2010 Big 12 Football Predictions
Below, I have made my projections on how I see each side of the Big 12 conference shaking out this season. You can also check out my 2010 college football predictions article to see who I like to win college football’s other conferences. Want more bang for your buck with your college football betting? Bet your college football picks at Sportsbook.com where our readers can get $100 in free bonus cash!
Big 12 North
1. Nebraska Cornhuskers – Had officials not put one second back on the clock in last year’s Big 12 title game, Nebraska, not Texas, would have won the Big 12. Nebraska is now set to bolt for the Big Ten following this season, but I expect it to go out with style. The Huskers will miss Ndamukong Suh, but a unit that led the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 10.4 points per game, should dominate again in 2010. College football odds makers have listed Nebraska at +1200 to win the BCS title.
2. Missouri Tigers – Mizzou managed to go 8-5 in their first season in a while without Chase Daniel under center. QB Blaine Gabbert was strong in his first season with the reins, throwing for 3,593 yards and 24 touchdowns against only nine interceptions. With Gabbert and running back Derrick Washington back behind an experienced offensive line, the Tigers’ offensive fireworks show should return in 2010. Missouri is listed at +10000 to win the BCS title.
3. Kansas State Wildcats – You have to love what Bill Snyder was able to do in his return to K-State, stunning the doubters by nearly winning a Big 12 North title. Snyder’s teams play hard, and they are fundamentally sound. This disciplined approach will keep the Wildcats in nearly every game again in 2010. Kansas State is listed as part of the field at +10000 to win the BCS title.
4. Iowa State Cyclones – Paul Rhoads helped Iowa State get over its bitter divorce with Gene Chizik in a hurry by leading the Cyclones to an Insight Bowl win over Minnesota. Along the way, the Cyclones earned a big win over the Huskers in Lincoln. The 2009 season appears to be a sign of good things to come for Iowa State. Iowa State is listed as part of the field at +10000 to win the BCS title.
5. Kansas Jayhawks – Kansas loses some key pieces in QB Todd Reesing and wide receiver’s Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe. New head coach Turner Gill and offensive coordinator Chuck Long are very accomplished, but it’s even going to take this duo some time turn around a team that lost its last seven games in 2009. Kansas is listed as part of the field at +10000 to win the BCS title.
6. Colorado Buffaloes – The Buffs are off to the Pac-10 after this season, and it looks like they could enter their new conference with a new coach. Dan Hawkins is just 16-33 in his four seasons in Boulder, and his seat couldn’t be hotter. If he doesn’t find a way to make a bowl game, he is out. Colorado is listed as part of the field at +10000 to win the BCS title.
Big 12 South
1. Oklahoma Sooners – A down season, largely due to the injury of QB Sam Bradford, has the Sooners entering 2010 with a chip of their shoulder. If there was any positive to Bradford’s injury, it was that Landry Jones was able to get some big time experience. The Sooners played great in their final two games of last season, blanking Oklahoma State 27-0 and outlasting Stanford 31-27. With Colt McCoy off to the pros, the Sooners appear poised to leapfrog the Longhorns for the Big 12 South title. Oklahoma is listed at +500 to win the BCS title.
2. Texas Longhorns – The loss of a winner like Colt McCoy means Texas will take a tiny step back in 2010. Coach Mack Brown is expected to implement a power running game to help take the pressure off of new starting QB Garrett Gilbert, but Texas has struggled to get much of anything on the ground in recent years. Last season, the Longhorns averaged just 4.0 yards per carry. There’s still plenty of talent in Austin, but it could take a little time to adjust to a new offensive scheme. Texas is listed at +1200 to win the BCS title.
3. Texas A&M Aggies – If you aren’t familiar with Texas A&M signal caller Jerrod Johnson, you will be this season. With Johnson leading an offense that racked up nearly 470 yards per game in 2009, this could be the year the Aggies get back into Big 12 title discussions. On the defensive side of the football, it’s time to get to know linebacker Von Miller, who posted a ridiculous sack total of 17 last season. Texas A&M is listed at +10000 to win the BCS title.
4. Texas Tech Red Raiders – Coach Mike Leach may not have done things by the book, but any coach who has compiled a 110-60 record at a school will be missed. Tommy Tuberville is a good pickup, though, and he inherits a team with plenty of offensive talent. Both Steven Sheffield and Taylor Potts are capable quarterbacks who can light up a scoreboard. Texas Tech is listed as part of the field at +10000 to win the BCS title.
5. Oklahoma State Cowboys – While the Cowboys finished a strong 9-4 last season, it was considered to be a disappointment considering how high the expectations were. Despite the loss of QB Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State’s offense should remain potent with the installation of Dana Holgorsen’s scheme. It will be the defense that fails the Cowboys in 2010. Oklahoma State is listed at +10000 to win the BCS title.
6. Baylor Bears – The talent level has risen at Baylor, but the wins are yet to start piling up. The Bears caught a terrible break when QB Robert Griffin went down with an ACL injury last season, and it’s hard to think he will be the same player in 2010 after such an injury. In a very tough Big 12 South, it appears will once again be bringing up the rear. Baylor is listed as part of the field at +10000 to win the BCS title.
Big 12 Title Game – Oklahoma over Nebraska
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