Kevin Steele provided the feel-good moment of the Big 12 media days in Houston in late July. The Baylor coach, apparently in control of his senses and acting on his own free will, purposefully tossed around words like talent and depth and conditioning.

He did so not as some kind of ethereal wish list, but like a kid who still thought Santa Claus was real.

By the time he was finished, it was hard to imagine that the Bears' 29-game Big 12 losing streak would not soon end with a win. Heck, maybe he was talking plural here.

McCown this year's hot Carr

Luke McCown looks like the 2002 model of the Carr that put the Western Athletic Conference on the map as a haven for quarterbacks bigger schools may have overlooked. A year ago David Carr led the Fresno State Bulldogs to early season wins over Colorado, Oregon State and Wisconsin, made his name as a quarterback and ended up the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. This year McCown, a Louisiana Tech junior who along with Boise State's Ryan Dinwiddie gives the Western Athletic Conference two of the best college quarterbacks in the country, will try to prove he's like Carr, only with wheels. "I thought his mobility is outstanding,'' said Fresno State coach Pat Hill. "That's what sets him apart. David was more of a pocket passer." McCown would like to keep moving. A darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate who'd like to ride some of the awareness Carr created for WAC quarterbacks last year, McCown started off on the right foot in directing a 39-36 come-from-behind win over Oklahoma State. The 6-foot-4, 199 pound junior from Jacksonville, Tex., threw for 293 of his 448 yards and all three touchdowns in the second half as the Bulldogs made up an 18-point deficit. "We pressured him, hit his receivers hard and his receivers dropped a couple of passes because of that,'' said OSU coach Les Miles. "But he hung in there, threw to the right spots. He was the reason they had a great opportunity to win." McCown's 18-yard touchdown pass to Erick Franklin on fourth down with one minute left made the difference. "I'm most proud of Luke hanging in and not getting down,'' said Bulldog coach Jack Bicknell. "He never once got frustrated. Then we started making plays and got back to what we thought we would do." McCown will get a great chance to showcase his talents this year. The Bulldogs will travel this week to Clemson, which lost starting cornerback Toure Francis to torn knee ligaments, and have upcoming games at Penn State and Texas A&M. -- Mark Wangrin

Three hours later Gary Pinkel, Missouri's second-year coach, sat at the dais looking like he was ready to bite through, well, steel all while bemoaning what the Tigers didn't do last year. If Steele was the voice of sunshine and happiness, Pinkel's forecast was one of Siberian TV weatherman in January.

One week into the regular season and Pinkel's demeanor hasn't changed much.

"There are a lot of things in that football game that were poor,'' Pinkel said of the Tigers' 33-20 win over Illinois, noting two turnovers, soft play and a kicking game that was "embarrassing" and an "indictment of me as a coach."

Still, he did permit himself a smile.

"Yeah," Pinkel said. "A couple."

There are those across the Big 12 who are smiling this week, those whose teams didn't win convincingly enough to smile and those too busy searching for something to smile about. The strong -- Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas and Colorado -- haven't looked strong and the weak -- Baylor and Kansas -- have looked weaker.

Iowa State's Dan McCarney and Pinkel have served notice that they can be surprise teams in the Big 12. After trailing Florida State in Eddie Robinson Classic the Cyclones came back only to lose when an apparent touchdown run by quarterback Seneca Wallace was ruled short of the goal line on the second-to-last play of the game, denying ISU a shot at the Seminoles in overtime. ISU's offense appears to have the next successor in the Cyclones' lineage of 1,000-yard rushers -- Hiawatha Rutland -- and their defense recorded its best conference performance in 23 seasons in shutting down Kansas.

Pinkel has every reason to have a bigger smile. Though the Tigers are still far away from contending for the North Division title, Pinkel has the rarest of commodities in Brad Smith -- an 18-year-old redshirt freshman quarterback who can run, pass and has the poise of an NFL veteran. With him to build around, the Tigers have every reason to make a run at the title in the next few years.

Oklahoma's Bob Stoops, Texas' Mack Brown, Nebraska's Frank Solich and Texas A&M's R.C. Slocum all posted solid though not impressive wins, and each had offensive problems that must be corrected if they are to win their divisions, much less contend for a national title.

Colorado coach Gary Barnett has the solace of knowing a team can only have one season-opener each year -- he's 0-4 with the Buffaloes -- and the disappointment of knowing All-America linemen Andre Gurode and Victor Rogers won't be so easily replaced.

Oklahoma State coach Les Miles' knows his team blew a game it should have won after leading by 18 points. In Miles' defense, Louisiana Tech is considered one of the top contenders to win the Western Athletic Conference and Bulldog Luke McCown may be the best quarterback the Cowboys face all season (will all due respect to Kliff Kingsbury and Chris Simms).

And then there's Steele. His Bears let up a 71-yard touchdown on the first play of the game, trailed 14-0 with barely two minutes gone and wound up getting stomped 70-22 by a Cal team that BU had actually added to soften the non-conference schedule.

