2008 Pre Season Picks for the Big 12

[Smolton]

The Huskers picked fourth in the North? Man, that should motivate us!

NU fourth in North in Lindy's, Athlon
Just picked up three shiny preseason college football magazines.

A quick rundown:

Lindy's predicted order of finish in the Big 12:

North Division: 1. Missouri; 2. Kansas; 3. Colorado; 4. Nebraska; 5. Kansas State; 6. Iowa State.

South Division: 1. Oklahoma; 2. Texas; 3. Texas Tech; 4. Texas A&M; 5. Oklahoma State; 6. Baylor.

Lindy's comments: "Veteran o-line offers QB Joe Ganz and RB Marlon Lucky room to go. Inexperience and outright holes could make defensive improvement slow. Bo Pelini has work cut out for him in head coaching debut.

Athlon's Big 12 predictions:

North: 1. Missouri; 2. Kansas; 3. Colorado; 4. Nebraska; 5. Kansas State; 6. Iowa State.

South: 1. Oklahoma; 2. Texas; 3. Texas Tech; 4. Oklahoma State; 5. Texas A&M; 6. Baylor.

Athlon comments: "Nebraska could be much-improved under Bo Pelini . . . Pelini's biggest task is bringing the swagger back to a defense that was downright embarrassing in 2007. Helping the situation will be the presence of quarterback Joe Ganz, who performed well after taking over for an injured Sam Keller at the end of last season."

Phil Steele Big 12 predictions:

North: 1. Missouri; 2. Nebraska; 3. Kansas; 4. Kansas State; 5. Colorado; 6. Iowa State.

South: 1. Oklahoma; 2. Texas; 3. Texas Tech; 4. Oklahoma State; 5. Texas A&M; 6. Baylor.

Steele comments: "To put Nebraska #2 in the North ahead of Kansas is a little scary. The Huskers were just 2-6 in the Big 12 last year and were outgained by 55.6 yards per game. Their 11 returning starters are tied for second fewest in the Big 12. Those factors should have me considering them at the bottom of the Big 12 but I felt the Huskers underperformed last year . . . The more run-based offense will help the 'D' and I list the Huskers' o-line and d-line each in the top four of the Big 12, which is a good thing to have your strength up front. I know Kansas fans won't appreciate this, as they are a top 10 team and waxed Nebraska 76-39 last year, but I'll call for the Huskers to be one of the surprise teams in the Big 12 this season."

[Husker Fanatic]

Well, honestly, in the media eyes why should the Huskers be near the top of the Big 12 North? Even with the coaching changes, and we all know they were needed, there is still a lot to prove.

But, I also think that the HUSKERS will be a Big 12 North contender this year. Is my opionion bias? You bet it is I think the O will be good, maybe very good. I think the big question will be the D. Look for more on this next month on HuskerFanatic.com

Till then? Hurry up and wait!