BIG 12 CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

NORTHCOLORADO
2003: 5-7 overall; 3-5 Big 12 (T-4th, North).
Coach: Gary Barnett: At Colorado: 34-28, 5 years; overall: 77-84-2, 14 years.
Returning starters: 15; 7 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter.
Players to watch: QB Joel Klatt, RB Bobby Purify, TE Joe Klopfenstein, LB Brian Iwuh, DE James Garee, FS J.J. Billingsley.
Primary strengths: This team loves its quarterback. Klatt was a surprise last year, and is more comfortable with the offense while improving at reading defenses. CU is loaded at running back and tight end, with fifth-year seniors at both positions. The offensive line is two deep at each position.
Potential problems: If WR-Olympic skier Jeremy Bloom does not return, there is very little experience at receiver. The linebacker corps is untested and playing in a new 4-3 scheme. Last season's young and often-maligned secondary should improve with more zone coverage, but has much to prove.
Overview: After what this program has been through in the offseason, just playing football should be a pleasure. Colorado will look to re-establish its dominant running game against another difficult schedule, but how well this team responds emotionally will speak volumes about its potential success.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 Colorado St., 8 p.m.
Sep. 11 at Washington St., 3:30 p.m.
Sep. 18 North Texas, TBA
Oct. 2 at Missouri, TBA
Oct. 9 Oklahoma St., TBA
Oct. 16 Iowa St., TBA
Oct. 23 at Texas A & amp;M, TBA
Oct. 30 Texas, TBA
Nov. 6 at Kansas, TBA
Nov. 13 Kansas St., TBA
Nov. 26 at Nebraska, Noon
IOWA STATE
2003: 2-10 overall; 0-8 Big 12 (last, North).
Coach: Dan McCarney: At Iowa State and overall: 38-67, 9 years.
Returning starters: 14; 7 offense, 6 defense, punter/kicker.
Players to watch: DE Jason Berryman, LB Tyson Smith, CB Ellis Hobbs, QB Bret Meyer, RB Stevie Hicks, OT Aaron Brant, WR Todd Blythe.
Primary strengths: For the first time in years, the defensive line is the strongest piece of the defense with rising star Jason Berryman as its anchor. Tailback Stevie Hicks has the makings of an All-Big 12 back with a group of newcomers pushing him to keep his job. The offensive line should be much improved.
Potential problems: Freshman and sophomores litter the depth chart. Several already have experience from last season but will need to grow up quickly, especially at receiver. The secondary must get immediate help from junior college transfers LaMarcus Hicks, Josh Hargis and Jerry Gair or it's in trouble.
Overview: For the second straight year, a redshirt freshman could begin the season as the starting quarterback, maybe a sign the young Cyclones are headed for another hard-luck season. It'll be a fun, young team to watch, though. Don't be surprised to see the Cyclones back in the bowl lineup in a few years. For now, that's too much to ask.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 N. Iowa, 2 p.m.
Sep. 11 at Iowa, Noon
Sep. 18 N. Illinois, TBA
Oct. 2 at Oklahoma St., TBA
Oct. 9 Texas A & amp;M, TBA
Oct. 16 at Colorado, TBA
Oct. 23 at Baylor, TBA
Oct. 30 Kansas, TBA
Nov. 6 Nebraska, TBA
Nov. 20 at Kansas St., TBA
Nov. 27 Missouri, TBA
KANSAS
2003: 6-7 overall; 3-5 Big 12 North (T-4th), lost to N.C. State, 56-26, in Tangerine Bowl.
Coach: Mark Mangino; At Kansas and overall, 8-17, 2 years.
Returning starters: 16; 7 offense, 8 defense, kicker.
Players to watch: QB Adam Barmann, CB-WR Charles Gordon, WR Mark Simmons, C Joe Vaughn, LB Gabe Toomey, LB Nick Reid.
Primary strengths: The passing game again will be the featured element of the KU attack, even with a new QB in sophomore Adam Barmann (964 yards total offense in limited duty last year). Experienced receiving corps will help. The linebackers were solid last year and the three returning starters will provide leadership on defense.
Potential problems: The defensive front must do a better job stopping the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. Yet the Jayhawks remain thin and unproven in that area. Pass coverage has also been a concern. The kicking game has been far too inconsistent and now the Jayhawks have to break in a new punter.
