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Oklahoma State (aka the Big 12 champs) opens up spring practice later today. Here's a look at what to expect.

Schedule: Oklahoma State kicks off the first of its NCAA-allowed 15 practices Monday, leading up to the spring game on April 21. Practices are closed to fans and media.

What's new: The major characters in the story of the Cowboys' 2011 Big 12 title run (and subsequent Fiesta Bowl win) are gone. Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon hooked up for 232 completions and 38 touchdowns the past two seasons, carrying Oklahoma State to 23 wins in consecutive years that were each the best in school history. Replacing both is the primary issue in the spring.

New faces: Special teams coordinator Joe DeForest left after 12 years in Stillwater and leaves a big void of his own. New assistant Van Malone will coach OSU's safeties, but coach Mike Gundy won't decide who fills the special teams role until after the spring. Malone comes to OSU via Tulsa. Oklahoma State also welcomes four early enrollees: QB Wes Lunt, TE Blake Jackson, DT Calvin Barnett and LB Jeremiah Tshimanga.

Big shoes to fill: OSU's receiving corps. Blackmon is gone, but the search goes a lot deeper than just for OSU's No. 1. No. 2 receiver Josh Cooper graduated, as did No. 4 receiver Hubert Anyiam. The team's receiver with perhaps the most potential, Michael Harrison, also left the team after being suspended by the NCAA for the 2012 season. Last year, nine OSU players caught at least 19 passes for 200 yards. There's a lot of receptions to go around. Receivers have to step up this spring. Tracy Moore, Josh Stewart and Isaiah Anderson are the most likely candidates to grab 80-100 balls next year.

All eyes on: The quarterback battle, obviously. Gundy says junior Clint Chelf hasn't done enough to make the job his to lose. Freshman J.W. Walsh has a full year in the system under his belt, but can the dual-threat prove his mettle as a passer? Lunt enters this spring with what's likely the biggest arm of the three, but can he pick the system up fast enough to earn the job? Gundy says he wants to know his starter at the end of the spring, but all three will receive equal reps to begin practice today.

Breaking out: Jackson. We mentioned him earlier, and the early-enrolling tight end is already making a splash. He opens the spring at the top of OSU's depth chart at inside receiver. You don't see that every day. The 6-foot-3 juco transfer was an All-American last year and is already up to 238 pounds from 220 earlier this year. Don't be surprised if he makes major waves in the coming weeks.

Question mark: Markelle Martin wasn't the fastest safety in the league, but he provided valuable leadership, had tons of experience and was arguably the Big 12's biggest hitter. Lavocheya Cooper gets the first crack at replacing him, but will he be good enough? In the pass-happy Big 12, there's no overstating the importance of safeties that get in receivers' heads and prevent the big play.

Spring football is already under way at Texas Tech, but in the coming weeks, the Big 12's other nine programs will join the Red Raiders in taking the field as a team for the first time since January, December or November for some.

Here's a preview of what to expect:

BAYLOR BEARS

Spring practice start date: March 19
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• Nick Florence: It's not official, but the Baylor quarterback job is Florence's to lose. That means he inherits the unenviable task of replacing the school's first Heisman winner. He replaced RG3 in 2009 with mixed results, but showed some major potential in a win over Texas Tech when RG3 took a shot to the head and sat out the second half. Can he keep the bowl streak alive at Baylor? We'll get an idea this spring.
• The defense's progression: You didn't need to see much more than the 67-56 Alamo Bowl win over Washington to know the Bears needed some work on defense. In the month of November, Baylor became the first team in FBS history to win four consecutive games in a single season while also giving up at least 30 points in each of those games. The defense can't make Florence pick up the slack to that level. Year 2 under Phil Bennett must be better. Baylor has no excuses. The Bears have the athletes on campus necessary to be at least a decent defense.
• The team's attitude/motivation: Baylor played with a lot of purpose the past two seasons, and made history in both, cracking a 16-year bowl drought and winning 10 games this year. Is that fire still there? Baylor has to prove it is without RG3 (and Kendall Wright) carrying the team on the field, emotionally and mentally.

IOWA STATE CYCLONES

Spring practice start date: March 20
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• The quarterback battle: Or is it? Jared Barnett looked like the man of the future in Ames late in the season, leading the Cyclones to an historic upset of No. 2 Oklahoma State. But in the ugly Pinstripe Bowl loss to a mediocre Rutgers team, Barnett's inaccuracy posed big questions. He was benched and Steele Jantz stepped in, though he didn't play much better than Barnett. Turnovers were an issue for Jantz early on, but Barnett has to bounce back in the spring to make sure the job doesn't come open.
• The receivers: Darius Reynolds was the big-play man for the Cyclones, but he's gone. It's going to be tough to replace him. Slot receivers Aaron Horne and Josh Lenz were productive, but did little to stretch defenses like Reynolds did. Can ISU find someone to fill the void?
• The new man at left tackle: Iowa State had the luxury of having a future pro, Kelechi Osemele, at left tackle for the past three seasons. He earned All-Big 12 nods in each of those seasons, but he's gone now. Junior Carter Bykowski was behind Osemele on the depth chart, but will the converted tight end be the new man at tackle for the Cyclones?

KANSAS JAYHAWKS

Spring practice start date: March 27
Spring game: April 28

What to watch:

• Uh, everything?: I mean, what's not to watch at KU? Charlie Weis steps in for the fired Turner Gill and tries to build KU up from nothing. The Jayhawks were one of the worst teams in Big 12 history last season, losing six games by at least 30 points. Weis will speak his mind and watching him rebuilding the Jayhawks is going to be fun. It all starts next month -- on the field, at least.
• KU's new pass-catch combo: Dayne Crist is on campus, and so is Oklahoma transfer Justin McCay, a former blue-chip recruit who didn't quite catch on in Norman. Quarterback and receiver were arguably the two biggest positions of need for KU last year, and we'll get a preview of what could be a productive combo next season. McCay isn't officially eligible for the 2012 season yet -- he needs the NCAA to waive its mandated redshirt year after a transfer -- but the coaching staff is confident he'll have it granted.
• The uncertainty on the depth chart: When a new staff comes in, you never know what to expect. Kansas' leading rusher in its final season under Mark Mangino, Toben Opurum, is now one of its best defensive linemen. Look for Weis to shake things up, too. Where? Who knows?

