Big 12 Power Rankings

[Ohio Pete]

Big 12 power rankings: Texas back on top to start the spring

February 9, 2009 10:20 AM

 

Posted by ESPN.Ccom's Tim Griffin

 

 

It's an inexact science trying to provide power rankings more than six months before the Big 12 season will be starting. But here's my best guess heading into spring practice. I've considered coaching changes, NFL draft defections, returning players, schedules and expected boost from arriving recruiting classes in determining how I think teams should be placed heading into the spring.

 

1. Texas - A sense of unfinished business is present after the Longhorns came within seconds of challenging for the national championship last year. That feeling helped lure Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley back for another year. If recruit Chris Whaley can emerge at running back and the defensive line can be rebuilt, the Longhorns should be in the hunt for a shot at the national title game at the Rose Bowl. The last time the crystal ball was awarded there, Texas upset USC for the championship. Could history repeat itself again?

 

2. Oklahoma - The Sooners had a strong recruiting day, but an even better one a couple of weeks earlier when Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham and Gerald McCoy among others decided to return for the 2009 season. But the Sooners still need to find some playmakers at wide receiver and rebuild their offensive line. And of a more immediate concern for Bob Stoops than his recent BCS bowl struggles is that nagging 1-3 mark against Texas over the last four seasons.

 

3. Oklahoma State - Next year's Texas Tech could be Oklahoma State, which has all of its major weapons returning after Russell Okung decided to put off the NFL draft for another season. But the Cowboys' hopes of challenging for their first Big 12 South title will depend on wily veteran coordinator Bill Young's work with the defense. If they can improve like the Red Raiders did most of the 2008 season, it won't be far-fetched to think that the Cowboys can make a similar jump.

 

4. Nebraska - The Cornhuskers got a big shot of momentum after their impressive comeback victory in the Gator Bowl. Ndamukong Suh will be back, but the Cornhuskers have to find a replacement for Joe Ganz at quarterback. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's work in turning out serviceable players at the position at Colorado and Nebraska lessens some of those concerns. But it still wouldn't surprise me to be seeing heralded incoming freshman Cody Green to be starting at the position by early November - maybe even with a North Division title on the line.

 

5. Kansas - The Jayhawks made history last season by making back-to-back bowl trips. With most of their major offensive weapons back, can they make similar history with their first undisputed Big 12 North title? Todd Reesing and Dezmon Briscoe will pile up passing yardage, along with increased talent from their last two recruiting classes. But the Jayhawks still face the same challenging Texas-Oklahoma-Texas Tech rotation among South opponents, making for the toughest challenge of any North team in their out-of-division contests.

 

6. Texas Tech - Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell will be gone. Mike Leach is angry after a protracted contract dispute with school officials. It will mean that Taylor Potts will face a huge challenge stepping in at quarterback. And defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill hopes that some of the strong talent in the trenches can step forward immediately after his team's late collapse against Oklahoma and Mississippi last season.

 

7. Missouri - The Tigers' offense will take a big step back with Chase Daniel, Chase Coffman and Jeremy Maclin all gone from last season's Alamo Bowl team. Sean Weatherspoon will anchor a defense that will have to rebuild after losing Ziggy Hood, Stryker Sulak and William Moore. Too many key Tiger players are leaving to think they can make a three-peat of North Division titles, although Missouri should again be in the hunt for a bowl game.

 

8. Colorado - Dan Hawkins is already sold on this team, proclaiming it capable of a 10-2 record shortly after his team's disappointment finished last season. I'm not thinking they'll be that good, but I do expect a bowl trip if they can stay away from injuries, Cody Hawkins or Tyler Hansen emerges at quarterback and Darrell Scott fulfills the promise he arrived at college with.

 

9. Baylor - Art Briles' unexpectedly good recruiting class should provide Robert Griffin with a lot of weapons. Most notable might be Terrance Ganaway, a bullish 220-pound transfer from Houston who will provide Jay Finley with a nice balance at running back. The Bears' hopes of making their first bowl appearance since the Big 12 was formed will depend on playing better in close games - they were 0-3 in games settled by a touchdown or less in 2008.

 

10. Kansas State - Bill Snyder's return to college coaching didn't wow make recruits, but it's a start. The Wildcats do have 15 returning starters, but have to hope that new coordinator Andy Ludwig can make some offensive magic with either Carson Coffman or junior college transfer Daniel Thomas. And they have to hope that some offensive linemen emerge to protect whoever is starting.

