Missouri and Texas are the preseason choices to take home the Big 12 South and North Division titles this season in a recent poll of 24 media members conducted by the conference. These picks are not surprising and seem to represent the current tenor among other preseason polls and selections.Missouri gets the nod in the North, thanks to 15 returning starters and a seasoned quarterback in Chase Daniel (pictured at right). The Tigers' offense is arguably the most talented group the team has had under Gary Pinkel. The preseason expectations will only increase the heat under Pinkel's seat should Missouri stumble early. Nebraska was picked second in the North as Bill Callahan enters his fourth season. The Huskers are looking to replace all four starters along the defensive front and must also break in a new starter at quarterback. It should be noted, however, that their new QB will likely be former ASU star Sam Keller.
Texas is the media darling in the South with 13 returning starters from its 10-win 2006 team. Colt McCoy has a season under his belt, and will only continue to improve if his offensive line can protect him. Oklahoma is picked second and could surprise folks if the QB situation in Norman finally gets settled.
While preseason polls are generally useless, Tim Griffin of the San Antonio Express-News notes that:
"The media poll has been correct in seven of the previous 11 seasons in the North and the South. It has been correct for both conferences in four of the last five seasons."You can check out the entire poll after the jump.2007 Big 12 Preseason Football Poll (Media Vote)
North
1. Missouri (16) 136
2. Nebraska (8) 128
3. Kansas State 88
4. Kansas 63
5. Colorado 58
6. Iowa State 31
South
1. Texas (16) 135
2. Oklahoma (7) 126
3. Texas A&M (1) 82
4. Oklahoma State 81
5. Texas Tech 56
6. Baylor 24
