My thoughts on the Big 11( oops, I mean Big 12). A fan's, handicapper's,(and gambler's) musings on college football( and other stuff).

What the heck is Nebraska doing leaving the Big 12? I guess history doesn't mean crap anymore. Here's the problem for the rest of the Big 12: the Huskers can win the Big 12 this year, and, gulp, the National Championship. Their offense will be spectacular this year, and, even with the loss of Reggie White-like Ndamukong Suh(my favorite player last year), their defense will be very tough once again( strong CBs, and a leader on defense in DL Jared Crick). Will the Big 12 teams on their schedule allow them to leave the league unscathed???The dysfunctional pair of Kansas and Texas Tech have new coaches this year. I believe Mangino and Leach should be credited with turning two moribund programs into consistent winners. Kansas will be in trouble this year under new coach Turner Gill, and Texas Tech may survive the loss of "the genius" Leach, because tested new head coach Tommy Tuberville has a lot starters back on offense, and will attempt to continue the spread offense Leach perfected. Can he???Missou my be the surprise of the Big 12. Good coach, 8 starters back on offense, 7 starters back on defense, including 2 HM Big 12 CBs...Oklahoma over-rated? I think so. QB Jones needs to impress more, their RBs have been below norm for an Okla. program, and they lose 4 key all-league performers at #1DC DE, Lb, and both CBs( have you picked up yet how important I believe the Cornerback positions are)...Jump against Ok.St. early before the linemakers adjust. The Cowboys will be bad this year... Hope Baylor QB Griffin stays healthy this year. He controls the ball so well( he is a double threat) he not only makes his offense better, but his defense plays better as well...Texas loses Colt McCoy, but, they plug in the #2 rated QB from his graduating high school year, Garrett Gilbert. They also return 2 all-league cornerbacks. And, remember, the Longhorns continue to get the best athletes EVERY year... Look out for Texas A&M this year. They may have the best QB in the league in Jerrod Johnson , and fantastic talent at both RB and receivers. Despite the return of LB Von Miller, who had an incredible 17 sacks last year, it's the questionable defense which will need to respond if the Aggies are to make a national statement. Look for A&M in over-the-total spots...How the teams respond to Nebraska leaving, and how Kansas and T.T. respond to the losses of what I believe were two fantastic coaches, makes the Big 12 an interesting follow this year.