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OKLAHOMA SOONERS

2012 record: 10-3

2012 conference record: 8-1 (tied for first, Big 12)

Returning starters: Offense: 7; defense: 4; kicker/punter: 1

Top returners

RB Damien Williams, FB Trey Millard, WR Jalen Saunders, WR Sterling Shepard, C Gabe Ikard, DE/DT Chuka Ndulue, LB Corey Nelson, CB Aaron Colvin

Key losses

QB Landry Jones, WR Justin Brown, WR Kenny Stills, OT Lane Johnson, DE David King, CB Demontre Hurst, FS Tony Jefferson, SS Javon Harris

2012 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Damien Williams* (946 yards)
Passing: Landry Jones (4,267yards)
Receiving: Kenny Stills (959 yards)
Tackles: Tony Jefferson (119)
Sacks: Chuka Ndulue* (5)
Interceptions: Javon Harris (6)

Spring answers

1. Playmakers abound: The Sooners might have lost leading receivers Kenny Stills and Justin Brown, but there’s plenty of firepower back to support whoever wins the starting quarterback job. Jalen Saunders was actually Oklahoma’s most efficient receiver the second half of last season and seems primed to take over as the go-to target. The Sooners also have several talented up-and-coming receivers who had good springs, led by slot extraordinaire Sterling Shepard. The backfield is even deeper, with leading rushers Damien Williams and Brennan Clay back, to go along with Trey Millard, one of the top all-around fullbacks in the country.

2. Cortez will flank Colvin: The secondary was decimated by graduation and Tony Jefferson’s early entry into the NFL draft. One of those voids was cornerback, where Demontre Hurst had started the previous years. That void at least, however, appears to have been filled. Arizona transfer Cortez Johnson seized the job from the first day of spring drills, and has given the Sooners every indication to believe they’ll have a big, physical corner to pair with All-American candidate Aaron Colvin in the fall.

3. The linebackers will play: In a desperate move to slow down the high-powered passing attacks of the Big 12, defensive coordinator Mike Stoops pulled his linebackers off the field. The plan backfired, as opposing offenses ran at will over the linebacker-less Sooners. This spring, Stoops has renewed his commitment to the linebacker, which, ironically, could be the strength of the defense. Corey Nelson, Frank Shannon and Aaron Franklin are all athletic and capable of generating negative plays, something Oklahoma’s defense sorely lacked last season.

Fall questions

1. Who the QB will be in October: Bob Stoops said he would wait until the fall before naming a starter, and so far, he’s made good on his word. Junior Blake Bell took a lead in the competition during the spring, as expected. But sophomore Kendal Thompson and redshirt freshman Trevor Knight, who both got equal reps as Bell, played well at times, too. It’s hard to see Bell not starting the first game. But if he struggles against a tough September schedule, it’s not unthinkable one of the younger QBs would be given a shot.

2. How the new offense will fare: Looking to utilize the skill sets of their mobile quarterbacks, the Sooners will be running a very different offense from the one Sam Bradford and Landry Jones both operated. Offensive coordinator Josh Heupel kept most of these new plays - including loads of read option -- in his hip pocket during the spring game. But it will be interesting to see how the Sooners -- and just as important, opposing defenses -- adjust to this new era of offense in Norman.

3. Defensive line play: The Sooners went into spring ball with just three defensive tackles on the roster, and little experience at defensive end. The unit showed strides during the spring, with Chuka Ndulue making a smooth transition from end to tackle, and tackle Jordan Phillips coming up big in the spring game. But that was the spring. The defensive line will have to continue to grow rapidly in the fall for the Sooners to have any hope of improving from last year defensively.

NORMAN, Okla. -- After a freshman season that did not go as planned, Oklahoma receiver Durron Neal appears poised to make an impact during his second year on campus. With Kenny Stills and Justin Brown moving on to the NFL, Neal is in the middle of a competition to replace the Sooners' starting outside receiver duo.

“I’m very excited,” Neal said. “I’m up to the challenge. It’s one of the reasons I came here. My coaches believe in me, my teammates believe in me and I’m ready to step up and not let them down.”

At one point last summer it appeared the Sooners would lean on Neal to make an immediate impact as a freshman. Then Brown joined the program in August after transferring from Penn State and Jalen Saunders immediately became eligible after his transfer from Fresno State, allowing Stills to move back outside after spending the first month of the season at slot receiver.

Suddenly OU had two veteran receivers on the outside and Neal was left to watch and learn despite playing himself out of a redshirt season with a strong preseason camp. Neal and the Sooners are hoping his learning experience will pay off during his sophomore season.

