Big XII Preview

Projected Records & Standings

South Division

1. TEXAS              12-0  (8-0)
2. OKLAHOMA           11-1  (7-1)
3. TEXAS TECH          7-5  (4-4)
4. OKLAHOMA STATE      7-5  (4-4)
5. BAYLOR              6-6  (3-5)
6. TEXAS A&M           5-7  (2-6)

North Division

1. NEBRASKA            9-3  (6-2)
2. COLORADO            8-4  (4-4)
3. KANSAS              8-4  (4-4)
4. MISSOURI            6-6  (3-5)
5. KANSAS STATE        6-6  (3-5)
6. IOWA STATE          3-9  (0-8)

South Champion: TEXAS
The Longhorns shared the South Division title in 2008 and defeated arch-rival Oklahoma in the process. 2009 looks like it could follow a very similar script. Mack Brown has put together potentially his most talented team yet, so it’s only a matter of stepping up to the plate and giving a consistent performance every week for Texas to win the South again.

The secondary looks to be the best in the nation, and the receiving corps is a year older and should give Colt McCoy even more weapons to unleash on opposing defenses. On the other side of the ball look for Sergio Kindle to wreak havoc on offensive tackles much the way Brian Orakpo did a season ago. Freshman defensive end Alex Okafor has the potential to step right into a starting spot and make sure defenses pay if they concentrate too much on blocking Kindle. This defense is going to be really good.

North Champion: NEBRASKA
Bo Pelini is still in the building process at Nebraska, but luckily so is the entire North Division. The Huskers have the benefit of one of the brightest young defensive minds in football. Add to that one of the best interior linemen in the nation – defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh – and you have two big reasons why the Blackshirts will continue on the road toward rebuilding their battered reputation. There are some big questions offensively (WR? new QB?), but the offensive line looks to be a team strength – and that’s always a good place to start.

Could Surprise (South): TEXAS A&M
Everyone already knows Baylor is on the cusp of qualifying for a bowl game for the first time since 1994, thanks to the coaching of Art Briles and the play of sophomore sensation Robert Griffin at quarterback. So it should be no surprise when they meet their raised expectations.

Texas A&M, however, is getting dumped on by everybody. Even I’m picking them last in the Big XII South. Mike Sherman is on the hot seat according to some Aggie fans, even though he has only been in town for a single season. But don’t be surprised if they end up being one of the most improved teams in the conference - and that includes Baylor. Quarterback Jerrod Johnson is legit. He has an arm that A&M fans have never seen the likes of before. Throw in a pair of talented young tailbacks and a nice all-purpose threat in QB/WR Ryan Tannehill and you have what could be a solid offense.

There is still much work to do on the other side of the ball where Dennis Franchione left the cupboard completely bare. But Sherman is a good coach and they will improve in that area as well. For Texas A&M in 2009 the only question is how big a step they will take in their improvement.

Could Surprise (North): MISSOURI

Don’t expect the Tigers to disappear off the face of the earth just because Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, and a host of other playmakers are gone. Don’t get me wrong, they will take a step back – but it won’t be a big one. Gary Pinkel knows his system and recruits to it well. Blaine Gabbert will be fine at quarterback, and in fact might even surpass Daniel by the time his career at Missouri is over. It’s a transitional season for Missouri, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stop scoring points and qualifying for bowls.

Question the Hype: THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA
What has the state of Oklahoma done to deserve all this hype? Both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are consensus top 10 picks, and many preseason polls have them both in the top 5! Somebody needs to fill me in on their credentials because I don’t consider wins over Missouri to be worthy of the kind of praise that is being heaped on these two teams heading into the 2009 season.

Bo Jackson Trophy Candidates:
Top 3:
QB-Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
QB-Colt McCoy, Texas
QB-Robert Griffin, Baylor

Ten to Watch:
WR-Brandon Banks, Kansas State
WR-Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
TE-Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
RB-Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
QB-Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M
WR-Kerry Meier, Kansas
OT-Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
QB-Todd Reesing, Kansas
WR-Jordan Shipley, Texas
RB-Rodney Stewart, Colorado

Herzlich Trophy Candidates:
Top 3:
DT-Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
LB/DE-Sergio Kindle, Texas
DT-Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma

Ten to Watch:
DE-Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma
CB-Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
FS-Jordan Lake, Baylor
LB-Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
LB-Joe Pawelek, Baylor
SS-Darrell Stuckey, Kansas
SS-Earl Thomas, Texas
LB-Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
DT-Colby Whitlock, Texas Tech
CB-Aaron Williams, Texas

Big Twelve-All Conference

What a year for the QB's and WR's in the Big 12 with several options to choose from for the honors but had to go with the Sophomores Bradford, Crabtree, Bryant. Only one lone Husker on the All Conference hopefully Pelini will do something here!!

QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma QB SO
RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma RB SO
RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma St. RB SO
WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech WR SO
WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St. WR SO
TE Chase Coffman, Missouri TE SR
OL David Washington Oklahoma St OL SR
OL George Robinson Oklahoma OL SR
OL Louis Vasquez Texas Tech OL SR
OL Phil Loadholt Oklahoma OL SR
OL Colin Brown Missouri OL SR

DL Brandon Williams, Texas Tech DL JR
DL Brian Orakpo, Texas DL SR
DL Stryker Sulak, Missouri DL SR
DL Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma DL SO
LB James Holt, Kansas LB SR
LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri LB JR
LB Joe Pawelek, Baylor LB JR
DB Darcel McBath, Texas Tech DB SR
DB Earl Thomas, Texas DB FR
DB Dominque Franks, Oklahoma DB SO
DB Jordan Lake, Baylor DB JR

K Jeff Wolfert, Missouri K SR
P Justin Brantly, Texas A&M P SR
KR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri WR SO
PR Nate Swift, Nebraska WR SR

Bowl Results

For the record, here's how the conferences fared in bowl games this season. Selections in red indicate the conference's signature win. Selections in blue indicate the conference's worst loss.

J.Pike's Bowl Picks Record: 17-17 (50%)
BCS Bowl Picks Record: 3-2 (60%)

1. PAC-10
Record: 5-0 (100%)
Results
Las Vegas Bowl: Arizona 31, BYU 21
Emerald Bowl: California 24, Miami 17
Holiday Bowl: Oregon 42, Oklahoma State 31
Sun Bowl: Oregon State 3, Pittsburgh 0
Rose Bowl: USC 38, Penn State 24

2. SEC
Record: 6-2 (75%)
Results
Music City Bowl: Vanderbilt 16, Boston College 14
Peach Bowl: LSU 38, Georgia Tech 3
Outback Bowl: Iowa 31, South Carolina 10
Citrus Bowl: Georgia 24, Michigan State 12
Cotton Bowl: Ole Miss 47, Texas Tech 34
Liberty Bowl: Kentucky 25, East Carolina 19
Sugar Bowl: Utah 31, Alabama 17
National Title Game: Florida 24, Oklahoma 14

