OWH: Lee Barfknecht Predicts the Big XII in 2009

Lee Barfknecht of the Omaha World-Herald put together a post-spring prediction (warning: PDF file) of how the Big XII will shake out in 2009:

Hard to argue with Kansas to lead the Big XII North; the Huskers, Tigers, and Wildcats will be starting quarterbacks who haven't played much.  Colorado and Iowa State wish they had an unproven quarterback rather than what they've got.  But Kansas also has to play Oklahoma and Texas this season.

I'm a little surprised Lee ranks Texas ahead of Oklahoma; perhaps he's basing that on the results from Dallas last fall.

The eyepopping items aren't at the top of the lists, but rather the bottom:  Kansas State and Texas A&M to finish last.  Perennial doormat Baylor jumps to 4th in the South, and Iowa State gets bumped up to fifth.  I can't argue with those.  Kansas State is going to be feeling the pain from Ron Prince for a few more years.  Likewise, Aggieland will be suffering from the double-whammy of Franchione and Sherman for many years.  (What has gone wrong with Dollar Bill Byrne?)  The only question in my mind is putting Baylor ahead of Tech; I think Art Briles is going to be a great coach for Baylor, but Mike Leach has been consistent at Tech.