Big 12 Preview: Nebraska, Texas Will Play Twice

By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season

Even without Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska's defense will again be outstanding enough to win the Big 12 North in 2010, and the South will again come down to Texas-Oklahoma.

Just in case the Longhorns and Sooners feel like phoning things in, however, Texas A&M will play the role of the third wheel this season and is quite capable of surprising one of those teams.

But that's just it; Oklahoma is pretty darned hungry after last year's injury-plagued 8-5 debacle, so it's hard to see the Sooners take even one play off in 2010.

And while Texas introduces the post-Colt McCoy era, it, too, has a defense that will make the Longhorns a favorite in almost every game they play, including the annual Red River Shootout against Oklahoma.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Complete Preseason Preview

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OU's Landry Jones, having filled in for Heisman Trophy-winner Sam Bradford for most of last season, has the edge in experience over new Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert. Jones also has DeMarco Murray to hand off to, and talented wideout Ryan Broyles to find on the edge.

Though Texas might be slightly less prolific offensively, I think the Longhorns' defense will be up to the challenge, and UT will get that rivalry win on Oct. 2 and navigate its way to another South Division crown.

The Cornhuskers could get a light challenge from Missouri, whose quarterback, Blaine Gabbert, put up great numbers last year after taking over for Chase Daniel. But with the departure of star wideout Danario Alexander (113 catches, 1,781 yards and 14 TDs last year), and the suspension of top back Derrick Washington (909 yards, 10 TDs), Mizzou's offense could struggle with fewer options at Gabbert's disposal.

Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and Colordao shouldn't cause Nebraska too much harm in the North.

But back to Texas A&M, which had one of the nation's most productive offenses last year and should do the same this season.

Record-setting quarterback Jerrod Johnson is back, as is dangerous wideout Jeff Fuller. The Aggies have brought in Air Force defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter to shore up a unit that was absolutely porous in 2009. If A&M can play better defense and stay healthy on offense, then that impossible November (vs. Oklahoma, vs. Nebraska, at Texas) could yield a surprise or two.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech battle it out for fourth place, and if Baylor star quarterback Robert Griffin can get some help around him, his return from a knee injury could be fun to watch.

Predicted Order Of Finish:

North
Nebraska
Missouri
Kansas State
Kansas
Iowa State
Colorado

South
Texas
Oklahoma
Texas A&M
Oklahoma State
Texas Tech
Baylor

Interesting Storylines: Kansas' Kale Pick has the most unfortunate last name for a quarterback, how does Dan Hawkins still have a job and can OU's Murray top 1,500 yards if he stays healthy?

One Game You Can't Miss: Texas at Nebraska, Oct. 16

Conference Championship Game: Nebraska over Texas