Big 12 preview

Fall camp has started and that means opening kickoff is just around the corner. I've got my picks ready, and will leave some others in the comments. I'm working on a little prize pack for the person who comes closest to getting the ENTIRE order right. Leave your picks below!

South:
Oklahoma: Bob Stoops has assembled quite the explosive offense in Norman. QB Sam Bradford lead the country in passing efficiency in 2007, and that was as a redshirt freshman. Demarco Murray is as exciting as they come, and a MASSIVE line should be able to control the clock. Which bears the question: Why did the Sooners install the hurry up offense this spring?

Texas: 3, 7, 8, 25. Those are the preseason rankings of OU, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. KU is on the road, but it's a stacked conference slate for the Longhorns. QB Colt McCoy will have to rebound from a down year. Positive for 2009, Will Muschamp will resurrect the fight in the Longhorns defense, and when he does, the OU game will get even better.

Texas Tech: The media's favorite pirate (HC Mike Leach) leads a veteran Red Raider squad. QB Graham Harrell lead the nation in passing last year, and record setting WR Mike Crabtree will pick up some sick numbers once again. The big question for Tech is always about the defense, which by most accounts could be decent. Or just enough to get them to 3rd in the south.

Oklahoma State: Mike Gundy's offense is one of the most balanced in the country, and QB Zac Robinson has got his teammates rallied around them. The defense can fly around and make some plays, which is good when so many teams in the Big 12 use some form of the spread offense. Don't be shocked at all if the game at MIZZOU turns into a shootout.

Texas A&M: The Aggies have a new head man in Mike Sherman. The Aggies have a 2 year starter at QB in Stephen McGee, but Sherman has openly said the job is up for grabs. That can't sit well with an experienced offense. (Side note: I have a bad feeling A&M may be heading down a very similar path to what Nebraska just went through with Bill Callahan. Stay tuned)

Baylor: Art Briles takes over at a BCS school just 5 years removed from coaching in the HS ranks in Texas. There are a number of good athletes on the roster, it's a matter of getting them to play football, something Briles can do. The 08 schedule is set, but look for the next few years to feature a few more "soft" teams for the Bears to gain some confidence.