Football is here and all the teams will be in action soon. This week we take a look at the Big Twelve Conference and, specifically we focus on the North Division after focusing on the South Division last week:

Colorado - Look to find some value with the Buffaloes. As you would expect (playing in the Big 12) the trouble for them is a tough schedule. However, with 14 starters back we should find some "value" situations with Colorado this season! The key could be the running game as the Buffaloes are young but very talented at the RB position. With eight starters back on defense, if the running game comes together, the Buffs are very capable of pulling off some upsets. Remember, this team did beat Oklahoma plus won at Texas Tech last season!

Iowa State - Be careful in evaluating Iowa State. The Cyclones return 14 starters but they lost nearly half of their lettermen from last season. What this means of course is that there is not a lot of depth on Iowa State and a couple of injuries could be devastating to this team. Also, they are simply not very talented. When teams underestimate they can be a dangerous dog but it's hard to trust what is arguably the least talented team in the Big 12.

Kansas - What a year the Jayhawks had last season. They surprised most everyone by not just winning but by simply blowing teams out all season long. It was a very impressive performance and it's one that is tough to duplicate. Keep in mind the Jayhawks did have a favorable schedule last season and this season that is not the case. Kansas has to play Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and Texas this season. Also, they play a tough South Florida team and a very tough Missouri team and neither game is at home. This will wear down this team. That is why we anticipate some struggles for them this season even though they have 15 returning starters from last year's quality team. Another factor here is that the Jayhawks have a bulls eye on their back as a result of last season's 12-1 record. Teams will be hungry to face Kansas this season!

Kansas State - The big years at Kansas State seem like such a distant memory. With only 12 starters back this season, there is still going to have to be some more growing pains for the Wildcats before they get back into the "plus side" of the ledger. The Wildcats also lost 24 lettermen from last season's team. They do have some solid young talent on this year's club but they're still a year away from being at the level that Kansas State fans are longing for. The defensive line and secondary need improvement and they are weak at the skill positions on offense!

Missouri - This team is simply stacked. There are no two ways about it! They return 14 starters from last season's team. Last year, the Tigers only two losses were to Oklahoma and most of their wins were by dominating final scores. Yes, Missouri is catching a lot of hype early this season but it's well-deserved. Their defense is rock solid and that is going to be the key to this season's team. They've still got tremendous offensive talent including QB Chase Daniel and now they also have a rock solid defense to match. Their defense is the best at Missouri in a number of seasons. This will show up in a very strong season from this team and we won't look to fade this team very often. We'll likely find some "play on" opportunities with this "top tier" team.

Nebraska - The Cornhuskers only went 2-6 in the Big Twelve last season and they have a new coach in Bo Pelini but don't underestimate Big Red. The Huskers are very solid in the trenches and many games are won and lost along the "battle lines". With an emphasis on the running game expected under Pelini, plus a lot of talent at the RB position, the Huskers should be able to chew up clock and this will help the defense too. The Huskers know they are much better than what they showed last season and the coaching change has rekindled the entire program. An underachieving team last season (less than 7 wins for only the 2nd time in the last 8 years) means this is a good team to find value with in 2008. It may take awhile for them to adjust to new schemes on both sides of the ball but Nebraska could be on their way back quicker than many expect.

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