Big 12 Preview

NCAA Preview Continued

Ok, back with more of my NCAA picks for the 2011 College football season. 

Big 12 (www.big12sports.com)

Yes it is still called the Big 12 though there are only 10 teams left after the defection of Colorado and Nebraska. There will be no conference championship game this year so conference games will weigh heavier than in the past.

Oklahoma kicks off the season as nearly everyone’s pick to win the BCS Championship fresh from a 12-2 record last season. The Sooners face a stern challenge early on with a visit to Florida State followed by a home test against Missouri, a team that beat them last season.

Oklahoma State comes in looking for another strong showing after an 11-2 campaign in 2011. The Cowboys will not have to face Nebraska this season and hope to pick up an extra win against last season’s bowl opponent Arizona. The Cowboys are hoping to get to the season finale against Oklahoma with a chance to win the conference title.

Texas A&M will be looking to avoid a disaster stretch like the three losses in the middle of last season. The Aggies will have to be consistent throughout the season to be a factor in the conference. Their schedule is littered with tests from within the conference so there will not be room for meltdowns.

The Baylor Bears who finished last season with four consecutive losses could be the surprise packets of the conference this season. Winning a game in the months of November, December and possibly January will be a must.

Texas needs to bounce back after a sub-par 2010 season. Though not a conference championship contender, this team could be a factor in determining the title. Kansas State and Missouri, while maybe not title contenders, could upset the contenders on any Saturday and possibly be postseason bowl participants.

All in all, look for the winner of the Oklahoma-Texas A&M game to win the conference. For spoilers, look to Oklahoma State and Baylor.