Big 12 Notebook - College Football News

Big 12 Notebook
By Calvin Watkins
Posted: 5:30 am PDT 2006-09-04

Big 12 officials said their conference didn't make as much money last season because of one reason: One team in the Bowl Championship Series pool. Oklahoma, a team that goes to the BCS as often as there is heat in Texas, failed to do so last season. But the good news for the conference was Texas won the national title, beating Southern California in the process.

Now, with a new season on the rise, expectations for several teams have perked up. Texas A&M fans are tired of Dennis Franchione's act and want to get back to the Wrecking Crew days. A bowl game or bust in College Station.

Are people starting to like Bill Callahan, who is 13-10 in two seasons at Nebraska? The Cornhuskers expect to win the Big 12 North, but can Missouri and Iowa State be far behind?

And what about Colorado and new coach Dan Hawkins, who left Boise State? The Big 12 sure isn't the WAC.

Here's a look at some key teams heading into Week 1:

Texas Tech: Picked sophomore Graham Harrell as its starter for the opener against Southern Methodist (WagerWeb.com line: Texas Tech -26 1/2). Harrell, who beat out Chris Todd for the starting spot, played in five games last season. He completed 70.6 percent of his passes in 2005 and knows Coach Mike Leach's complex offense.

Oklahoma: Goes with converted quarterback/wide receiver Paul Thompson at QB for its home opener against UAB (WagerWeb.com line: OU -22 1/2). Thompson gets the nod over Rhett Bomar, who was kicked off the team for NCAA rules violations. The key for OU is handling its early nonconference schedule. The Sooners host UAB and Washington. But they must travel to Oregon on Sept. 16, which could prove to be a bigger than expected contest. This is a big year for junior running back Adrian Peterson. He has 3,033 yards in his career, and there's speculation from Norman that Peterson will leave for the NFL Draft after the season. Don't be surprised to see Coach Bob Stoops also think about taking a hike if the Sooners don't improve on an 8-4 mark and they lose to Texas again.

Texas: The defending national champion Longhorns can't replace Vince Young can they? Coach Mack Brown says no, but he'll try with Colt McCoy as the starter. The key is the offensive line and if the 'Horns can run the ball.

Baylor: Coach Guy Morriss was upset the Bears were picked last in the conference. Well, Baylor has a chance to establish itself quickly with a home opener against Texas Christian. This is the first meeting between the schools since 1995. Morriss is changing the offense to the spread, which he expects will lead to more than the 21.5 points per game the Bears averaged last season that placed them 11th in the league and 91st in the nation.

Kansas State: Has a new coach with Ron Prince at the helm. And K-State does well in season openers. The Wildcats have won their last 17.

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