LINCOLN, Neb. -- Zac Taylor of Nebraska was named Big 12 offensive player of the year Tuesday by coaches in the conference, just four days before he and the rest of the 9-3 Huskers square off against the 10-2 Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12 title game.

The matchup pits two of the countries most storied programs in a game with the type of big stakes that have been missing from the rivalry for some time.

The Associated Press will announce its players of the year today and its all-conference team on Thursday. The AP honors are decided by a panel of 20 sports writers who regularly cover the league for newspapers throughout the league's seven states.

Coaches in the conference gave the senior the honor Tuesday. Another standout senior on the team, defensive end Adam Carriker, was named defensive lineman of the year by coaches.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops was named coach of the year, triggering a $25,000 bonus in his contract, and Sooners linebacker Rufus Alexander was selected as defensive player of the year.