1. Texas
Longhorns do it the old-fashioned way, with defense and a strong running game.
2. West Virginia
Newcomers have more firepower than any team in the league. They’ll need it to overcome suspect defense and stronger competition.
3. Oklahoma
Still formidable, but Sooners have more questions than usual in the trenches and at receiver.
4. Kansas State
Can Wildcats win close games the way they did last year? We wouldn’t put it past them with so many key pieces coming back.
5. Oklahoma State
A top-notch running back and playmakers on defense should keep Cowboys from falling too far.
6. Texas Tech
Red Raiders might surprise ... if they finally click at defensive coordinator ... if their team surgeons batted 1.000 ... if their young talent pans out. ... That’s a lot of ifs.
7. TCU
Horned Frogs living the good life: A quality quarterback, a megabucks stadium makeover and — most important — a spot in a better conference. Now they just have to win games.
8. Baylor
Strange how Baylor, of all programs, might have lost more talent than anyone. Stranger still, there’s enough left to give Bears shot at another winning season.
9. Iowa State
Don’t be deceived by the next-to-last position. The Cyclones will be competitive because their most important figure returns: Paul Rhoads.
10. Kansas
Why did Charlie Weis want this job? He says if the programs nearest his are winning — that’s Kansas State and Missouri — he figures he can, too. We’re not holding our breath on that.
Compiled by Don Williams
Comments (1)
Add commentBefore the "negative boys" start posting
First of all I predict Tech will most likely go 8-5, but I could easily see them going 9-4. I think they will surprise some of those in the sports media who have overlooked them as a potential dark horse. That being said......Washington State 6, BYU 30. Wow! I feel bad for all the Leachers. Not the start that they all wanted to brag about today. I can only imagine the posts if WSU would have won. But since they lost and lost convincingly I wonder what they will say....."Well, he just got there, he needs time to develop and implement his system"...."He doesn't have his guys in there"....."He took over a worse team"....etc. No excuses right, because those who support Coach Tuberville, or Tech Football can't give reasons, or excuses according to them. Well, I was actually pulling for them, I like Coach Leach I just don't like all those who speak on his behalf that post on this webpage. The fact is that it does take time to implement your system and your brand of football and the WSU loss is proof. I hope he turns it around and WSU goes to a bowl.....who knows Tech might be playing them, that would be highly entertaining. Good luck Coach Leach, but GO TECH!!!