3t. BIG EAST
Record: 4-2 (66.7%)
Results
St. Petersburg Bowl: South Florida 41, Memphis 14
Meineke Car Care Bowl: West Virginia 31, North Carolina 30
Pizza Bowl: Rutgers 29, N.C. State 23
Sun Bowl: Oregon State 3, Pittsburgh 0
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech 20, Cincinnati 7
International Bowl: Connecticut 38, Buffalo 20

3t. CONFERENCE USA
Record: 4-2 (66.7%)
Results
St. Petersburg Bowl: South Florida 41, Memphis 14
New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss 30, Troy 27 (OT)
Texas Bowl: Rice 38, Western Michigan 14
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston 34, Air Force 28
Liberty Bowl: Kentucky 25, East Carolina 19
GMAC Bowl: Tulsa 45, Ball State 13

5. MOUNTAIN WEST
Record: 3-2 (60%)
Results
New Mexico Bowl: Colorado State 40, Fresno State 35
Las Vegas Bowl: Arizona 31, BYU 21
Poinsettia Bowl: TCU 17, Boise State 16
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston 34, Air Force 28
Sugar Bowl: Utah 31, Alabama 17

6. BIG XII
Record: 4-3 (57.1%)
Results
Alamo Bowl: Missouri 30, Northwestern 23 (OT)
Holiday Bowl: Oregon 42, Oklahoma State 31
Insight Bowl: Kansas 42, Minnesota 21
Gator Bowl: Nebraska 26, Clemson 21
Cotton Bowl: Ole Miss 47, Texas Tech 34
Fiesta Bowl: Texas 24, Ohio State 21
National Title Game: Florida 24, Oklahoma 14

7. ACC
Record: 4-6 (40%)
Results
Eagle Bank Bowl: Wake Forest 29, Navy 19
Meineke Car Care Bowl: West Virginia 31, North Carolina 30
Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State 42, Wisconsin 13
Emerald Bowl: California 24, Miami 17
Pizza Bowl: Rutgers 29, N.C. State 23
Humanitarian Bowl: Maryland 42, Nevada 35
Music City Bowl: Vanderbilt 16, Boston College 14
Peach Bowl: LSU 38, Georgia Tech 3
Gator Bowl: Nebraska 26, Clemson 21
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech 20, Cincinnati 7

8. WAC
Record: 1-4 (20%)
Results
New Mexico Bowl: Colorado State 40, Fresno State 35
Poinsettia Bowl: TCU 17, Boise State 16
Hawaii Bowl: Notre Dame 49, Hawaii 21
Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech 17, Northern Illinois 10
Humanitarian Bowl: Maryland 42, Nevada 35

9. BIG TEN
Record: 1-6 (14.3%)
Results
Champs Sports Bowl: Florida State 42, Wisconsin 13
Alamo Bowl: Missouri 30, Northwestern 23 (OT)
Insight Bowl: Kansas 42, Minnesota 21
Outback Bowl: Iowa 31, South Carolina 10
Citrus Bowl: Georgia 24, Michigan State 12
Rose Bowl: USC 38, Penn State 24
Fiesta Bowl: Texas 24, Ohio State 21

10. MAC
Record: 0-5 (0%)
Results
Motor City Bowl: Florida Atlantic 24, Central Michigan 21
Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech 17, Northern Illinois 10
Texas Bowl: Rice 38, Western Michigan 14
International Bowl: Connecticut 38, Buffalo 20
GMAC Bowl: Tulsa 45, Ball State 13

WEEK FIFTEEN - Preview

#19 Pitt (8-3) at UConn (7-4)
(Saturday, 11 am, ESPN)
Pittsburgh seems to be finding their stride of late, but winning in Storrs, Connecticut is never easy. This matchup features two of the best running backs in the Big East Conference in Pitt's LeSean McCoy and UConn's Donald Brown. I like UConn to upset the ever-underachieving Panthers here on the shoulders of their defense and Brown's running.
J.Pike's Pick: UConn 27, Pitt 24

Army (3-8) vs Navy (7-4)
@ Philadelphia, PA
(Saturday, 11 am, CBS)
Sure, Navy has won six games in a row by a commanding average score of 40-12; and the records look to be lopsided yet again in 2008. But since Stan Brock called out his team early this season, the Cadets have been playing a lot better. This game also happens to feature the bottom two ranked passing attacks in Division 1A. The two teams combined average a paltry 109.2 yards per game through the air; both have played a full game in the 2008 season without completing a pass; and both teams have attempted fewer than five passes in a game four times. Don't be surprised if you don't see a single pass thrown today. What that means is that this game will come down to who wants it more. Army has been blown out six years in a row, and even though it looks on paper like they'll get blown out again, I think this is the year they break the streak.
J.Pike's Pick: Army 20, Navy 17

Washington (0-11) at #24 California (7-4)
(Saturday, 2 pm, FSN)
Cal shouldn't have any problems putting the capper on Washington's winless season.
J.Pike's Pick: California 42, Washington 12

#6 USC (10-1), at UCLA (4-7)
(Saturday, 3:30 pm, ABC)
I really wish people would quit blaming the Bruins awful season on Karl Dorrell. For one thing, he's not the coach anymore, and secondly, at least he made it to a bowl game with this team last year. UCLA isn't bad because Karl Dorrell "couldn't recruit", they are bad because they ran a perfectly good coach out of town to hire that dirtbag Rick Neuheisel. Have fun going 4-8 for the next three years, Bruins.
J.Pike's Pick: USC 36, UCLA 6

#21 Missouri (9-3) vs #3 Oklahoma (11-1)
@ St. Louis, MO
(Saturday, 7 pm, ABC)
I'd like to point out that I didn't include this game in the writeup for the conference championship games because I don't recognize this as a conference championship game. It's hard for me to understand how the winner of this game can be considered the Big XII Champ when there is team sitting at home that beat both of these teams during the regular season, and has an equal or better record than both of them. So call me a hater if you must, but I'm considering this just another regular season Big XII matchup and handing the de-facto Big XII title to Texas, no matter what the outcome here is.
J.Pike's Pick: I hope it snows.

#11 Cincinnati (10-2) at Hawaii (7-5)
(Saturday, 10:30 pm, ESPN 2)
Big East champion Cincinnati has a BCS bowl berth locked up and a Heisman hopeful at quarterback, but they are no lock to win on the island. The Warriors had a rough start to the season but they have finally settled on a quarterback. Junior Greg Alexander has started the last five games and played well, leading the team to a 4-1 record over that stretch. But Cincinnati has secret weapon Tony Pike in the shotgun. Pike will be able to lead a late Bearcat touchdown drive to win the game if necessary.
J.Pike's Pick: Cincinnati 27, Hawaii 25

Spotlight Game of the Week

#5 Texas
vs
#1 Oklahoma
in Dallas, TX
(Saturday, 11 am, ABC)

When Texas has the ball
Most offenses these days go as their quarterback goes, and Texas is no exception. Colt McCoy has been playing at an elite level this year and he’s a big reason why the Longhorns are 5-0 and ranked in the top five in the nation. Not only is he one of the most efficient passers in the nation (79.2% completions), he’s also the team’s leading rusher (317 yards, 7.0 yards per carry).

