August 16, 2012

On the eve of their programs' first Big 12 games, two beloved QBs dish on what makes their schools great

New coaches. New schemes. New teams. This Big 12 season is all about moving forward

Its security blanket gone, the defense has been remade and layered with young talent. Now it needs to stop some people

ON ADVISING RG3 AND THE BUILDING OF THE CAMPUS'S FUTURE

In brief glimpses, the understudy to RG3 has shown that with his own (more modest) skill set he can do the job

In trying to make that jump to the top half of the Big 12, ISU needs a signal-caller and a defensive front four it can count on

ON IOWA STATE'S BRAND AND THE ARDOR IN AMES

The conference's top linebacker is ready to rattle your bones—or (ask his running mate) pop them back in

Sports Illustrated PRESENTS

A pedigreed, no-nonsense coach has started the rebuilding process by changing the culture and importing his old quarterback

ON HAVING HIGH STANDARDS AND THE AGONY OF THE TWEET

Back with his former coach, the ex--Notre Damer is seeking to boost a struggling program and his NFL stock

Last year's team was wild in more than name. With its electrifying stars returning, the next step is to win like a BCS contender

ON TEAM VALUES, LOSING CLOSE ONES AND MOVING ON

It's been a tumultuous two years for the conference. Teams have come and gone. But after sifting through the double talk, it seems the Big 12 just may be stronger than ever

After failing to live up to the hype in Miami, a native son has become a star again in the Sunflower State

A coordinator returns to the scene of earlier successes (reuniting with his big brother) in hopes of lighting a fire under the D

ON CONTINUITY IN NORMAN AND BELLDOZING FOES

Unsatisfied with how last season ended, a quarterback returns focused, leaner and determined to go out on top

With its star performers lost to the NFL, a high-octane, championship offense is now in the hands of a true freshman

TALKS TITLES, OSU'S REP AND WIDEOUTS WHO CAN HOOP

The Oklahoma State back has been dazzling defenses since his Pop Warner days. Now he's carrying a full load

As an era of rebuilding enters a new stage, thoughts of a return to national prominence are dancing in some Horns' heads

ON A&M'S DEPARTURE AND THE DILEMMA OF SUGAR PACKETS

Three years ago a star recruit from Ohio irked his neighbors by picking the Horns. Now he's in his Texas prime

An invitation to join a BCS conference was just the beginning. Now TCU is eager to show everyone it can keep up with the Big 12's best

ON THE SCHOOL'S APPEAL AND HIS NEARNESS TO HISTORY

A former two-way lineman beefed up and worked hard to get noticed. Now he's quite the imposing presence

His job is on the line, but a third-year coach with a track record for turning teams around may finally have the pieces in place in Lubbock

ON STACKING UP TALENT AND WHOM HE EXPECTS TO RISE

A West Texas product overcame injury and bided his time on the bench to take the same field as his childhood heroes

Joining a conference with fast-moving teams means freshmen on the field and a simplified defensive philosophy

ON BETTER RECRUITS, STAFF UNITY AND BOUNCING BACK

A record-setting player was seemingly born to compete in the sport he loves, and also to listen to his mother

The stadiums of the Big 12—the most worshiped spots on campus—blend tradition, the elements and cutting-edge amenities to keep fans making their pilgrimages, time and again

Before a fast and furious season gets rolling, SI selects the top players in the conference—plus backups—at each position

With titles turning on their capricious talents, placekickers are being sought—and taught—as never before

They are tried and true, all but automatic after a touchdown and dead solid in the clutch. Here, in alphabetical order, are the nation's top kickers