Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series previewing the teams of the Big 12, starting with the Big 12 South. See Friday’s Iowa State Daily for a preview of the Big 12 North.

BAYLOR

Last season: 3-8 (0-8 Big 12)

2002 Prediction: 2-10

Key Game: Kansas

The Bears had believers after starting last season with two wins over Arkansas State and New Mexico. However, Iowa State pounded them the next time out 41-0, setting the tone for the rest of the season. Their schedule doesn’t get any easier this year, with road games at Texas and Colorado and a game with Oklahoma at home.

After three years on the job, head coach Kevin Steele is wearing out his welcome. The Bears have never won a Big 12 game in the conference’s three-year existence.

On the bright side, Reggie Newhouse is a legitimate NFL pick. The 6-foot-1 wide receiver can fly and has led the Bears in receiving the last two seasons. The Bears will go as their defense goes. It’s up to new defensive coordinator Bob Trott.

OKLAHOMA

Last season: 11-2 (6-2 Big 12)

2002 prediction: 10-2

Key game: Texas

Along with Texas, the Sooners should be near the top of the Big 12 South. Head coach Bob Stoops is 31-7 in three seasons at Oklahoma, including a national championship just two years ago.

Word out of Norman is that this year’s defense could be the best since Stoops has been there. Last season the Sooners were fourth nationally in total defense.

Antwone Savage will become Oklahoma’s all-time pass receptions leader this season. The wide receiver has consistently showed his big play ability, especially last season against Kansas State when he caught a 75-yarder to key a 38-37 victory.

OKLAHOMA STATE

Last season: 4-7 (2-6 Big 12)

2002 prediction: 6-6

Key Game: Texas A&M

This is the same team that derailed Oklahoma’s bowl game plans last November when they beat the Sooners 16-13 and went toe-to-toe with Colorado.

Head coach Les Miles begins his second season at the helm after two years with the Dallas Cowboys.

The big question mark will be whether sophomore quarterback Josh Fields can replace Aso Pogi, who threw for more than 1,800 yards last season. Rashaun Woods, who was Pogi’s main target last year with over 1,000 yards, and T.D. Bryant lead a strong receiving corps.

TEXAS

Last season: 11-2 (7-1 Big 12)

2002 prediction: 11-1

Key game: Oklahoma

With Major Applewhite out of the way, look for Chris Simms to finally make this team his team in his senior season. The potent Longhorn offense can put up the points with Simms and All-American candidate Roy Williams on the receiving end. Texas scored 35 or more points in 11 games last season.

Two cornerbacks, Rob Babers and Nathan Vasher, helped anchor the Texas secondary last season. Texas ranked 12th nationally in total defense in 2001.

Head coach Mack Brown has taken the Longhorns to 10 straight bowl games. Don’t expect that to stop.

TEXAS A&M

Last season: 8-4 (4-4 Big 12)

2002 prediction: 7-4

Key game: Nebraska

Texas A&M has 17 starters returning from last season’s 8-4 squad, giving fans reason to believe they can contend with Texas and Oklahoma this year. Sammy Davis, a senior cornerback, is a Thorpe Award and All-American candidate.

Head Coach R.C. Slocum has never seen his team lose more than six games in his 13 years at the helm. Don’t expect that to change in 2002.

TEXAS TECH

Last season: 7-5 (4-4 Big 12)

2002 Prediction: 7-4

Key game: Oklahoma State

Two words: Kliff Kingsbury. The senior quarterback was third in the nation last year with a 69 percent completion rate and tossed 25 touchdowns on his way to more than 3,500 yards passing.

With 17 returning starters, and two straight bowl games, head coach Mike Leach has put some confidence back in a program that had struggled in past seasons.

Lawrence Flugence and Aaron Hunt anchor the Red Raider defense. Flugence has led the Big 12 in tackles the last two seasons and Hunt was fifth in the nation last year with 12 sacks.

After a tough loss to nationally ranked Ohio State to start the season, Texas Tech needs to get back on track next weekend against SMU.