2007: 9-4 overall, 4-4 in the Big 12Head of the Class – Defense and air power are the name of the game in Lubbock. The Red Raiders had one of the best defenses in the league after they dumped their defensive coordinator following the loss to Oklahoma State last year. And no one can underestimate the air attack that Leach puts on the field. Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree are both back to make defensive backs’ heads spin.Underachievers – The running game (yes, they have one) took a step backwards last season, but the Red Raiders actually did better in the win-loss column. With the entire line and running core back, Texas Tech should actually have a more balanced offense this year, giving Harrell a break from running from the defense.Academic Suspension – To move up to 10 wins, the Red Raiders are going to have to find a way to get past both Oklahoma and Texas which will not be an easy task. While this might be their most talented team, they are still a step behind the two goliaths of the division. Plus, Tech has to travel to Oklahoma, where they haven’t won since 1996.Oklahoma StateCoach: Mike Gundy
2007: 7-6 overall, 4-4 in Big 12Head of the Class – Now that all that craziness about Bobby Reid is over with his transfer, the Cowboys can settle on Zac Robinson at quarterback, where he did fairly well in his replacement role last season. Add in one of the most experienced offensive lines in the conference, and the big score attack of Oklahoma State might just show up this season.Underachievers – The defensive backfield finished in the bottom quarter of the league in terms of effectiveness. That leaves a lot of room for improvement. With most of the unit back, they should be improved, a big necessity in the now high flying Big XII. The Cowboys should live and die by the effectiveness of their defense this season, so let’s say their life depends on that improvement.Academic Suspension – While I am tempted to say Mike Gundy should get the nod here, I am going to go with the not so friendly schedule and division that Oklahoma State has to tackle. They have the unfriendly chore of playing Missouri, Texas and Texas Tech on the road, plus they have a super-weak non-conference slate. All that and having to play in the South Division will do them no favors. They are fourth by default.Texas A&MCoach: Mike Sherman
2007: 7-6 overall, 4-4 in Big 12Head of the Class - The best news for A&M might have been the departure of Dennis Franchione, who not only had his newsletter scandal, but a knack for losing. Enter Mike Sherman, who had some success at the pro level and will be looking to have that translate into something in College Station. Keeping his nose clean might be the best move in a first season which looks to be a little rocky. Underachievers – The entire starting backfield returns, which should be good news, but they were quite spotty in games last season. Stephen McGee should step it up in his senior season, and if Jorvorskie Lane can return to his 2006 form, maybe there is some hope for the offense.Academic Suspension – The offensive line is a huge issue going into the season. With only one full-time starter returning, the early part of the season will be spent not only learning a new system, but learning to play together. McGee is going to need a lot of ice bags to recover from all the pounding he will take. The second big issue will be whether the team keeps it together. It was obvious they quit on Franchione last year. Now with a new system, will the team lose confidence quickly if the wins don’t happen?BaylorCoach: Art Briles
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