KANSAS STATE WILDCATS

Spring practice start date: April 4
Spring game: April 28

What to watch:

• Collin Klein's maturation: Kansas State's quarterback could be fun to watch this spring and next fall. His throwing motion isn't pretty, but his accuracy improved in a big way throughout the season. If that continues at a pace anything close to what we saw last year, K-State's going to be a load for everyone. Look out.
• Developing depth at running back: John Hubert is back, and so is seldom-used Angelo Pease. Bryce Brown is gone, though. Klein handles a lot of the heavy lifting in the running game, but it'd be some nice insurance if K-State could establish some more depth in the backfield. Making Klein carry the ball 300 times again is tempting fate.
• Stars becoming superstars: Kansas State brings back more starters than all but seven teams in college football, so this team is going to look remarkably similar in 2012 to the way it did last year. However, it should get better. And its two transfers could look dominant this spring. Cornerback Nigel Malone and linebacker Arthur Brown emerged as stars last year, but we could see the duo emerge as true game-changers this spring. Look out, Big 12 offenses.

OKLAHOMA SOONERS

Spring practice start date: March 8
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

• New faces on, off the field: Mike Stoops' arrival as the defensive coordinator was the biggest news this offseason in the Big 12, and Brent Venables, who had been at OU for all of Bob Stoops' tenure, left for Clemson rather than become co-defensive coordinator. Hopes are high that Stoops can revitalize Oklahoma's defense. He was in charge when the Sooners rode a dominant D to the 2000 national title, and the Sooners have the talent to win it all in 2012. Receiver Trey Metoyer joins the team this spring, and could be a major contributor immediately. Two of the team's four new tight ends are also enrolled early.
• QB Blake Bell's role: The Belldozer is back … but so is full-time quarterback Landry Jones. How will the balance between the duo look this spring? And what new wrinkles will we see in Oklahoma's simple, yet near-unstoppable short-yardage formation that scored 13 touchdowns in the second half of 2011?
• The battle at defensive end: Oklahoma must fill two huge holes at defensive end. Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Frank Alexander is gone, as is possible first-round pick Ronnell Lewis. R.J. Washington contributed late and has potential, but David King filled in for Lewis in the final three games of the season. The duo could be great, but it could also be pretty pedestrian. We'll get an idea this spring, but Lewis and Alexander set a high, high bar.

OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

Spring practice start date: March 12
Spring game: April 21

What to watch:

• The quarterback battle: This will easily be the highest-profile, highest-quality quarterback battle in the Big 12. It won't be at the level of Texas Tech in 2010, but it won't be too far off. Clint Chelf, J.W. Walsh and Wes Lunt will go head to head. All have plenty of potential, though Lunt may have the most. The big-armed true freshman also has the least experience. Anything could happen here.
• Which receivers rise: Justin Blackmon and Josh Cooper leave huge holes behind. It's not every day a two-time Biletnikoff Award winner walks on campus. Hubert Anyiam is gone, too. Michael Harrison is unlikely to play for the 2012 season, but the school has offered no confirmation on his status. He had the most potential, but OSU is deep at the position. Who emerges as the top target? Isaiah Anderson? Tracy Moore? Josh Stewart? Anything could happen there, too.
• Defense needs a leader: Safety Markelle Martin has been the heart of the defense the past two seasons, but his big-hitting days are over. Who becomes the new voice of the defense? It needs to find leadership this spring heading into summer voluntary workouts.

TEXAS LONGHORNS

Spring practice start date: Feb. 23
Spring game: April 1

What to watch:

• The quarterback competition: I still think having a competition at the spot, which Texas says it will, isn't the best option, but David Ash and Case McCoy will go at it alongside early-enrolling freshman Connor Brewer. If Ash secures the job, expect an announcement heading into summer officially anointing the sophomore.
• More sophistication on both sides of the ball: The progression is natural and likely. Offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz had good first years in Austin, but this is Year 2. The spring won't be devoted to learning the playbook. It's time to master it. Both units could look markedly different, and much more refined next fall. Deny it all you like: Texas is back on its way to the top after a rough two years.
• Maturing offensive weapons: Last season, the Longhorns relied on two true freshman running backs (Malcolm Brown/Joe Bergeron), a freshman/sophomore rotation at quarterback and its top receiver (Jaxon Shipley) was a true freshman. No. 2 (Mike Davis) was a sophomore. I hope I don't have to tell you what freshmen and sophomores do in college football. Look. Out.

TCU HORNED FROGS

Spring practice start date: Feb. 25
Spring end date: April 5

What to watch:

• Can TCU shut out the scandal? Four team members were arrested in a recent drug sting and kicked off the team. How much of a distraction will that be for a program undergoing the most monumental change in its history? Quantifying the effects of the scandal will be pretty impossible, and we've got no idea how they'll handle the change, but will it be on players' minds?
• The offense tightens up: The Horned Frogs' offense is absolutely loaded and ready to go for 2012. Quarterback Casey Pachall returns and brings his top three weapons (Josh Boyce, Skye Dawson and Brandon Carter) with him. Running backs Waymon James, Ed Wesley and Matthew Tucker each topped 700 yards rushing in 2011 and all return. The spring will be all about fine-tuning an already stellar offense, and it'll be fun to watch.
• Replacing departed starters: All-America linebacker Tanner Brock was among the four football players arrested and booted from the team, as was all-conference defensive tackle D.J. Yendrey and likely starting safety Devin Johnson. Those were unforeseen losses, but TCU can't feel sorry for itself. Gary Patterson has no choice but to find new faces to fill those holes.

TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

Spring practice start date: Feb. 17
Spring game: March 24

What to watch:

• Once again, a new defense: Texas Tech sounds like a broken record these days when it comes to defensive coordinators. This time, Art Kaufman will be stepping to the microphone as the fourth defensive coordinator in Lubbock in four years. He's bringing a 4-3, a shift back to what Ruffin McNeil ran in 2009. Chad Glasgow's 4-2-5 and James Willis' 3-4 failed miserably in 2011 and 2010, respectively, the first two years under Tommy Tuberville.
• The battle at running back: No one knows yet if Eric Stephens will be back next season. There's still a long way to go in his rehab from a dislocated knee he suffered last season in a loss to Texas A&M. DeAndre Washington is also out this spring after tearing his ACL against Missouri. Harrison Jeffers hung up his cleats. Who will prove to be reliable this spring? Look for the Red Raiders to try to use sophomore Bradley Marquez, freshman Javares McRoy and junior SaDale Foster in a manner similar to the way Oregon uses scatback De'Anthony Thomas, with lots of short passes and bubble screens to get them the ball in space, where they can use their speed and shiftiness to make plays.
• Team health: Tuberville said earlier this month that the team is missing 15 players this spring. It can't afford any more injuries. It's already going to be tough to get enough done this spring, but Tech can't start getting banged up.

WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS

Spring practice start date: March 11
Spring game: April 21

What to watch:

• Dana Holgorsen's offense in Year 2: Holgorsen didn't get a chance to coach his talented offense at Oklahoma State in its second year. The results could have been crazy. They might be at West Virginia in 2012, and the beginning steps will be taken this spring as Geno Smith & Co. get more and more comfortable with the system and Holgorsen adds more wrinkles.
• The battle at running back: Sophomore Dustin Garrison hurt his knee in practices leading up to the Mountaineers' 70-33 Orange Bowl win over Clemson, and won't be there for the spring. What does senior Shawne Alston have in store for the spring? Garrison was the featured back last season, but a big spring could help Alston earn a few carries next year.
• Defense needs help: Najee Goode leaves a big hole at linebacker, and defensive back Eain Smith's exit means the Mountaineers enter the season without two of their top three tacklers from a year ago. Bruce Irvin and Julian Miller's talents on the defensive line will be tough to replace, and in a league that requires a great pass rush, Irvin, Goode and Miller's 19 combined sacks must be replaced somehow.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- It's a gorgeous homecoming Saturday in Stillwater that's perfect for football.

A little morning chill turned into a nice afternoon, which features a strong forecast for cloud-free sunshine and Justin Blackmon.

The Oklahoma State receiver got "dinged" in the head and sat out the majority of last week's win over Missouri, but the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner will be back on the field for the Cowboys.

It's Homecoming weekend here in Stillwater, and the house decorations were pretty high quality from what I saw on the drive into Boone Pickens Stadium in town. More than 50,000 people braved the chill last night to celebrate the occasion.

But back to football.

The Cowboys will need Blackmon today against a high-powered Baylor offense. Both of these teams can do just about anything on offense, which should make this one a fun game to watch.

Baylor's offense will be at full strength, but Oklahoma State is dealing with the loss of receiver Hubert Anyiam, who's likely to miss the rest of the season with a broken bone in his foot.

That will make life a little tougher on quarterback Brandon Weeden, but even though Anyiam will be replaced by suitable receivers Michael Harrison and Isaiah Anderson, look for slot receiver Josh Cooper to get the ball thrown his way a little more.

We'll have plenty of coverage right here throughout the day.

Cliches don't mean much until they become personal.

"One guy goes down, you have to replace him," said Oklahoma State receiver Josh Cooper this week.

For Oklahoma State, the cliche is all too real this week after being forced to watch senior receiver Hubert Anyiam roam the sidelines in a protective boot after breaking a bone in his foot during Saturday's win over Missouri.

"If he’s down in the dumps, he’s not showing it," Cooper said.

Anyiam led the team in receiving in 2009 before suffering through an ankle injury for the majority of 2010. This year, Anyiam was healthy and productive, racking up 370 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Now, his career is likely over.

"It really, really tore me up when we lost Hubert. He’s done such a great job for us, been such a great kid," coach Mike Gundy said. "I told him I hated it for him and that he’s still a big part of our team, and that he needs to stay focused, he needs to make sure he’s going to class and doing all the other things. He’s had a great career here. It’s unfortunate that things like this happen, but I believe everything happens for a reason, and up until he couldn’t play anymore, he gave us great effort and did everything he could to be a factor on our team. I was very proud of him."

Now, the Big 12's top offense is without one of its top weapons. And with no other choice, has to move on to the five games standing between it and the national title game.

"The other players, Josh and the other wide receivers, will have to make some more plays now," Gundy said.

Cooper has been the team's clear No. 2 receiver behind Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon.

"Running short routes, getting inside ... Making plays on third downs, and once Black gets coverage over the top, I try to come down in the middle or something and make plays. He draws those defenders off for me," Cooper said. "That’s just kind of what I do in this offense."

He'll be doing the same thing, but look for the ball to come his way a lot more without Anyiam. Isaiah Anderson and Michael Harrison will slide in to try and fill Anyiam's void.

"[Anyiam] is a great blocker and he’s made a lot of plays for us, but those guys can also make plays. Mike’s been making plays all year long, and I’m sure he can keep doing it for us," Cooper said.

Here's what I'm watching for in the Big 12 this weekend.

1. Kansas State Snydering so hard on Oklahoma. No risky plays for big losses. No head-scratching turnovers (seven in 2011, the fewest in the Big 12). No penalties (only OU has fewer than K-State's 41) and opportunistic special teams and defense. Oklahoma's more talented, but K-State has put itself in position to win games this year ... and then won them. I'd be surprised if K-State wasn't in position to win another game via Snyderball.

