Big XII Very Deep in 2009

Colt McCoy and the Longhorns are obviously the class of the Big XII, with the early injury to Sam Bradford at Oklahoma.  Texas is a very popular choice to make it all the way to Pasadena, and I think when all is said and done, they will be there.  However, I believe that the Big XII is by far the deepest conference in the country this year.

In addition to Texas, I expect big seasons from Oklahoma, Kansas, and Oklahoma State. Yes, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have suffered early losses, but they are both ten win teams with BCS aspirations.  I also want to bring to the forefront some surprising talent from top to bottom in the conference.

Let's start with Missouri. They open up the season against the exceptionally talented Illinois Fighting Illini, and absolutely crush them. After losing two of their leaders from last year's team in Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin, they have not missed a beat.

Now let's look at Nebraska.  The Cornhusker offense has been clicking on all cylinders the first couple of games this year.  Quarterback Zac Lee has one of the highest passer ratings in the entire country.  The game this week against Virginia Tech could be a national statement game for both Nebraska and the Big XII conference.

The Baylor Bears are opening up their 2009 season with a couple of very tough non-conference opponents.  They got past Wake Forest, and if they can survive UCONN this week, they are on their way to a nine win season.  Quarterback Robert Griffin is relatively unknown at the national level, but look for him to put some gaudy numbers this year.

Finally, let's look at Texas A&M.  I am myself an Aggie and had to endure an abysmal joke of a season last year.  This year, their defense is a year older and Jerrod Johnson is another year more mature.  The first game against New Mexico was anything but a tough test, but they moved the ball at will and dominated from start to finish...something they did not do last year in their early loss to Arkansas State.

Overall this season, I have a bold prediction.  The Big XII could get as many as nine teams to bowls this season.  Nobody will run the table in the conference, because it is just too deep this year.