“Every day last year I took in all I could,” Neal said. “I came in and was ready to learn. I knew I didn’t know as much as I thought I knew. Coming in, I really used Kenny as a resource because I knew that’s who I’d be backing up.”

Even though he saw limited action, Neal flashed some playmaking ability.

“When Durron was in games he did a great job,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “He's a big play type guy, and strong.”

(Read full post)

The Oklahoma Sooners open spring practice this weekend with change in the air. Let's take a closer look.

Schedule: The Sooners begin spring ball Saturday, the first of 15 NCAA-allowed practices. OU will hold its spring game April 13.

What's new: What’s not? Bob Stoops brought in three new assistants, seven defensive starters are gone, and for the first time in six years, the Sooners have a quarterback competition. After back-to-back three-loss seasons, this is lining up to be the most important -- and most intriguing -- spring of the Stoops era in Norman.

All eyes on: The quarterback derby, which will be the dominant storyline of the spring. Junior Blake Bell, sophomore Kendal Thompson and freshman Trevor Knight are all vying to replace four-year starter Landry Jones. Bell is the favorite because of his age and experience in the “Belldozer” package, but insiders around the program believe Knight is capable of unseating him. Whatever happens in the spring, don’t expect a starter to be named. Stoops waited until the fall to declare Sam Bradford his starter in 2007, and figures to do the same here.

New faces: The Sooners welcome four mid-semester enrollees, and all four have a chance to make immediate impacts. Toronto native Josiah St. John, the No. 1 junior-college offensive tackle in the country, figures to be no worse than a key backup. Wide receiver Dannon Cavil, who grew up a Texas fan, has great size and should vie for a rotation spot at outside receiver. Defensively, Ahmad Thomas will be given every opportunity to start at safety, and defensive end D.J. Ward, the top player coming out of the state of Oklahoma, could boost a defensive front that ranked 108th nationally in tackles for loss last season.

Question marks: With only 11 starters back, the Sooners have plenty. On top of the quarterback battle, OU must overhaul virtually the entire defense, with All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin the only returning impact defender. Defensive tackle and back safety are especially tenuous. The Sooners have only three defensive tackles on the roster to practice with at the moment, and no one other than Colvin has a down of experience at back safety. Mike Stoops will have to be creative just to get through the spring, until reinforcements arrive over the summer.

Don’t forget about: Wide receiver Trey Metoyer, who was the star of last spring as a true freshman. Metoyer, however, failed to carry that momentum into the fall, lost his starting job and eventually fell out of the rotation. A new year and new quarterback should re-energize Metoyer, who has all the tools to become a dominant outside receiver.

On the mend: Guards Tyler Evans and Nila Kasitati, who are both coming off season-ending knee injuries. Both, however, are hoping to be at least limited participants in the spring, which would spur them into summer workouts.

We’re continuing our countdown of the Big 12's top 25 players from the 2012 season. Here's more on my criteria for the list. You can take a peek at how the preseason list looked here.

The official list is locked away in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player a day moving forward.

On with the show ...

No. 22: Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma

2012 numbers: Made 61 tackles (50 solo). Intercepted four passes and broke up 11 more. Had 2.5 tackles for loss, including two sacks.

Most recent ranking: Colvin was unranked in our preseason list of the Big 12's top 25 players.

Making the case for Colvin: There were plenty of times this season when you saw Oklahoma play, and Colvin popped out as the best player on the field. He's moved around positions throughout his career in the secondary, but emerged as one of the league's best cornerbacks this season, despite what looked like a loaded group in the preseason. Oklahoma's secondary took its lumps in 2011, but was really, really solid this season under new coordinator Mike Stoops. The big plays weren't nearly as frequent, and Colvin's play was a big reason for that. He's a physical 6-foot, 181 pounds and gives Oklahoma's defense a big boost with his decision to return to Norman in 2013. He picked off passes in wins over West Virginia and Oklahoma State, where defensive stops were at a premium, and helped Oklahoma win shootouts in both. Those weren't the strongest defensive performances you'll ever see, but there's something to be said for making big plays when they're needed. Colvin will make plenty next year as one of the defense's leaders.

The rest of the list:

• No. 23: Josh Stewart, WR, Oklahoma State
• No. 24: Nick Florence, QB, Baylor
• No. 25: Quinn Sharp, K/P/KOS, Oklahoma State

Colleague Travis Haney took a look at the 10 teams who will lose the most talent in the country from 2012 to 2013.