Overview: Though it must replace its leader in departed QB Bill Whittemore, KU could be better than a year ago. Any improvement may not be reflected in the Jayhawks' record. They play eight bowl teams from 2003, including trips to Oklahoma and Nebraska.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 Tulsa, 7 p.m.
Sep. 11 Toledo, 7 p.m.
Sep. 18 at Northwestern, 2 p.m.
Sep. 25 Texas Tech, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Nebraska, TBA
Oct. 9 Kansas St., TBA
Oct. 23 at Oklahoma, TBA
Oct. 30 at Iowa St., TBA
Nov. 6 Colorado, TBA
Nov. 13 Texas, TBA
Nov. 20 at Missouri, TBA
KANSAS STATE
2003: 11-4 overall; 6-2 Big 12 (1st), beat Oklahoma, 35-7, in Big 12 title game, lost to Ohio State, 35-28, in Fiesta Bowl.
Coach: Bill Snyder: At Kansas State and overall: 127-55-1, 15 years.
Returning starters: 11; 6 offense, 4 defense, kicker.
Players to watch: RB Darren Sproles, TE Brian Casey, OT Jeromey Clary, DE Kevin Huntley, LB Ted Sims, CB Cedrick Williams.
Primary strengths: The offensive line is the most experienced position group and should spring Sproles, who is a shifty, complete back with dazzling moves. He doesn't need big openings. Experience along the defensive front is something the Wildcats must count on early.
Potential problems: K-State lost valuable playmakers at quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker and in the secondary. Sophomore Dylan Meier is the only QB returning with any game experience (8 passes thrown last year) and he was recruited as an "athlete." New players often play well in this defensive system, but so many holes likely will cause growing pains.
Overview: This is definitely a rebuilding year, though Snyder has often pulled off surprises with such teams. With a Heisman Trophy candidate (Sproles) determined to carry the team as a senior, expect Kansas State to contend again, and perhaps repeat as champion, in the beleaguered Big 12 North.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 W. Kentucky, 7 p.m.
Sep. 11 Fresno St., 7 p.m.
Sep. 18 Louisiana-Lafayette, 2 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Texas A & amp;M, TBA
Oct. 9 at Kansas, TBA
Oct. 16 Oklahoma, TBA
Oct. 23 Nebraska, TBA
Oct. 30 Texas Tech, TBA
Nov. 6 at Missouri, TBA
Nov. 13 at Colorado, TBA
Nov. 20 Iowa St., TBA
MISSOURI
2003: 8-5 overall; 4-4 Big 12 (3rd, North), lost to Arkansas, 27-14, in Independence Bowl.
Coach: Gary Pinkel: At Missouri: 17-19, 3 years; overall: 90-56-3, 13 years.
Returning starters: 15; 5 offense, 9 defense, punter.
Players to watch: QB Brad Smith, TB Damien Nash, OG Tony Palmer, DT C.J. Mosley, DT Atiyyah Ellison, LB James Kinney, FS Nino Williams.
Primary strengths: The Tigers led the Big 12 in rushing last year and return the nation's best running quarterback in Smith. MU has two explosive tailbacks in Nash and Marcus Woods working behind three experienced linemen. The starting four along the defensive line might be the most complete in the Big 12 North, notably the two defensive tackles. With safeties Jason Simpson, David Overstreet and Williams, the secondary is loaded with experience.
Potential problems: The punting game was abysmal at times last season, but Brock Harvey returns for another crack at the job. Kicker Alex Pettersen is untested. With two first-time starters working on the offensive line, it still might take a while for the unit to jell even with the return of three veterans.
Overview: Missouri returns its most talented and experienced defense since Pinkel arrived, and any offense led by Smith should be productive running the ball. If Missouri can improve a passing game that ranked among the nation's worst last year, the Tigers will push toward a division title. A Nov. 6 home game against defending league champion Kansas State looms large.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 Arkansas St., 7 p.m.
Sep. 9 at Troy St., 7 p.m.
Sep. 18 Ball St., 2 p.m.
