Click here for yesterday’s Handicapping the Big 12 South.

Big 12 North - as always, in predicted order to finish.

1. Nebraska

Optimist says: 8-2 against the rest of the division the last two seasons, 5-0 last season (and only one of those was really close, an overtime win against Kansas).  The offense seems to now have the big play talent they have sorely lacked since the arrival of Bill Callahan.  Arizona State transfer QB Sam Keller appears to be the real deal.  Defense continues to progress.

Pessimist says: Only 11 returning starters.  Division title will most likely be determined on the road versus Missouri on October 6th.

Overview: Not everybody thinks so, but the Cornhuskers strike me as the dead obvious favorite in this division again.  They’re still the most talented team in the division and really should have no problem taking care of business.  I think Keller could end up being really good and potentially make them a national player.  Unfortunately, they face Texas and USC and it’s difficult to fathom them pulling out a win in one of these games, much less both of them.

Degenerate Ramblings:  I expect them to outperform expectations at the beginning of the season. Nebraska could be a strong wagering option early on.

2. Missouri

Optimist says: Offense should be very productive. QB Chase Daniel is up for another solid season.  Fourteen returning starters and they get their all-important matchup versus Nebraska at home.

Pessimist says: Defense was consistently mediocre-to-atrocious. Had a lot of trouble stopping the run.  This year’s version is even younger, so it’s hard to expect much consistency.  Missouri hasn’t won a conference title in 35 years and they draw Oklahoma and Texas A&M out of the Big 12 South.

Overview: There seems to be a good bit of preseason hype surrounding this team, but I’m not sold. Missouri could potentially be a a potential double digit winner, but I think they’re more likely standing still in the eight win range.

Degenerate Ramblings: While the offense should hold up their end of the bargain, defensive concerns leave me quite leery.  I don’t expect Missouri to have much line value at the beginning of the season.

3. Colorado

Optimist says: Fifteen returning starters, tied for most in the league.  Defense improved significantly and should continue to do so.  Running game somehow flourished even with absolutely no passing threat to loosen defenses.  The rest of this division sucks ass.

Pessimist says: Quarterback play last season was–to put it mildly–fucking hopeless.  Not much depth on either the offensive or defensive lines.  Dan Hawkins is a fucking lunatic.

Overview: Even with their obvious struggles under first-year coach Hawkins, this team still managed to spank Texas Tech (30-6) and push Georgia to the brink (14-13 in Athens, a game Colorado should have won).  Players have had an extra year to adjust to Hawkins, and if quarterback play can be upgraded to below-average, a winning season is likely.

Degenerate Ramblings: I expect this team to be successful against the teams listed below, but spotty quarterback play should keep them from hanging with superior competition.

4. Kansas State

Optimist says: Fifteen returning starters, avoids Oklahoma.  Uber-talented QB Josh Freeman should improve by leaps and bounds.

Pessimist says:  I have no fucking clue how this team made a bowl.  Each of their losses were legitimate blowouts, including an inexcusable fourteen point loss to Baylor.  Baylor!  The victory over Texas ranks as one of the biggest flukes of the decade.  Defense allowed nearly five yards per carry last season.  Manhattan, Kansas might be the least likely tourist destination in the free world.

Overview: They suck. But the two teams below will probably suck more.  Seriously, when the bottom four of this division play each other it should be vastly similar to the Special Olympics, only less entertaining.

Degenerate Ramblings: If this team gets any amount of respect from Vegas, I’ll be looking to fade them.

5. Kansas

Optimist says:  Mangino is a capable coach. Team avoids Oklahoma and Texas.  11-2 at home the past two seasons and two straight years of above .500 play overall.

Pessimist says: Secondary was awful last season (they allowed over 300 yards receiving and 4 TD’s to one player, Oklahoma State’s Bowman).  No experience at running back, and frankly, not a lot of talent to choose from.

Overview: Mangino has gotten an admirable effort from this team, but talent is still lacking.  6-6 seems to be the best-case scenario.

Degenerate Ramblings: Not a bad option at home against inferior competition, but I wouldn’t touch Kansas on the road.

6. Iowa State

Optimist says: New head coach Gene Chizik should inject some instant enthusiasm into these stiffs.  Fourth-year starting QB Bret Meyer is capable.

Pessimist says: They lose half of their starters and almost half of their letterman.  Actually, looking at last year’s results, this might qualify as good news.  They host Colorado and Kansas State, which could keep them out of the cellar.

Overview:  This team had high expectations going into last season and fell flat on their face.  The entire offensive system is being revamped. Clearly a rebuilding year.

Degenerate Ramblings: If the offense begins to find any kind of groove, they could be a decent option later in the season.

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