'06 Returning QBs/Starters: Big 12

[Roy CO HSKR]

From rojo:

 

In the Big 12's ten years....

 

Twenty teams have made it to the Big 12 title game. Sixteen have had returning Quarterbacks.

 

--16 of 20.

 

--80%

 

Say it how you like--- having a Quarterback who’s been around the block is a near-essential ingredient to win your division. No returning starter? You'll likely be left out.

 

The exceptions: Four teams who made it without a returning starter at QB:

 

--’96: Nebraska (Scott Frost)

--’97: Texas A&M (Brandon Stewart was a transfer from Tennessee)

--’01: Colorado (Bobby Pesavento)

--’02: Colorado (Robert Hodge finished the year after Craig Ochs left with concussions and the desire to transfer).

 

So…

 

I. 2006 Returning Quarterbacks: Big 12-North.

 

--Nebraska: Zac Taylor returns at QB with a veteran team. Offense: 9 starters return. Defense: ~7 starters return.

 

--Iowa State: Bret Meyer will be a 3-year starter. Nine other ISU offensive starters return. Defense…? Only 4 starters return.

 

--Kansas State: Everidge & Webb & Meier all return---but KSU will be transitioning to a post-Snyder offense and defense. Offense: 8 return. Defense: 8 return.

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II. 2006 Returning Quarterbacks: Big 12-South.

 

--Texas: Vince Young returns as a 3-year starter. And most of the UT starters return on offense (7) and defense (7).

 

--Oklahoma State: Quarterbacks Pena & Reid return. Offense: 8 return. Defense: 6 return.

 

--Oklahoma: Bomar and 9 other offense starters return. Defense: 9 return.

 

--Baylor: Shawn Bell. Offense: All starters return (!). Defense: 10 return.

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III. No Returning Starter at Quarterback:

 

--Missouri: No more Brad Smith. Offense: 8 return. Defense: 7 return.

 

--Colorado: Klatt’s gone. His back-up, James Cox, has little experience. Offense: 4 return. Defense: 8 return.

 

--Kansas: No/Yes. Adam Barrman will be a Senior who did start in earlier times---before he lost out this year to departing Brian Luke and Jason Swanson. Offense: 7 return. Defense: 5 return.

 

--Texas A&M: Reggie McNeal is gone. Back-up Stephen McGee did start A&M’s last game against Texas. Offense: 7 return. Defense: 6 return.

 

--Texas Tech: No… Offense: 7 return. Defense: 5 return.

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The Bottom Line:

 

Of course there’s more to it than a returning starting Quarterback. But all other things equal.... that’s likely the single most important factor.

 

In the North... odds are that the winner will come from here:

 

--Iowa State: Very promising with Meyer---but there's an inexperienced defense. And their schedule: ISU plays at Texas, at Oklahoma and has Texas Tech in Ames.

 

--KSU returns a bunch of starters (~18) and Quarterbacks. But a transition year on both sides of the ball...

 

--Nebraska: Yes. Lot's of experience (~16 returning starters). And a seasoned Quarterback. There are many reasons for optimism.

 

Just some things to think about….