 

11. Texas A&M - Mike Sherman added speed and playmaking ability in his defense, but the Aggies really needed it. And all of the heralded recruits still will be facing a steep learning curve against all of the other heralded offenses in the South Division. But Christine Michael will be arriving as the most heralded playmaker for the Aggies in more than decade, ensuring there will be some excitement when he's surrounded by players like Jerrod Johnson and Jeff Fuller.

 

12. Iowa State - Paul Rhoads is back at Iowa State, and he'll think it's kind of like 1995, when he originally starting coaching there on Dan McCarney's staff. The challenges in the Big 12 might be even more imposing than they were then, meaning Rhoads will be facing a steep climb to respectability. Austen Arnaud, Alexander Robinson and Darius Darks provide an offensive foundation, but Rhoads' biggest talents have always been developing a defense. He'll definitely have his work cut out at his new job.

[predictionking]

Big 12 power rankings: Texas back on top to start the spring

February 9, 2009 10:20 AM

 

Posted by ESPN.Ccom's Tim Griffin

 

 

It's an inexact science trying to provide power rankings more than six months before the Big 12 season will be starting. But here's my best guess heading into spring practice. I've considered coaching changes, NFL draft defections, returning players, schedules and expected boost from arriving recruiting classes in determining how I think teams should be placed heading into the spring.

 

1. Texas - A sense of unfinished business is present after the Longhorns came within seconds of challenging for the national championship last year. That feeling helped lure Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley back for another year. If recruit Chris Whaley can emerge at running back and the defensive line can be rebuilt, the Longhorns should be in the hunt for a shot at the national title game at the Rose Bowl. The last time the crystal ball was awarded there, Texas upset USC for the championship. Could history repeat itself again?

 

2. Oklahoma - The Sooners had a strong recruiting day, but an even better one a couple of weeks earlier when Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham and Gerald McCoy among others decided to return for the 2009 season. But the Sooners still need to find some playmakers at wide receiver and rebuild their offensive line. And of a more immediate concern for Bob Stoops than his recent BCS bowl struggles is that nagging 1-3 mark against Texas over the last four seasons.

 

3. Oklahoma State - Next year's Texas Tech could be Oklahoma State, which has all of its major weapons returning after Russell Okung decided to put off the NFL draft for another season. But the Cowboys' hopes of challenging for their first Big 12 South title will depend on wily veteran coordinator Bill Young's work with the defense. If they can improve like the Red Raiders did most of the 2008 season, it won't be far-fetched to think that the Cowboys can make a similar jump.

 

4. Nebraska - The Cornhuskers got a big shot of momentum after their impressive comeback victory in the Gator Bowl. Ndamukong Suh will be back, but the Cornhuskers have to find a replacement for Joe Ganz at quarterback. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's work in turning out serviceable players at the position at Colorado and Nebraska lessens some of those concerns. But it still wouldn't surprise me to be seeing heralded incoming freshman Cody Green to be starting at the position by early November - maybe even with a North Division title on the line.

 

5. Kansas - The Jayhawks made history last season by making back-to-back bowl trips. With most of their major offensive weapons back, can they make similar history with their first undisputed Big 12 North title? Todd Reesing and Dezmon Briscoe will pile up passing yardage, along with increased talent from their last two recruiting classes. But the Jayhawks still face the same challenging Texas-Oklahoma-Texas Tech rotation among South opponents, making for the toughest challenge of any North team in their out-of-division contests.

 

6. Texas Tech - Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell will be gone. Mike Leach is angry after a protracted contract dispute with school officials. It will mean that Taylor Potts will face a huge challenge stepping in at quarterback. And defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill hopes that some of the strong talent in the trenches can step forward immediately after his team's late collapse against Oklahoma and Mississippi last season.

 

7. Missouri - The Tigers' offense will take a big step back with Chase Daniel, Chase Coffman and Jeremy Maclin all gone from last season's Alamo Bowl team. Sean Weatherspoon will anchor a defense that will have to rebuild after losing Ziggy Hood, Stryker Sulak and William Moore. Too many key Tiger players are leaving to think they can make a three-peat of North Division titles, although Missouri should again be in the hunt for a bowl game.

 

8. Colorado - Dan Hawkins is already sold on this team, proclaiming it capable of a 10-2 record shortly after his team's disappointment finished last season. I'm not thinking they'll be that good, but I do expect a bowl trip if they can stay away from injuries, Cody Hawkins or Tyler Hansen emerges at quarterback and Darrell Scott fulfills the promise he arrived at college with.

