By Mitch Light (@AthlonMitch on Twitter)

At the midpoint of the 2011 season, it's time to take a look at the first half and predict how the second half will turn out in the Big 12.

The national and regional debate over college football’s best conference happens every season. The criteria for this argument tends to sway towards your favorite conference (fans) or your target audience (many in the media). Should it be based on national title contenders, number of above-average teams, or strength from top to bottom? That’s part of the fun and frustration each year. The SEC has won five national titles in a row and is generally considered the best, but many across America are claiming the Big 12 is best after the first half of the season.

There seems to be a constant debate in the college football world over the best player in the country. Is it the best performer on a top team, the player with the best statistics, or the best pro prospect?

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

Post-Week 7 Big 12 Power Rankings

Check out all of our college football rankings. 

By Mitch Light (@AthlonMitch)

Here are previews and predictions for the 10 best college football games this weekend.

Gary Pinkel has had a successful run in his decade-plus at Missouri. After experiencing losing seasons in three of his first four years in Columbia, the veteran coach has taken Mizzou to the postseason six consecutive times. That six-year run includes three bowl victories and two Big 12 North Division titles, which shows that Pinkel has built a solid college football program and has had more than just a two- or three-year run with a great quarterback.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

Post-Week 6 Big 12 Power Rankings

Check out all of our college football rankings.