The Way-Too-Early Big 12 Preseason Power Rankings

1. Oklahoma

The Sooners have a great defense coming back, are better than Texas, and play their two other biggest Big 12 opponents at home (Texas Tech and Kansas). They will have one hurdle, of course: the Oklahoma State game, where they may trip up. Still, they have the highest-rated passer in the nation returning for his sophomore campaign. There offense will have trouble replacing Malcom Kelly, but their defense should be enough to keep them afloat.

Prediction: 11-1

2. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders have the best chance to get their first BCS bowl appearance in school history. They have better talent and depth than in recent years, but have two big tests at home, and one on the road (at Kansas and Oklahoma; at home against Texas). With Texas' depleted defense, and Kansas losing some of its best people on offense, look for their trip to Norman to be deciding the Big 12 South.

Prediction: 11-1

3. Missouri

The Tigers have Heisman hopeful Chase Daniel coming back and unarguably could go for an undefeated season. They have one of the easiest roads to go to the Big 12 title game, have only one true road test (Texas) and a good home game against Kansas, which they crushed last year. Even with a better record, they still don't have the talent of the Big 12 South, and will end up just like Oklahoma last year.

Prediction: 12-0

4. Texas

The Longhorns have lost a lot over the past three years and will have what they call in Texas a rebuilding year. They have a lot of raw talent, getting some of the best recruiting classes as usual. They are over matched in the big matchups they have, though, and still have Colt McCoy as quarterback. Their great receiving corps will be under-utilized, and will need to rely on good coaching to beat teams (too bad they have Mack Brown). But still, they will have enough to savor a Cotton Bowl or Holiday Bowl-visit as the rest of the Big 12 is weak.

Prediction: 9-3

5. Kansas

After the Jayhawks' remarkable season, they have lost their starting running back and cornerback: two key components to their unbelievable 2007 campaign. It will be a solid year, but they don't quite have enough magic to repeat their BCS berth.

Prediction 9-3

6. Oklahoma State

Finally after Bobby Reid leaves they will have consistency at quarterback. Their offense will be stellar, and their defense will need work. They will be able to outshoot a lot of teams and manage about eight wins.

Prediction: 8-4

Best of the rest:

7. Colorado: 7-5

8.  Kansas State: 6-6

9. Texas A&M: 5-7

10. Nebraska: 5-7

11. Baylor: 2-10

12. Iowa State: 2-10