2. Bounce back for the Sooners' stars. Landry Jones' accuracy was off last week against Texas Tech. Ryan Broyles had a dropped pass and an inexplicable fumble that we haven't seen from him often, if ever. Kansas State's defense will be better than Tech, but will the Sooners' offense rebound? Those two will need to make it happen.

3. RG3 on the loose. Oklahoma State fans love noting that the most-often statuesque Brandon Weeden (19 yards) outrushed the track star Robert Griffin III (15) in last year's win over Baylor. Will that be the case again? Or will RG3 go back to having success as a true dual threat?

4. Brandon Weeden's complementary threats. The Cowboys think Justin Blackmon is going to play after getting "dinged" in the head last week and undergoing concussion tests this week. If he does, he won't have Hubert Anyiam with him. Isaiah Anderson slides into his role, but does Weeden look Josh Cooper's way more without his fellow No. 2 target?

5. Which Kansas shows up? Texas is a winnable game for KU, but the Jayhawks went from showing some fight for a game and a half against OU and Kansas State to getting trounced in the second half. A win on Saturday would be the biggest for Turner Gill at Kansas, and would go a long way toward inspiring some confidence in the future. The Jayhawks are just 1-18 in their past 19 Big 12 games, dating back to the final seven games of 2009, before Gill arrived.

6. The Texas quarterback shuffle. Case McCoy and David Ash have split reps in practice this week, despite Ash playing the entirety of a loss to Oklahoma State two weeks ago. Does anyone make a case for himself as the full-time starter this week against Kansas? Or does this dance continue? My bet is the latter.

7. Texas Tech's receivers. Darrin Moore was on the field, but clearly not healthy against Oklahoma last week. Alex Torres and Eric Ward picked up the slack very nicely. Does the offense get another boost as Moore returns to being the big-play weapon he was in the first couple of games this season?

8. Jared Barnett. Iowa State's freshman quarterback is making his first start, after filling in with lots of good moments and a few bad ones against Texas A&M last week. Can Darius Reynolds help out after struggling last week, and can Josh Lenz keep making plays to help the Cyclones pull the upset?

9. Big plays, but for whom? Texas A&M might have the most fascinating defense in the country this year -- leading the nation in sacks, but giving up more passing yards than anyone. Which does Missouri quarterback James Franklin see more of on Saturday? It'll be a tough atmosphere, but these are two of the best rushing teams in the league.

10. S-E ... see? I mean, this just has to be awkward. Do Texas A&M fans and Missouri fans engage in a flirtatious S-E-C chant? Does either team begin a misguided taunt before realizing the other is coming with them? Hopefully there's some pregame conversations to discuss chanting logistics.

Oklahoma State receiver Hubert Anyiam will miss the rest of the season after he broke his foot in Saturday's 45-24 win over Missouri.

Anyiam caught one pass for 31 yards, but spent the second half on the sidelines in a boot after the injury.

You hate to see that for Anyiam, who played through a painful ankle injury for much of 2010. This, after leading the team in receiving in 2009 when Dez Bryant missed the season's final 10 games with an NCAA suspension.

This season, he had finally gotten going again, catching 10 passes in a game against Texas A&M and grabbing two touchdown passes against Kansas. He was third on the team with 27 catches for 370 yards and three touchdowns.

Now, the senior's career at Oklahoma is presumably over.

Oklahoma State's receiving corps is deep. Talents like Tracy Moore, Michael Harrison and Josh Stewart will have to be relied on as the next option behind Justin Blackmon and Josh Cooper. They can handle it.

Still, this is a hit for the Cowboys' offense and a tough break for Anyiam.

Oklahoma State's offense is rolling, and the only issue early was an interception on a tipped ball.

The Cowboys lead 21-3 early in the second quarter after a second touchdown in as many possession. Tulsa star quarterback G.J. Kinne sounds like he's done for the night with a knee injury on a late hit out of bounds by Daytawion Lowe.

Joseph Randle finished a 10-play, 43-yard drive with a 1-yard score, his fifth of the year.

OSU got a 96-yard return from Justin Gilbert -- the third of the sophomore's career -- for its first points and Hubert Anyiam scored from 36 yards out on a flea flicker.

The late kickoff hasn't caused OSU's offense to look much different than it has in two games this year, and with Kinne sidelined, the chances of a Tulsa comeback already look slim.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- There was no bigger question surrounding Oklahoma State's program. Yeah, last season was fun, but did your offense pack up and move to Morgantown?

Former offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen revived an offense that a year ago looked like it was tentatively piecing together building blocks for a marginal run in years to come. But by season's end, the Cowboys were near the top of the college football world offensively -- looking up at only Oregon and Boise State. But as quickly as he came, he left for West Virginia, where he's now the head coach.

Back in what is, at least for now, Big 12 country? So far so good. Oklahoma State beat Arizona 37-14 just months after doing the same in the Alamo Bowl in Holgorsen's last hurrah while wearing orange.

"It's still the same guys blocking, catching, throwing, running," quarterback Brandon Weeden said. "I think [Dana] is one of the best playcallers in college football, but you've still got to execute. ... The transition's been really smooth."

Everyone knew that Oklahoma State returned much of last season's team, which won a school-record 11 games. But who deserved the credit for the rise with so little experience and even lower expectations?

Holgorsen's offense hung 34 points on Marshall in its Morgantown opener, but it's pretty clear by now that he didn't string together a record-setting offense in Stillwater with a bunch of scrubs.

For now, 2011 looks very much like a carbon copy of 2010.

Score 60 points in the season opener? Check.

Justin Blackmon racking up 100 yards receiving? Check.

Keep Weeden above 300 yards passing in both? Check, and he didn't even do that in 2010.

