Feb. 17, 2009

Texas A&M is the favorite to capture the 2009 Big 12 championship, in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

The Aggies received nine first-place votes and a unanimous 81 points. Texas had the other first-place vote and placed second with 69 points. Baylor and Oklahoma State tied for third with 59 points, followed by Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Kansas State and Kansas.

Texas A&M won the regular-season title a season ago with a 19-8 conference record. The Aggies were 46-19 overall and advanced to their second consecutive Super Regional. Texas A&M will rely on experienced arms, as 85 percent of their innings pitched and 89 percent of their starts return.

Big 12 Preseason Poll

1. Texas A&M (9) 81

2. Texas (1) 69

3. Baylor 59

3. Oklahoma State 59

5. Missouri 51

6. Oklahoma 42

7. Nebraska 38

8. Texas Tech 25

9. Kansas State 15

10. Kansas 11