As College Football inches closer it's time to think about taking a look at some of the Conference races that matter both locally and Nationally. Why not start with the newsmakers of the Summer, the Big XII (-II) North:
Division Winner: Nebraska - Before heading out to Big Tenleven(+1) greener pastures the Cornhuskers are hoping to get one last shot at conference glory. Prediction: They get the chance and finish in the Top 10 rankings. (Note: UN doesn't have to play OU this year unless the two meet in the Big XII(-2) championship game. That's a plus for the Huskers.)
Division First Loser: Kansas State - Last year's team finished 4-4 in league play and tied with Mizzou for 2nd place. This year I think they finish 5-3 and become the first losers solo. The wife (born across the street from what is now called Bill Snyder Family Stadium) is picking them to pass Nebraska and finish first. Unfortunately, I don't see it. Nebraska is loaded this year.
Division 3rd place: Iowa State - Here's where I diverge from the common wisdom. I think Mizzou will be a little off this year, and Iowa State is on the come. The Gene Chizik expiriment was a failure, and now 2nd year coach Paul Rhodes is trying to put his brand on the team. Arnaut, the QB is a game changer.
Division 4th place: Missouri - True, they don't have to play the Longhorns this year, but Sr. graduation and the realities of being a middle-of-the-road school in the same conference as Texas and OU requires a school like Mizzou to have rebuilding years. This year will be Mizzou's rebuilding year.
Division 5th place: Kansas - Don't give up on the Jayhawks just yet. New coach Turner Gill is the genuine article and while the cupboard is bare this year, expect them to play hard and pull off an upset or two before the season is over.
Division cellar dweller: Colorado - The most interesting thing about a Buffalo's football game is Ralphie running across the field before kickoff. Colorado is a mess, with a bad coach, a terrible QB (who just happens to be the coaches son) and no money to bring in a new coach they can't get out of the conference fast enough.