Beat Arizona by four touchdowns? Check, give or take a few points.

New coordinator Todd Monken's biggest tests are on the way, but the warmups? He's aced them all.

"Todd's doing fine," said coach Mike Gundy.

Out-of-character penalties stalled a few drives that could have put even more points on the board, but Oklahoma State has shown signs that it might be even better in 2011 armed with the experience from last year's overachieving season.

Weeden broke his own school record for completions on Thursday night with his 35th, and that was before the fourth quarter even began. He finished 42-of-53 for 397 yards and two touchdowns, both on goal-line fade routes to Blackmon.

Oklahoma State's top two backs, Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith, combined for 186 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries.

Volume and balance, two very good words coaches like Monken want associated with their offenses.

"I was just focused from the minute I ran out of the tunnel," Weeden said. "The confidence when you get a couple short ones and you hit a long one and then a couple more short ones, you just get that confidence. You get in the flow of the game and that's kind of how it went."

Expectations were high. For now, Monken's taken a more experienced offense higher.

"I want to be somewhere where the expectations are high and there's good players. So, if you're afraid of that, you'll never go any place where they've got good players and you're afraid of following in someone's footsteps," Monken said. "I'm not really worried about that. I came here because I knew the place was different when I was here before and has got good football players that give us a chance to win every week."

Oklahoma State might do exactly that this season. Early on, at least, it looked capable. And for as much well-deserved attention as Weeden and Blackmon draw, they're far from alone.

"Last year, it was kind of like Kendall [Hunter], Blackmon and Brandon," Blackmon said. "Now, you've got Joseph and Jeremy back in the backfield. You got receivers Hubert [Anyiam] and Josh [Cooper] on one side with Tracy [Moore] on the other. And you've also got Mike Harrison out there making plays. Overall, you've just got more people out there making plays."

Weeden completed a pass to 11 receivers on Thursday. Even the punter, Quinn Sharp, had more rushing yards than any single Arizona running back. His 23-yard scamper on a third-quarter fake was more than the 22 and 19 yards Arizona's top backs finished with.

Penalties plagued Oklahoma State, in part because of confusion surrounding what a new rule stipulates receivers can and can't do on cut blocks. But Gundy's well aware of what he has.

"One concern I have with this team, is they're so experienced on offense, and they're so confident in themselves, that I don't want them to think they can just go out there and it's going to happen," Gundy said.

That didn't happen Thursday night, despite a mid-game lull with a comfortable 21-7 lead.

But as the season progresses, Weeden, Blackmon & Co. will go out there. And it probably will happen.

But trust that both will do what's necessary to make it happen. Regardless of who's up in the booth.

The Pac-12's quarterbacks are the class of the nation.

In the SEC, 2011 looks like it will be all about the running back.

The Big 12? There's no question what the best position is. Linebacker might have made a reasonable case a few months ago, but the best and deepest position in the Big 12 is wide receiver.

No league can duplicate its talent at the top.

Justin Blackmon at Oklahoma State returns after winning the Biletnikoff Award a season ago as college football's best receiver.

He'll be one of the favorites for the award, and with his quarterback, Brandon Weeden, back on campus too, there's no reason to believe Blackmon can't win it again.

The league's second-best receiver? He's also arguably the nation's second-best receiver. Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award and holds nearly every record in Oklahoma's school record book.

The two receivers were Nos. 1 and 3 nationally in receptions, combining to haul in a staggering 242 passes in a combined 26 starts last season.

Beyond the duo in the state of Oklahoma is physical, 6-foot-4, 215-pound Jeff Fuller at Texas A&M, who became the first Texas A&M receiver to ever record a 1,000-yard season.

Like Blackmon and Broyles, he turned down NFL money for another year in the college game and, you guessed it, he returns his quarterback, too.

Ryan Tannehill is back for the Aggies, who begin the season in the top 10, the program's highest ranking since 1999. Fuller is a huge reason why.

But past the talent at the top is a stable of fantastic receivers that could be set for even bigger seasons.

Missouri's T.J. Moe was the fourth receiver in the Big 12 to record a 1,000-yard season in 2010, and his teammate Michael Egnew (more a receiver than a tight end, anyway) could get close in 2011 after catching 90 passes for 762 yards alongside him.

Ryan Swope works the slot while Fuller dominates outside at Texas A&M, and Swope caught a handful of huge touchdowns, including a fourth-quarter, game-tying TD against Oklahoma State and a game-clinching score against Oklahoma. He finished with 72 catches for 825 yards and four touchdowns.

Baylor's Robert Griffin has a solid set of receivers to find, headlined by Kendall Wright, a speedy sub-6-footer who caught 78 passes for 952 yards and seven touchdowns, his third consecutive season leading the team in receiving.

Oklahoma State's Blackmon isn't alone. Josh Cooper worked the slot for the Cowboys last year and Hubert Anyiam could be in for a big year after battling through injuries in 2010, a year after leading the team in receiving in 2009.

Broyles is great at Oklahoma, but sophomore Kenny Stills broke both of Broyles' freshman records in 2010 with 61 catches for 786 yards. Could he be after more later in the season?

It should be a good year in the Big 12 with plenty of talent. But it's deepest at receiver.

Thanks for all the questions from today's chat. Here's the full transcript.

Miss the chat or didn't get your question answered? Here's the link to my mailbag, and your questions might show up on the blog tomorrow.

Now, a few highlights:

Jeremy in Tulsa, Okla. asked: As an OSU fan, I'm tired of hearing everyone else say the only receiver we have is Blackmon. Cooper is an excellent slot receiver, Randle is a passing threat from the backfield, and if Anyiam returns to pre-injury form, look out! I was just wondering what you've heard on Anyiam or if you've seen him practice yet?

DU: Who is saying that? You're listening to the wrong folks. I ranked OSU's receivers No. 2 in the conference, but they're probably top 5-10 in the country, if not higher. Everything I've heard about Anyiam during the fall has been positive. He should be fun to watch.

