Oklahoma and Texas have long dominated the Big 12 and should again be 1-2 in the conference race. The news of Rhett Bomar being dismissed from OU has dropped the Sooners out of most top 10 preseason polls. Texas is a current top 10 team and should finish in the top five.

Despite the loss of the Sooners' starting quarterback, anyone that dismissing OU's chances of winning the Big 12 is crazy. Nebraska should be a year closer to returning the program to winning fashion and, similarly, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and Iowa State should all have good years. The Red River Shootout should eliminate either OU or Texas from the conference championship game, leaving the usual Big 12 North winner as a big time mismatch in the title duel.

Last year Oklahoma fell off its dominant path with Adrian Peterson's injuries. Texas defeated the Sooners in the Red River Shootout and claimed perfection in the conference standings. Texas Tech had a relatively good year but not much else stood out in this conference. Basically Texas and Oklahoma are the giants year in and year out. Colorado won the North and won the chance to get smoked by Texas in the Big 12 Championship Game. Everyone else fell behind the bar and gets a fresh start in 2006.

CONFERENCE FAVORITE: Texas Longhorns (13-0 overall, 8-0 conference, 1st in South Division)

Returning Starters: 13 (6 offense; 7 defense)

Skinny: Besides the question mark the remains at the quarterback position, every other position is absolutely loaded with talent. Sophomore runner Jamaal Charles is back and should be ready for a big year without Vince Young. Limas Sweed and Billy Pittman are passing targets that should be good for their inexperienced signal caller. Texas usually boasts one of the better offensive lines in the country and again it should stay true this year. The defense is back with seven key playmakers from last year's National Championship team. Again they will be a top ten unit in the country. Bettors cashed in if they rode the 'Horns all the way to the title game, seeing UT go 11-2 ATS.

Best Bet: Oct. 14, vs. Baylor. Baylor has long been a puff game for the Longhorns. Last year they won 65-0. 2006 should produce similar results.

TEAM ON THE RISE: Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-4, 4-4; T-2nd in North Division)

Returning Starters: 16 (98 offense; 7 defense, kicker)

Skinny: Head coach Bill Callahan should finally see some positive results. Either that or he might be gone. Zac Taylor is the team's best offensive weapon and having him under center should provide for better results. Sophomore tailback Marlon Lucky will be the surprise of the conference and bring the running game back to Omaha. The defense should help the offense, as it will be good all the way around. Junior linebacker Bo Ruud is a true leader and will be a fixture in this unit. The Cornhuskers were a bit worse than its overall record ATS, finishing 6-5.

Best Bet: Sept. 30 vs. Kansas. Last year Nebraska struggled at KU but with another year under his coaching belt, Nebraska behind Bill Callahan should reverse its fortunes.

TEAM ON THE DECLINE: Kansas State Wildcats (5-6, 2-6; 6th in North Division)

Returning Starters: 19 (9 offense; 8 defense, punter, kicker)

Skinny: Despite getting all but two starters back, KSU should remain one of the worst teams in the conference. With no true quarterback stepping forward, the Wildcats should be mediocre on offense once again. The defense is just as inconsistent with no big names in this unit. Kansas State should feel lucky if they win three conference games. Not much changes between its record ATS and in real life. Last year they held a 6-5 in the books.

Best Bet: Sept. 9, vs. Florida Atlantic. Last year the Wildcats knocked off fellow Sun Belter FIU. This year KSU should make it two for two against FAU.

TEAM TO WATCH OUT FOR: Oklahoma Sooners (8-4, 6-2; 2nd in South Division)

Returning Starters: 12 (3 offense; 8 defense, kicker)

Skinny: OU suffered an awful setback when Rhett Bomar was kicked off the team, thus resulting in wideout Paul Thompson moving back to his original position of starting quarterback. Thompson started Oklahoma's first game last year against TCU and should be relatively capable of switching back without much of a transition. Adrian Peterson is the best offensive player in the country and if his quarterback does not make too many mistakes, he should carry them through a wonderful season. And besides AD, the defense is as good as Bob Stoops has had during his tenure. One of the best in the country, Rufus Alexander is the certified leader of this group. The Sooners were only 6-6 ATS last year, but with a healthy Peterson in the backfield, it should be much brighter in Norman in '06.

Best Bet: Sept. 2, vs. UAB. Its season opener should provide for a dominant effort against this non-conference opponent. Defense will lead them to an easy win.