 

9. Baylor - Art Briles' unexpectedly good recruiting class should provide Robert Griffin with a lot of weapons. Most notable might be Terrance Ganaway, a bullish 220-pound transfer from Houston who will provide Jay Finley with a nice balance at running back. The Bears' hopes of making their first bowl appearance since the Big 12 was formed will depend on playing better in close games - they were 0-3 in games settled by a touchdown or less in 2008.

 

10. Kansas State - Bill Snyder's return to college coaching didn't wow make recruits, but it's a start. The Wildcats do have 15 returning starters, but have to hope that new coordinator Andy Ludwig can make some offensive magic with either Carson Coffman or junior college transfer Daniel Thomas. And they have to hope that some offensive linemen emerge to protect whoever is starting.

 

11. Texas A&M - Mike Sherman added speed and playmaking ability in his defense, but the Aggies really needed it. And all of the heralded recruits still will be facing a steep learning curve against all of the other heralded offenses in the South Division. But Christine Michael will be arriving as the most heralded playmaker for the Aggies in more than decade, ensuring there will be some excitement when he's surrounded by players like Jerrod Johnson and Jeff Fuller.

 

12. Iowa State - Paul Rhoads is back at Iowa State, and he'll think it's kind of like 1995, when he originally starting coaching there on Dan McCarney's staff. The challenges in the Big 12 might be even more imposing than they were then, meaning Rhoads will be facing a steep climb to respectability. Austen Arnaud, Alexander Robinson and Darius Darks provide an offensive foundation, but Rhoads' biggest talents have always been developing a defense. He'll definitely have his work cut out at his new job.

 

 

Not a lot to argue with there however I do think Colorado and A&M will have better seasons than Tech or Mizzou. K-State should be listed at 11 as well. They're going to be awful.

I honestly think Tech and Mizzou are going to have major letdown seasons.

 

When people keep pointing out KU's guantlet schedule of OU, Texas and Tech next season, I think they should leave Tech out of that equation.

[huskernation20]

Big 12 power rankings: Texas back on top to start the spring

February 9, 2009 10:20 AM

 

Posted by ESPN.Ccom's Tim Griffin

 

 

It's an inexact science trying to provide power rankings more than six months before the Big 12 season will be starting. But here's my best guess heading into spring practice. I've considered coaching changes, NFL draft defections, returning players, schedules and expected boost from arriving recruiting classes in determining how I think teams should be placed heading into the spring.

 

1. Texas - A sense of unfinished business is present after the Longhorns came within seconds of challenging for the national championship last year. That feeling helped lure Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley back for another year. If recruit Chris Whaley can emerge at running back and the defensive line can be rebuilt, the Longhorns should be in the hunt for a shot at the national title game at the Rose Bowl. The last time the crystal ball was awarded there, Texas upset USC for the championship. Could history repeat itself again?

 

2. Oklahoma - The Sooners had a strong recruiting day, but an even better one a couple of weeks earlier when Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham and Gerald McCoy among others decided to return for the 2009 season. But the Sooners still need to find some playmakers at wide receiver and rebuild their offensive line. And of a more immediate concern for Bob Stoops than his recent BCS bowl struggles is that nagging 1-3 mark against Texas over the last four seasons.

 

3. Oklahoma State - Next year's Texas Tech could be Oklahoma State, which has all of its major weapons returning after Russell Okung decided to put off the NFL draft for another season. But the Cowboys' hopes of challenging for their first Big 12 South title will depend on wily veteran coordinator Bill Young's work with the defense. If they can improve like the Red Raiders did most of the 2008 season, it won't be far-fetched to think that the Cowboys can make a similar jump.

 

4. Nebraska - The Cornhuskers got a big shot of momentum after their impressive comeback victory in the Gator Bowl. Ndamukong Suh will be back, but the Cornhuskers have to find a replacement for Joe Ganz at quarterback. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's work in turning out serviceable players at the position at Colorado and Nebraska lessens some of those concerns. But it still wouldn't surprise me to be seeing heralded incoming freshman Cody Green to be starting at the position by early November - maybe even with a North Division title on the line.

 

5. Kansas - The Jayhawks made history last season by making back-to-back bowl trips. With most of their major offensive weapons back, can they make similar history with their first undisputed Big 12 North title? Todd Reesing and Dezmon Briscoe will pile up passing yardage, along with increased talent from their last two recruiting classes. But the Jayhawks still face the same challenging Texas-Oklahoma-Texas Tech rotation among South opponents, making for the toughest challenge of any North team in their out-of-division contests.