Oct. 2 Colorado, TBA
Oct. 9 at Baylor, TBA
Oct. 16 at Texas, TBA
Oct. 23 Oklahoma St., TBA
Oct. 30 at Nebraska, TBA
Nov. 6 Kansas St., TBA
Nov. 20 Kansas, TBA
Nov. 27 at Iowa St., TBA
NEBRASKA
2003: 10-3 overall; 5-3 Big 12 North (2nd), beat Michigan State, 17-3, in the Alamo Bowl.
Coach: Bill Callahan: At Nebraska and overall: 1st year.
Returning starters: 15; 7 offense, 6 defense, kicker.
Players to watch: C Richie Incognito, IB Cory Ross, TE Matt Herian, LB Barrett Ruud, FS Josh Bullocks, WR Ross Pilkington.
Primary strengths: Huskers will have to lean on their defense, led by All-America candidates Bullocks and Ruud as offense transitions to West Coast-passing attack. A new offensive style should accentuate Herian's talents at tight end, and the previously underused receiving corps has talent.
Potential problems: No one is sure how athletes recruited to run the option will adapt to the more wide-open West Coast philosophy. Inexperience at quarterback could add to the learning curve, and offensive line talent is average with the exception of potential all-everything center Incognito. Front line defenders are solid, but depth at some positions is a concern.
Overview: A new coaching staff, a new offense and a schedule loaded with difficult road games should make for an interesting season in Lincoln. Callahan needs time to make it all work, but Huskers fans, spoiled by four decades of unprecedented winning, are not a patient lot ... and patience, at least for one season, is likely to be needed.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 W. Illinois, 7 p.m.
Sep. 11 Southern Miss., Noon
Sep. 18 at Pittsburgh, Noon
Oct. 2 Kansas, TBA
Oct. 9 at Texas Tech, TBA
Oct. 16 Baylor, TBA
Oct. 23 at Kansas St., TBA
Oct. 30 Missouri, TBA
Nov. 6 at Iowa St., TBA
Nov. 13 at Oklahoma, TBA
Nov. 26 Colorado, Noon
SOUTHBAYLOR
2003: 3-9 overall; 1-7 Big 12 (6th, South).
Coach: Guy Morriss: At Baylor: 3-9, 1 year; overall: 12-23, 3 years.
Returning starters: 16; 7 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter.
Players to watch: DB Maurice Lane, DB/PR Willie Andrews, LB Justin Crooks, LT Quintin Outland, P Daniel Sepulveda, WR Marques Roberts.
Primary strengths: In year two, Morriss knows what he has, and can better fit guys into his high-octane offense. There is running back and receiver depth. Andrews is a rising star, and Sepulveda is one of the nation's best punters.
Potential problems: The offensive and defensive lines battled injury and depth problems in the spring. The quarterback situation is unsettled, and the defense, even though it has talent, is breaking in a new coordinator.
Overview: The program appears headed in the right direction under Morriss, but the Bears still don't have the size or depth, especially on both lines, to compete in the brutal Big 12 South. The mean schedule features seven bowl teams from last season, so big improvement in the record will be difficult.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 at UAB, 7 p.m.
Sep. 11 Texas State, 7 p.m.
Sep. 25 North Texas, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Texas, TBA
Oct. 9 Missouri, TBA
Oct. 16 at Nebraska, TBA
Oct. 23 Iowa St., TBA
Oct. 30 Texas A & amp;M, TBA
Nov. 6 at Texas Tech, TBA
Nov. 13 at Oklahoma St., TBA
Nov. 20 Oklahoma, TBA
OKLAHOMA
2003: 12-2 overall; 8-0 Big 12 (1st, South), lost, 35-7, to Kansas State in Big 12 championship game, lost to LSU, 20-13, in Sugar Bowl.
Coach: Bob Stoops: At Oklahoma and overall: 55-11; 5 years.
Returning starters: 18; 9 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter.
Players to watch: QB Jason White, WR Mark Clayton, RT Jammal Brown, DE Dan Cody, DT Dusty Dvoracek, DB/KR Antonio Perkins, LB Lance Mitchell, SS Donte Nicholson, FS Brodney Pool, K Trey DiCarlo.
