Around the Big 12 - Week #1

Other than A&M, it was pretty good start for the conference. Wake Forest was probably not the best way to kick off the Art Briles Era for the Bears.

Big 12 vs BCS: 2-1
Big 12 vs All: 10-2

1-Oklahoma (1-0) #3, s = 86
The Sooners were up 50-0 at half time. The delay at halftime really helped out Chattanooga though as the second half score was 7-2. Cincy comes to Norman next -- 9-4 in 2007.

2-Missouri (1-0) #5, s = 22
There's going to be a lot of whining about the 42 points and 532 yards given up to Illinois; however, that's pretty much how the Tigers operate. They can win a shootout with just about anyone. The Tigers get to relax for a while now -- probably 'til October 18.

3-Kansas (1-0) #11, s = 88
The O-line needs to get better, but otherwise, the team looks to be on schedule. All of the sudden the LA Tech game takes on a whole different look. The Bulldogs knocked off the SEC's Mississippi St 22-14 -- an 8-5 bowl team last year with 15 returning starters.

4-Texas (1-0) #9, s = 11?
The Longhorns took care of business against Florida Atlantic 52-10. Now they prepare for a big long road trip -- all the way to El Paso for a matchup with UTEP (lost at Buffalo 17-42). UT only leaves the state of Texas twice during the regular season -- 10/4 @ CU and 11/15 @ KU.

5-Texas Tech (1-0) #13, s = 114
The Red Raiders hosted Eastern Washington and provided the usual offensive fireworks with a 52-24 win. I'm not sure that giving up 24 points convinces me that the defense is improved. They'll travel to Nevada next (won 49-13 vs Grambling).

6-Oklahoma State (1-0) #35, s = 106
Beating WSU 39-13 at a "neutral" site in Washington probably rates higher than the CU and Mizzou wins -- at least with me. Sure the Cougars were only 5-7 last year, but it's still basically a road win against the PAC-10. They get Houston (55-3 vs Southern) at home next week.

7-Colorado (1-0) #49, s =68
Every win in the non-con is a plus for the Buffs. They get Eastern Washington (see Texas Tech above) in Boulder next week before tackling WVU and FSU in Florida.

8-Nebraska (1-0) #58, s = 43
Okay, okay -- the Corn Meter is starting to rise a little bit. A nice 47-24 win over W. Michigan (5-7 in 2007). Those who would aspire to wear black shirts recorded four sacks and a pair of takeaways.

9-Kansas State (1-0) #64, s = 112
The Cats got all A's from the KC Star for their 45-6 win over North Texas so things are off and rolling in Manhattan. Louisville looked unimpressive yesterday so all of the sudden 4-0 is looking like a real possibility. Montana State comes to town next week.

10-Iowa State (1-0) #96, s = 113
The new uniforms are clearly working. The Clones beat up on South Dakota St. 44-17 last Thursday. Next they'll try to avenge last year's 14-23 loss to Kent St (0-1, 21-0 loss to BC). A nice early season measuring stick game.

11-Baylor (0-1) #89, s = 16
It wouldn't be any fun if it was easy right? The Bears will try to recover from the 41-13 home loss to Wake Forest by taking on FCS Northwestern State (4-7 in 2007).

12-Texas A&M (0-1) #105, s = 89
I don't really feel like A&M is the worst team in the conference, but how can you not put them here after losing 18-14 to Arkansas State (5-7 in '07) in College Station? Seriously, now you're making my Hawks look bad. It's supposed to be tough to win down there. Dropped from 46 to 105 in the Sportsline poll. Going on the road to New Mexico (0-1, 26-3 home loss to TCU).

# = CBS Sportsline Rank
s = CBS Strength of Schedule