Most importantly though, McCoy is playing with more confidence than he did a year ago, and he improved his strength and speed in the offseason. McCoy is a legit Bo Jackson Trophy candidate as of right now, and you can expect him to bring his A-Game Saturday morning.

Oklahoma will try to pressure McCoy, as they do everybody else, with their excellent pair of rush ends Auston English and Jeremy Beal. English and Beal have combined for 4 sacks this year and they’ll be coming hard off the edge early and often.

The problem for the Sooners is that this strategy plays right into the hands of the Longhorns. McCoy has actually been a better quarterback on the run this year, so with English and Beal flying around the corner, they’ll open up lanes for McCoy to break contain and make big plays with his arm or his legs. The massive Texas offensive line also has the advantage if the Sooners go to a power rush because English and Beal are too small (both are 6-foot-3, 253 pounds) to consistently beat the Texas OTs in a physical battle.

Texas has one big hole offensively and it is their running game. With McCoy leading the team in rushing yards, you know a running back hasn’t yet stepped up to fill Jamaal Charles’ shoes. Cody Johnson and Chris Ogbonnaya have had their moments, but they won’t have much room to run against OU’s defense. Fozzy Whittaker is the wild card here. Whittaker has been hampered by an knee injury all season, but in his limited action he has flashed the potential to be the go-to guy. If Whitaker is healthy, he’ll announce his presence on Saturday. That’s a big “if” though.

Oklahoma’s excellent defensive tackles are ailing too. Both NFL prospects Gerald McCoy and DeMarcus Granger are injured and there is a possibility neither will play. This is Texas/OU though, so you know they’ll give it their best shot to get in the game. How effective these two can be will be a big factor. If the Oklahoma DTs can control the line of scrimmage and completely take away the planned running game of the Longhorns it will give the Sooners a big advantage.

One injury that really hurts Texas in this matchup is at tight end where Blaine Irby is out for the season. His athleticism would play a big role against Oklahoma’s talented, but still relatively unproven linebackers. OU will definitely be blitzing a lot, and Irby would have been able to take advantage of all the room left in the middle of the field. I don’t think replacement Peter Ullman can be a difference maker in this department.

When Oklahoma has the ball
Quarterback Sam Bradford is only a sophomore, but he has pretty much defined the word “efficient” the past two seasons. This year Bradford is completing passes at a 72.6% rate and has thrown 18 touchdowns against only 3 interceptions. Best of all he’s ultra-composed in the pocket.

One reason Bradford has been able to stay so calm in the pocket is because of the performance of the massive offensive line in front of him. Oklahoma quarterbacks have been sacked only 5 times this year, and Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson are two of the best linemen in the country.

One area Oklahoma has gouged Texas for big plays recently is on crossing routes across the middle of the field. Texas starts two freshmen at safety so that’s a spot the Sooners could capitalize on again. In fact, don’t be surprised if freshman slot receiver Ryan Broyles out-performs Manuel Johnson and catches a long touchdown pass on a crossing pattern at some point. Tight end Jermaine Gresham is arguably the best pass catching tight end in the nation, so he could come up big in this area too.

Texas will try to take away this advantage by trying to get to Bradford before he can find the open receiver. New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has the Texas defense playing as well as any Texas defense in recent memory. He is accomplishing this feat by applying non-stop pressure and mixing up blitzes on every play so opposing offenses never know where the pressure will come from.

The pressure starts up front with defensive end Brian Orakpo and defensive tackle Roy Miller. These two have been playing at an All American level so far this year, with Orakpo compiling an eye-popping 6 sacks already, and Miller chipping in 13 quarterback pressures. Oklahoma will have to account for these two on every play or they’ll make the Sooners pay.

All the attention Orakpo and Miller draw has freed up blitzing linebackers to make plays in the backfield too. Linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy has simply made plays all over the field to the tune of 40 tackles, and he’ll clean up anything that happens to sneak by the front four.

Sophomore linebacker Sergio Kindle is finally living up to his immense hype thanks to Muschamp’s scheme. Kindle is second on the team in tackles (21) and sacks (2½) and has excellent speed for his size. All in all, Texas leads the nation with 19 sacks this year, so the question isn’t if they’ll get to Bradford – it’s how often.

If Texas is able to put the kind of pressure on Bradford they did Cody Hawkins a week ago, it will be even more important for Oklahoma to establish the running game. DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown have been solid this season, combining for 744 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Last season Murray looked like the second coming of Reggie Bush, but ever since his knee injury he hasn’t shown the same level of speed or acceleration – he doesn’t seem to have regained that “fifth gear” yet. This is a concern because as a team, Oklahoma is averaging a pedestrian 3.9 yards per carry – and they haven’t played an elite defense yet. Against one of the best front sevens in the nation, the Sooners will need Murray to regain his old form and make plays when it doesn’t look like there is a play to be made.

Final Verdict
The key to this game will be which quarterback handles the pressure the best, and which team gets clutch yards out of its running game. Rushing yards will be at a premium, but neither team can afford to abandon the run completely and allow the opposing defense to pin their ears back and rush the passer. Even if it’s only two yards on third and short, that would be enough to keep the chains moving and the defense honest.

Special teams always play a role in games like this. A mistake on special teams can tip the balance one way or the other. Oklahoma is in the bottom 20 nationally in net punting and kick coverage, so this could be a hidden source of field position that Texas can take advantage of. Oklahoma has been gutted on kick returns this year, so don’t be surprised if Texas picks up some momentum with a long kick return at some point.

The biggest intangible in deciding this game for me is the fact that Texas is finally playing with a chip on their collective shoulders. Getting picked third in the Big XII South is a slap in the face to the Longhorns, and they are actually playing like they want to prove people wrong.

The youth of the team has actually served them well in this department because a majority of these players weren’t on the national title team and don’t have the same sense of entitlement that seems to surround the Oklahoma program these days. That sense of entitlement is what I believe has led to OU’s dismal performance in BCS bowls over the last five years. That’s why I think Texas wins this game and jumps into the national title picture.

J.Pike’s Pick: Texas 31, Oklahoma 20

Big XII Preview

Favorites

North: Missouri
Gary Pinkel has the best collection of athletes he’s ever had at Missouri, so it’s time for the Tigers to take the next step. The defending North champs return an array of playmakers, including Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, and William Moore, that are among the elite in all of college football. If Missouri doesn’t win the division it would be a huge disappointment.

South: Oklahoma
“Big Game” Bob has taken some lumps lately in bowl games. Somehow he gets a pass though because Coach October has done a great job in Big XII play over that same stretch, winning five out of nine conference titles. OU is once again the consensus favorite to win the South because of some key returnees on offense. But there are sizeable holes on defense (just ask Pat White) that make them more vulnerable than you might think.

Sleepers
North: Nebraska
New head coach Bo Pelini will turn this program around sooner than you think. There is talent on hand and nobody will be taking the Cornhuskers seriously after the debacle last season. Nebraska also has the benefit of hosting Missouri and Kansas so a run at the Big XII title game isn’t out of the question.

