Big 12 media days take place in Dallas this week.

Dallas Will Host the Big 12 Media Days This Week

KEVIN LONNQUIST

Staff Writer

The excitement of another college football season looms. On Monday, the Big 12 Football media days begin at Dallas’ Westin Galleria.

Coaches and players from each of the 10 schools will be there along with new league commissioner Bob Bowlsby. Bowlsby will be taking the lead as far as press conference go. Here’s the rundown of both days: http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10410&ATCLID=205501461.

Here’s what to look as far as issues:

• Bowlsby should probably give an update if not announce the television deal with FOX and ESPN. We’re told by a source that the agreement is very close to being done and could be announced as early as this week. The 13-year agreement would guarantee approximately $20 million per university.
• The status of the Champions Bowl location could grab some headlines. The new bowl, which will be a part of the new four-team playoff system that will start in 2014, has been linked to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.
• There may be some news coming out of the four-team playoff scenario in terms of the selection committee and the criteria it will use. Also, the Cotton Bowl would love to be a part of the rotation between the six bowls that would host the national semifinals.

As for the teams, these might be the hottest subplots going:

• TCU and West Virginia make their debut as conference members.
• Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops will address being reunited with his brother Mike as the new defensive coordinator.
• Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy will probably talk about or defend his decision to name freshman Wes Lunt as his starting quarterback.
• Baylor coach Art Briles should be talking about two things: life after Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III and the new stadium. This past Friday, the university’s board of trustees approved the construction of a proposed $250 million 45,000-seat on-campus facility. It should be ready by 2014.
• Texas coach Mack Brown will explain how much better his offense will be in 2012.
• Kansas coach Charlie Weis and QB Dayne Crist will talk about life after Notre Dame and an opportunity to start fresh in Lawrence, KS.
• Kansas State coach Bill Snyder will be quick with his dry wit and explain how his team can enjoy the success this year like it had in 2011.
• Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads will cherish his program being under-the-radar.
• Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville will have to answer questions about him being on the hot seat.

Last Thursday, the conference released its preseason media poll. Yours truly cast a ballot and I am sharing with you how I voted and the reasoning behind each selection:

1. Oklahoma – I think the Sooner defense will have a new attitude and QB Landry Jones is determined to have a strong season from start to finish.
2. West Virginia – QB Geno Smith is a Heisman Trophy candidate and I do believe this offense won’t miss a beat in this conference. Plus, the Mountaineers have five Big 12 home games.
3. TCU – People are skeptical about them handling the rigors of an upgraded conference schedule. I’m not. This defense is good and QB Casey Pachall could have a big year.
4. Texas – I just don’t have enough faith in the Longhorns’ offense to justify ranking them higher. We’re just going to have to see it. There’s no doubt the defense is excellent.
5. Kansas State – Do you want to bet against 72-year-old Bill Snyder? He has some gamers led by QB Collin Klein.
6. Oklahoma State – For me, it was a question of wondering if a baby-faced QB can take the reins. Plus, that defense is up and down.
7. Baylor – It’s the reverse of Texas. The Bears will move the football. I don’t worry about that. But they know they really have to pick it up defensively where they struggled in 2011.
8. Texas Tech – I gave them the nod over Iowa State because of the QB situation. Plus, Tommy Tuberville may need this season in terms of a bowl to save his job.
9. Iowa State – I’m just not a fan of a two quarterback system. But the Cyclones may have the two best linebackers in the conference in Jake Knott and A.J. Klein
10.  Kansas – Charlie Weiss inherits a really difficult job. There are no expectations but if the Jayhawks can find a way to five wins, it would be a great start.

We thought you might want to see an actual voter’s poll who took place in the Big 12 preseason polls for conference and individual honors so below are our own Kevin Lonnquists votes revealed:

Preseason Big 12 Conference Poll

• Preseason All-Big 12 Football Poll Announced(rattleandhumsports.com)

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• Who Are The Best Big 12 Passing Tandems? Check Out Our Top 10 List:(rattleandhumsports.com)

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• Too Early To Look At The Big Question About Each Big 12 Football Team?(rattleandhumsports.com)

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• VIDEO: Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby Is Excited About Confererence’s Future(rattleandhumsports.com)

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• Big 12 Media Days Start Monday in Dallas(rattleandhumsports.com)

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• VIDEO: Dana Holgorsen Interview At Big 12 Media Days(rattleandhumsports.com)

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Tags Big 12 Conference big 12 media days Bill Snyder Bob Bowlsby Charlie Weis Collin Klein Feature Heisman Trophy Kansas Oklahoma Oklahoma State Texas Tommy Tuberville West Virginia