Big 12 Homeroom, Dec. 2

1. Texas (12-0, 8-0)

BOWL PREDICTION: National Championship Game vs. Florida

Colt McCoy’s Heisman stock went up thanks to a great performance against archrival Texas A&M. The question is whether he will be able to duplicate that performance against a Nebraska defense that ranks third in scoring defense and 11th in total defense. As long as he and receiver Jordan Shipley can keep in synch, they should be able to cruise through the Huskers on their way to the BCS National Championship Game. But stranger things have happened in college football than a Longhorn loss in this situation.

2. Nebraska (9-3, 6-2)

BOWL PREDICTION: Holiday Bowl vs. USC

Nebraska seems to have found an offensive identity now-a-days: relying on defensive and special teams touchdowns. With Rex Burkhead running alongside Roy Helu Jr., the Huskers have a prayer at a one-dimensional offense. The key to earning their first Big 12 Championship since 1999 will be to cover Texas’ talented receivers, get pressure on Colt McCoy and score three nonoffensive touchdowns.

3. Oklahoma State (9-3, 6-2)

BOWL PREDICTION: Cotton Bowl vs. Ole Miss

After an ugly loss to Oklahoma last weekend, the Cowboys now have no chance at a BCS at-large berth. One has to wonder, though, how this season would have played out with Dez Bryant in the lineup and a healthy Kendall Hunter. OSU would be within its rights to sue Deion Sanders for a BCS payout.

4. Texas Tech (8-4, 5-3)

BOWL PREDICTION: Sun Bowl vs. California

Mike Leach proved once again that losing quarterbacks is no big deal as the Red Raiders had two throw for 1,000 yards this season. His possible duel with Jeff Tedford of California would be a showdown between the two most under-appreciated coaches in America.

5. Oklahoma (7-5, 5-3)

BOWL PREDICTION: Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern

It has been a disappointing season down in Norman, but injuries have plagued the Sooners. Still, the valuable experience that Landry Jones has accumulated bodes well for the future of this program. Rumors of OU coach Bob Stoops transferring to Notre Dame, however, don’t.

6. Missouri (8-4, 4-4)

BOWL PREDICTION: Insight Bowl vs. Michigan State

A comeback victory over Kansas ended the regular season on a high note for the Tigers, who have a shot at a nine-win season after what was predicted by many to be a “rebuilding” year. Not to point fingers.

7. Texas A&M (6-6, 3-5)

BOWL PREDICTION: Independence Bowl vs. Auburn

Jerrod Johnson looks like an early Heisman candidate for next year. The question is whether his team will be able to help out his performance with a decent record. With Mike Sherman as their coach, it doesn’t seem likely.

8. Kansas State (6-6, 4-4)

A six-win season and a win away from a bowl trip isn’t too bad a coaching job for a reanimated corpse. This offseason, Bill Snyder will try to do what he does best – sign the best JUCOs he can find.

9. Iowa State (6-6, 3-5)

BOWL PREDICTION: Texas Bowl vs. Navy

A six-win season and a bowl trip in coach Paul Rhodes’ first season have him in discussion for Big 12 Coach of the Year honors. And, even stranger, discussion in general.

10. Colorado (3-9, 2-6)

It must have been an interesting end-of-the-season meeting between athletic director Mike Bohn and coach Dan Hawkins. “Dan, I’d fire you if I wasn’t broke,” Bohn would say. “Wish you would, I’ve got some more work to do in the WAC,” Hawkins would fire back. But, hey, they’ve won 10 games this year.

11. Baylor (4-8, 1-7)

What started off as a promising season ended in turmoil after Robert Griffin went downhill with an injury in the third game. But the future looks bright as he will be returning next season. Of course, so will those uniforms that say “Baylor” on them.

12. Kansas (5-7, 1-7)

Mark Mangino’s play-calling at the end of last week’s Missouri game made him seem worried he might have to keep his job if they won. Perfect candidate for next Jayhawk coach: Buffalo coach Turner Gill. Gill has great name recognition in Big 12 country, knows how to recruit Texas, has experience running a football program in a terrible situation and would add some much needed character to the program.