Free Falling: Colorado
The Buffaloes have experienced about as much distraction as one program could have possibly seen this off-season. Resulting from all the incidents that occurred, the Buffs were without their head coach for spring practice, have had five players (and counting) transfer, and you can bet that recruiting will be hurting for the next few years- at least. We're looking at a divided camp in Boulder, and that's never good. Barnett is likely out after what will be a dismal year, and whatever coach comes in will have a hell of a mess to clean.

Most to Prove: Missouri
Mizzou went 8-5 last season, filling many fans and prognosticators with heavy amounts of optimism. Some are calling this the best Tigers squad in recent memory. Much hype stems from their Heisman QB, Brad Smith, but the strength of the defense also has a hand in it. The schedule plays in their favor, but remember- the North is awfully weak this season. If the Tigers don't win the division (which I don't believe they will), this will be considered a (relatively) disappointing year in Columbia.

Could Sneak Up: Kansas
Most expert picked Kansas to win no more than three games (even ole Chappy pegged them for just four) last season. In spite of the media doubt, the Jayhawks won six (two of their losses came by a touchdown or less) and made it to their first bowl game in eight years. Many times when this happens, a school overachieves with a senior-laden team and experiences a major drop-off the following year. Well don't look now, but KU returns 15 starters (50 lettermen) from a team that finished in the top seven of the Big 12 in both, total offense (29th in all I-A) and total defense (85th). Stealing a couple of wins at home could put the Jayhawks in a position to win the weak north division.

Big XII's Top Units

OFFENSE
Backfield Texas
Starters QB Vince Young, RB Cedric Benson, (FB Will Matthews)
Backups QB Chance Mock, RB Selvin Young, FB Albert Hardy, RB Anthony Johnson, RB Erik Hardeman
Potential Help from Newcomers RB Ramonce Taylor
Next Best Missouri

Receivers Oklahoma
Starters WR Mark Clayton, WR Jejuan Rankins, WR Brandon Jones, TE Bubba Moses
Backups WR Will Peoples, WR Travis Wilson, WR Mark Bradley, TE Willie Roberts, TE Joe Jon Finley
Potential Help from Newcomers WR Quentin Chaney, WR Lendy Holmes, WR Fred Strong
Next Best Kansas

Offensive Line Texas
Starters OT Jonathan Scott, OG Kasey Studdard, C Jason Glynn, OG Will Allen, OT Justin Blalock
Backups OT William Winston, OG Mike Garcia, C Lyle Sendlein, OG Brett Valdez, OT Kyle Thornton
Potential Help from Newcomers OG Cedric Dockery, OG Adam Ulatoski, OT Greg Dolan
Next Best Kansas State

DEFENSE
Defensive Line Oklahoma
Starters DE Jonathan Jackson, DT Lynn McGruder, DT Dusty Dvoracek, DE Dan Cody
Backups DE Larry Birdine, DT Lawrence Dampeer, DT Carl Pendleton, DE Zach Latimer
Potential Help from Newcomers DE Alan Davis, DT Cory Bennett
Next Best Texas

Linebackers Texas
Starters SLB Garnet Smith, MLB Aaron Harris, WLB Derrick Johnson
Backups SLB Stevie Stigall, MLB Scott Derry, WLB Robert Killebrew, SLB Eric Foreman, MLB Aurmon Satchell
Potential Help from Newcomers LB Nic Redwine, LB Jeremy Campbell, LB Rashad Bobino
Next Best (tie) Kansas and Oklahoma

Defensive Backs Oklahoma
Starters CB Chijioke Onyenegecha, CB Antonio Perkins, SS Donte Nicholson, FS Brodney Poole
Backups CB Jowahn Poteat, CB Eric Bassey, CB/SS Brandon Shelby, FS Jason Carter, SS Tony Cade
Potential Help from Newcomers CB Marcus Walker, SAF Brett Bowers
Next Best Kansas

Special Teams Oklahoma
Starters PK/KO Trey DiCarlo, P Blake Ferguson, KR Mark Bradley, PR/KR Antonio Perkins
Backups P Cody Freeby (rsf), KR Jejuan Rankins,
Potential Help from Newcomers None
Next Best Texas

Chappy's Nutshell
Last year, I pegged K-State and Texas to play in Kansas City. I was half-right, but again, UT got waxed in Dallas. So, until they actually beat the Sooners in the "Red River Shootout", I have made a personal vow never to pick the Horns again. The Sooners look like the most talented team in all of college football. Nebraska is going to be better than most (may want to) believe, and will take advantage of a weak North Division. Kansas is the team that scares me the most. I struggled to keep them below seven wins, but their Big 12 schedule is too tough (NC.net's #4 toughest schedule!!). The three South division crossovers are against Texas Tech, Oklahoma, and Texas. They get the two Texas schools at home, though, so watch out!