There's only one Big 12 team on his list, and it's the 2012 preseason favorite: Oklahoma, which is sitting at No. 3 on a list you probably don't want to see your team on.

Landry Jones is the biggest name gone, but Haney says this might be Bob Stoops' biggest rebuild project ever in more than a decade in Norman.

The team's three most talented players -- Jones, receiver Kenny Stills and safety Tony Jefferson -- are the biggest losses, but don't overlook guys like tackle Lane Johnson and defensive linemen David King and Jamarkus McFarland. Defensive backs Demontre Hurst and Javon Harris won't be easy to replace, either.

Oklahoma was fortunate to keep cornerback Aaron Colvin and do-everything offensive Swiss army knife Trey Millard, who I'd expect to get a whole lot more touches next season. He was criminally underused in the Sooners' offense this past season. Just ask Texas if Millard should get more touches.

Oklahoma's offensive renaissance should be interesting. There won't be major changes, but Stoops is always going to build around what his personnel does best, and next season, likely with Blake Bell at the helm, you can expect the quarterback running game to be featured. It's still likely going to be a pass-first offense, but with Millard and Bell, next season's team might be a little more physical between the tackles.

I'd agree with Haney in that the top of the Big 12 looks really weak for 2013, which may provide opportunity for the Sooners to make a Big 12 title run, despite all the losses.

Colleague Mel Kiper Jr. weighed in with a "good call/bad call" column this week, but the only Big 12 player mentioned was Oklahoma safety Tony Jefferson, and Kiper Jr. liked Jefferson's decision to enter the draft. Here are the Big 12 players who are going and staying in 2013.

Heading to the draft

Jefferson, S, Oklahoma: Probably the Big 12's best early entry prospect, he made 119 tackles this season. Expect the California native to go in the first two rounds.

Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State: Randle has led the Big 12 in rushing in each of the past two seasons, and felt the need to cash in now after producing a 1,400-yard season despite turnover at quarterback.

Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia: He led the nation with 25 touchdown catches. He is getting out of Morgantown as the Mountaineers shift to a new quarterback after Geno Smith graduated.

Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma: He is disappointed with his 2012 season and leaves Oklahoma without a 1,000-yard season, but he improved in all three seasons in Norman.

Josh Boyce, WR, TCU: Boyce didn't produce a 1,000-yard season in his career, and it was a mild surprise that he left early. TCU's receiving corps will still be OK with Brandon Carter and LaDarius Brown.

Stansly Maponga, DE, TCU: Maponga's decision came late and out of nowhere. Most didn't think he was even pondering an early entry after a disappointing 2012.

Brandon Moore, DT, Texas: Moore started less than half the season, but the juco transfer made it a one-and-done stop in Austin. He never quite reached the hype from the spring, but he was a good contributor.

Tom Wort, LB, Oklahoma: Plenty of rumbling that he was unhappy with the defensive schemes and wanted to leave Oklahoma because the gap responsibility didn't showcase his skills. He had about 20 fewer tackles this season than in 2011.

Staying in college:

James Sims, RB, Kansas: Sims was one of the Big 12's best backs and led KU in rushing each of the past two seasons. KU has given him a ton of carries, but he's signing up for another year of it, and an attempt to win a Big 12 game.

Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma: Colvin will be the Sooners' best player next season, and the lone returner in the secondary with an interception.

Jason Verrett, CB, TCU: Verrett might just be the nation's best cornerback next season, and he'll be a huge piece of TCU's defense in 2013, which could be one of the nation's best next season, too.

Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State: Gilbert's 2012 was a disappointment, but he's still a physical freak. He'll have another year likely returning kicks, and it's hard to see 2013 going worse than this season.

No. 9 Texas A&M (10-2, 6-2 SEC) vs. No. 11 Oklahoma (10-2, 8-1 Big 12)

On ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM: Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Who to watch: Who else? Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel will attempt to put the finishing touches on his freshman season. "Johnny Football” broke Cam Newton’s SEC record for offensive yardage and accounted for 43 touchdowns while becoming the first freshman to capture the Heisman Trophy. Manziel, however, will be facing one of the better defensive backfields he’s seen all season, led by free safety Tony Jefferson and cornerback Aaron Colvin -- both All-Big 12 performers. Manziel will also have to overcome the distractions of a whirlwind month in which he not only won the Heisman but hung out with actress Megan Fox and played golf with the Jonas Brothers.

