The Big 12 has gained strength in the past two years giving the nation more than just Oklahoma and Texas. They are the clear choice as the 2^nd toughest conference in the nation behind the SEC. They currently have 5 teams ranked in the top 13 of the USA Today Poll.

Teams such as Nebraska and Colorado, while not ranked, have made some improvements and will make things tougher for the big boys in the conference.

Here are the predictions for the 2008 season.

Missouri (7-1, 12-2): Missouri has one of top offenses in the nation. They have a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback and also one at receiver. They looked good offensively against Illinois in week one and should continue to give Big 12 defenses trouble. Missouri doesn’t have a very tough defense, which could hurt them when they go against Oklahoma and Texas.

Kansas (7-1, 12-1): Kansas shocked the world last year with their amazing season. Things will be a little different this year. They still have a strong team, with a good defense and great leader at quarterback. The problem with this year will be that they have to play Oklahoma and Texas, which they didn’t have to do last year. They will still be a top team in the Big 12 and nationally, but they will not have that same sparkling record.

Nebraska (2-6, 5-7): Nebraska seems to have gotten tired of not being at the top of the college football world. They have taken some big steps toward becoming a part of the national college football scene. They have Bo Pelini as their new head coach, and Tom Osborne is now more involved with the program. With this and some recent good recruiting, Nebraska should improve upon their 2007 season. Pelini should bring back tough defense and an understanding of what it takes to win.

Colorado (4-4, 6-7): Colorado has also made some improvements, especially on defense. Dan Hawkins seems to have turned a corner with some recent good recruiting as well. Colorado will be playing lots of underclassmen, but they have some talent. The only reason I have them behind Nebraska is because Colorado has to play their toughest Big 12 opponents on the road this year, including Nebraska.

Kansas State (3-5, 5-7): Kansas State is a pretty good football team and another Big 12 team that can really score some points. Josh Freeman is an excellent quarterback and already has the NFL scouts drooling. The problem is that they don’t have much of a defense and they play in an incredibly tough conference. They have the ability to jump up and take a bite out of the top teams in the conference on any given day, but their record will probably mirror last season’s record.

Iowa State (2-6, 3-9): Iowa State is not a bad team, but they will finish at the bottom of the Big 12 North. They will get wins over Baylor and Texas A&M, and that will be about it as far as the conference is concerned. The Big 12 is simply too tough for them to rack up wins.

I do like Missouri to win the Big 12 North because they have too much offense and experience. Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin are awesome and that spread offense is tough to handle. Missouri wil be making a legitimate push for a shot at the National Championship game if their defense can hold out.