by Pat Turner, CONTRIBUTING WRITER , San Antonio Express-News

The Bears, coming off a 3-9 season in Art Briles' first season, look for an improved year. One of the reasons is a stronger defense led by All-Big 12 selections Pawelek and Jordan Lake (free safety).

Overall, Baylor is picked fifth in the Big 12 South.

Elsewhere in college , free safety Andrew Sendejo returns for his final season at Rice after helping the Owls to a 10-3 season, including a 38-14 win over Western Michigan in the Texas Bowl.

Sendejo is one of eight starters returning on defense. The Owls' biggest concerns are on offense as four starters are back.

Rice is picked fourth in the Conference USA West Division.

Defending Southland Conference champion Texas State is favored to defend its crown and one of the reasons for that early nod is an experienced offense headed by quarterback Bradley George of New Braunfels Canyon, running back Karrington Bush and a seasoned led by Smithson Valley product Calvin Gore.

In high school, Smithson Valley, coming off a trip to the Class 5A Division II semifinals, is picked to finished second to Madison in District 26-5A.

Defensively, the Rangers are led by the return of defensive back Zach Craig, linebackers Alex Rubin and Luke Hyde and end Matt Bienek.

The offense returns wide receivers Matt Hilston and Garrett Renken, tight end Ryan Unruh, running back Robbie Mecke and lineman Ryan Martin.

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