 

6. Texas Tech - Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell will be gone. Mike Leach is angry after a protracted contract dispute with school officials. It will mean that Taylor Potts will face a huge challenge stepping in at quarterback. And defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill hopes that some of the strong talent in the trenches can step forward immediately after his team's late collapse against Oklahoma and Mississippi last season.

 

7. Missouri - The Tigers' offense will take a big step back with Chase Daniel, Chase Coffman and Jeremy Maclin all gone from last season's Alamo Bowl team. Sean Weatherspoon will anchor a defense that will have to rebuild after losing Ziggy Hood, Stryker Sulak and William Moore. Too many key Tiger players are leaving to think they can make a three-peat of North Division titles, although Missouri should again be in the hunt for a bowl game.

 

8. Colorado - Dan Hawkins is already sold on this team, proclaiming it capable of a 10-2 record shortly after his team's disappointment finished last season. I'm not thinking they'll be that good, but I do expect a bowl trip if they can stay away from injuries, Cody Hawkins or Tyler Hansen emerges at quarterback and Darrell Scott fulfills the promise he arrived at college with.

 

9. Baylor - Art Briles' unexpectedly good recruiting class should provide Robert Griffin with a lot of weapons. Most notable might be Terrance Ganaway, a bullish 220-pound transfer from Houston who will provide Jay Finley with a nice balance at running back. The Bears' hopes of making their first bowl appearance since the Big 12 was formed will depend on playing better in close games - they were 0-3 in games settled by a touchdown or less in 2008.

 

10. Kansas State - Bill Snyder's return to college coaching didn't wow make recruits, but it's a start. The Wildcats do have 15 returning starters, but have to hope that new coordinator Andy Ludwig can make some offensive magic with either Carson Coffman or junior college transfer Daniel Thomas. And they have to hope that some offensive linemen emerge to protect whoever is starting.

 

11. Texas A&M - Mike Sherman added speed and playmaking ability in his defense, but the Aggies really needed it. And all of the heralded recruits still will be facing a steep learning curve against all of the other heralded offenses in the South Division. But Christine Michael will be arriving as the most heralded playmaker for the Aggies in more than decade, ensuring there will be some excitement when he's surrounded by players like Jerrod Johnson and Jeff Fuller.

 

12. Iowa State - Paul Rhoads is back at Iowa State, and he'll think it's kind of like 1995, when he originally starting coaching there on Dan McCarney's staff. The challenges in the Big 12 might be even more imposing than they were then, meaning Rhoads will be facing a steep climb to respectability. Austen Arnaud, Alexander Robinson and Darius Darks provide an offensive foundation, but Rhoads' biggest talents have always been developing a defense. He'll definitely have his work cut out at his new job.

 

 

Not a lot to argue with there however I do think Colorado and A&M will have better seasons than Tech or Mizzou. K-State should be listed at 11 as well. They're going to be awful.

I honestly think Tech and Mizzou are going to have major letdown seasons.

 

When people keep pointing out KU's guantlet schedule of OU, Texas and Tech next season, I think they should leave Tech out of that equation.

 

 

I don't think you can completely leave Texas Tech out of the discussion. They consistantly have a powerful passing attack no matter who is at the helm. Weak secondaries will not compete very well.

[JGS30]

These rankings seem pretty accurate as of today. I don't think there is much seperation between 3-thru 5. Until Kansas can beat Texas tech, I'm not going to count that game as a win for my hawks. Mangino hasn't been able to beat them since he arrived in lawrence...and playing them in Lubbuck isn't going to help!

[redout22]

Four is a good spot to be at. Baylor at 9 is way too low (or is it high?). They should be around 6 or 7

[HSKRNOKC]

But it still wouldn't surprise me to be seeing heralded incoming freshman Cody Green to be starting at the position by early November - maybe even with a North Division title on the line.

 

HMMMMMMMM! Interesting.

[prideofworld34]

Honestly Baylor could be up there more.

[HuskerJosh]

Honestly Baylor could be up there more.

 

Baylor is hurt by having to play OU, UT, TTech, OK St, Neb, etc. etc. Tough tough sched.

[arenateam]

Agreed, Baylor is improved but they have a helacious schedule to say the least!

[glm09]

Let's make the big 12 championship game for sure if we hope to live up to expectations next year.

 

Being number is great, but we are number 1 in the north. If we make the championship game, then I think we would have an honest chance to play with whoever we are matched against. I think if we get there we should be somewhat hopeful that we could pull off the upset. Let's live up to that #1 in the north preseason hype first. I don't think we should lose more than 1 in league play this year.