"Our sports information people do a great job and they walked over with a sheet of positives about our game,'' he said. "To be frank, that's all good but I don't care. Winning's what counts.

"We're angry, sick of it, frustrated, embarrassed. It's been a very emotional time since I got here. We've got some good players but, dadgummit, we have to learn how to win."

School's in session. In the Big 12 there's plenty of learning to do.

Around the Big 12

Baylor
Last year Baylor started three different quarterbacks and had a fourth play significantly. Coach Kevin Steele had hoped to stick with one guy this year but sixth-year senior Greg Cicero's struggles -- he had three interceptions, two returned for scores -- may open the door for sophomore Aaron Karas, who threw an 85-yard touchdown pass on his first possession. "He has an ability to make plays," Steele said. "He's one of those guys for whom things turn out well. Some times he doesn't even do it right, but he has the persona where things still turn out right."

Colorado
Colorado didn't get much respect from Colorado State quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt, who in television interviews called CU "the sorriest No. 6 team" he'd ever seen. CU fell to 17th this week in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. Mistakes were a huge reason for the Buffaloes' woes -- halfback Chris Brown fumbled three times and, by the CU coaches' count, they missed 21 tackles. ... Halfback Marcus Houston (knee) is expected to miss the Buffaloes' game against San Diego State on Saturday. Halfback Bobby Purify (shoulder bruise) is expected to play. ... CU got a pleasant surprise from Jeremy Bloom, who put his mogul skiing endorsements on the shelf to play college football. Forced into action by a hip pointer to regular returner Donald Stricklin, Bloom returned a punt 75 yards for a score.

Iowa State
Iowa State's offense has gotten most of the credit for the Cyclone's fast start but the defense has been impressive. In their 42-point win over Kansas, the Cyclones had three interceptions and three sacks. The 150 yards allowed to the Jayhawks was the lowest by a conference opponent since they let up 143 to Kansas State in 1979. ... Since falling behind Florida State in the opener ISU has outscored its opponents 76-16. ... The Cyclones will use their new permanent lights at Jack Trice Stadium for the first time Saturday when they host Tennessee Tech.

Kansas
Kansas, coming off a 45-3 rout by Iowa State, will be prepared when the Jayhawks venture to Sam Boyd Stadium for a night game Saturday against UNLV. Last week a transformer malfunctioned outside the stadium and caused a power failure that shortened Wisconsin's 27-7 win over the host Rebels by 7 minutes, 41 seconds -- and possibly some Badger scoring. "I'm going to find out where the switch is," joked first-year Kansas coach Mark Mangino. "I'll let you know whether I plan on shutting them out or not."

Kansas State
It is "very likely" that Marc Dunn will hold on to his starting quarterback job at Kansas State, said coach Bill Snyder. Dunn completed 5 of 6 passes for 64 yards before leaving the game when KSU took a 24-0. Last year's starter, Ell Roberson, came in and completed 4 of 8 for 108 yards and ran for 44. "We didn't throw a lot so things didn't get tested that needed to get tested,'' Snyder said. ... The Wildcats' defense has picked up where it left off. Before the starters were lifted they had allowed Western Kentucky only 92 yards total offense and held them to minus-1 yard rushing in the first half. ... KSU has won 13 straight openers.

Missouri
Missouri coach Gary Pinkel continues to marvel at the poise redshirt freshman Brad Smith, who won't turn 19 until Dec. 12, has shown. Smith completed 12 of 22 passes for 133 yards and ran for 135 in the Tigers' win over Illinois. "How you manage a game takes experience,'' Pinkel said. "Usually a young quarterback makes mistakes. To go out there like he has is amazing. And he can get a lot better." Pinkel was just as surprised that Smith wasn't snapped up by an established football power out of Chaney High School in Youngstown, Ohio. Pinkel began recruiting him when he was head coach at Toledo and continued wooing him when he took the Missouri job and landed him before another major college even offered him.

Nebraska
One of the main concerns about the Nebraska offense has proven to be unfounded. Quarterback Jammal Lord, tabbed to replace Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch, leads the Huskers in carries (40) and rushing yards (195) after two games this season. More of a concern is at I-back, where Thunder Collins, listed as the Husker's co-starter, has reportedly been suspended indefinitely for unspecified reasons. ... DeJuan Groce's two punt returns for touchdowns (83 and 72 yards) earned him the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honor.

Oklahoma
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said quarterback Jason White played better than "OK," which was Stoops' assessment in the postgame. White, who beat out Nate Hybl in the preseason, had two interceptions and was victimized by several dropped passes. "If we had caught the balls we dropped early maybe he wouldn't have forced passes later,'' he said. Sooners running back Quentin Griffin was selected Big 12 Co-Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 237 yards, best by a Sooner back in Stoops' four seasons as coach. "I realize we'll play stronger and more physical teams than Tulsa, but the coordination in the run game was better than in the first three years,'' he said. "It's encouraging, because it gives it a chance to be part of the offense." OU hired Kevin Wilson away from Northwestern to boost a rushing attack that averaged only 3.7 yards a carry last fall.

