Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
The Midwest is known for having straight-talking, plain-spoken people who like their football. As such, here's a six-pack of quick predictions on the Big 12 North. Please feel free to keep these around for posterity throughout the season, congratulating me on the ones I nailed and conveniently forgetting about the ones I am sure to whiff on.
1. Missouri will be a better team this season than last season. The Tigers have quarterback Chase Daniel and do-everything offensive threat Jeremy Maclin back, too. But the biggest reason I expect to see improvement by the Tigers into a BCS bowl game is because of the development of their defense.
2. Even with players like Daniel, Michael Crabtreee, Graham Harrell and Sam Bradford returning across the Big 12, the most valuable player in the Big 12 will be Nebraska RB Marlon Lucky. The Cornhuskers desperately need him to match or surpass what he's accomplished for them before. A consistent running game will be important as new Nebraska coach Bo Pelini tries to mask the deficiencies of his defense. The best way to do that will be a solid ball-control offense led by Lucky.
3. Kansas' record won't be nearly as good as last year. The Jayhawks benefitted by a taffy pull that masqueraded as a cross-conference schedule in 2007. That changes this year with the arrival of Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech back for the Jayhawks.
4. Colorado's biggest strength coming into the season will be continuity in its coaching staff. For the first time in 20 seasons, Colorado hasn't had to replace any coaches over the off-season. That will be a huge plus in Coach Dan Hawkins' third season directing the program.
5. Iowa State will be hamstrung by Coach Gene Chizik's intention to play both Austin Arnaud and Phillip Bates at quarterback. He needs to pick one player and use him for most of his snaps. The old coaching adage about two starting quarterbacks being one too many should be something Chizik should consider in building his program. Just ask his old boss, Texas coach Mack Brown.
6. The Big 12's warmest hot seat is at Kansas State, where Ron Prince needs to take the Wildcats to a bowl game this season. A boatload of junior college transfers and an easier nonconference schedule should benefit him. But Prince likely needs to win three conference games to go bowling, and that could be asking a lot from his current group.
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