What to watch: The Aggies boast Manziel, but the Sooners counter with one of the top wide receiving corps in the country. Kenny Stills, Justin Brown, Jalen Saunders and Sterling Shepard all have more than 500 yards receiving this season. Texas A&M is stout up front, but the Aggies have been vulnerable at times defending the pass, ranking 82nd nationally in pass defense despite competing in the run-oriented SEC. If OU quarterback Landry Jones gets rolling with his talented pass-catchers, this game could tumble into a shootout.

Why to watch: Outside the BCS National Championship, this is as good a matchup as any out there. This Cotton Bowl also features two of the top quarterbacks in the country, with the hotshot freshman in Manziel facing off against the elder statesman in Jones, who will be making his 50th career start on the same field in which his career began four years ago. There should be plenty of energy inside Cowboys Stadium, too, as the Cotton Bowl is expecting a record crowd of 90,000. This will be a BCS-caliber bowl in every way except in name.

Prediction: Texas A&M 34, Oklahoma 31. Coach Bob Stoops has a dominating 11-2 record against Texas A&M, including an average victory margin of three touchdowns. These, however, are not the same Aggies the Sooners faced in the Big 12. Manziel and coach Kevin Sumlin have brought a new attitude to Texas A&M, and the Aggies will be motivated to prove this on the field against their former conference foe.

IRVING, Texas -- Predictions aside, one thing tonight is guaranteed.

Both teams will be showered in a deafening chant as the final seconds tick off the clock. What's not guaranteed? Which chant it will be.

The original "S-E-C! S-E-C! S-E-C!" that would accompany the far-from-original member of the SEC, Texas A&M fans?

Or the "Big 12! Big 12! Big 12!" chant that was born after another Texas A&M loss, at home against Oklahoma State in 2011?

Deny the conference significance if you want, but this is one of just two matchups between the Big 12 and SEC all season, and the Sooners have certainly taken notice of how the league has done in the bowl season thus far.

"Especially since it’s the SEC, everybody says we’re two of the top conferences, and we want to be considered the top, so that's definitely going to add meaning to this game," Sooners cornerback Aaron Colvin said.

Safety Tony Jefferson, a San Diego native, attended last week's Holiday Bowl, where Baylor routed No. 17 UCLA as an underdog.

He's not the only one rooting on his conference mates.

"There’s so much talk about how the SEC is the best conference and nobody else can play with them, so I feel like if other teams represent the conference well and we can go out and represent, maybe we can change a few minds," receiver Kenny Stills said.

It's a small sample size, sure. Texas beat Ole Miss in Oxford in the only other matchup of the two leagues this season, but Oklahoma doesn't seem to mind that this SEC opponent bears the same name of the squad it beat easily in Norman a season ago, even if the coaching staff and win-loss record is a whole lot different.

"We’ve played essentially everyone on their defense personnel-wise," offensive lineman Gabe Ikard said. "They play a new scheme, but we’ve played all those guys, so I don’t think we’re using that as motivation, but trying to represent the Big 12 well."

The bowl season has already exposed a few cracks in the SEC's foundation. None of the SEC's bottom eight teams managed a win against one in the top six of the standings, but Clemson already knocked off LSU in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl and Louisville dominated Florida in the Sugar Bowl.

Can Oklahoma issue another blow to the SEC's spot atop the conference rankings with a win over Texas A&M, days before Alabama plays Notre Dame and tries to win the league's seventh national title?

It'll be the Big 12's final game of the season, and beating one of the nation's hottest teams, led by Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, could leave a lasting imprint for the offseason and leave more than a few wondering just how secure the SEC's spot is as the top conference entering 2013.

"It’s a big statement game, especially for our defense," Jefferson said. "The No. 1 offense in the SEC, it’s just a huge opportunity for us to showcase our ability."

Texas A&M turned heads in its old conference for walking into the SEC, known for stingy defenses that would obviously dominate any spread offense, and shaking it up with offensive playmakers and creative play calling, buoyed by a player who only gets better as the play becomes more broken.

"I’ve always been an advocate for the Big 12. I love the way we play football here, and there’s conference pride here with the SEC and Big 12 going against each other," Oklahoma linebacker Tom Wort said. "I was just proud of the way Texas A&M went into the SEC and did well. It shows that it doesn’t matter what conference you’re in -- you can still play good football. I’m proud of the way Texas A&M played."

He's not alone, though conference pride takes a backseat in game preparation, even if some players don't buy the idea that league pride is even on the line.

"People are trying to convince us that it’s an SEC versus Big 12 matchup, but when it comes down to it, it’s Oklahoma versus Texas A&M," Ikard said.

It may look that way on the scoreboard, but the postgame chants that will reign down on Cowboys Stadium will absolutely tell a different story.

Will the Big 12 like that story? Well, that's up to the Sooners.

