College Football Preview: Big 12 and WAC

The Western Athletic Conference is one of those college football conferences that, once upon a time, carried some amount of respect. Not a ton, mind you, but some. Back in the day, the WAC was home to "QB U.," Brigham Young University. Air Force was a meaningful football force every few years, and Hawaii competed every so often, and was a great place to play a game.

Well, at least the WAC still has Hawaii, but one has to wonder for how much longer.

After the amazing conference buy-off of 2003, the WAC, so very much a weaker conference after most of its major players pulled together to form the Mountain West Conference, loses four schools after the coming season to Conference USA. While the four programs that leave aren't powers, they are being replaced by programs none too prestigious in vying-for-worst-team-in-Division 1-A Idaho, along with Idaho's Sun Belt Conference members, Utah State and New Mexico State.

And in honor of the continued weakening of the WAC, I'll go through my predictions for their 2004, and take on the Big 12 last.

Western Athletic Conference

The WAC has been ruled by the Broncos of Boise State for the last three seasons. And they've only been in the conference for four years. No reason to believe that the home of the Blue Turf won't also be the home of the WAC champs one more time. Again.

Boise State 11-0 (Last year's prediction: 10-3; Actual: 12-1)

The Broncos have had among the nation's best offenses over the last several years, but against some of the nation's worst defenses. Don't let that fool you, though. They've had bowl game wins (granted, they only play bowl games on their own field) over some decent programs.

Hawaii 9-3 (8-5; 8-5)

The Warriors dropped the rainbow a few years back and went with black and green unis. They win 'em all at home. And why not? Would you want to play football while in Hawaii? I guess maybe if I lived there...

Fresno State 9-3 (8-5; 8-5)

Fresno State continues to hamstring itself by scheduling BCS conferences opponents before getting into the meat of its conference schedule. While this is commendable, it will only help their resume for admission to the Mountain West the next time that conference is looking for new members. Fresno continues to pull the occasional upset, but usually loses to its big-time opponents, and sets itself up for failure in attempting to boost their reputation.

Tulsa 7-4 (5-7; 8-4)

I clearly misunderstood the depth of changes made by a new coaching staff. The Golden Hurricane (shouldn't they be the Tornadoes?) will have a decent year, and will be well-positioned to make a conference title run soon.

Louisiana Tech 5-7 (5-7; 5-7)

It's been a tough time lately in Bulldog country, and for the first time in several years, La. Tech won't have a QB named McCown on which to hang its hopes, or blame its troubles.

Rice 4-7 (0-12; 5-7)

I deeply underestimated the changes under way at Rice, but winning more than they lose? That won't change for a while.

Nevada 4-8 (9-3; 6-6)

The Wolfpack were victimized by injuries and discipline problems, and more than a little bit of overly optimistic reporting last year. There have been changes, but it's going to take a little while to get things going in the right direction again as Nevada continues to work out its discipline issues.

San Jose State 3-9 (6-5; 3-8)

A promising '02 was followed by a tragically disappointing '03, and unless something gets going in the right direction soon, the Spartans will be coach-hunting next winter.

Texas-El Paso 3-8 (5-7; 2-11)

Speaking of coach-hunting, the Miners surprised many by choosing the embattled former Alabama coach to-be Mike Price to take revive a beleaguered program. Price lends some credibility to program in lack, but Price didn't build the program in Pullman overnight, and it's going to be a tough row to hoe in ol' El Paso.

Southern Methodist 0-11 (1-11; 0-12)

The Mustangs will be headed to the Western Division of the Conference USA on a sour note: two-straight years without a win. Ugh.

Big 12 North

Confusion reigns in the Big 12. In Lincoln, a coach is fired for rebounding from the program's worst year in decades and winning 10 games. In Boulder, the coach who oversaw a loss of control over his program, who intimated that boys will be boys and rapes will happen, gets to keep his job. Well, probably not all year. Look for a bad time for the Buffs.

Nebraska 10-1 (9-3; 9-3)

I hated the hiring of Bill Callahan. I don't think it's the difference-maker in Lincoln, in fact. I think the defense was just fine last season, and will be even better this year.

Kansas State 8-3 (11-2; 10-3)

Darren Sproles will make a Heisman run, but without El Roberson, the Wildcats still don't have enough against some of the classic powerhouses.

Missouri 8-3 (6-6; 8-4)

I'll catch flack for saying it, but someone has to: Missouri QB Brad Smith is flat-out overrated.

Iowa State 3-8 (3-9; 2-10)

Still looking for another Seneca Wallace.

Colorado 3-8(6-6;5-7)

Color me stunned at season's end if Gary Barnett is still employed in Boulder. And then color the brass at UC shameful.

Kansas 0-11 (3-9; 6-6)

I respect Mark Mangino, but I got the sense the Jayhawks were doing it with some smoke and mirrors last year. They likely won't go winless as I predict here, but I don't think they'll sniff .500 this season.

Big 12 South

This is where the national champions come from. Why do we even bother with the north? After Nebraska, there's nothing to write home about. At least not this year.

Oklahoma 11-0(12-0;12-0)

Take away the two most meaningful games of the season, and the Sooners were the best team since ... who knows? I think they sweep the season again, maybe even win a trip to Miami, but I don't think the Sooners will be dancing the dance of the national champs. At least they'll have beaten Texas for six years running.

Texas 10-1 (9-3; 10-2)

I'm not a Mack Brown fan. I've picked the Longhorns to lose only to OU, but I won't be surprised if they lose more games than that.

Oklahoma State 8-3 (9-3; 9-3)

Things are going pretty well in Stillwater. Sure, they don't have Rashaun Woods or Tatum Bell, but the Cowboys have slowly built a competitive program. They should be okay.

Texas A&M 6-5 (11-1; 4-8)

I thought Dennis Franchione, traitor to Alabama, would have things fixed in a jiff. Turns out it takes a couple years to right the wrongs. That's fine. The Aggies will be battling for a division title in two years.

Texas Tech 4-7 (3-9; 7-5)

The Red Raiders will still score, though probably not as prolifically as they have over the last couple years, and they won't be able to stop anyone.

Baylor 1-10 (2-10; 3-9)
I keep waiting for the Bears to give up Division 1-A football so that North Texas can take their place in the Big 12.

Coming up next time: the Big East and MAC. Stay tuned!