Andy in Springfield, Va. asked: Last year Missouri had a running back by committee approach to their rushing offense. Coach Pinkel has hinted that this year he would like to have someone step up and be the main ball carrier. Do you think this is the approach Pinkel will ultimately take or will he stick with last year's RBBC? How does Frankilin's lack of experience at QB play into this decision?

DU: I was surprised he said that. I thought he'd be pretty content to ride the hot hand, especially since those guys are all kind of a different runner. I still see those guys splitting carries, though. I'd be surprised if any of them got more than 160 carries this year. The Marcus Murphy loss isn't a big one, but look for De'Vion Moore to get the bulk of the touches in the red zone, with Kendial Lawrence and Henry Josey getting in on the action elsewhere.

Cameron in Manhattan, Kan. asked: Why no love for Arthur Brown in the best 10 LB's in the Big 12?

DU: Because he hasn't played like...at all. Who would he go on that list ahead of? Good luck campaigning for that. I think he'll be there at year's end, but putting him there now is unfair to guys who have contributed for at least a season in this league already.

Damian in Utah asked: There are a lot of reports that are saying A&M is giving their notice to leave Big XII for the SEC by the end of the month. Can you confirm?

DU: No, I can't. There's plenty of smoke, but that was the case for most of last summer. When/If things actually start happening, people will know.

Typical Aggie fan in College Station asked: I hate you dubs. I love you dubs. A&M to SEC!!!! Woop!!!

DU: Haha. Sounds about right. I do think it's funny when I get e-mails from A&M fans who say I talk to much about the SEC thing, considering it's ALL they want to talk about and all they e-mail me about.

Well, that and Johnny Manziel.

JG in Houston asked: In an attempt to find the positive, does Travis Lewis' injury give the team some hardcore focus? No matter what they say, I find it hard to believe that young kids aren't distracted by national hype, ESPN crew at their practices, etc. With this injury, a sense of vulnerability comes in. Do they get a resurgence of hunger and focus?

DU: Interesting thought here. Haven't heard this sentiment before now. I could see that being the case, but this maybe could serve as a wake-up call very early in fall camp that this team isn't invincible, no matter how much guys like me tell them they are. Will have to ask some OU guys about that in the future.

John in Central Texas asked: Calling any upsets for the early non-conference games?

DU: Not calling any just yet, but my Week 1 location has officially been decided. I'm excited for it. Won't be revealing it until game week, but the opening weekend is going to be a fun one.

Blake in Abilene, Texas asked: If you get a 100 dollars for every time your asked about the Aggies moving to the SEC today. Would you be able to retire?

DU: Yes. And before the end of this chat.

There's only so many times you can answer the same question. "OMG WHAT'S THE LATEST YOU'VE HEARD!?!?!"

Cadillac in Dallas asked: What is the most over rated conference in the country?

DU: Pac-12. By far.

David in NY wrote: Pac-12 most overrated? More overrated than the Big 12? Nope.

DU: Five teams in the top 25 vs. two teams in the top 25.

David in NY wrote: Wow. Preseason rankings. Congrats.

DU: Feel free to check the postseason rankings from 2010 as well.

Ben in D.C. asked: Any idea on how to fix the economy?

DU: I thought everything was perfect with the SEC?

I'm here all week, folks.

Watch the Throne? Gross, guys.

• Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman says despite offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin's desire not to, Texas should play two quarterbacks for September and not a day longer.
• Here's your first in depth look at the new jerseys for Texas Tech. What do you think?
• Is Texas A&M's defense an elite unit? They think so, writes Jimmy Burch of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
• Mike Baldwin of The Oklahoman looks at Lane Johnson's unbelievable transition from QB to offensive tackle.
• Colleague Jeff Dooley takes a look at the possible landmines for top 25 teams Missouri and Texas.
• Texas senior safety Christian Scott has been suspended after an arrest on assault charges.
• Kansas running back Darrian Miller is looking pretty fantastic during fall camp for the Jayhawks. I'm excited to see this guy on the field.
• Texas A&M launched a new website. It looks pretty slick. I bet the SEC hooked them up with it. The Aggies' first practice of fall camp is tonight, and it's open to fans as usual under Mike Sherman.
• Former Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert is missing out on the customary rookie hazing in Jacksonville.
• Bob Stoops offered some insight about little-known names fans should watch out for in 2011.
• Missouri's offensive line is making sure to have some fun during a scorching fall camp, writes Harry Plumer of the Columbia Missourian.
• Texas has a former transfer back on the roster, linebacker Tariq Allen.
• A familiar name has shown up on the roster at Oklahoma State, writes John Helsley of The Oklahoman.
• Justin Tuggle is still holding out hope he can be Kansas State's starting quarterback, writes Kellis Robinett of the Kansas City Star.
• Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon knows who he's watching in 2011: His fellow receiver Hubert Anyiam.
• Kansas State's Emmanuel Lamur is enjoying his move from safety to linebacker, a move that defensive coordinator Chris Cosh hopes gets more speed closer to the line of scrimmage, writes Joel Jellison of the Manhattan Mercury.

Justin Blackmon exploded to become Oklahoma State's No. 1 receiver from the season opener, when he caught three touchdown passes, more than he'd previously had in his entire career.

As the season progressed, Josh Cooper became the team's obvious second option, finishing with 68 catches for 736 yards and five touchdowns.

But one receiver's absence was rendered more inconspicuous by the offense's rise to one of the best in college football: Hubert Anyiam.

Could the OSU offense be even better in 2011 with Anyiam as an addition, perhaps overtaking Cooper as the team's No. 2 receiver? After finally recovering from a nagging ankle injury, that might be the case.

"I hope so," Cowboys coach Mike Gundy said. "Hubert, I think he's healthy for the first time in 12-15 months. Two years ago, he carried the load for us."