South: Texas
It’s hard to refer to Texas as a “sleeper”, but the Longhorns aren’t getting a lot of respect from the national media despite a strong finish to the 2007 season. Oklahoma is justifiably getting most of the preseason hype, but even Texas Tech has been a trendy pick to contend in the South ahead of Texas. The Red River Rivalry will once again determine the South champ though, and Texas has the athletes to pull it out.

On the Rise: Iowa State
Gene Chizik quietly did a good job laying the foundation in 2007. He injected some enthusiasm back into the program that had waned in recent years. This offseason he placed a big emphasis on getting stronger as a team, and that will also pay dividends on the field. Defense is Chizik’s specialty so you can expect improvement on that side of the ball. With four starters returning on the offensive line and a pair of gifted young quarterbacks, the offense might even be a little more potent in 2008 than it was last season.

Declining: Kansas State
Signing 19 junior college players and paying Fresno State to get lost in favor of a 1-AA cupcake on the schedule (too bad Texas wasn’t available) sends a pretty clear signal that Ron Prince thinks his days are numbered. Will these stopgap measures work, or will they just make a bigger mess for the next coach to clean up? Looks like a sinking ship to me.

PROJECTED STANDINGS & RECORDS

North
1. Missouri	11-1 (7-1 conference)
2. Nebraska	8-4 (4-4)
3. Kansas	8-4 (4-4)
4. Colorado	6-6 (4-4)
5. Iowa State	6-6 (3-5)
6. Kansas State	5-7 (2-6)
South
1. Texas	11-1 (7-1)
2. Oklahoma	11-1 (7-1)
3. Texas Tech	8-4 (4-4)
4. Texas A&M	6-6 (3-5)
5. Oklahoma State	6-6 (3-5)
6. Baylor	2-10 (0-8)

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Offense: Chase Daniel (QB, Missouri)
Defense: William Moore (DB, Missouri)
Special Teams: Jeremy Maclin (KR, Missouri)

NATIONAL AWARDS CANDIDATES
Justin Brantly (P-A&M) – Sproles/Sauerbrun
Ian Campbell (DE-KSt) – Arrington
John Chiles (QB-Tex) – Frazier
Perrish Cox (KR-OSU) – Sproles/Sauerbrun
Michael Crabtree (WR-Tech) – Bo Jackson
Chase Daniel (QB-Miz) – Bo Jackson, J.Pike’s Fave
Auston English (DE-Okl) - Arrington
Mike Goodson (RB-A&M) – Bo Jackson, Sayers
Graham Harrell (QB-Tech) – Bo Jackson
Jeremy Maclin (WR-Miz) – Bo Jackson, Sproles/Sauerbrun
William Moore (DB-Miz) – Arrington, Deion
Joe Mortensen (LB-Kan) - Arrington
DeMarco Murray (RB-Okl) – Sayers, Sproles/Sauerbrun
Brian Orakpo (DE-Tex) – Arrington
Zac Robinson (QB-OSU) - Frazier
Gold Wrenches:
Oklahoma offensive line
Texas offensive line
Oklahoma defensive line
Texas Tech offensive line
Texas defensive line
Nebraska offensive line
Colorado defensive line

JP25 - #2 TEXAS

Keep on doubting the Longhorns. Keep calling for that 8-4 season that finally pushes them out of the top 10 for good. Keep on ragging on Mack Brown. Go right on ahead and do it because these Longhorns are using your doubts as fuel to re-focus and come together as a team. This is a young team, but sometimes that’s just what a program needs to shake the creeping malaise. The schedule is manageable, so if they can maintain the intensity they showed in the Holiday Bowl last season on a weekly basis, Texas will run the table and play for the national championship.

OFFENSE
They say great teams start out with great offensive lines and this is the best line Brown has assembled since the national championship team. Thanks to a rash of injuries in 2007, six players return with starting experience. Left tackle Adam Ulatoski and right guard Cedric Dockery are the veterans of the unit, while Chris Hall provides excellent versatility after starting multiple games at center, tackle, and guard a year ago. Then there’s sophomore guard Michael Huey who might end up being the best of the bunch. This group will rival Oklahoma as the best offensive line in the conference.

Colt McCoy returns for his third year starting at quarterback. McCoy didn’t have a bad year in ’07, but it was a letdown after his record setting freshman season. Look for him to take another step forward in his development in ’08 as he takes on a bigger leadership role on the team.

Backup quarterback John Chiles will see significantly more action than he did as a true freshman a year ago. Chiles has athleticism to spare and the Texas coaches are looking for ways to get the ball in his hands more often, which means you’ll probably see Chiles and McCoy on the field at the same time several times throughout the season.

After riding running backs like Jamaal Charles and Cedric Benson in the past, it’s back to a committee approach for the 2008 season. That’s not to say there isn’t any talent available, there’s just three backs that complement each other well. Expect to see equal does of Vondrell McGee, Fozzy Whitaker, and Chris Ogbannaya.

Wide receiver appears at first glance to be an area of concern, but when you consider the sheer number of talented candidates, it’s a position that could become a strength by the end of the season. Quan Cosby is a solid target who will keep the chains moving with his precise route running and reliable hands. Ditto for Jordan Shipley. Then the excitement begins. Redshirt freshman Malcolm Williams headlines a long list of freshman receivers that all have a chance to contribute. With his excellent hands and limitless potential, look for Williams to contribute a handful of big plays in the passing game this year.

As a true freshman, tight end Blaine Irby flashed the athletic ability to pick up right where Jermichael Finley left off. Peter Ullman is the blocking tight end.

DEFENSE
New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp brings an impressive résumé to Austin. Prior to coordinating Auburn’s top notch units the last few seasons he won a national title as Nick Saban’s DC at LSU. With the talent available to Muschamp, the defense should show marked improvement and become a feared group once again.

Brian Orakpo will be the cornerstone of the defense this season. Muschamp will turn Orakpo loose on opposing quarterbacks full time this year which will catapult him to double-digit sack territory. Sophomore Sam Acho has been unblockable in practice since arriving on campus, so he’ll lock down the other defensive end spot and make sure Orakpo doesn’t get all the attention. The active Lamarr Houston moves inside to defensive tackle this year where he’ll join Roy Miller.

The linebacking corps has been woefully underutilized the last two seasons, but there are five players at this position that anybody else in the conference would love to have. Rashad Bobino has been a fixture at middle linebacker for two years now. He’ll be joined in the starting lineup by Roddrick Muckelroy, who simply produces when he’s on the field, and redshirt freshman Keenan Robinson. That leaves Jared Norton and Sergio Kindle coming off the bench to provide depth that is without peer.

The biggest question mark facing the Longhorns is the secondary. The pass defense was downright bad in ’07, and this year’s unit is littered with freshmen and sophomores. Ryan Palmer and Deon Beasley will start at corner, but they’ll be pushed by up-and-comer Chykie Brown, who has much better size than either of the starters. The two safety positions will most likely be manned by freshmen. Earl Thomas has been a favorite of the coaching staff since arriving on campus, and Christian Scott appears to have played his way into the other spot with his knack for big hits.