As the bowl season approaches, we're going to be looking a little closer at each game. We'll go down the Big 12 bowl schedule in chronological order.

No. 11 Oklahoma (10-2, 8-1 Big 12) vs. No. 9 Texas A&M (10-2, 6-2 SEC)

Where: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

When: Friday, Jan. 4, 8 p.m. ET

TV: FOX

About Oklahoma: The Sooners began the year with some national-title aspirations, but those quickly came to an end with a mistake-filled September loss at home to Kansas State. A midseason loss to Notre Dame made it clear that Oklahoma was not an elite team in 2012, but the eight-game winning streak in Big 12 play after the K-State loss made it clear that the Sooners were a very, very good team -- and a Big 12 champion. The Sooners became part of the first-ever shared Big 12 title and celebrated with a season-ending win at TCU. The final three games of the year (West Virginia, Oklahoma State, TCU) were all decided in the final minute or on the final play, and the Cotton Bowl could very well make it four.

About Texas A&M: While Oklahoma underachieved a bit, the Aggies were one of the nation's biggest overachievers. Last year's team began in the top 10 and fell to 6-6 while losing five games with leads of at least nine points. Year 1 under Kevin Sumlin will forever be remembered as the year the legend of Johnny Manziel was born. The redshirt freshman quarterback burst onto the scene with a strong outing in a season-opening loss to Florida but truly broke out with a memorable performance in a road upset of No. 1 Alabama. The Aggies' defense matured under Mark Snyder, but Texas A&M was one of the nation's hottest teams to close the season.

Sooners to watch: Landry Jones will be making his 50th and final start of his career in the Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium, the same place where his career began after an injury to Sam Bradford in the 2009 season opener against BYU. He's the NCAA's No. 3 all-time passer and leads the Big 12 in passing yards per game entering the bowl game. He's thrown 29 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions and got to know transfer receivers Jalen Saunders and Justin Brown well this season. Kenny Stills led the team with 897 yards on 75 catches, but keep an eye on leading tackler Tony Jefferson at safety and shutdown corner Aaron Colvin on defense.

Aggies to watch: Surely you know about Manziel by now, but keep an eye on his favorite targets, Mike Evans and Ryan Swope. Evans is a big physical presence at 6-foot-5, 218 pounds, while Swope uses his breakaway speed to work the slot. Defensive end Damontre Moore's 20 tackles for loss would have led the Big 12, and was third in the SEC. He was also the Aggies' leading tackler, with 80 stops. Keep an eye on the Aggies' underrated running back duo, too, Ben Malena and Christine Michael. They combined for almost 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Did you know? Oklahoma is 11-2 against Texas A&M under Bob Stoops, but the Aggies knocked off the Sooners in 2010 in College Station as part of their six-game winning streak to close the regular season. Manziel will be the third Heisman finalist Oklahoma has gone up against this season, but the Sooners are 0-2 against the first two, Kansas State QB Collin Klein and Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o. Oklahoma leads the all-time series between these two, 19-11, but will meet for the first time in the Cotton Bowl. Oklahoma hasn't played in the Cotton Bowl since 2002, when it beat Arkansas, 10-3.

More on the Big 12 Bowls:

• Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
• Heart of Dallas Bowl
• AutoZone Liberty Bowl
• Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
• Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl
• Valero Alamo Bowl
• New Era Pinstripe Bowl
• Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

It's always fun looking back on what we thought in the preseason, and today, we'll take another look.

Here's who made the postseason team.

How did our All-Big 12 preseason team stack up at season's end? Here's how the preseason All-Big 12 offense ended up. Now, let's look at the defense.

DL: Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas

Jeffcoat was off to a solid start with 9.5 tackles for loss and four sacks with a pair of forced fumbles in his first six games, but a torn pectoral muscle ended his season early and he didn't make the postseason team.

DL: Stansly Maponga, TCU

Maponga was TCU's lone representative on the preseason team, but he didn't quite live up to expectations, and was overshadowed by teammate Devonte Fields. Maponga made just six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, neither of which ranked in the top 10 of the Big 12. He did force two fumbles but didn't make the postseason team.

DL: Alex Okafor, Texas

Okafor was solid this season, and wasn't far off from being the Big 12's Defensive Player of the Year. He was third in the league with eight sacks and sixth in the league with 11.5 tackles for loss. He also forced two fumbles and made the postseason team.

DL: Meshak Williams, Kansas State

I took some flack for including Williams on my preseason team, but I'll have the last laugh here. I loved his relentless motor and underrated technique and use of hands in 2011. This year, it paid off with a Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year trophy after leading the league with 9.5 sacks and finishing third with 13.5 tackles for loss. He obviously made the postseason team.

