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Big 12 South 2010 College Football Previews
Big 12 South 2010 College Football Previews Written by Craig Trapp craig@ctsportspicks.com
Hope everyone is as excited as we are here at Picks and Parlays for the upcoming college football season. Today we are finishing up the 2nd half of the Big 12 Football Previews. The Big 12 South has been the dominant force behind this conference for what seems like forever. This year really only Nebraska looks to even have a chance to win the Big 12 football championship game. The odds say the same as three of the top five odds favorites come from the Big 12 South. Lets try to give you my preview and predictions for each of the Big 12 South.
Texas Longhorns: +200
Many think that with the big names gone on offense that this is the year Texas falls back to the pack. Lets don't forget that Texas just reloads with different names as their recruiting is near the top every year. Last year we saw a surprise glimpse of Gilbert at QB as McCoy was injured in the National Title Game. That confidence should go a long way to helping the Texas offense stay #1 in the Big 12. The bigger question on offense is at the WR spot as Shipley was the key to this offense. Defense is stacked with speed and depth and they will carry this team most of the season. Back to back games against Oklahoma and Nebraska will determine if this Texas team is going to be special.
Oklahoma Sooner: +200
How many years now has Bob Stoops lost his biggest games, too long for Oklahoma backers. Some hidden pressure on Stoops in a crossroads year for this program. Landry Jones with a year under his belt should have a very good year, but the running game will be the question in 2010. Murray at RB will need to live up to his huge potential for this team to win the Big 12. Defensively this unit might be a top 10 unit in the country led by top lineman Beal and LB Lewis. Coaching is an issue think they are just a step behind Texas again this year.
Texas Tech: +1600
New coach but still a wide open offense will be deployed by Coach Tuberville. So lets just give the assumption that the offense will still be able to move the ball but can they improve on defense. The elite talent just does end up on the defensive at Texas Tech. Maybe they can get by against the average Big 12 teams but no way they can beat Texas or Oklahoma. Maybe in a few years Tuberville can recruit and improve the defense but not this year.
Texas A&M: +1600
One of the best offenses in 2009 will be even better in 2010. But that was not the problem in 2009 it was the defense. In fact allowing 33 pts per game last year is maybe even a little deceiving. This defense was getting blown out in several games that teams had the 2nd string in early in many games. To me its too much to improve in one year, this team can't beat top end teams week after week. But for us bettors they will be very good against the line as the offense will cover big lines very easily with this good offense.
Oklahoma State Cowboys: +4000
Losing the best QB to WR combination in OSU history the shoes are big to fill for 2010. Good news on offense Hunter is healthy and should be back to his great form of 2009. Defense is a big question mark as really only causing a ton of turnovers stopped teams in 2009. Can't rely on that in 2010 the defense will be exposed this year as OSU will be lucky to be .500 this year.
Baylor Bears: +6000
Only one conference win in 2009 should mean they surely will have a better 2010. All this seasons hopes are on QB Griffins rebuilt ACL. He alone can save a pitiful offensive with his scrambling skills. The defense is just not very athletic and will allow a ton of points in 2010. Maybe a team to bet against the spread but they will be lucky to get four wins this season.
Not in love with any of the Big 12 South's teams to win the conference championships. Really big issue I have is the price as both Oklahoma and Texas have more questions than does Nebraska in the much weaker side of the conference. Enjoy another season in the Big 12!