Overall the defense will no doubt show improvement, especially in the front seven. The young secondary has loads of promise, but they must gel quickly in the pass-happy Big XII.

KEEP AN EYE ON
Will Muschamp’s defense. This is a unit with loads of talent, and Muschamp has the pedigree to shape them into a championship caliber group.

RISING STARS
John Chiles and Malcolm Williams. These two offensive playmakers will make their presence felt this season. Both provide exciting athleticism that should add another dimension to the offense.

JP25 - #5 OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma Sooners are a serious national title contender – again. One problem though: Bob Stoops has been unable to get his team ready for bowl games the last few seasons. Something tells me that won’t be a problem if they are fortunate enough to make it back to the national championship game again.

OFFENSE
Quarterback Sam Bradford turned in a better performance in 2007 than even Stoops and the coaching staff could have imagined. He broke all the Big XII freshman records that Colt McCoy set in 2006 (3,121 passing yards, 36 tds against only 8 ints) while displaying excellent accuracy (69.5% completions) and steady leadership beyond his years.

One of the big reasons for Bradford’s success was the stellar play of the offensive line. The Sooners O-Line was one of the best in the nation for much of the ’07 season, and every single lineman that provided a significant contribution is back. The unit is led by left tackle Phil Loadholt (6-foot-8, 350 lbs) and left guard Duke Robinson (6-foot5, 330 lbs), and aided by TE/FB Brody Eldridge (6-foot-5, 258 lbs). These guys are maulers who devour defensive linemen and linebackers for breakfast, and are the main reasons for Oklahoma’s status as a favorite to receive a Gold Wrench in 2008.

There will be plenty of skill position talent available to Bradford as well. Tight end Jermaine Gresham (11 td receptions) is the best in the Big XII and should establish himself as one of the best in the nation this year. Sophomore running back DeMarco Murray is a Sayers Trophy candidate who steps into the starting lineup full time now that Allen Patrick is gone. Murray is also an explosive kick returner (29.3 average, 2 tds) and a threat to score any time he touches the football. Increasing his touches will only improve Oklahoma’s offensive output.

Losing Malcolm Kelly from the receiving corps leaves a hole that will be difficult to fill. Juaquin Iglesias is a solid receiver, but he’s not the threat Kelly was. Quentin Chaney has the size to replace Kelly, but he has yet to flash similar receiving skills on a full time basis.

The Sooners are installing a no-huddle attack this year in an attempt to run more offensive plays per game, which means there is more pressure on the receivers and Sam Bradford to step up their game. How well they handle the accelerated offense (it didn’t go well in the spring game) will determine whether they maintain the impressive 42.3 points per game they scored in ’07 or not.

DEFENSE
The defense was hit hard by early NFL Draft defections. The linebacking corps in particular will feel the void left by defensive leader Curtis Lofton. Not only was he tops on the team in tackles (157) and forced fumbles (4), he was also the heart and soul of the defense who provided a spark whenever the Sooners needed a stop. He even managed to reach the end zone twice after turnovers.

In his stead is inexperience galore and a lot of “if”s. Ryan Reynolds and Austin Box were highly sought after recruits, but Box hasn’t seen the field yet and Reynolds has been injured much of his career. Keenan Clayton was moved from safety to play the strong side which means athleticism shouldn’t be an issue. The Sooners expect a lot out of their linebackers though, so this group will have to grow up quickly because Cincinnati’s potent offense and a road trip to face Jake Locker in Seattle loom early on the schedule. Oh yeah, and that Red River Rivalry too.

There are no such issues facing the defensive line. The Sooners return an athletic unit headlined by DeMarcus Granger and Auston English. Granger is one of the most disruptive tackles in the Big XII - he eats up blockers and frees up English to roam opposing backfields. English led the conference in sacks (9.5) despite missing three games due to injury. He’ll continue to terrorize quarterbacks in ’08. There’s plenty of depth up front too. There are six other guys on the depth chart with experience, and each one is capable of stepping up and making a game-changing play.

The secondary should be fine with Dominique Franks, Nic Harris, and Lendy Holmes stepping into playmaking roles. Harris and Holmes gained extensive playing time last season and Franks had a huge spring game.

After being exposed by West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl, the defense has a lot to prove. They were gutted for almost a million yards that night and the prevailing excuse is they weren’t “motivated” to play the Mountaineers - that’s not a good sign. No matter how good you are, once you start turning that switch on and off, it gets harder and harder to turn back on when you really need to.

KEEP AN EYE ON
The new linebackers

RISING STAR
DeMarco Murray

BP25- # 13 Texas Longhorns

Since my Partner will go on and on and on about how Great his horns are, I will leave the info and breakdown of players to him. I am still living in the past when James Brown beat the Huskers in the Big 12 championship game on that fluke dump off pass........I still can't watch it. So here is my 10-second review on Texas.

Colt McCoy average, wake me up when Chiles takes over. Forrest Whittaker at RB or just another Spring game star and 5 star recruit for Horns. Average WR. Mammoth OL speaking of Mammoth, check out Ghost of the Russian Empire " Mammoth" in stores now.

4 returning starters, will still be above average. Mack Brown......

As you can see I am very not interested in anything to do with Longhorn so for up to the minute updates please see my partner....

Damn you James Brown.

BP25- #14 Texas Tech Red Raiders

Well scoreboard operators make sure are the bulbs are screwed in tightly, because as usual the Leachster is ready to continue his record breaker QB numbers again this year. This video game offense is lead by QB Graham Harrell and he continues to follow in the footsteps of Kliff Kingbury, Sonny Cumbie, BJ Symons, Cody Hodges and put up just astronomical numbers(by the way how many of these are in the pros.....) At Tailback or what I like to WR #8 the doghouse living Shannon Woods is still not in good graces with Leach so the duties of go out and run to the flat will be carried out by Sophomore Baron "Von" Batch or Aaron Crawford. The OL this year is solid with all 5 starters returning and 2 potentially up for All-American votes in Louis Vazquez and Rylan Reed. But of course the Cadillac of this team are at wideout and perhaps the best in the country, the TO clone, Michael Crabtree is what all those tortilla flinging fans show up for. This offense should be fantastic. This team averaged 529 yards last year and it may go up this year.

Defensively or what I like to call Intermission until the show comes back on the field is actually going to have some talent on it this year. Jammal Wall leads the secondary with 5 picks last year which earned him 2nd team Big 12, which is saying something that this defense actually had someone voted on the team. They return 8 starters and are clearly a bend don't break defense, which with this offense is all they need. Their non-schedule as always for Tech starts out with the usual hard hitters E Washington, @ Nevada(should be a high scoring affair, Luppicott and Kirpatrick, but Tech will win by 20)and SMU(Sorry June, welcome to a Real conference) and UMass(Is Camby and Shakin Macon still there). As far as Big 12, Texas and the Huskers visit Lubbock and the road is fair with @ Kansas and wrapping up the year @ OU possibly for the Big 12 South Crown. So be sure when TIVOing the Tech games make sure to add a hour to the time cause this team is going to score some points.

BP25- #18 Kansas Jayhawks

Well Jabba looks like you still have Boba Fett for another year. (Star Wars reference if you were born after 1990) The Mangino rolls onto the field again this year leading the BCS Orange Bowl Champions.(I still can't believe what I am writing). But I have to hand it to them they looked really good last year and seem to be continuing the trend this year. Of course Todd Reesing is back and his mind boggling 33-7 ratio TD-INT but what goes unnoticed his big time wideouts. I know they lose Marcus Henry, but Dexton Fields and Dezmon Briscoe are back whom I still think don't get enought credit, they will represent this year.

The defense returns 9 Starters and 7 of their top 8 tacklers. Led by Mike Rivera and Joe Mortensen in middle this should be another respectable defense. The weakness on the D will be in the middle of DL and the loss of Aqib, but despite that they should be good enough to give the offense the needed stops to outscore the opposition. The schedule however is tough the go to USF(whom they beat in 2006), @ Oklahoma(Mangino's Obi Wan), @ Nebraska(76 points given up, Pelini will have something to say about that), and wrap up @ Missour in Kansas City, other then that it looks like they will easily stroll to at least 8 wins, which would garner them another Bowl for Jabba to eat out of.

JP25 - #9 MISSOURI

Coming off an impressive 12-win season and a top ten finish, expectations are high in Columbia, MO. With 14 starters returning, including Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel, Missouri is widely considered a dark horse national title contender. Those predictions might be a tad optimistic though because the Tigers were blown off the field in their two “measuring stick” games against Oklahoma last year, and Gary Pinkel has yet to prove he has what it takes to win the big game.

OFFENSE
That could all change this season thanks to senior quarterback Chase Daniel. Daniel is the kind of player that can will his team to victories with his quick decision making and fiery presence in the huddle. He is one of the best leaders in the nation and, after throwing for 4,306 yards and 33 tds, is a favorite for the Bo Jackson Award.

Daniel will once again have the services of Jeremy Maclin to help him out. Maclin was arguably the most impressive freshman in the nation in 2007. With his elite speed he excelled not only as a receiver (80 receptions for 1,055 yards, 9 tds), but as a threat on reverses (375 rushing yards, 4 tds) and kick and punt returns (1,346 return yards, 3 tds) as well. All in all the freshman compiled 16 touchdowns and is clearly an All America talent the Tigers can count on for the next couple seasons before he moves on to the NFL.

Joining Maclin in the receiving corps are Danario Alexander and Tommy Saunders. The underrated Alexander is a big target at 6-foot-5 with good speed who might have a big season with defenses keying on Maclin.

Chase Coffman is one of the better tight ends in the nation. Despite sharing the position with mohawked NFL Draft pick Martin Rucker a year ago, he still managed to grab 52 passes and score 7 touchdowns. With Rucker (84 receptions for 834 yards, 8 tds) gone though, there is a void if Pinkel wants to continue using two-TE sets.

Another small concern is the offensive line. Three starters return, but the two who moved on, left tackle Tyler Luellen and center Adam Speiker, were the best players on the line. Losing 1,000 yard rusher Tony Temple seems troubling as well, but with Missouri’s sideways running game it’s not really important who the running back is as long as they have decent speed.

DEFENSE
The Mizzou defense has steadily been improving the last several years. Last season all that hard work came to fruition. The Tigers surprised everybody with their athleticism and depth as they proved to be able to come up with stops in crucial situations – something they had struggled with in the past. In fact, Missouri held Nebraska and Texas Tech, two of the Big XII’s most explosive offenses, to a combined 16 points. Eight starters are back - a number that includes most of the key components from last year’s unit. That means the Tigers will continue to be stout on the defensive side of the ball.

The defense will once again feature a disruptive front four, an aggressive group of linebackers, and the opportunistic William Moore at free safety. Moore was a revelation in ’07. With great size (6-foot-1, 230 lbs) and even better hands and speed he was able to make plays all over the field (117 tackles, 8 interceptions, 9 tackles for loss). Moore is no doubt an All American and a Deion Award candidtate.

Sean Weatherspoon headlines an athletic linebacking corps that will be among the best in the conference. Up front, tackle Ziggy Hood and end Stryker Sulak keep opposing offensive linemen on their toes. Losing Lorenzo Williams hurts though. Williams was one of the best defensive tackles in the conference and Missouri likes to rotate D-Linemen to keep everybody fresh. Finding another player to fill his spot in the rotation without too much of a drop-off will be a challenge.

KEEP AN EYE ON
Gary Pinkel and the coaching staff. The roster is loaded and expectations are high, so it’s up to the coaches to step up their games. In particular, Pinkel and offensive coordinator Dave Christensen must work on in-game offensive adjustments and stop calling the same four plays over and over again. Their approach got them in trouble in the two losses to Oklahoma despite elite talents like Daniel and Maclin, and will continue to burden the team if no improvement is shown.

RISING STAR
Danario Alexander. On a veteran team, the junior wide receiver has the most potential for improvement.

Big XII - RB Rankings

1. Mike Goodson, Texas A&M
It's looking more and more like this is going to be Mike Goodson's year. With new head coach Mike Sherman's decision to move Javorskie Lane to to fullback (though Lane would have preferred to be moved to Whataburger), Goodson will finally get enough carries to show what he can do. With breakaway speed and excellent vision he's one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the Big XII. Don't be surprised when he becomes a darkhorse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. He's already a candidate for the Bo Jackson Award.

2. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
3. Marlon Lucky, Nebraska
4. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State

OTHERS TO WATCH
Darrell Scott, Colorado
Jocques Crawford, Kansas
Roy Helu, Nebraska

2008 Games To Watch

If you only have 10 hours this whole season to sit down and watch football, these are three games you should watch. Not only will these games have a direct effect on the national title race, they will each feature some of college football's most storied programs competing at their highest level.

September 13
Ohio State at USC
In case you haven't heard, Ohio State is taking a little trip out west early this season. This is a rare non-conference matchup between two teams that have legitimate national title aspirations. Ohio State has been embarrassed by SEC teams in the past two national championship games - will USC's speed be able to do the same?
Early hedge: Ohio State won't be run off the field again. Although USC has the speed of those SEC teams, they don't have the same experience. In this September matchup, Ohio State's ball control offense and loaded defense will be enough to keep them in the game and take the crowd out of it.

October 11
Texas vs Oklahoma
Everybody knows the recent history of this rivalry. Bob Stoops owns Mack Brown. This game has determined the Big XII South champion for the last several seasons, and it has also played a role in the national title picture as well. 2008 will be no exception. The athleticism on the field will be impressive.
Early hedge: Oklahoma will be the favorite heading into this game. It was the same story last season and Texas hung with the Sooners to the final gun. Texas has improved this off-season, but has Oklahoma?

November 1
Florida vs Georgia
This one is so big it has the potential to go down as one of the most legendary showdowns since KITT battled KARR on national television. After last year's showdown produced a team celebration on the field after Georgia scored their first touchdown, and a written response from Urban Meyer in his book, there should be no shortage of buildup for this game.
Early hedge: These two teams are just good enough that the game on the field might actually surpass the immense hype. This will be a game where you can just sit back and enjoy two teams playing at their peaks because neither one wants to lose to the other. I can't wait for this one.

JP25 - #16 TEXAS TECH

I could do a breakdown of the Texas Tech team for the upcoming season, but I'll be honest with you: Give Mike Leach USC's roster and I'd still pick Tech to finish in the same spot. You see, it's not a matter of who the players are - it's the system. The system works fine when you've got limited talent but still have the ability to steal a couple cheap wins, but put a loaded roster in Lubbock (as they appear to have heading into the 2008 season) and it will be essentially wasted.

The problem isn't the offense per se. It isn't the players on defense or the defensive coordinator either. The problem is there isn't any emphasis on defense coming from Leach at the top. Every decision he makes is based solely on how it will affect the offense. How many times have you seen Tech gamble on 4th down only to leave their defense in a bad position? Football is an unforgiving game, and those kinds of decisions will add up over the course of a season - usually to the tune of about four losses.

Another problem I see is that defenses are starting to have more success stopping Tech's offense. Despite the fact that offensive talent has increased dramatically (there has never been a better combo in Lubbock than QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree), the scoring has seemed to level off. Missouri was able to hold Tech to 10 points last season, and just two years ago both TCU and Colorado held them out of the end zone completely.

All that being said Tech will still win 9 games this season, fill up the stat books, boast the best pass/catch combo in the nation, and continue to impress people who like their football to resemble video games or - even worse - Arena Football.

KEEP AN EYE ON
Defensive improvement everywhere but on the scoreboard. When your main goal as a team is to score as quickly as possible and never punt, you're bound to lose the time of possession and field position battles, which can make for some tired defenses in crunch time (see Brandon Pettigrew running through the D for the winning TD last year - at about the 4:20 mark of the video).

RISING STAR
Wide receiver Detron Lewis. The sophomore had a big Gator bowl performance (100 yards, 2 tds) and he takes over for the departed Danny Amendola. That means you can pencil Lewis in for 100+ receptions and 1,000 yards.

JP25 - #18 NEBRASKA

Effort can go a long way in the game of football. If there's one prediction I can guarantee for the upcoming season it's that you will see a bigger improvement in the effort department out of the Nebraska football team than any other team in the nation. Bill Callahan quit coaching to win games last year (he was more concerned with his offense's statistics), and with no real leadership the team responded as you would expect. After a 5-7 campaign that included giving up 40 points or more in a game six times there is nowhere to go but up, and Bo Pelini - so far - appears to be just the man to lead the charge.

OFFENSE
There don't appear to be many problems offensively. Offensive coordinator Shawn Watson was retained from Callahan's staff and will actually be allowed to do his job in 2008. As a former offensive coordinator on Gary Barnett's staff at Colorado, Watson has proven he'll bring a real commitment back to the running game - and why not? The offensive line has the looks of being one of the best lines at Nebraska in recent memory. The upper-classmen (OG Matt Slauson, OT Lydon Murtha, C Jacob Hickman) provide stability, while a quartet of sophomores (OG Keith Williams, OT Jaivorio Burkes, T/C Mike Smith, OG D.J. Jones) provide excellent promise for the future. This should be one of the better offensive lines in the Big XII for the next few seasons.

There's also tons of talent in the backfield too. Senior Marlon Lucky is the top returning rusher in the Big XII (1,019 yards, 9 tds), and he set the Nebraska school record for most receptions in a season as well with 75. But Lucky might be giving up more playing time this year due to the emergence of sophomore Roy Helu. Helu played so well in the spring that he is currently listed as co-starter with Marlon Lucky on the depth chart. Lucky and Helu will form an excellent duo, but there's also the burly Quentin Castille to pick up the tough yards, the veteran Kenny Wilson, and the speedy freshman Marcus Mendoza, who will probably be used more in the return game.

Sharing the backfield with all these talented backs is senior quarterback Joe Ganz. After waiting patiently for almost four full years in the program, Ganz finally got his shot to lead the team when Sam Keller went down due to injury. Ganz flashed the leadership that was missing from the team all season and not only averaged 466 passing yards per game in his three starts, he also threw more touchdowns (16) than Keller did the previous nine games (14). However the loss of Maurice Purify, a big target in the red zone, leaves a hole in the offense. Nate Swift is a steady receiver with good hands, but he'll need help from youngsters Curenski Gilleylen (who had a big spring), Menelik Holt, and Niles Paul to keep the passing game potent.

DEFENSE
What is there to say about a once proud defense that finished in the bottom ten nationally in all major statistical categories? Luckily defense is a specialty of new head coach Bo Pelini. He's already going to work putting his stamp on the program by coaching intensity and effort (there's that word again) back into the Blackshirts. It's hard to say how much talent is on the roster because they have been so woefully underused the last four years, but it's safe to say there will be significant improvement no matter what.

Up front the Huskers are hoping Barry Turner can once again regain the form he showed as a true freshman when he racked up six sacks. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has flashed the potential to be a fine player in the middle if he fully recovers from off-season surgery. The secondary also appears to be in good hands with cornerback Armando Murillo and safety Larry Asante returning. Murillo is a solid all around corner and Asante is a big hitter who may thrive in Pelini's system. Overall you can count on this unit forcing more turnovers than they did in 2007.

The big question mark on defense is at linebacker. A slimmed down Phillip Dillard is ready to breakout and anchor the unit in the middle, but the other two spots are filled with inexperience. Converted running back Cody Glenn embraced his new position and showed flashes of being a playmaker in the spring, but he's been a running back his whole career. Consistency could be an issue. Tyler Wortman is a senior walk-on with 9 career tackles, but he impressed the coaches and is listed as the starter at the other spot. He'll probably share a lot of time with sophomore Blake Lawrence. Even with the loss of the top four linebackers, and with all the questions surrounding this unit, it's hard to imagine them playing any worse than they did in 2007.

KEEP AN EYE ON
The defense will be better, but by how much? If they can force some turnovers and start swarming to the ball again, an 8-win season is within reach.

RISING STAR
Running back Roy Helu. The sophomore seems to have really impressed the new coaching staff and they won't hesitate to use him this season.

JP25 - #20 KANSAS

If I had told you prior to last season that Kansas was going to win 12 games - including a BCS bowl - and finish in the top five nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense you wouldn't have believed me. Don't lie. Granted, their soft schedule played a big part in the Jayhawks' dream season, but Mark Mangino's squad earned every accolade heaped on them in 2007. They were, and will continue to be, a very well coached, fundamentally sound, SMART team that plays above their talent level.

Unfortunately the schedule gets significantly tougher in 2008 with the rotation of Big XII South powers Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech onto the schedule in place of Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Baylor. There's also a road game at South Florida prior to conference play. Ouch. Throw in the fact that five of the best players from the 2007 team are gone (CB Aqib Talib, OT Anthony Collins, RB Brandon McAnderson, WR Marcus Henry, DT James McClinton) and it appears unlikely the Jayhawks will be able to approach what they accomplished last year.

OFFENSE
It's not all doom and gloom in Lawrence though because a host of solid players return and the Jayhawks will always have the advantage of being the smartest team on the field. Quarterback Todd Reesing is back to direct the offense after garnering some Heisman mention late last season. He makes up for his lack of size with toughness and smarts, but don't expect him to match his big numbers from last year (3,486 passing yards, 33 tds to only 7 interceptions).

Three talented receivers return to form what should be one of the Big XII's top receiving corps. Dezmon Briscoe flashed big play potential (7 tds) as a true freshman in '07; Dexton Fields is a solid possession receiver (63 receptions a year ago); and all-purpose threat Kerry Meier reprises his role as the wild card in the offense. Meier (pictured, alright alright alright) not only plays wideout for the Jayhawks (26 receptions, 274 yards, 2 tds), he is also the backup quarterback (25 of 29 for 275 yards, 3 tds).

Running back is the biggest question mark on offense where they lose bruiser Brandon McAnderson (1,125 yards, 16 tds). Jake Sharp is steady (821 yards, 7 tds), but he's hardly the threat McAnderson was and is much better suited as a #2 back. Enter JC transfer Jocques Crawford. The 6'1", 220-pounder played in only 9 games last season but was named the JC Offensive Player of the Year after racking up 1,935 rushing yards in those 9 contests. Character issues kept him from enrolling elsewhere so he's not a sure thing in the lineup. Kansas will need him to keep defenses from teeing off on Reesing though, and Mangino is showing confidence in him.

DEFENSE
This underrated unit was a big part of the team's success in 2007. The Kansas D finished in the top 10 nationally in rush defense, pass efficiency defense, and scoring defense, and the entire linebacking corps is back to lead the way in 2008. Joe Mortensen (106 tackles, 15 tackles for loss) is an All-Conference linebacker, and as sure a tackler as there is. James Holt (99 tackles, 13 tackles for loss) and Mike Rivera (96 tackles) round out the trio of senior linebackers that make up the smartest, most fundamentally sound unit in the conference. Sophomore Justin Springer and the speedy Arist Wright provide quality depth and a bright future.

Unfortunately the rest of the defense suffered some key losses. In addition to losing Aqib Talib (5 interceptions, 13 passes broken up), the most talented player on the roster, and James McClinton (39 tackles, 11 tackles for loss), the most disruptive player up front, they also lose ace defensive coordinator Bill Young to Miami. The secondary should be fine due to the return of five other players with starting experience, but somebody will need to step up in the trenches so the linebackers don't have to make every play.

KEEP AN EYE ON
Defensive End Maxwell Onyegbule. The sophomore may be just the pass rush specialist Kansas needs up front.

RISING STAR
Running Back Jocques Crawford. If the JC transfer can stay eligible, he'll be the starting tailback and a much needed weapon in the ground game.

Big XII Media Days - Sherman Speaks

Texas A&M head coach Mike Sherman dropped some bombs at Big XII media days yesterday. When asked about the quarterback situation, due in large part to the fact Stephen McGee, the incumbent senior, wasn't present at the meetings, Sherman had this to say:

"I have confidence that we're going to have a very good quarterback when we start the season. I think he'll play at a higher level because of the competition. It would be unfair to me to just walk in and hand Stephen the job - and I've told him that. He's going to have to earn it. I think in fairness to him he has to work. In fairness to Jerrod, they both have to work to compete against one another and earn the job."

I know Aggie fans have grown accustomed to quarterbacks throwing 15-yard ducks (from Cory Pullig to Randy McCown to Stephen McGee, jelly-armed quarterbacks are almost as storied a tradition as the 12th man!), but I think they know deep down Jerrod Johnson will be a much better fit for the new offense. Sherman knows how to win football games and it's pretty obvious to most outside of College Station that McGee has a very average arm. Johnson on the other hand possesses a cannon that will open up the offense and keep defenses from stacking the box to stop Mike Goodson, which brings me to Sherman's second bombshell:

"When I came in... [Javorskie] came up to me shortly before my press conference, introduced himself, and at that time I told him, you're going to be a fullback. And there was no hemming and hawing about it. He didn't seem totally pleased with it but didn't balk at it necessarily."

Sorry JaPorky. Looks like 285-pound offensive guards are no longer going to get carries in the A&M offense - you can go take your aggression out on the water boy again if will make you feel better. Mike Goodson is a fantastic back with All-America-caliber skills that have been begging to be unleashed full time. Lane on the other hand has done nothing but run over poor, undersized Baylor linebackers (and the like) and steal time away from Goodson. With Sherman's decision to move JaPorky to fullback, it will now be Goodson's time to shine.

Jerrod Johnson is a big-time talent that at least deserves a shot at the starting job. If McGee is able to win the job then more power to him. But at least Mike Sherman is going to make sure his best players are on the field this fall, which is something that should excite Aggie fans.

Big XII's Best QBs

1. Chase Daniel, Missouri

The Missouri signal caller oozes confidence and leadership. He was so good in 2007 that he almost completely negated the "Gary Pinkel Factor" by leading the Tigers to 12 wins. Daniel will be in the running for the Heisman Trophy in 2008.

2. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech

His video game numbers (5,705 yards, 48 TDs) actually seem to hurt him. Instead of noticing the impressive arm strength and deep ball touch, he is written off as a system quarterback. Don't listen to that set though, he's the most talented QB in the Mike Leach era.

3. Colt McCoy, Texas

McCoy's sophomore season almost seemed like a letdown due to the expectations heaped on him after his incredible freshman season. He'll bounce back into form in 2008 though as he continues to grow up in front of one of the most quarterback-critical crowds in the nation. Hey, can you blame them for being jaded after the Major Applewhite/Chris Simms situation?

4. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

The freshman "burst" onto the scene in 2007 by breaking Colt McCoy's record with 36 touchdown passes as a freshman. He's a steady performer, but he also had a ton of talent around him and a superb offensive lineman to make him look good. He also has to learn how to run the no huddle offense the Sooners plan on running in 2008.

5. Joe Ganz, Nebraska

Why exactly wasn't this guy on the field the first nine games of last season? After Sam Keller's injury against Texas, Ganz took over and not only threw for more touchdowns (in only three games!) but seemed to inspire his teammates, which is something the coaching staff never seemed to accomplish. With more confidence placed in him by the new coaching staff, look for Ganz to have a big breakout season.

OTHERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON:
Jarrod Johnson, Texas A&M

The big, strong armed sophomore might actually get a shot at the starting job. Even if he doesn't win the job outright he can take solace in the fact that he's by far the most talented QB on the roster.

Austen Arnaud / Phillip Bates, Iowa State

Both sophomore quarterbacks have above average athleticism and a bigger upside than any Iowa State quarterback since Seneca Wallace. Whoever wins the job will benefit from an offense that is gaining momentum.