Does the Road to the North Title Actually Lead South?
As NU prepares to open the conference schedule on Saturday against Kansas, national commentators and Husker fans alike continue to spout about how the Huskers are the odds-on favorite to win the "anemic" Big 12 North Division. While I agree that NU has looked like the strongest of any of the North division teams so far, NU's slate of South games, and Missouri's progress this season are good reasons for a reality check. And, any North team wanting to serve notice nationally should start with winning some games against the South Division's big boys.
All Conference Games Count The Same
The Big 12 North's reputation as a relatively weak division is well earned. Colorado is 0-4. Kansas and Iowa State both went to overtime with Toledo, with varying results. And those following KSU closely know their offense leaves much to be desired. At this point, those four teams belong in the MAC, in my opinion. Some believe cleaning the North's collective clock will deliver NU to Kansas City. Not so fast. In the Big 12, all conference games count in the conference record. Then, the teams from each division with the best overall conference record advance to the title game. That means NU has to beat the South teams, too.
Personally, I don't think NU has the best slate of South contests. The Huskers get defending champion Texas at home, and they must play Texas A&M and Oklahoma State on the road, all in the month of October. Texas is a given as a tough game. Kyle field at A&M is one of the 10 toughest places to play in the country, and the Aggies are 4-0 right now. And, NU lost the last time they visited Stillwater. Make no mistake, the road to the North title heads south. Oh, and I wouldn't pencil in sure NU wins anywhere in the conference, including the North schools. Playing ISU in Ames at night absolutely stinks of a trap.
As good as NU has looked so far this season, if they lose focus for a second, they could turn around and have three losses in conference when it is said and done. Somebody else could very easily snatch the division out from under them. But who?
Missouri's Emerging Threat
I've been saying for quite a while that Missouri might actually be better this year without Brad Smith. So far, they look the part of a division title contender. They are 4-0, just got ranked in the top 25, and have the number one scoring defense in the conference so far (giving up just 9.2 a contest). So, don't sit there an think there isn't a viable threat to NU in the North. Here's the good news, Missouri has to play South teams too. Their South schedule is comparable to NU's, with their toughest game (Oklahoma) coming at home and road contests at A&M and Texas Tech. So, as this conference season gets underway, the November 4th clash with Missouri is the one to keep an eye on. I'm glad it is in Lincoln.
Want National Respect? Beat OU and Texas
Oh, and watching Iowa State get overwhelmed by Texas in Austin last week reminded me of the number one thing I'm watching for as the Big 12 conference season unfolds. When in the world is one of the North schools going to beat the South standard bearers - Texas or Oklahoma? The last time that happened was when Kansas upset Oklahoma in the 2003 conference title game. Until anybody in the North beats the Sooners or Longhorns, it is fair to say that the North Division contenders are merely conference title pretenders.
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