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

If Kansas crashes to earth and Missouri breaks under pressure, the old bullies of the Big 12 North could slide in to capture the division.

SOUTH DIVISION

The Pick: Oklahoma

The Sooners have been the default pick in the South almost every year this decade, and that shoe definitely fits them this year.  I actually had Oklahoma as my national title pick last season.  If they had kept their focus against Colorado, or Sam Bradford didn’t get hurt against Texas Tech, then they would have been in the title game ahead of LSU.

Bradford had an amazing season last year as a freshman, and thanks to a massive and massively talented offensive line, he should be able to continue the success.  The offense goes from dangerous to lethal if DeMarco Murray can stay healthy.  The defense has a lot of question marks, but Bob Stoops usually gets it in top shape.

In my opinion, this is the Big 12 team with the best shot at going undefeated.  Of course, there are uncertainties when it gets to BCS time, but that’s well after the conference title has been decided.

The Runner-Up: Texas Tech

When it comes to the Red Raiders, I’m like Fox Mulder: I want to believe.  I like what I’ve read about Mike Leach the person, not even counting all of his hilarious eccentricities.  I like seeing his offense rack up insane amounts of yards and points, and Michael Crabtree is a joy to watch.

That said, the questions about defense are completely legitimate.  I’ve heard all the stats and factoids thrown around about the improvement under midseason replacement defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, but they still gave up 200-plus yards rushing five times after he took over.  Maybe a whole offseason under McNeill will make a difference, but the jury is still out.

When it comes down to it, Texas Tech just isn’t that good on the road in the conference, and they play at Kansas and at Oklahoma.  Mack Brown has owned the Red Raiders, going 8-2 against them, but both losses were in Lubbock (where they play this year), and the Longhorns have a vulnerable secondary with two freshmen starting at safety.  A win over UT is possible.

I have a feeling that they will post a 6-2 conference record, placing second in the South for the second time in four seasons.  However, if Leach is ever going to win the division, this is the year to do it.  If they can upset Oklahoma again, the South could be theirs.

The Dark Horse:

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