NFL first-round pick Dez Bryant was suspended by the NCAA for the final 10 games of the 2009 season, and Anyiam stepped into the role as the team's go-to receiver. No other Cowboys receiver had more than 25 catches, compared to Anyiam's 42 for 515 yards and three touchdowns. All three of those scores, and 31 of his receptions came in a five-game stretch in conference play that featured wins over Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Missouri. A lone loss to national runner-up Texas sent the Cowboys to a 4-1 finish during the stretch.

"When we lost Dez, he made a ton of plays for us. We beat A&M on the road and he makes two big catches. We beat Missouri on the road and he catches a fourth-down pass right before halftime," Gundy said.

Anyiam caught 10 passes for 119 yards against the Tigers, both career highs. Gundy would love to see both of those numbers cease to be career highs this season.

"I think he's kind of back into the groove of being ready to play, both mentally and physically," Gundy said.

Moving on in our rankings of the top 10 at each position in the Big 12 entering 2011.

Here are the top 10s you've missed so far:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs

There's no question that receiver is the strongest position for the Big 12, which has the most talent at the position of any conference in America. Considering the lack of elite talents on the defensive line and at cornerback in this league, look for these guys to put up big numbers this season.

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State: Blackmon's big year met a big finish, earning him the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver. He'll be the favorite again this year thanks to his quarterback's decision to return. Last season he had 111 catches for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns. His touchdown and yardage numbers led the nation in 2010, and he also topped our ranking of the Big 12's top 25 players in 2010.

2. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: Broyles lost his spot as the Big 12's top receiver, but he's still a Biletnikoff finalist and my pick as the nation's No. 2 receiver, right behind Blackmon. Broyles led the nation with 131 catches a season ago, turning them into 1,620 yards and 14 scores as a valuable piece of the Sooners' passing game, long and short. Broyles (5-foot-10, 188 pounds) doesn't have Blackmon's size (6-foot-1, 215 pounds), but what he lacks in the ability to muscle up defenders, he possesses in a feel for space and precision route-running.

3. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M: Fuller might get more attention if he played in another league, but he's sadly a bit overlooked in the Big 12 behind Broyles and Blackmon, doomed to difficulty earning All-Big 12 first-team honors, despite being the first Texas A&M receiver to ever record a 1,000-yard season and staking a solid claim as one of college football's top five receivers. Look for Fuller to top his 1,066 yards, 72 catches and 12 scores this year.

4. T.J. Moe, Missouri: This fourth spot is close, but I went with Moe, who lacks the physical speed and strength of Kendall Wright, but has perhaps unrivaled sense for space among any receiver in the Big 12, save Broyles. Just 19 attempts separated Missouri and Baylor's passing offenses, but Moe caught 14 more passes than Wright and accounted for almost 100 more yards, catching just one fewer touchdown. You could make a case for Wright at No. 4, but I'm going with Moe for now.

5. Kendall Wright, Baylor: He's the top target for Robert Griffin III, and if Josh Gordon's suspension carries through the season opener, the Bears will need a big game from the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder to beat TCU. He's topped 50 catches and 600 yards in each of the past three seasons with constant improvement, but 2011 might be the year he finally tops the 1,000-yard mark.

6. Kenny Stills, Oklahoma: Stills is one of two sophomores on this list, and no other freshman receivers in 2010 really came close to his production. Stills showed lots of promise in spring and fall camp after enrolling early, and finished with 786 yards and five touchdowns on 61 catches, entrenching himself as the Sooners' No. 2 target and the heir apparent to Broyles, who will be a senior in 2011. Much bigger things should be ahead for Stills.

7. Ryan Swope, Texas A&M: Swope proved a huge complement to Fuller, hauling in some of the biggest catches of the season for the Aggies, including touchdowns against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. He finished with 825 yards and four touchdowns on 72 receptions, and should be poised for similar production in a similar role this season.

8. Josh Cooper, Oklahoma State: Cooper gets overlooked with the amount of talent in the Big 12, but he was a huge part of Oklahoma State's passing game last season, catching 68 passes for 736 yards and five touchdowns. He might have to hold off teammate Hubert Anyiam for touches in 2011 to remain on this list, but for now, Cooper gets some recognition for a job well done that not enough people saw.

9. Alex Torres, Texas Tech: Torres' numbers (39 rec, 481 yards, 3 TD) took a tumble in 2010, but I give him the benefit of the doubt and keep him on this list after battling through a frustrating back injury for the majority of his sophomore season. He's got tons of promise, and as long as he stays healthy, should get plenty of opportunities as a junior in 2011 after the Red Raiders lost both of their top two receivers from last season's team.

10. Mike Davis, Texas: Davis needs help from his offensive line and especially his quarterback (whoever it ends up being), but he was impressive enough to become one of the Longhorns' top receivers as just a freshman, catching 47 passes for 478 yards and a pair of touchdowns. If Texas' offense improves, look for Davis' numbers to skyrocket and flirt with 1,000 yards.

Just missed: Josh Gordon, Baylor; Jerrell Jackson, Missouri

Oklahoma State won a school-record 11 games last season, which only fuels fan desires for even more victories. They've tasted it, you might say, and were a few bounces away from the program's first Big 12 Championship appearance.

So what's in store for the encore?

KC Joyner says the Cowboys are one of his five teams that may be headed for a significant drop-off next season. You'll need ESPN Insider access to read the whole thing, but here's what Joyner has to say about Boone's Boys.

Offensive hurdle: The Cowboys' offense will be going through more adjustments than a team that is replacing two starters normally would. Oklahoma State lost its offensive coordinator (Dana Holgorsen, now the head coach at West Virginia), an All-American running back (Kendall Hunter) and its No. 3 wideout (Bo Bowling).

