2010 Big 12 Football Preview-Part 1

Yes, the bowl season has hardly started but, it is never too early to look ahead. As the off-season looms every team will reflect on how their current season ended and will begin to prepare for the new season that lies ahead. This is part one of a two part look at the teams  of the Big 12 Conference. Let's take a look at each team in the Big 12 north division and project how they might finish next season in part one.

Colorado

Coach Dan Hawkins' seat got a little cooler after the administration decided to retain his services for 2010 but, if he doesn't take them bowling next year expect to see him in the unemployment line heading into 2011. With their quarterback issues don't expect them to improve much, if at all.

Iowa State

First year head Coach Paul Rhodes led the Cyclones to a date with the University of Minnesota in the Independence Bowl. The question remains can he turn Iowa State into a force in the North. Back-to-back bowl berts for the Cyclones? It's possible.

Kansas

Admist all the contreversy surrounding former coach Mark Mangino last year Kansas was able to finish with a 5-7 mark. Every good program has a couple of down years but, they always find a way to scratch their way back to the top. Now the keys to the program is squarely in the hands of former Buffalo University head coach and former Nebraska quarterback Turner Gill. Can he bring the Jayhawks back on the radar? Only time will tell. Remember the Alamo anyone? The Jayhawks just might as they will most likely land in the Alamo Bowl a year from now.

Kansas State

Bill Snyder is at it again...resurrecting a program once left for dead. After his first season back on the sidelines after a short "retirement" he brought the Wildcats back to 6-6. If things continue to progress they could finish 2nd in the Big 12 north.

Missouri

How do they do it? Every season since Pinkel arrived in Columbia he seems to find a way to get his team to a bowl game. With the emergence of Blaine Gabbard at quarterback last year, chances look good for a possible Cotton Bowl birth in January 2011.

Nebraska

With the beast Ndamukong Suh now on the way to the NFL what will Bo Pelini do to try and fill the massive gap he left behind? Pelini may have several confused looks on his face as the 2010 season rolls on. That said, don't be surprised if Nebraska is representing the north at "JerryWorld" again next year.