 

We will be favored against everyone except OU and Okie State... Maybe we could upset one of those

[huskerpilot]

love it. calling for cody as a starter

[rkhufu7]

love it. calling for cody as a starter

Colt McCoy ain't VY and their defense isn't good enough to win a MNC, they have 5 starters back from the #50 defense! Okie State with Bill Young at DC will win the south, 10 back on defense and 9 back on offense, great RBs, great WR, OL and speed and talent on defense. I guess folks forget McCoy's 20 plus TOs in 2007. Which McCoy do we see this year? OSU shut down their dink and dunk offense and it was their HORRIBLE offense that didn't score TDs that cost OSU the bolw game. Brown is 4-6 vs Stoops, when did two coaches head to head become the most recent? OU's DC, Venables has cost the Sooners many games since Mike Stoops split. His teams do not cover as well or tackle as well in the secondary. The front 7 is sound, but the secondary is always the weakest link. Sooner return 9 starters and this doesn't count Reynold and Box and English all of which missed significant time with injuries.

[HuskerJosh]

love it. calling for cody as a starter

Colt McCoy ain't VY and their defense isn't good enough to win a MNC, they have 5 starters back from the #50 defense! Okie State with Bill Young at DC will win the south, 10 back on defense and 9 back on offense, great RBs, great WR, OL and speed and talent on defense. I guess folks forget McCoy's 20 plus TOs in 2007. Which McCoy do we see this year? OSU shut down their dink and dunk offense and it was their HORRIBLE offense that didn't score TDs that cost OSU the bolw game. Brown is 4-6 vs Stoops, when did two coaches head to head become the most recent? OU's DC, Venables has cost the Sooners many games since Mike Stoops split. His teams do not cover as well or tackle as well in the secondary. The front 7 is sound, but the secondary is always the weakest link. Sooner return 9 starters and this doesn't count Reynold and Box and English all of which missed significant time with injuries.

 

What does that have to do with what are you serious posted? Random.

[jayhawk]

Big 12 power rankings: Texas back on top to start the spring

February 9, 2009 10:20 AM

 

Posted by ESPN.Ccom's Tim Griffin

 

 

It's an inexact science trying to provide power rankings more than six months before the Big 12 season will be starting. But here's my best guess heading into spring practice. I've considered coaching changes, NFL draft defections, returning players, schedules and expected boost from arriving recruiting classes in determining how I think teams should be placed heading into the spring.

 

1. Texas - A sense of unfinished business is present after the Longhorns came within seconds of challenging for the national championship last year. That feeling helped lure Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley back for another year. If recruit Chris Whaley can emerge at running back and the defensive line can be rebuilt, the Longhorns should be in the hunt for a shot at the national title game at the Rose Bowl. The last time the crystal ball was awarded there, Texas upset USC for the championship. Could history repeat itself again?

 

2. Oklahoma - The Sooners had a strong recruiting day, but an even better one a couple of weeks earlier when Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham and Gerald McCoy among others decided to return for the 2009 season. But the Sooners still need to find some playmakers at wide receiver and rebuild their offensive line. And of a more immediate concern for Bob Stoops than his recent BCS bowl struggles is that nagging 1-3 mark against Texas over the last four seasons.

 

3. Oklahoma State - Next year's Texas Tech could be Oklahoma State, which has all of its major weapons returning after Russell Okung decided to put off the NFL draft for another season. But the Cowboys' hopes of challenging for their first Big 12 South title will depend on wily veteran coordinator Bill Young's work with the defense. If they can improve like the Red Raiders did most of the 2008 season, it won't be far-fetched to think that the Cowboys can make a similar jump.

 

4. Nebraska - The Cornhuskers got a big shot of momentum after their impressive comeback victory in the Gator Bowl. Ndamukong Suh will be back, but the Cornhuskers have to find a replacement for Joe Ganz at quarterback. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's work in turning out serviceable players at the position at Colorado and Nebraska lessens some of those concerns. But it still wouldn't surprise me to be seeing heralded incoming freshman Cody Green to be starting at the position by early November - maybe even with a North Division title on the line.

 

5. Kansas - The Jayhawks made history last season by making back-to-back bowl trips. With most of their major offensive weapons back, can they make similar history with their first undisputed Big 12 North title? Todd Reesing and Dezmon Briscoe will pile up passing yardage, along with increased talent from their last two recruiting classes. But the Jayhawks still face the same challenging Texas-Oklahoma-Texas Tech rotation among South opponents, making for the toughest challenge of any North team in their out-of-division contests.

