By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com
Big12Sports.com Correspondent

With no preseason games, college football teams open each season with a "cold start." After about a month of practices, coaches and players have an idea of what to expect in Game One but there is a large amount of uncertainty.

The unknown level is particularly high when facing a team with a new coaching staff. That's the challenge facing Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas Tech.

The ninth-ranked Cowboys face Louisiana Lafayette Saturday. A year ago, Oklahoma State trailed at halftime before rallying for a 54-28 road victory. The Rajin' Cajuns are under new management as coach Mike Hudspeth has taken over.

"We don't have any idea what to expect," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said Monday during the Big 12 coaches conference call. "We will try to continue to get better at our offense, our defense and our special teams and just play it be ear in the first quarter."

Miami (Ohio) visits No. 21 Missouri. The RedHawks finished 2010 with a 10-4 record and won their bowl game. Don Treadwell is their new coach.

"There's always question marks," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "Whenever you have a new staff there's huge concerns because we're not sure on either side of the ball what we're going to see. They've got a very good head football coach in Don Treadwell. It's going to be a difficult game for us."

This weekend's games

TCU at Baylor
Need to know: 7 p.m. Friday, Floyd Casey Stadium, ESPN.
Records (2010): TCU 13-0, Baylor 7-6.

Scouting TCU
The Frogs are coming off an outstanding 13-0 season that included a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin. However, this year's team returns just four offensive and four defensive starters from that team. Casey Pachall takes over for Andy Dalton at quarterback and will be making his first start in this game. TCU returns a star defensive player in linebacker Tank Carder but there are several questions in the secondary.

Scouting Baylor
The Bears are coming off their first bowl trip in 16 seasons and hope to continue that momentum in 2011. Junior quarterback Robert Griffin III runs an offense capable of scoring plenty of points. Senior Terrance Ganaway will start at running back and needs to be as productive as Jay Finley, who set a school single-season rushing record in 2010. New coordinator Phil Bennett has been charged with fixing the Bears' leaky defense.

This and that
TCU has won 27 of its last 28 games and has lost just two regular-season games since November of 2007 ... Baylor had just 99 yards rushing in last year's loss to the Frogs.

Miami (Ohio) at Missouri
Need to know: 11 a.m. Saturday, Faurot Field, FSN.
Records (2010): Miami 10-4, Missouri 10-3.

Scouting Miami (Ohio)
The RedHawks return 17 starters from the team that won the Mid-American Conference title and a bowl game last season. Don Treadwell, a former assistant at Michigan State, takes over as the team's coach. Miami has two capable quarterbacks in junior Zac Dysert and sophomore Austin Boucher, who played in seven games last season when Dysert was injured. The offense lost its top rusher and receiver but the defense returns its top eight tacklers.

Scouting Missouri
Sophomore James Franklin will make his debut as the Tigers' quarterback. The offense has several play makers including receivers T.J. Moe and Michael Egnew along with three productive running backs. The offensive line, though, will be without two starters. Missouri's defense should be outstanding with defensive ends Jacquies Smith and Brad Madison leading the way.

This and that
These teams played last year in Columbia with the Tigers winning 51-13 ... Missouri coach Gary Pinkel formerly coached at Toledo, which like Miami is in the MAC ... Treadwell was Michigan State's interim coach while Mark Dantonio was recovering from a heart attack last season.

Texas State at Texas Tech
Need to know: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jones AT&T Stadium.
Records (2010): Texas State 4-7, Texas Tech 8-5.

Scouting Texas State
Former Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione is pulling a Bill Snyder. This is second tour at Texas State; he previously coached at the school based in San Marcos, Texas from 1990-91 when the school was called Southwest Texas State. The Bobcats return 18 starters but are lacking a proven running back and figure to have trouble keeping this game competitive. Quarterbacks Tyler Arndt and Tim Hawkins both might see action.

Scouting Texas Tech
Junior Seth Doege, who because of injuries suffered in high school has played in one game since 2005, makes his debut as the Red Raiders' quarterback. Texas Tech must replace its top rusher and top two receivers from last season. Expect more running from the offense as the Red Raiders want more of a 50-50 balance. There are a lot of freshmen and sophomores on the defensive two-deep roster.

