NORTH
Colorado (2-1)
Surprise: CU leads the Big 12 in rushing defense (74.3 yards
allowed per game).
Looking ahead: The Buffs appear to be contenders, but their
offense must improve.
Iowa State (3-0)
Surprise: The Cyclones’ running game has been woeful; tailback Stevie Hicks is injured.
Looking ahead: The offense needs to pick up steam for the
Cyclones to contend.
Kansas (3-0)
Surprise: The defense is terrific, led by linebacker Nick Reid.
Looking ahead: The Jayhawks can be a surprise team, but question marks on offense remain.
Kansas State (3-0)
Surprise: Denver’s Allen Webb gets better at quarterback
each game.
Looking ahead: The Wildcats have improved on both sides of the ball, but they still don’t look like true contenders.
Missouri (2-1)
Surprise: The defense is declining, allowing 362.7 total yards per game.
Looking ahead: The Tigers have the talent to contend but remain wildly inconsistent.
Nebraska (3-0)
Surprise: No offense. Quarterback Zac Taylor, a junior college transfer, was supposed to be the savior of coach Bill Callahan’s West Coast offense. Not so far.
Looking ahead: An outstanding defense should keep Cornhuskers in games. Unless the offense improves, however, it could be
another long year.
SOUTH
Baylor (3-0)
Surprise: Baylor is talking bowls.
Looking ahead: There is more bite in these Bears, who have won twice on the road, but a lack of depth remains a problem.
Oklahoma (1-2)
Surprise: No one saw this collapse coming. Shaky play at quarterback and a young offensive line are problems.
Looking ahead: The Sooners are facing the possibility of the worst season in the Bob Stoops era.
Oklahoma State (3-0)
Surprise: Coach Mike Gundy removed the only quarterback with starting
experience,
Donovan Woods, after two games. It’s a move that sets the Cowboys back.
Looking ahead: With a new QB, a new system and young players, this is a get-to-know-you year.
Texas (3-0)
Surprise: Look who’s the unquestioned class of the conference.
Looking ahead: Texas should win the Big 12 and has a good shot at winning the national title.
Texas A&M (2-1)
Surprise: The Aggies’ defense ranks last in the conference, giving up 412.3 yards per game.
Looking ahead: The Aggies have an outstanding offense, but is it enough to give Texas a run for
the South title?
Texas Tech (3-0)
Surprise: The emergence of a solid defense in Lubbock.
Looking ahead: Texas Tech can score with anyone, but will its offense and defense show up once the competition gets tough?
