The 411 on the Big 12

by Brant Thurmond, staff writer

The 2006 Big 12 football season looks to be another challenging campaign for the conference, with teams such as the defending National Champions Texas Longhorns in the South and the Colorado Buffaloes in the North.

With returning quarterback Bret Meyer, the Iowa State Cyclones look to improve on the roller coaster ride that was taken in the 2005 season. If Meyer, a junior, can find All Big- 12 performer Todd Blythe, the Cyclones can be in the hunt for a Big 12 North championship.

The Kansas State Wildcats look to rebuild and improve in 2006. Wildcats Coach Ron Price returns 17 starters from the 2005 roster. The bad news is that starting tailback Thomas Clayton will miss the first part of the season after a battery conviction. If the Wildcats can stay healthy, they could cause some problems for opposing teams.

After an impressive 7-5 season last year sparked by a great defense, the Kansas Jayhawks look to improve on that this year. The big question is whether or not red-shirt freshman Dylan Meier can lead the Jayhawk offense efficiently in his first year at quarterback. If Meier can carry the load, then Kansas will be a team to watch in the Big 12 North.

The Missouri Tigers are as much as a wildcard team as any in the Big 12.  After the graduation of record-shattering quarterback Brad Smith, sophomore Chase Daniel looks to lead the Tigers to a strong season. If Daniel is as good as expected, then Missouri could be very dangerous.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers, coming off a victory against the Michigan Wolverines in the Alamo Bowl, plan to build on the momentum. The Cornhuskers are the favorites to be in the Big 12 North title game.  If quarterback Zac Taylor can get comfortable with the new Husker offense, Nebraska may be back on the rise again.

The Baylor Bears look to regroup after a 2-6 season in 2005.  The Bears look to move the ball through the air. Senior quarterback Shawn Bell will carry the load by his ability to pass the ball.

Following a disappointing 1-7 season in 2005, the Oklahoma State Cowboys look to rebound in 2006. The Cowboy offense struggled under pressure last season. If quarterback Bobby Reid does not improve his game, then the Cowboys may have another disappointing season.

The Oklahoma Sooners, who struggled to find consistency from anyone other than standout running back Adrian Peterson in 2005, look to ride the Heisman hopeful to the Big 12 championship in 2006. If Peterson can build upon his first two seasons, the Sooners could be celebrating again.

The Texas A&M Aggies, 5-6 a year ago, look to replace one of their bright spots from the 2005 squad in quarterback Reggie McNeal. McNeal led the team in passing yards and was the second-leading rusher. If the Aggies cannot find someone to replace him, it could be another disappointing season.

After an impressive 9-3 season in 2005, the Texas Tech Red Raiders look to build on their explosive offense. The Raiders go into the season as a top 25 team and contender to win the Big 12. If Texas Tech can find a way to slow down opposing teams’ offenses, then Texas Tech could be one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
The Texas Longhorns, coming off a 13-0 season and a national championship, look to reload and find a replacement for 2005 standout Vince Young. Colt McCoy will get the starting spot in 2006.  McCoy, a freshman, will be talking his first -ever college snap this year. Look for running back Jamaal Charles to carry the load on the ground for the Longhorns.

Questions for the upcoming season will be answered. Several Big 12 teams have a chance at being really successful this season and should be in the hunt for the Big 12 title game, as well as a potential national championship. Only time will tell.