Texas Football: Ranking the 2012 Schedule from Easiest to Toughest

After two subpar seasons, many are wondering if this is the year that head coach Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns can turn things around. They return a total of 17 starters from a year ago and have one of the more talented teams in the country.

But with the Big 12 already being a top-heavy conference and adding two more talented teams to the mix, the schedule will not be an easy one for the Longhorns. If a BCS bowl is expected this season, it will take a remarkable performance from everybody involved.

As the college football season quickly approaches, here are the easiest and most difficult games for the 2012 Texas Longhorns.

12. Vs. New Mexico

Last year's record: 1-11

Returning starters: 14

In the last three seasons, New Mexico has won a combined three games. You guessed it—the Lobos have won one game in each of the last three years. Do I need to further explain why this team is where it is at on the difficulty meter?

11. Vs. Wyoming

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 13

Wyoming may be in the MWC and may not be considered a threat to Texas, but quarterback Brett Smith is an emerging star after a terrific freshman season.

Still, the Cowboys are 0-13 in the last four years against ranked teams.

10. Vs. Iowa State

Last year's record: 6-7

Returning starters: 12

Sure, Iowa State somehow managed to knock off Texas Tech and Oklahoma State last season, but this is simply not a good football team. The Cyclones struggle mightily on both sides of the ball and need help from the other team to beat quality opponents.

The Longhorns are 8-1 all time against Iowa State, and Texas fans should expect another victory this year.

9. At Kansas

Last year's record: 2-10

Returning starters: 13

Kansas is simply only at the No. 9 spot because the Jayhawks do have a solid quarterback in Dayne Christ (former transfer from Notre Dame). They also have a great offensive coach in Charlie Weis running this program. 

The game will be played in Lawrence, but it is important to note that the last time the Jayhawks beat the Longhorns was in 1938.

8. At Ole Miss

Last year's record: 2-10

Returning starters: 15

Ole Miss was terrible last season, struggling on both sides of the ball. The team has a new head coach who will be bringing in a new spread offense.

While the Rebels haven't shown much of a fight the last couple of years, this is still by far the toughest non-conference game for the Longhorns because of the SEC talent and road trip to Oxford.

7. Vs. Baylor

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 14

Texas has dropped the last two games to Baylor, and just because Robert Griffin is gone does not mean that the Bears are going to go away.

Quarterback Nick Florence is already showing promise during the offseason and there are playmakers all over the field to help him continue to grow. The defense, of course, needs work, but don't sleep on Baylor in 2012.

6. At Texas Tech

Last year's record: 5-7

Returning starters: 19

The Red Raiders return the most starters in the Big 12 with 19. That defense that ranked 117th in the country certainly needs work, but having a quarterback such as Seth Doege really makes a difference heading into 2012. He threw for over 4,000 yards last season and 28 touchdowns.

5. At Kansas State

Last year's record: 10-3 

Returning starters: 16

Kansas State was the surprise team last season and considering it is coached by Bill Snyder, you can expect another solid year from the Wildcats.

Kansas State has won the last four meetings in a row, and with this game taking place in Manhattan, you can expect another tough battle for the Longhorns. The Wildcats are not a team that does anything pretty, but they find ways to win football games.

4. Vs. TCU

Last year's record: 11-2

Returning starters: 13

I'm not sure what we will see out of this TCU team that lost many key contributors on the defensive side of the ball in 2011. Although, I do know that this is a tough-minded team that will not go down without a fight.

The Horned Frogs are 6-1 against ranked teams in the last three seasons.

3. At Oklahoma State

Last year's record: 12-1

Returning starters: 14

Oklahoma State may have lost its wide receiver and quarterback combination, but it still returns a 1,000-yard rusher in Joseph Randle.

The Cowboys also return eight starters from a defense that led the country with 44 forced turnovers.

The Longhorns have lost the last two to Oklahoma State, and it will take a disciplined performance if they are going to steal one in Stillwater.

2. Vs. West Virginia

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 14

West Virginia may be one of the newbies in this conference, but this offense led by quarterback Geno Smith is one of the more potent units in the country. Let's not forget that the Mountaineers went toe-to-toe with the LSU Tigers nearly the entire game.

This matchup will test the Texas offense's ability to produce points, and it will require a stud performance from the Longhorns' defense to slow down the Mountaineers' offensive attack.

1. Vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas, Texas)

Last year's record: 10-3

Returning starters: 15

The Longhorns found out exactly how dangerous this Oklahoma team can be when it is clicking on all cylinders. The majority of last year's team is returning, as the Sooners are out to handle some unfinished business and compete for a BCS National Championship.

Can the Longhorns stop a two-game slide in the Red River Rivalry? It will take the defense to show up, and the offense has to hold onto the football (seven combined turnovers the last two meetings).