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Pittsburgh linebacker Scott McKillop (40) expects the Panthers to

The scheduling gods were kind enough to cycle the Big 12 South powers Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech off Kansas’ slate last year. Which Big 12 North team gets a similar break this season? Lowly Iowa State. The Cyclones probably aren’t ready to make a Kansas-like run at a conference title this season, but don’t be surprised if they improve on last year’s 3-9 record in coach Gene Chizik’s second season.

Sometimes experience can make up for shortcomings in talent. Take Boston College, which won a school record 11 games and reached the ACC championship. The stellar play of quarterback Matt Ryan was a big reason why the Eagles took off in ’07. Almost as important was the fact that he was one of 17 fifth-year seniors, to go along with eight fourth-year juniors, on BC’s depth chart.

So, after examining all the evidence from last year, expect some ’08 surprise teams with these qualities:

• lost several close games in ’07;
• have quarterbacks with potential for breakout seasons;
• rely heavily on upperclassmen;
• have manageable schedules, especially early in the season when confidence is being built.

If your struggling team fits the bill in at least two of these categories, congratulations, there’s reason for hope.

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