Big 12 football predictions

I don’t really get into preseason predictions much. I’ll glance at where teams are picked to finish, but I never participate in those preseason polls, conference or otherwise.

But after three days of wall-to-wall football talk, I’ll weigh in on the Big 12 outlook. Sometimes, something a coach says can change your mind about a team. So here’s my Big 12 outlook for 2008:

SOUTH

1. Oklahoma: Nothing changes here. The Sooners have the most returning talent and a favorable schedule. Missouri is gone from the schedule, and Kansas plays in Norman. OU has four conference road games. At A&M, at OSU, at K-State, at Baylor. College Station and Stillwater could be dicey.

2. Texas Tech: Red Raiders, too, get Missouri off the schedule but have to go to Norman. If OU went to Lubbock this year, things would get very interesting.

3. Texas: Can the Longhorns thrive in the underdog role? OU has.

4. Oklahoma State: Cowboys’ season comes down to three games. Home against A&M, at Colorado, home against OU. That’s not such a bad spot to be; two of three at home amid the games that will determine the season.

5. Texas A&M: Just not a lot of excitement over the Aggies.

6. Baylor: I like Art Briles, but I liked Guy Morriss, too.

NORTH

1. Missouri: Don’t look now, but Gary Pinkel is becoming a heck of a coach.

2. Nebraska: I’m a big believer in Bo Pelini. He will lose most interviews but win most games.

3. Kansas: The blessing of 2007 (easy schedule) turns around in 2008. KU has a very tough slate. OU, Tech, Texas.