Big 12 Power Rankings: Week One

Big 12 Power Rankings

Week 1

It is time for the first installment of this year’s Big 12 power ranking.  In what figures to be the most competitive year in the short conference’s history expect many changes week to week as the Big 12 challenges the SEC as top conference in the country. 

1. Oklahoma

The defending conference champs must be considered the favorite again this year.  On offense they return a record setting quarterback, a young dynamic running back, a good group of receivers, and a massive offensive line.  The defense should perform like the typical Sooner defense under Bob Stoops.

2.  Missouri

Missouri just fell short of their first conference championship last year.  They return All-American Chase Daniel and last year’s freshman sensation Jeremy Maclin.  With a defense that keeps improving and all the weapons Daniel has Missouri could easily move to the top of the list with a dominating performance over Illinois this weekend.

       3.  Texas

This year’s Texas team has many questions surrounding it.  The depth chart lists over 10 positions as having “co” starters.  Even with a preseason top-10 ranking Texas seems to be floating under the radar, but the talent is there.  New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp biggest test will be protecting the young secondary until they earn their stripes.

      4. Texas Tech

Texas Tech has become most people’s sleeper pick.  With the best receiver, maybe player, in college football coming back in Michael Crabtree the offense should be the best it has ever been under Mike Leach.  If the defense can catch up this team has a chance to make their first BCS bowl ever.  That is a big “if” until the Red Raiders show it on the field.

      5. Kansas

Most people are wondering if last year was a flash in the pan or if Kansas is for real.  Count me in the for real group.  Coach Mark Mangino has the Jayhawks moving up the Big 12 ladder and have the best shot of knocking off Missouri for the North title if there is no let down from last year.

      6. Colorado

Colorado is a young team, but has the most talent they have had on campus in a long time.  Freshman standout Darrell Scott should help take pressure off of coach’s son Cody Hawkins in this year’s offense.  The key for the Buffaloes will be how the youngsters respond physically, and most importantly, mentally to a long conference season.  Last year saw them beat OU and lose to Iowa State.  The young team must learn how to handle success to become one themselves.

      7. Nebraska

First year head coach Bo Pelini tries to bring Nebraska back to dominance by going back to what made the Cornhuskers so dominate, defense and running the football.  The toughness and identity of this school had disappeared under Bill Callahan.  If the team buys in right away, which they should, don’t be surprised to see Nebraska back at the top of the conference sooner than later.

      8. Oklahoma State

This is a big year for Mike Gundy.  The 40 year old coach must get his defense to play at an elite level in order to become more than just a trap game in the Big 12.  Quarterback Zac Robinson should have the offense under control, but inconsistency and a lack of focus have cost the Cowboys too many games over the last few years.

9. Kansas State

This year’s Kansas State team has the best chance to become the surprise of the conference.  Coach Ron Prince believes in quarterback Josh Freeman to the point he is giving the star the chance to go out and win games.  This year the Wildcats must make it to a bowl, and with the addition of junior college help and the buying out of their game against Fresno State anything less could put Prince on the hot seat.

     10. Texas A&M

Even with two season ending wins versus rival Texas, A&M has had disappointing season after disappointing season.  Bring in new coach, Mike Sherman and his pro style offense and the tides may be turning.  Unfortunately for the Aggies, the tide will not turn this year.  The talent on campus is very thin and the growing pains should be obvious throughout the year.

11. Iowa State

The Cyclones became more competitive last year under first year coach Gene Chizik.  The evolution should continue, but don’t expect anything more than a five win season.  Many holes, especially quarterback, remain open and even though the talent has gotten better it is not on the level to compete for much more than a bowl berth.

12. Baylor

Baylor is just like Oklahoma, but the opposite.  Oklahoma remains on top of the power rankings because of recent history, for the same reason Baylor remains at the bottom.  On the bright side the future looks bright, as new coach Art Briles takes over after being at Houston.  Briles has done well everywhere he has been and the Bears are hoping their reign at the bottom will soon be over.