Primary strengths: The entire offense essentially returns. The receiving corps is particularly strong with six standouts, including All-America candidate Mark Clayton (school records last year with 83 catches, 15 TDs). The defense, as usual, figures to be deep and stingy. Return artist Antonio Perkins (4 TD punt returns) is lethal. The coaching staff remains one of the nation's finest.
Potential problems: The running back position needs to be more of a threat. Gone are a trio of major award winners -- cornerback Derrick Strait, linebacker Teddy Lehman and defensive tackle Tommie Harris. Not easy to replace.
Overview: The disappointing way last season ended showed there was still room for improvement for OU. If Heisman-winner White stays healthy and freshman Adrian Peterson is an upgrade at running back, the Sooners can take the final step this season. "I'm not sitting here tooting our own horn," coach Bob Stoops said, "but we have a chance to be pretty good."
Schedule:
Sep. 4 Bowling Green, Noon
Sep. 11 Houston, 7 p.m.
Sep. 18 Oregon, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 Texas Tech, TBA
Oct. 9 at Texas, Noon
Oct. 16 at Kansas St., TBA
Oct. 23 Kansas, TBA
Oct. 30 at Oklahoma St., TBA
Nov. 6 at Texas A & amp;M, TBA
Nov. 13 Nebraska, TBA
Nov. 20 at Baylor, TBA
OKLAHOMA STATE
2003: 9-4 overall; 5-3 Big 12 (3rd, South), lost to Ole Miss, 31-28, in the Cotton Bowl.
Coach: Les Miles: At Oklahoma State and overall: 21-16, 3 years.
Returning starters: 16; 7 offense, 8 defense, punter.
Players to watch: RB Vernand Morency, OL Sam Mayes, CB Darrent Williams, LB Paul Duren, LB Lawrence Pinson, WR D'Juan Woods.
Primary strengths: A veteran and talented offensive line will shift its focus from pass-protection to run blocking as quarterback left to play pro baseball. OSU's defensive backs and linebackers are among the most athletic in the Big 12.
Potential problems: Three athletic defensive ends graduated, and their replacements are only serviceable. No quarterback in camp has taken a meaningful snap in a college football game. Wide receiver, formerly an indomitable strength thanks to departed star Rashaun Woods, has become a question mark. A replacement for of All-Big 12 kicker Luke Phillips must be found quickly.
Overview: The attention all spring was on Fields' replacement -- true freshman Robbie Reid or redshirt freshman Donovan Woods. Offensive coordinator Mike Gundy says the same packages will be in place no matter that the quarterback is, but without Fields and Woods, OSU's aerial circus has been grounded.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 at UCLA, 3:30 p.m.
Sep. 11 Tulsa, 7 p.m.
Sep. 18 SMU, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Iowa St., TBA
Oct. 9 at Colorado, TBA
Oct. 16 Texas A & amp;M, TBA
Oct. 23 at Missouri, TBA
Oct. 30 Oklahoma, TBA
Nov. 6 at Texas, TBA
Nov. 13 Baylor, TBA
Nov. 27 at Texas Tech, TBA
TEXAS
2003: 10-3 overall; 7-1 Big 12 (2nd, South), lost to Washington State, 28-20, in Holiday Bowl.
Coach: Mack Brown: At Texas: 59-17; 6 years; overall: 145-91-1, 20 years.
Returning starters: 16; 7 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter.
Players to watch: QB Vince Young, RB Cedric Benson, TE David Thomas, OT Jonathan Scott, OT Justin Blalock, DT Rodrique Wright, LB Derrick Johnson, DE Mike Williams, FS Phillip Geiggar.
Primary strengths: Young and Benson provide an excellent rushing combination. Williams and Johnson have playmaking ability, and pass-rushing speed off the edge. Depth in secondary is the best it has been, and safety Michael Griffin has a big upside. Geiggar is a steadying influence at free safety.
Potential problems: Receivers are talented but raw, and intermediate passing game must improve. QB rotation of Young and Chance Mock could be a delicate balance. Defense must not be hesitant in employing a new scheme under first-year coordinator Greg Robinson. And oh, yeah ... Oklahoma is still on the schedule. That's a big problem.