Defensive hurdle: Oklahoma State's defense faced more plays from scrimmage than any other team in the Big 12 last year (1,069). Because the Cowboys' offensive game plan this season figures to be as fast-paced as the one Holgorsen called in 2010, it means that the six new starters on this side of the ball will have their endurance tested quite often.

X factor: Oklahoma State was the only Big 12 team to finish the 2010 season with a turnover margin of even or better in every conference contest. That feat will be hard to replicate.

Joyner makes plenty of interesting points that aren't quite so obvious, namely the increased impact of turnover on the defensive side of the ball for teams with high-paced offenses.

I don't see the Bowling loss as a big one; Josh Cooper can fill his role as long as he stays healthy, and I see Hubert Anyiam stepping in for a big season opposite Justin Blackmon.

The turnover advantages may make last season's accomplishments seem suspect, but Oklahoma State didn't play many close games where turnovers might have shifted the entire game, similar to what Texas experienced in 2010.

The season-defining Thursday night win over Texas A&M was the most obvious example (OSU won the turnover battle 5-3, and the game on a last-second field goal set up by, yes, a turnover), but the rest of the wins?

Oklahoma State won just one other game by single digits, an early season near disaster against Troy. The only other remotely close game was a 24-14 road win over Kansas State, but the Cowboys were forced to play without the Big 12's best player in 2010: Blackmon.

So, this isn't Michigan State in 2010 or Iowa in 2009 we're talking about, i.e. teams hanging on with late heroics to win tight games.

But what do you think? Is Oklahoma State headed for a drop-off? Vote in our poll.

The Big 12 might be weak at the top of the running back heap, but it's definitely not at receiver. The conference has at least three of the top five receivers in the country, and the top two. They highlight a very strong group of receivers across the league, and I continue our position rankings with receivers today.

Remember that depth plays a big part of these rankings. We'll be ranking the top 10 individuals at each position later on before the season begins.

Other position rankings:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs

1. Oklahoma

The Sooners have the nation's No. 2 receiver, Ryan Broyles, but found a handful of others to surround him in 2010 and should have a couple more in 2011. Sophomore Kenny Stills broke Broyles' freshman receiving record and looks like a budding star. Dejuan Miller came on strong before a season-ending knee injury, but he's back. The Sooners lose Cameron Kenney, but Trey Franks had a strong freshman campaign, and freshmen Justin McCay (redshirt) and Trey Metoyer could provide even more playmakers.

2. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys boast the returning Biletnikoff Award winner and 2011 favorite, Justin Blackmon, with a great group around him, too. Slot machine Josh Cooper returns for his senior year, and fellow senior Hubert Anyiam (the team's leading receiver in 2009) is hoping to return to form after being slowed by an ankle injury in 2010. Isaiah Anderson is a shifty speedster, while Michael Harrison and Tracy Moore offer a more aerial approach to receiving.

3. Texas A&M

The Aggies have the Big 12's No. 3 receiver, Jeff Fuller, who is arguably one of the top-five in the college game. But they also have the Big 12's most experienced receiving unit, with guys who won't be surprised by anything they see in Big 12 play. Juniors Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu are the team's second and third options, but fellow juniors Kenric McNeal and Brandal Jackson could be bigger pieces of the offense in 2011. Tight end Nehemiah Hicks should see his profile rise in his coming sophomore year.

4. Baylor

Top target Kendall Wright will likely end his career as the Bears' leading receiver for all four of his seasons on the field, and 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior Josh Gordon looks like the new Jeff Fuller. Terrance Williams, Lanear Sampson and Tevin Reese round out the Bears' top five, who all had at least 40 catches last season, and all return.

5. Missouri

Missouri still lacks a proven big-play threat, but has two pass-catchers who have some of the best hands in the game. Receiver T.J. Moe and tight end Michael Egnew won't drop many passes, and combined to catch 182 for 1,807 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson bring a lot of experience and both had at least 39 catches last season. If Marcus Lucas or Rolandis Woodland can become a consistent downfield threat, Missouri will rise up these rankings by season's end.

6. Texas Tech

Tech's top two receivers, Lyle Leong and Detron Lewis, must be replaced, but the Red Raiders have a few solid candidates to do it. Junior Alex Torres will likely lead the group, but fellow junior Austin Zouzalik and seniors Jacoby Franks and Tramain Swindall will be counted on for more production. Dark horse/juco newcomer Marcus Kennard could blossom into a household name across the Big 12 by season's end.

7. Texas

Sophomore Mike Davis and redshirt freshman Darius White are loaded with potential, but two of the team's top three receivers (James Kirkendoll, John Chiles) are gone, and no Texas receiver caught more than two touchdowns last season. Malcolm Williams and Marquise Goodwin are as different as two receivers could be, but both need to break out to help whoever becomes the Longhorns quarterback next fall.

8. Kansas State

Brodrick Smith will be back this season after breaking his leg in a loss to Nebraska. But two of the team's top three receivers are gone, leaving converted quarterback Chris Harper as the leading returner, though Smith might have held that title if he'd stayed healthy. Sophomore speedster Tramaine Thompson can make plays if he gets the ball with some space.

9. Iowa State

The Cyclones will be breaking in a new quarterback this season and they will need a playmaker to step up. Tight end Collin Franklin led team in receiving last season but he is now gone. Darius Reynolds looks like a possible candidate to fill the role, although incoming slot receiver Aaron Horne might rack up a few catches in space. Darius Darks and Josh Lenz should earn some more targets too.

10. Kansas

Converted defensive back Daymond Patterson is the team's top receiver, but the team's No. 3 receiver junior Bradley McDougald, moved to safety in the middle of the season. Tight end Tim Biere is one of the Big 12's best and led the team with four touchdowns last season. Chris Omigie and D.J. Beshears have some potential, and converted quarterback Christian Matthews keeps showing up in spring games. But all three, along with the rest of the group, would benefit from some consistency at the quarterback spot.