College Football Preview: A Peek Inside. . . The Big 12

Big 12
Top Teams
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas A&M
3. Oklahoma State
4. Texas
5. Missouri
Top Players:
Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas
Blake Gideon, S, Texas
Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Outlook: The Big 12 lost Colorado and Nebraska but is still a power conference thanks to Oklahoma. The passing game is stacked with quarterback Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles. Linebacker Travis Lewis leads the defense. Texas A&M has Ryan Tannehill who isn't your traditional QB but is effective. The loss of Von Miller stings. Thanks to slinging quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide out Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State is ready to break out. The offensive line is strong and defensive back Markelle Martin is dangerous. After a rough season Texas is ready for a comeback in 2011. The quarterback situation will likely be won by Garrett Gilbert but Case McCoy will get starts. The secondary is weaker but the linebacker core is loaded. Without Blaine Gabbert Missouri needs a lot from QB James Franklin and tight end Michael Egnew. Baylor is ready for their strongest season in a while. Robert Griffin is a smart, mobile QB. He moves well out of the pocket. He doesn't have a great arm but has good accuracy. Wide receiver Kendall Wright is a speedy option for Griffin. Texas Tech returns 15 starters especially with back Eric Stephens and a stacked O-Line. The quarterback position needs some work now without Taylor Potts or Steven Sheffield. Seth Doege will likely start but Jacob Karam might get snaps. Kansas State is strong and has a strong defensive back in sophomore Ty Zimmerman. Kansas doesn't have a consistent quarterback and isn't great. Iowa State did alright in 2010 but isn't ready to contend seriously yet.