LB: A.J. Klein, Iowa State

Klein returned as the league's Defensive Player of the Year and had a really solid year with 98 tackles and an interception returned 87 yards for a score. He also had 2.5 tackles for loss and made the postseason team.

LB: Arthur Brown, Kansas State

Brown didn't have a huge statistical year but he held together a solid K-State defense and flew around all season, even playing through a painful ankle injury. He won Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors for his efforts and made 91 tackles, six tackles for loss and intercepted two passes, returning one for a score. He obviously made the postseason team.

LB: Jake Knott, Iowa State

Knott was having a great year with 79 tackles and two interceptions through eight games, as well as five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery, though, and played one last game, going out on top with a win over Baylor. Despite the injury, I still placed him on the postseason team.

CB: Carrington Byndom, Texas

Byndom was my pick as the league's top corner this year, but he was part of Texas' defensive struggles and got surpassed by some better players. The Longhorns pass D ranked third in the league, but Byndom was 21st in pass breakups, though he did have three interceptions and two blocked kicks.

CB: Brodrick Brown, Oklahoma State

Brown and teammate Justin Gilbert were two of the bigger disappointments across the league this year. The duo combined for 10 picks a year ago. Neither had one this year, and OSU ranked seventh in the league in pass defense. He was surpassed by better performances on this year's team by Aaron Colvin and Jason Verrett.

S: Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

Vaccaro had a solid year with 93 tackles, two interceptions 3.5 TFLs and two forced fumbles, but I gave the narrow nod to K-State's Ty Zimmerman for the second safety spot on the postseason team.

S: Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma

Jefferson was one of the league's best defenders this year and finished second in the league with 113 stops. He picked off two passes and broke up three more. He made the postseason team.

This wasn't much of a debate in the preseason. Texas looked loaded. The Longhorns reeled in 61 percent of the fan vote as the Big 12's best defense.

They finished fifth in the Big 12 and ranked dead last in rushing defense after four consecutive seasons atop the Big 12 total defense ranking. They won't be in this poll. Neither will Texas Tech, who undid a solid start by giving up an average of 39 points a game in Big 12 play. So, who had the Big 12's best defense? Vote in our poll.

TCU

TCU joined the Big 12 and its defense was ready, despite tons of personnel losses and lots of youth all over the field. Credit Gary Patterson for proving his prowess as a defensive mastermind. Cornerback Jason Verrett was one of the Big 12's best, and the media crowned DE Devonte Fields the league's Defensive Player of the Year. The Frogs led the league in total defense and forced 32 turnovers, tied with K-State for the Big 12 lead.

KANSAS STATE

K-State made its money with those 32 turnovers, finishing third in the league in total defense. Also, the Wildcats led the league by a full two points in scoring defense in the full season, and led the league by more than three points a game in scoring defense in conference play. Arthur Brown is an All-American and the coaches' Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. K-State was third in the league in yards per play.

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma forced just 15 turnovers, second-fewest in the Big 12, but still finished fourth in the league in total defense and behind only K-State and TCU in total defense in league play. In conference play, Oklahoma gave up fewer than 27 points a game, second in the Big 12. That's not easy to do, especially without turnovers. OU didn't have the defensive standouts up front they've had on other teams, but CB Aaron Colvin and S Tony Jefferson are two of the Big 12's best, boosted by the arrival of new DC Mike Stoops.

OKLAHOMA STATE

OSU only ranked sixth in the league in total defense, but was second in the league in yards per play, and only gave up 30 points a game in Big 12 play to rank fifth, despite forcing just 17 turnovers, third-fewest in the Big 12. The defense didn't make the big plays it did a year ago, but this unit might have still been better than last year's D.

IOWA STATE

The Cyclones lost Jake Knott late in the season, but gave up just 27 points a game in league play, good for third. Iowa State was just seventh in total defense, but teammate A.J. Klein led the team with 98 stops. Jeremiah George stepped in and helped in Knott's absense, but safety Durrell Givens was a breakout star for the Cyclones, forcing four fumbles and picking off three passes.

Congrats to all these guys for turning in fantastic seasons. Naturally, there will be some snubs and some things that need to be explained. Check the blog later today for more thoughts.

Without further ado, here's the All-Big 12 team from ESPN.com.

