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July 17, 2008

OU, Mizzou get nods

NORMAN — Oklahoma and Missouri were picked to repeat as division champions in 2008 in a preseason poll of media that cover the Big 12 Conference.

Oklahoma received all but two first-place votes as the favorite to win the South division. The Sooners welcome back 11 starters from their 2007 Big 12 Championship squad. OU has won five league titles in six appearances, both conference records, and last season became the first team to win consecutive Big 12 championships. Oklahoma finished at 11-3 in 2007, registering at least 10 victories for a nation-leading 30th season.

Texas was picked to place second followed by Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M; and Baylor.

Missouri was the unanimous choice of 51 voters to win the North division. The team returns 17 starters off of last year's 12-2 squad that tied with Kansas for the North title and made its first appearance in the Big 12 Football Championship.

Kansas was chosen to finish second followed by Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas State and Iowa State.

Last season, OU crushed Missouri, 38-17, in the title game at San Antonio, Texas.

Big 12 teams will be in Kansas City, site of this year’s title game, on Monday-Wednesday for the annual Big 12 Football Media Day.

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