Overview: Texas has a favorable schedule, with a visit to rebuilding Arkansas the only non-league challenge and home games against Missouri, Oklahoma State and Texas A & amp;M. But what the Longhorns do on Oct. 9 in Dallas against Oklahoma, who has trounced them four straight times including last year's 65-13 humiliation, will determine whether they will win their first Big 12 title under Brown or again try to slip into a BCS bowl through the back door.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 North Texas, TBA
Sep. 11 at Arkansas, 8:45 p.m.
Sep. 25 Rice, TBA
Oct. 2 Baylor, TBA
Oct. 9 Oklahoma, Noon
Oct. 16 Missouri, TBA
Oct. 23 at Texas Tech, TBA
Oct. 30 at Colorado, TBA
Nov. 6 Oklahoma St., TBA
Nov. 13 at Kansas, TBA
Nov. 26 Texas A & amp;M, 3:30 p.m.
TEXAS A & amp;M
2003: 4-8 overall; 2-6 Big 12 (5th, South).
Coach: Dennis Franchione: At Texas A & amp;M: 4-8, 1 year; overall: 159-81-2, 21 years.
Returning starters: 15; 6 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter.
Players to watch: RB Courtney Lewis, WR Terrence Murphy, WR Earvin Taylor, FS Jaxson Appel, LB Justin Warren QB Reggie McNeal.
Primary strengths: The receiving corps is exceptionally deep. Terrence Murphy (17.3 yards per catch last year) is an extraordinary playmaker. Courtney Lewis leads a stable of good young running backs. The offensive line should be improved, as well.
Potential problems: With so many new faces in the defensive lineup, A & amp;M fans probably should take a wait-and-see approach to determine if it is also much better. The Aggies may also be relying on a pair of newcomers in a kicking game that has been nothing special.
Overview: With their impressive recruiting hauls in the past two seasons, the Aggies appear to be on the right track. If McNeal has a big year, the Aggies could be back in the bowl hunt, but there are still too many uncertainties on defense for them to contend in the Big 12 South.
Schedule:
Sep. 2 at Utah, 7:30 p.m.
Sep. 11 Wyoming, 3:30 p.m.
Sep. 18 Clemson, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 Kansas St., TBA
Oct. 9 at Iowa St., TBA
Oct. 16 at Oklahoma St., TBA
Oct. 23 Colorado, TBA
Oct. 30 at Baylor, TBA
Nov. 6 Oklahoma, TBA
Nov. 13 Texas Tech, TBA
Nov. 26 at Texas, 3:30 p.m.
TEXAS TECH
2003: 8-5 overall; 4-4 Big 12 (4th, South), beat Navy, 38-14, in Houston Bowl.
Coach: Mike Leach: At Texas Tech and overall: 31-21, 4 years.
Returning starters: 17; 6 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter.
Players to watch: DE Adell Duckett, OL Daniel Loper, RB Taurean Henderson, WR Nehemiah Glover, FS Vincent Meeks, LB Mike Smith, LB Brock Stratton.
Primary strengths: Even with the loss of record-setting quarterback B.J. Symons and a trio of outstanding receivers, the offense is capable of pouring on the points. Playmakers like Henderson and Glover will keep the offensive machine in high gear. The defense also features an emotional leader and big-time playmaker in Duckett.
Potential problems: While Sonny Cumbie and Robert Johnson appear to be promising quarterback prospects, they are still unproven in the rigors of the Big 12. And while the defense should be better, the secondary remains uncertain. The Raiders face the two participants in last year's Big 12 title game -- Oklahoma and Kansas State -- on the road.
Overview: The Raiders should be improved on defense and could be closing the gap on Big 12 South superpowers Oklahoma and Texas. But with a new quarterback, some brutal road trips and a defense that is not yet at championship caliber, Tech will have trouble making headway in the ultra-competitive South.
Schedule:
Sep. 4 at SMU, 8 p.m.
Sep. 11 at New Mexico, 8 p.m.
Sep. 18 TCU, 12:30 p.m.
Sep. 25 at Kansas, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Oklahoma, TBA
Oct. 9 Nebraska, TBA
Oct. 23 Texas, TBA
Oct. 30 at Kansas St., TBA
Nov. 6 Baylor, TBA
Nov. 13 at Texas A & amp;M, TBA
Nov. 27 Oklahoma St., TBA
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