OFFENSE

QB: Collin Klein, Kansas State
RB: Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State
RB: James Sims, Kansas
FB: Trey Millard, Oklahoma
WR: Stedman Bailey, West Virginia
WR: Terrance Williams, Baylor
WR: Tavon Austin, West Virginia
TE: Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
OL: Cyril Richardson, Baylor
OL: Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma
C: Joe Madsen, West Virginia
OL: Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State
OL: LaAdrian Waddle, Texas Tech

DEFENSE

DL: Devonte Fields, TCU
DL: Meshak Williams, Kansas State
DL: Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma State
DL: Alex Okafor, Texas
LB: A.J. Klein, Iowa State
LB: Arthur Brown, Kansas State
LB: Jake Knott, Iowa State
CB: Jason Verrett, TCU
CB: Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma
S: Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State
S: Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma

SPECIALISTS:

PK: Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State
P: Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State
KR: Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
PR: Tavon Austin, West Virginia

Honorable mention: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia; Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma; Anthony Cantele, K, Kansas State; Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas; Justin Brown, PR, Oklahoma; Tanner Hawkinson, OL, Kansas; Jake McDonough, DL, Iowa State; Lane Johnson, OL, Oklahoma; John Hubert, RB, Kansas State; Travis Tannahill, TE, Kansas State; Durrell Givens, S, Iowa State; Cody Davis, S, Texas Tech

We've got one week left of games, and one chance left to jostle for position before voting on these awards. Here's how I slot it heading into Week 14:

Offensive Player of the Year

1. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State: Klein was off this weekend, but he can wrap this award up with a solid performance and a win against Texas. A rough game, though? That's three to end the season. If it happens and Kansas State loses, Klein opens this up to legitimately four or five players, in my opinion. Voting would be fascinating. I'd probably still pick him to win, but I bet it would be close.

2. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor: Williams is in a tight race with Marqise Lee for the Biletnikoff Award, but he's definitely in the mix for this, too. He gets the last word vs. Lee, and will take on talented Oklahoma State cornerbacks. He caught seven balls for 175 yards and a touchdown against Texas Tech, his first 100-yard game in three outings.

3. Tavon Austin, WR/RB/KR, West Virginia. Sticking with Tavon in this spot, but the competition is really getting tight. You could make a case for Stedman Bailey, Geno Smith or Landry Jones all in the top three. Austin turned the Iowa State game in WVU's favor with a 75-yard catch and run, and caught six passes for 99 yards, adding 74 yards on 14 carries on the ground. He also scored a two-point conversion.

Honorable mention: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma; Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia; Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia; Nick Florence, QB, Baylor; Seth Doege, QB, Texas Tech; Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State; James Sims, RB, Kansas

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Devonte Fields, DE, TCU: Fields turned in a big game in a win against Texas, notching two tackles for loss, a sack and four tackles. He now has 17.5 tackles for loss this season, 2.5 more than anybody in the Big 12. He also leads the league with nine sacks. Let me reiterate: This is a true freshman we're talking about. Good grief.

2. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: Okafor is banged up and missed time against TCU, but he's third in the league with eight sacks, even though he didn't register a sack against the Frogs.

3. Meshak Williams, DE, Kansas State: Williams was off last week, but he stays on the list and sits second in the league with 8.5 sacks, and is fourth in the league in 11.5 tackles for loss.

Honorable mention: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State; Jason Verrett, CB, TCU; A.J. Klein, LB, Iowa State; Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma; Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma

Coach of the Year

1. Bill Snyder, Kansas State: The SnyderCats were off last week, but Snyder can wrap this award up if he wins a Big 12 title by beating Texas on Saturday night in Manhattan.

2. Gary Patterson, TCU: The Frogs have dealt with more injuries than anyone, and at key positions on offense. The defense has developed into the Big 12's best, despite all the youth, and the offense has kept rolling without Casey Pachall and Waymon James. TCU's not going to win the league, but finishing above .500 in its first year in the Big 12, with those circumstances? Nothing short of amazing.

3. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: The Cowboys nearly came away with a huge upset at Oklahoma last week, and Gundy has dealt with major injuries and still kept his team rolling. They lost a ton of talent from last year's team (and this year's) and could still win eight or nine games.

Time to start updating the Big 12 Award races as league play hits the home stretch. Here's how I score it so far this season:

Offensive Player of the Year

1. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State: Injury or not, Klein is still way, way, way out in front for this award. He could easily sit the next two weeks and still be in position to win this award. The competition isn't very strong here with Klein, but the race for No. 2 is very, very muddled.

2. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor: Williams leads the nation in receiving with 1,340 yards this season, and might win the Biletnikoff Award. He's been held under 130 yards receiving in just one game this season.

