Big XII South:
Oklahoma (11-1, 8-0) – The Sooners struggled with bad calls and off the field problems in 2006 and should be beyond that this year. Despite the loss of Adrian Peterson and Paul Thompson, the Sooners are more than equipped to repeat as league champions. They have two of the most punishing lines in the nation, and their running backs proved they are more than up to the challenge when Peterson was out last season. They do replace their QB, but at least this year’s starter, Sam Bradford, has been taking snaps for the last year and not playing wide receiver. Look for the Sooners to challenge for the national crown but a projected early loss to Miami may keep them from the title game.
Texas A&M (10-2, 6-2) – The Aggies are poised to strike this season. They return nine offensive starters from last year including their very dangerous quarterback Stephen McGee. I have the Aggies only losing to Nebraska and Oklahoma, the two teams I project to be in the Big XII championship again this season. Look for them to pull a huge win in Miami on a Thursday night late in September which should vault them up the national rankings and for them to seal a January Bowl with a late win against Texas in College Station.
Texas (10-2, 6-2) – The Longhorns have struggled with off the field problems before the start of the season and that may have more impact than anything on the field. Quarterback Colt McCoy is looking to build on his record setting rookie season, but will have to overcome a defense which had losses both on the field and in the coaching box. I see the Longhorns struggling this season. I have two projected losses to Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout and to A&M for the second straight year to close the season. Along the way, there are three games where Texas could be tested and they could easily go 7-5. The good news is that this year looks to be only a blip on the trend of good seasons that have graced Austin lately.
Texas Tech (7-5, 3-5) – And then there were these teams… The Red Raiders still have their potent passing offense, and for the first time in a number of years, the same quarterback will be at the helm. Graham Harrell will look to help Texas Tech break into the upper tier in the Big XII. That will be a tough challenge given the talent in the South Division.
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