Oklahoma State
The most elusive thing about Oklahoma State's tailbacks has been health, but coach Les Miles thinks that's about to change. Returning starter Tatum Bell practiced early this week and is expected back from an ankle sprain. Seymore Shaw and Vernand Morency have improving from mild ankle sprains, though Greg Jones had arthroscopic knee surgery last week. "We might be at full speed at tailback for the first time,'' Miles said. ... Starting offensive guard Sam Mayes has won an academic appeal and regained his eligibility. ... Experience may fix some of the Cowboys' problems -- 17 played in their first college game.

Texas
In the preseason Texas coach Mack Brown bragged on the Longhorns' improved power run game, but that boasting looked hollow in the 27-0 opening night win over North Texas. The Longhorns rushing total (28 yards) and average per carry (0.80) was their worst since Oklahoma held them to minus-17 yards rushing in 2000. Halfback Cedric Benson had 19 yards and a touchdown in his first four carries but finished with only 49 yards on 18 carries, his lowest total in six career starts. ... UT also let up eight sacks to UNT, a figure Brown attributed to poor line play and quarterback Chris Simms' determination to cut down on interceptions. "That doesn't mean we'll take eight sacks every week,'' Brown said. "But Chris knows if there's a question we can always punt and play defense."

Texas A&M
During the summer Texas A&M freshman-to-be Reggie McNeal said he would likely be the starting quarterback by midseason. McNeal backed up that talk in the opener, but A&M coach R.C. Slocum said he's not ready to dump incumbent Mark Farris, who missed much of the preseason with a sore elbow. "I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that he missed practice time,'' Slocum said. ... A&M forced 10 turnovers, but none of the six in the first half led to any Aggie points. ... Linebacker Jarrod Penright (hamstring) and wide receiver Terrence Murphy (groin) are listed as questionable for the Aggies game at Pitt.

Texas Tech
Texas Tech will make a few changes in its offensive line. The Red Raiders gave up seven sacks in a season-opening loss to Ohio State and were unable to establish a running game. Sophomore Dylan Gandy, coming back from shoulder surgery, will replace junior Toby Cecil at center. Cecil, who had started the last 21 games at center, moves to left guard in place of Cody Campbell and Jon Rodriguez.

Around the WAC

	Luke McCown threw for 448 yards in La. Tech's opening win.

Louisiana Tech's win over Oklahoma State was the Bulldogs' first win over a BCS conference member since a 29-28 win over Alabama in 1999. ... Fresno State is expected to regain the services of quarterback Jeff Grady, who missed the Bulldogs' narrow win over San Diego State with a hip bruise. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian continues to rehabilitate his knee sprain and will not play. Also out is cornerback Kendall Edwards (knee) ... Hawaii coaches were upset at what they said was an illegal chop block that broke the leg of defensive tackle Lui Fuga. "That was as cheap and flagrant a shot as I've seen,'' Hawaii coach June Jones said. Adding insult to injury, no penalty was called. ... UTEP senior halfback Sherman Austin sprained his ankle on the second series, opening the door for sophomore Howard Jackson. Though the injury to Austin is not expected to be serious, Jackson made a strong bid to keep the job to himself, scoring a school-record four touchdowns and rushing for 157 yards. ... Rice had the ball for only 21:17 in its opening loss to Houston, the lowest total in coach Ken Hatfield's 90 games at the school. ... Tulsa's 37-0 loss to Oklahoma, coupled with Duke's win over East Carolina and Houston's win over Rice, gave the Hurricane the nation's longest major college losing streak (11 games). The Hurricane have hope -- they'll play at Arkansas State on Saturday against a team that returned only 28 lettermen from a 2-9 season. ... SMU's Keylon Kincade got 101 yards on 20 carries against Navy but will likely split time with ShanDerrick Charles, who's returning from a back injury. "We'll work him in slowly,'' coach Phil Bennett said. ... San Jose State coach Fitz Hill said the Spartan's trip to Washington is a dream come true. "Half the guys on our team may have had dreams of playing at Washington,'' he said. "Though this may not be the way they dreamed it. It's not cancer. Nobody has an aneurysm. It's just a football game." ... Nevada running back Chance Kretschmer, who led the nation in rushing as a freshman with 1,732 yards, found the going touch against Washington State. He gained only 67 yards on 26 carries before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. ... Boise State gets a chance to make good on its "Leave No Doubt" slogan, formulated after last season's bowl snub despite eight wins. The Broncos travel to Arkansas hoping to get some respect. "We still haven't beaten somebody from a major conference," said coach Dan Hawkins, whose team lost to South Carolina and Washington State last year. "That's something on our radar that we need to do."

Mark Wangrin covers college football for the San Antonio News-Express.