2001 Story of the Big 12

At first glance, I too would say it looks crazy.  Colorado winning the north!  Why?  What have they done to merit that kind of prediction?  The answer is both nothing and a lot.  On the scoreboard in 2000, the Buffs weren't that impressive.  3-8.  However, if you watched CU last year you realize how much talent they have that was young and endured a incredibly tough schedule.  This year, it gels. 

Let's go to the south for a moment.  There are only two contenders in the south and everyone knows it's Oklahoma and Texas, who to pick?  We go with Oklahoma primarily because of the return of proven talent from a national champion.  Yes, the quarterback situation is a question, but how many first year QB's have arguably the best receiving core in the country, a running back with 17 touchdowns, and an offensive line that obviously has holes, but is coached by the Frank Broyle Award winner for the best assistant coach in the country?

That's just on the offense, defensively the Sooners return the Butkus Award runner-up and best defensive player in America, Rocky Calmus.  He anchors a linebacking core that is unproven, yet highly touted.  On the D-Line Oklahoma has Cory Heinecke, Barry Holleyman, Kory Klein, Dan Cody, and Jimmy Wilkerson returning with two of the highest rated high school DT's in the country over the past two years ready (Jamal Brown and Tommie Harris) and the Sporting News pick for newcomer of the year, JUCO tackle Juan Prishker.  Not to mention the best legs in the league and possibly the country in Tim Duncan and Jeff Ferguson.

Texas is impressive on paper, but the field has been quite another thing.  The highly touted Chris Simms has proved that he is a quality quarterback as much as O.J. proved he is not the real killer.  After a 63-14 defeat last year in the Red River War, how can you prove that Texas has surpassed Oklahoma?  Because Simms played well in the second half against A&M and threw 100 interceptions against Oregon?  Or is it Cedric Benson being the new Ricky Williams and making up for that 49 points?  How about the hole left on the line by Rogers and Hampton?  That's right, they forgot to tackle Quentin Griffin 6 times and that was accounted for in spring practice.  Right, let me know how that works out.

So, back to the north.  Kansas State lost their starting quarterback and #1 wide receiver in Jonathan Beasley and Quincy Morgan.  Aside from Aaron Lockett the next most experienced receiver is Brandon Clark with four catches and a touchdown.  Ell Roberson is the frontrunner for the starting QB role, but Marc Dunn may give him a run, neither have much game experience.  The backfield looks strong with Josh Scobey and Rock Cartwright carrying the load.  The K-State claim to fame has been defense, but only 3 starters return this season, 2 linebackers and a safety.  Long gone are Monty Beisel, Chris Johnson, and Mario Fatafehi leaving a huge void on a defense that may not get much support from a young offense.

K-State gets Colorado at home, but Nebraska must go to Boulder.  Nebraska must go to Boulder with Eric Crouch and three offensive linemen being the lone returning starters.  Yes, the game is late, but it's the only real road game they play all year.  The Huskers return a solid core from a defensive that improved as the year went on, but how much support will the offense give them?  Eric Crouch has no one to throw to on a bum elbow with no proven running back or full back to hand off to. 

The Buffs almost won in Lincoln a year ago and will win in Boulder this year.  If they can escape the Colorado State game with a victory, rivalries are never guaranteed, the only tests remaining will be at home against Texas A&M and Nebraska, with road games at Texas and Kansas State.  K-State gets Colorado a week after a trip to Norman and Nebraska after K-State, nice spots.  The Buffs could go from 3-8 to 10-2.

Also, Texas Tech will build on the Mike Leach system and benefit from Kliff Kingsbury's knowledge of the system.  A&M will struggle and Slocum may be going out the door, Iowa State will have growing pains the year after a huge season, and Missouri will improve to barely miss a bowl.  Oklahoma State will shock somebody and win what they're supposed to on the way to a bowl under the guidance of Aso Pogi and Les Miles entertaining offense.

Did you get all of that?  When you get to the best conferences you typically have more to say.  I even left a few out, Kansas and Baylor still suck.  It will be another step for the Big 12 as Colorado will show its back, Oklahoma will show its here to stay, and Kansas State, Nebraska, and Texas will show they are also among the nation's best.  A&M will fall while Texas Tech and Oklahoma State rise again.  Enjoy, it will be a great ride.