had their year in the sun with an Orange Bowl at the end.  Much like Missouri, they now must prove they have something sustainable, and the opportunity is there to do just that.  The Big 12 South heavies return to the slate, and Kansas takes a trip to play USF in Tampa.

I don’t expect them to lose five games like Rutgers did in 2007 after its dream 2006 season, even though I’ve drawn a parallel between those teams in the past.  KU returns a lot more talent than Rutgers did, and I can’t really see them losing more than four.  Still, they are a potential faller, so I don’t think they’ll win the division.

The Dark Horse: Nebraska

Most people would label Colorado the dark horse of the North, but I’m going with the Huskers.  In the three games that returning QB Joe Ganz started last year, Nebraska scored 54 points a game, including 39 against the otherwise stingy Kansas defense.  The offensive scheme this season will not be a whole lot different, so the potential for fireworks from Ganz is there.

Obviously defense was a huge problem last season, but new head coach Bo Pelini will work to get that straightened out in short order.  The Blackshirts won’t be back to being the terrors they were in the ‘90s, but they will make some strides in the right direction.

I still think Nebraska is a year or two away from being ready to compete for the division title.  The Huskers do miss Texas and get Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado