Just thinking about the conference next year, and it doesn't look that bad! (Of course, I'm ever the optimist).
We have a pretty decent team returning next year. Granted, we were 5-6 this year, but I'm sure everyone would agree we played well below the level we should have. And we also have some serious talent coming in. Look at the bigger players in the Big XII, and here's what you've got:
TX - Lots of talent return, lose their horse at RB but they seem to reload. Very legitimate chance to win the league.
OU - Loses 16 starters including Heisman-winning QB. Incoming QB more athletic than White but may not have the knowledge of the offense. Will probably win most games but will not be as powerful as this year.
ATM - With McNeal and Lewis returning, should be a pretty dangerous team.
OkieSt - Loss of coach never helps, look at NU 2004.
TxTch - Is Hodges going to take over for Cumbie? Well coached team, not as talented as the others in the South but able to beat them on any given day.
KST - Aren't really bringing in any real talent, lose Sproles. Will they be any better next year?
CU - Barnett did a great job this year, but their self-imposed recruiting regulations are not helping them get many top players. Klatt returns, but who replaces Purify?
Mizzu - Smith returns, but Pinkel is plugging him into a system that he can't seem to grasp, kind of like Dailey. Talented, underachieving team.
IA St, KU, Baylor shouldn't make much noise.
I'm not necessarily saying we'll win the league next year, but if all goes well and we improve next year with some better athletes, anything is possible. We should hopefully be in earshot of the North title once again.
We have a pretty decent team returning next year. Granted, we were 5-6 this year, but I'm sure everyone would agree we played well below the level we should have. And we also have some serious talent coming in. Look at the bigger players in the Big XII, and here's what you've got:
TX - Lots of talent return, lose their horse at RB but they seem to reload. Very legitimate chance to win the league.
OU - Loses 16 starters including Heisman-winning QB. Incoming QB more athletic than White but may not have the knowledge of the offense. Will probably win most games but will not be as powerful as this year.
ATM - With McNeal and Lewis returning, should be a pretty dangerous team.
OkieSt - Loss of coach never helps, look at NU 2004.
TxTch - Is Hodges going to take over for Cumbie? Well coached team, not as talented as the others in the South but able to beat them on any given day.
KST - Aren't really bringing in any real talent, lose Sproles. Will they be any better next year?
CU - Barnett did a great job this year, but their self-imposed recruiting regulations are not helping them get many top players. Klatt returns, but who replaces Purify?
Mizzu - Smith returns, but Pinkel is plugging him into a system that he can't seem to grasp, kind of like Dailey. Talented, underachieving team.
IA St, KU, Baylor shouldn't make much noise.
I'm not necessarily saying we'll win the league next year, but if all goes well and we improve next year with some better athletes, anything is possible. We should hopefully be in earshot of the North title once again.