3. Seth Doege, QB, Texas Tech: Doege passes Geno Smith despite a loss to Texas. He's put up solid numbers through the past two losses, and leads the nation in touchdown passes.

Honorable mention: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia; Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia; Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State; James Sims, RB, Kansas; Nick Florence, QB, Baylor

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Devonte Fields, DE, TCU: No change here. Fields is still the Big 12's leader in tackles for loss and sacks, and has made a huge impact as a true freshman.

2. Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State: Brown had a quiet day against Oklahoma State with seven tackles and no other defensive statistics, but he's been the leader of one of the league's best defenses, and has 67 tackles this season.

3. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: Okafor is needed with Jackson Jeffcoat out for the season, and he's tied for the Big 12 lead in sacks with eight. He also has 43 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss.

Honorable mention: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU; A.J. Klein, LB, Iowa State; Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma; Cody Davis, S, Texas Tech; Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma; Meshak Williams, DE, Kansas State

Coach of the Year

1. Bill Snyder, Kansas State: Where's the competition? Snyder's undefeated Wildcats are perhaps the nation's biggest surprise, sitting in the thick of the national title race and riding alone in the front seat of the Big 12 title race, despite being picked to finish sixth in the Big 12 and beginning the season outside the top 20 in both polls.

2. Tommy Tuberville, Texas Tech: Tuberville has the Red Raiders looking like one of the league's most overachieving teams, despite losses in each of the past two weeks. The race is slimming down to a one-man competition, but Tech was picked to finish eighth in the league and still has six wins.

3. Gary Patterson, TCU: Patterson is back in the third spot here after knocking off West Virginia last week with a pair of gutsy calls to get the banged-up Horned Frogs to bowl eligibility.

I'm super excited for Saturday, folks. I'll be making my first trip to Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on TCU's campus. That makes it official. After my trip to West Virginia earlier this year, I've officially covered a game at every Big 12 stadium at some point in my journalism career. Gotta love a clean sweep. I never attended or covered a game at the old Amon G. Carter Stadium, so I'll have nothing to compare it to, but I'm excited to see the next step on Kansas State's hopeful march to the Big 12 title and perhaps a BCS title.

Let's get to the picks!

Last week: 3-2 (.600)
Overall: 42-16 (.724)

No. 22 Texas Tech 41, Kansas 17: The Jayhawks are dreadful on the road, and Texas Tech badly needs a win after suffering two consecutive losses. Kansas is in an unfortunate position here. Surprising Texas Tech? I think not. Another 100-yard day for James Sims, but Seth Doege and his receiving corps are too much. Tech makes this one look easy.

No. 17 Texas 27, Iowa State 20: Tough, tough pick here. I was impressed with Texas last week, and I'll give the Horns the benefit of the doubt this week. David Ash bounced back last week after regressing a bit in October following a strong start. That continues this week, and Malcolm Brown's newfound health makes the Longhorns' backfield even more potent against an ISU front seven missing Jake Knott.

West Virginia 44, Oklahoma State 42: Going with my upset alert pick here. The Mountaineers' late-game failure overshadowed their legitimate defensive improvements, and that continues against Oklahoma State this week. Geno Smith gets back in the saddle, and Tavon Austin reminds us yet again why he's the most electrifying player in the league. Huge road win for the Mountaineers, who finally reach bowl eligibility.

No. 12 Oklahoma 42, Baylor 20: Oklahoma's secondary is just too good. Aaron Colvin and Tony Jefferson are playing as well as any two defensive backs in the league. Oklahoma bruises the Baylor front seven with its running game but puts together a nice game through the air, too. The Bears' defense can't do much to slow the Sooners, but disciplined defenses have given Baylor tons of trouble.

No. 2 Kansas State 38, TCU 24: This is my pick of the week. Check out a video later Thursday for more. Collin Klein plays and plays well. The Wildcats' are consistent and experienced. The Frogs are inconsistent and inexperienced. On this day, it shows.

SEC
Alabama 27, Texas A&M 17: Like LSU, Alabama has to be exhausted after last week's game. But this team has too much to play for to not come out strong against red-hot Texas A&M. We saw some holes in Alabama's defense against the Tigers, but they won't be there this weekend. -- Edward Aschoff

Alabama 28, Texas A&M 10: The come-from-behind win at LSU last week took its toll on Alabama, both physically and emotionally, and Texas A&M is the most explosive offensive team the Crimson Tide have faced this season. The Aggies still need to prove they can light it up against a quality defense. They bogged down against Florida and LSU and will meet a similar fate against the Crimson Tide. -- Chris Low