 

6. Texas Tech - Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell will be gone. Mike Leach is angry after a protracted contract dispute with school officials. It will mean that Taylor Potts will face a huge challenge stepping in at quarterback. And defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill hopes that some of the strong talent in the trenches can step forward immediately after his team's late collapse against Oklahoma and Mississippi last season.

 

7. Missouri - The Tigers' offense will take a big step back with Chase Daniel, Chase Coffman and Jeremy Maclin all gone from last season's Alamo Bowl team. Sean Weatherspoon will anchor a defense that will have to rebuild after losing Ziggy Hood, Stryker Sulak and William Moore. Too many key Tiger players are leaving to think they can make a three-peat of North Division titles, although Missouri should again be in the hunt for a bowl game.

 

8. Colorado - Dan Hawkins is already sold on this team, proclaiming it capable of a 10-2 record shortly after his team's disappointment finished last season. I'm not thinking they'll be that good, but I do expect a bowl trip if they can stay away from injuries, Cody Hawkins or Tyler Hansen emerges at quarterback and Darrell Scott fulfills the promise he arrived at college with.

 

9. Baylor - Art Briles' unexpectedly good recruiting class should provide Robert Griffin with a lot of weapons. Most notable might be Terrance Ganaway, a bullish 220-pound transfer from Houston who will provide Jay Finley with a nice balance at running back. The Bears' hopes of making their first bowl appearance since the Big 12 was formed will depend on playing better in close games - they were 0-3 in games settled by a touchdown or less in 2008.

 

10. Kansas State - Bill Snyder's return to college coaching didn't wow make recruits, but it's a start. The Wildcats do have 15 returning starters, but have to hope that new coordinator Andy Ludwig can make some offensive magic with either Carson Coffman or junior college transfer Daniel Thomas. And they have to hope that some offensive linemen emerge to protect whoever is starting.

 

11. Texas A&M - Mike Sherman added speed and playmaking ability in his defense, but the Aggies really needed it. And all of the heralded recruits still will be facing a steep learning curve against all of the other heralded offenses in the South Division. But Christine Michael will be arriving as the most heralded playmaker for the Aggies in more than decade, ensuring there will be some excitement when he's surrounded by players like Jerrod Johnson and Jeff Fuller.

 

12. Iowa State - Paul Rhoads is back at Iowa State, and he'll think it's kind of like 1995, when he originally starting coaching there on Dan McCarney's staff. The challenges in the Big 12 might be even more imposing than they were then, meaning Rhoads will be facing a steep climb to respectability. Austen Arnaud, Alexander Robinson and Darius Darks provide an offensive foundation, but Rhoads' biggest talents have always been developing a defense. He'll definitely have his work cut out at his new job.

 

 

Not a lot to argue with there however I do think Colorado and A&M will have better seasons than Tech or Mizzou. K-State should be listed at 11 as well. They're going to be awful.

I honestly think Tech and Mizzou are going to have major letdown seasons.

 

When people keep pointing out KU's guantlet schedule of OU, Texas and Tech next season, I think they should leave Tech out of that equation.

 

Tech often fires on all cylinders in the light of changes, but they did take some big losses this year. I am thinking that NU will be every bit as hard an opponent, the only factor evening that out is the Tech Game is in Lubbock and the Husker game is in Lawrence.

[junior4949]

love it. calling for cody as a starter

Colt McCoy ain't VY and their defense isn't good enough to win a MNC, they have 5 starters back from the #50 defense! Okie State with Bill Young at DC will win the south, 10 back on defense and 9 back on offense, great RBs, great WR, OL and speed and talent on defense. I guess folks forget McCoy's 20 plus TOs in 2007. Which McCoy do we see this year? OSU shut down their dink and dunk offense and it was their HORRIBLE offense that didn't score TDs that cost OSU the bolw game. Brown is 4-6 vs Stoops, when did two coaches head to head become the most recent? OU's DC, Venables has cost the Sooners many games since Mike Stoops split. His teams do not cover as well or tackle as well in the secondary. The front 7 is sound, but the secondary is always the weakest link. Sooner return 9 starters and this doesn't count Reynold and Box and English all of which missed significant time with injuries.

 

Holy crap. You gave OSU all the manlovin they could possibly handle without even mentioning Dez Bryant. I'm proud of you. Okie State will not win the south. I would be willing to bet large sums of money on it.