This and that
Dennis Franchione has a 1-6 career record against Texas Tech ... The Red Raiders hold an all-time record of 57-26-3 in season openers and have won each of their last eight, dating back to the 2003 season. Since 2005, Texas Tech has played eight Football Championship Subdivision schools and compiled a perfect 8-0 record while winning by the average score of 60-13.

Northern Iowa at Iowa State
Need to know: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jack Trice Stadium.
Records (2010): Northern Iowa 7-5, Iowa State 5-7.

Scouting Northern Iowa
The Panthers return 19 starters from last season and will be wanting to prove that the 27-0 loss to Iowa State in 2010 was a fluke. Quarterback Tirell Rennie, who had two interceptions returned for touchdowns by the Cyclones, is a dangerous run-pass threat. Northern Iowa's defense is solid up front and will try to mount an effective pass rush to disrupt the Iowa State passing game.

Scouting Iowa State
Junior-college transfer Steele Jantz is the Cyclones' new quarterback. In practices he has shown leadership and the ability to make plays with his arm and his legs. In coach Paul Rhoads' first two seasons, the offense has been inconsistent. If Jantz can move the chains and score points, the defense is good enough to stop opponents. Linebackers Jake Knott and A.J. Klein are the top tacklers.

This and that
Northern Iowa is a power in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Panthers have won the league title 13 times since 1990 ... The Panthers were ninth in the Football Championship Subdivision in rushing last season ... Iowa State lost to Northern Iowa in 2007.

McNeese State at Kansas
Need to know: 6 p.m. Saturday, Memorial Stadium.
Records (2010): McNeese State 6-5, Kansas 3-9.

Scouting McNeese State
The Cowboys, a Football Championship Subdivision team, are favored to contend in the Southland Conference. McNeese State has a punishing ground game led by three backs - Andre Anderson, Champlain Babin and Javaris Murray. Quarterback Cody Staud is also a running threat. The defense was solid against the run last season but had difficult stopping the ground games of Missouri and LSU.

Scouting Kansas
The Jayhawks are hoping for major improvement in coach Turner Gill's second season. Sophomore quarterback Jordan Webb got experience as a starter last season. The coaching staff is pleased with the talent and depth at running back, plus the offensive line should be a strength. Look for the Kansas defense to rely on a solid group of linebackers and use more 3-4 schemes to play to that strength.

This and that
McNeese State returns 15 starters from a team that finished 5-2 in the Southland Conference ... McNeese State lost at Missouri, 50-6, last season ... KU's Kale Pick, who started last year's season opener at quarterback, is now at wide receiver.

Eastern Kentucky at Kansas State
Need to know: 6 p.m. Saturday, Bill Snyder Memorial Stadium.
Records (2010): Eastern Kentucky 6-5, Kansas State 7-6.

Scouting Eastern Kentucky
Last season the Colonels were one of the top teams in the Football Championship Subdivision in tackles for loss and sacks. Their mission on defense is attacking the quarterback. The Colonels have a solid pass-catch duo in quarterback T.J. Pryor and wide receiver Olandus Harris. Pryor also is a threat as a runner. Senior H.B. Banjoman (a Name of the Year candidate) is the team's top running back.

Scouting Kansas State
Junior Collin Klein started last season's victory over Texas and he'll enter this season as the Wildcats' quarterback. He's a dangerous runner who has worked on improving his throwing accuracy. Kansas State must replace its top rusher and top two receivers from last season. New middle linebacker Arthur Brown is expected to be key for a defense that needs a major improvement when it comes to stopping the run.

This and that
Eastern Kentucky faced one BCS conference team last season, losing 23-13 to Louisville ... The Colonels won their last four games in 2010 ... Kansas State hasn't suffered a loss in a season opener under Bill Snyder since a 31-0 loss to Arizona State in 1989, Snyder's first year as Wildcats coach.

Louisiana Lafayette at Oklahoma State
Need to know: 6 p.m. Saturday, Boone Pickens Stadium.
Records (2010): Louisiana Lafayette 3-9, Oklahoma State 11-2.

Scouting Louisiana Lafayette
The Ragin' Cajuns had a porous defense last season, allowing 37 points a game. Lafayette had a 21-17 lead at home in last year's meeting between these teams but was blown out in the second half of a 52-28 loss. The Ragin' Cajuns run a spread attack and will likely use two quarterbacks (Chris Masson and Blaine Gautier). Tight end Ladarius Green is the top pass catching threat.

