Predicted Finish
- North -
1.Nebraska
The heavy favorite to win the North Division thanks in part to 17 returning starters, their strong finish in 2009 and an overall weak division. Bo Pelini has to replace Ndamukong Suh but the defense should be as fierce as ever as the offense hopes to finally show consistency throughout the season.
2.Missouri
The Tigers also return 17 starters including QB Blaine Gabbert and should be a safe bet in the #2 spot in the north division. Although if they continue to play inconsistently, as they did last year, then they may be passed up.
3.Iowa State
While only returning 4 defensive starters return from a 2009 team making a surprise bowl game, the return of 9 offensive starters including QB Austen Arnaud and back Alexander Robinson makes the outlook positive for this cyclones team.
4.Colorado
This will be a make or break year for coach Dan Hawkins who hasn't really done much in Boulder and he will rely on QB Tyler Hansen, over his son Cody, and RB Scotty McKnight to help see another year at Colorado. The talent should be there by now to make a run at atleast the #2 and #3 spots but we will have to see if the Buffs can finally make progress.
5.Kansas
A new coaching staff has the Jayhawks pointed in the right direction but actually moving may not happen right away. 2010 seems to be a rebuilding year as they try to replace a QB and to great Receivers but there is some talent there to maybe surprise a few people. The offensive line returns with more experience and there is good talent with the running backs. The key will be the quarterback and secondary play.
6.Kansas St
Kansas St is still working it way up with the return of coach Bill Snyder and will rely heavily on running back Daniel Thomas. If QB Coffman can have a good year then K-State may be better than expected as well.
- South -
1.Oklahoma
This Sooners squad returns 14 starters, 9 of them on offense, and looks to have a big year. Returning is QB Landry Jones, RB DeMarco Murray, and WR Ryan Broyles, not to mention almost the entire offensive line. I thought i could look good by picking the Sooners first by surprise but it seems like a lot of people have taken notice of this team, thus explaining its top 10 preseason ranking.
2.Texas
The play of QB Garret Gilbert in the title game last year seems to have people optimistic about replacing Colt McCoy but only returning a total of 13 starters may slow this team down just a bit. The running game needs to find a consistent back and the defense must replace NFL talent and that may be the small opening for Oklahoma to take this division back.
3.Texas A&M
This is a team that has a lot of potential and that I am excited to see play this year. The offense was very productive again and it looks to do the same this year led by dual threat QB Jerrod Johnson. Surrounding Johnson is very good receivers, a solid backfield and a returning interior line. The defense will have to step up though, just enough to not ruin the good thing the offense will have going.
4.Texas Tech
Helping new coach Tommy Tubberville have a decent year will be QB Taylor Potts, RB Baron Batch and the returning receivers. This team is quite ready to make a run at the likes of Oklahoma and Texas but it certainly shouldn't fall into the cellar of the Big 12 South.
5.Oklahoma St
The Cowboys will have several holes to fill including the spots of QB Zac Robinson, WR Dez Bryant and 9 defensive starters. Back Kendall Hunter will be one of the few bright spots early on and the Cowboys hope to have new QB Brandon Weeden pregress throughout the season.
6.Baylor
QB Robert Griffin is an exciting player to watch but without decent play from his supporting cast, the Bears won't have the year they're hoping for.
-Player of the Year-
Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
This should be a huge year for Jones and this might not be the most prestigious award he's up for by season's end.
-Must See Games-
Oklahoma vs. Texas, Oct 2nd
Oklahoma @ Texas A&M, Nov 13th
Nebraska @ Texas A&m, Nov 2oth
Texas A&M @ Texas, Nov 25th
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