2008 Big 12 Prediction Preview of North Division

The Big Twelve North is out to prove they can play with the conference rivals from the south. Which once was a conference dominated by the southern teams things have begun to change. Kansas and Missouri lead a talented North that is making other people take notice outside the Big Twelve.

Kansas Jayhawks: The surprise of the Big 12 is back again and ready to keep the momentum going off a great season. When you look at the Kansas defensive numbers they were staggering and they return a good chunk of starters that will make them the elite of the North. Todd Reesing returns as the gunslinger that put up career numbers and that will keep this team well balanced and ready to go to the post-season! Projected Finish: First in the North; 11-1

Missouri Tigers: Blaine Gabbert is a name that will be known all over the country and was one of the best recruits at the position and Missouri gobbled him up. Right now this team belongs to Chase Daniels and he will be back to lead a club that was one game away from the BCS championship game. The defense is there and they make another run. Projected Finish: Second in the North; 10-2

Nebraska Cornhuskers: After Kansas and Missouri this entire conference takes a nose dive. Nebraska is starting to get back to its roots and win ball games but with a small returning class they will go through some growing pains. Tom Osborne is back as AD but it will take some time for a defense that gave up over 400 points in the last ten games. Projected Finish: Third in the North; 6-6

Kansas St. Wildcats: The theme continues for the rest of the Big Twelve north; rebuilding. Kansas St. fell down and the wheels came off down the stretch last year losing five of the last six. With a decent amount of returning players the Wildcats may be able to succeed if they get a contribution from the long list of JUCO transfers. If anything returning QB Josh Freemen should make them fun to watch. Projected Finish: Fourth in the North; 5-7

Colorado Buffaloes: Colorado like the rest of this half of the north will be looking to do some big things this year but with little talent. Darrell Scott is a superstar recruit that will do some damage on offense but they just don’t have the firepower yet to keep up with two many teams in conference. They should garnish an upset or two but overall they are looking at a long season. Projected Finish: Fifth in the North; 4-8

Iowa St. Cyclones: Circle your calendars for October 11th for the cyclones. That’s the day they take on the Baylor bears and that could be the game that decides the worse team in the Big Twelve. Since I think Baylor has a shot at a semi-decent year it should be Iowa St. An easy opening schedule will make the defense look better than it is. Projected Finish: Last in the North; 3-9