Scouting Oklahoma State
The Cowboys start the season ranked in the top 10 and with high hopes. The offense is led by senior quarterback Brandon Weeden and junior receiver Justin Blackmon. Last year against Lafayette, he had 13 catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Oklahoma State's defense needs to prove it can shut down opponents' pass attacks and the Ragin' Cajuns should provide a good test.

This and that
Louisiana Lafayette's new coach is Mark Hudspeth, who won 44 games in his final four years at North Alabama. He was an assistant at Mississippi State the last two years ... Weeden threw for 351 yards and five touchdowns in last year's game ... Todd Monken will make his debut as Oklahoma State's new offensive coordinator.

Tulsa at Oklahoma
Need to know: 7 p.m. Saturday, Gaylord Family/Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, FX.
Records (2010): Tulsa 10-3, Oklahoma 11-2.

Scouting Tulsa
The Golden Hurricane have won 10 games three of the last four seasons under coach Todd Graham, who left to take the job at Pitt. He has been replaced by Bill Blankenship. Quarterback G.J. Kinne, who transferred from Texas, was the Conference USA offensive player of the year last season after throwing for 3,650 yards and 31 touchdowns. However, Tulsa will be without play maker Damaris Johnson, who has been suspended.

Scouting Oklahoma
The top-ranked Sooners start their quest for the school's eighth national championship. Junior quarterback Landry Jones is in charge of what promises to be a potent offense. Replacing do-it-all running back DeMarco Murray will be a challenge. The defense will be without senior linebacker Travis Lewis, who is out with a foot injury. Sophomore linebacker Corey Nelson has the potential to be a star.

This and that
The last time these in-state foes met, Oklahoma recorded a 45-0 victory in 2009 ... Kinne rushed for 560 yards and seven touchdowns last season ... The last time Tulsa beat Oklahoma was 1996, a stunning 31-24 victory in Norman.

Rice at Texas
Need to know: 7 p.m. Saturday, Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, LHN.
Records (2010): Rice 4-8, Texas 5-7.

Scouting Rice
The Owls have solid offensive weapons. Sophomore quarterback Taylor McHargue, who can run it and throw it, saw time last season and is the full-time starter in 2011. Running back Sam McGuffie, who started his career at Michigan, led the team in rushing last season and is also a dangerous receiver. Rice returns five of its top six tacklers from last season and Scott Solomon is an effective pass rusher.

Scouting Texas
The Longhorns are basically starting over with new coordinators and two new assistants on offense. Junior Garrett Gilbert will start at quarterback. He's in charge of Bryan Harsin's offense, which will emphasize the running game and the tight end. To be determined is who is UT's best ground gainer and who can catch the football. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz will have the Longhorns attacking from any and all angles.

This and that
The Owls will also play Baylor, Purdue and Northwestern in non-conference games. Since 2007, Rice is 3-13 in non-league games against teams from BCS conferences ... Texas has a 70-21-1 edge in the series ... Both teams are former members of the defunct Southwest Conference.

SMU at Texas A&M
Need to know: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Kyle Field, FSN.
Records (2010): SMU 7-7, Texas A&M 9-4.

Scouting SMU
Coach June Jones has guided the Mustangs to consecutive bowl appearances. SMU uses the run-n-shoot offense, spreading the field to find receivers and creat running lanes. Quarterback Kyle Padron can be effective if given time to throw. Running back Zach Line can run with power and speed. Last year the defense gave up 25.6 points (59th nationally) and just more than 342 yards a game to rank 40th nationally in total defense.

Scouting Texas A&M
The Aggies hope to pick up where they left off after winning their final six games in 2010. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is in charge of an offense with depth, talent and experience. Despite losing sack-producing Von Miller and leading tackler Michael Hodges, A&M coach Mike Sherman believes the defense can show improvement this season. Getting consistent pressure on Padron will be a key in the season opener.

This and that
SMU returns 18 starters ... In the last meeting between the two teams, Texas A&M won 66-8 in 2005 ... The Aggies are in the top 10 of both preseason rankings. The last time Texas A&M started the season ranked in the top 10 was 1999.