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Big 12

Aug 28, 2008 | 12:00 AM

THE FAVORITE



Oklahoma has won more games than any other team this decade but has lost four consecutive BCS bowls. That should motivate a team as talented as any Bob Stoops has fielded. They have speed galore at the skill positions and have the schedule to reach to their fourth national-title game since 2000.

THE HOPEFULS

Missouri is poised for its best two-year stretch ever after winning a school-record 12 games last year. This also could be Texas Tech's best team under Mike Leach. Kansas won't sneak up on anyone this time but should earn another bowl trip. Nebraska and Texas A&M have new coaches.

GAMES TO WATCH

• Missouri at Nebraska, Oct. 4

• Oklahoma vs. Texas in Dallas, Oct. 11

• Kansas at Oklahoma, Oct. 18

• Nebraska at Oklahoma, Nov. 1

• Kansas vs. Missouri in K.C., Nov. 29

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Offense | Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri

Defense | William Moore, S, Missouri

PREDICTIONS

NorthSouth
1. Missouri1. Oklahoma
2. Nebraska2. Texas
3. Kansas3. Texas Tech
4. Colorado4. Texas A&M
5. Kansas St.5. Oklahoma St.
6. Iowa State6. Baylor

RUNNING BACK

Ricky Williams broke Tony Dorsett's 22-year-old career rushing record with 6,279 yards in 1998. He also won the Heisman. But the best back honor goes to Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders. In 1998, he had perhaps the greatest season in college history, rushing for 2,628 yards and winning the Heisman.

RUNNING FORWARD

Long gone are the days of Nebraska and Oklahoma dominating this conference with the running game. The Big 12 is all about the quarterback and the spread offense. Nebraska's Marlon Lucky is probably the best of a weak crop of running backs.

Big 12

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