Sean Higgs

1. Nebraska – Clearly the cream of the crop of the North Division. HC Bo Pelini has a very talented bunch on his hands. The offense is improved and the defense will be just as strong. This team should go undefeated and face Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship game. Can’t Miss State… Nebraska is 3-11 ATS last 14 vs Colorado

2. Missouri – HC Gary Pinkel gets 16 returning starters back and will be stronger on both sides of the ball. QB Blaine Gabbert looks to improve on his 24/9 3600 yard season and with 4 returning linemen in front of him, he should duplicate those numbers. Can’t Miss Trend… Missouri is 1-7 SU last 8 vs Nebraska

3. Colorado – Last year was a flop for HC Dan Hawkins. The offense was terrible. Now with 8 starters back on offense including the entire OL and 2 QBs with experience, this team must take a step. The D gets back 8 also and should show some improvement. Can’t Miss Trend… Colorado is 7-3 ATS last 10 vs Colorado State

4. Kansas State – HC Bill Snyder is back for year 2 of his 2nd tour in Manhattan. The offense should improve with RB Daniel Thomas and his 1265 rushing yards. The defense needs some work and this team is still a year or 2 away from really competing as a top program again. Can’t Miss Trend… Kansas State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 vs Texas

5. Kansas Jayhawks – New HC Turner Gill takes over and has nowhere to go but up after the Jayhawks finished last in the North last season. They do have a favorable schedule missing Texas and Oklahoma, but this team is not as talented as last years squad. Can’t Miss Trend… Kansas is 19-1 SU in its last 20 September home games

6. Iowa State – Year 2 for HC Paul Rhoads and it will be a tough one. Cyclones with a tough schedule facing Iowa, Texas and Oklahoma on the road plus Texas and Utah come to Ames. This team has just 12 returning starters. I can’t see a repeat bowl appearance. Can’t Miss Trend…Iowa State is 5-0 ATS last 5 at Iowa