Head of the Class – With so much returning talent, Colorado should improve on its .500 conference record last season. They had a couple of close losses go against them, and they have a big upset win against Oklahoma to build on. Look for Cody Hawkins to lead a much more mature offense in 2008.Underachievers – Behind Hawkins in the backfield are likely two freshmen, one a red shirt. Getting the running game moving will be a big part of Colorado’s success, but they should have an easier time than you would expect with very highly rated Darrell Scott the likely starter. Scott’s 4.3 speed should have the Buffs running all over the competition…Academic Suspension – …until you see who that competition is. West Virginia and Florida State are part of the non-conference slate, and Colorado has Kansas, Texas A&M and Missouri on the road. Colorado has upset ability so don’t count out them as my surprise third place team. However, it is going to take some luck like they had last season against Oklahoma.KansasCoach: Mark Mangino
2007: 12-1 overall, 7-1 in Big 12
Head of the Class – Todd Reesing was spectacular in leading Kansas to the Orange Bowl last season. He should continue to be the best part of the Jayhawk team, despite my ranking them fourth this season. He will be challenged with some changes on the offensive line, but if the brilliance of last season is there, you can’t count out Kansas.Underachievers – Someone has to catch the ball from Reesing, and Kansas lost two of its best receivers to the pros. The receiving core will need to mature quickly, especially since Kansas won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year.Academic Suspension – Kansas draws the top three teams from the South division on their schedule, something they missed out on during last season’s run. I didn’t like Kansas last year when they had the easy schedule. I really don’t like it when they have to play all the best from the other side. This is probably underestimating the Jayhawk team, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them fall back to Earth.Kansas StateCoach: Ron Prince
2007: 5-7 overall, 3-5 in Big 12
Head of the Class – Kansas State returns seven starters on offense and adds a number of JUCO transfers, which should offset some of the losses. Look for the more experienced offense to run smoother than last year, and not have the fitful starts and stops. This team had a majorly disappointing season last year, and the offense can only improve its standing with all of the returns.Underachievers – Kansas State was the ultimate underachiever last season, losing to a discombobulated Nebraska team and Iowa State. All that came after a surprising win against Texas. The Wildcats will need to pull one upset to get back to a bowl this year, and not collapse against a team they should beat.Academic Suspension – Kansas State replaces a large part of the defensive line, and given that some of the best offensive lines in the country play in the Big XII, that could mean a long season. Luckily, the Wildcats have an easier run through the non-conference slate before the challenges, so it is possible to get ahead of the pain that is coming.Iowa StateCoach: Gene Chizik
2007: 3-9 overall, 2-6 in Big 12
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