Big Twelve Preview

Big 12 Conference

North Division

1. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2)
Losses: USC (9/15), at Texas A&M (10/20), at Texas (10/27)

Key Players: QB Sam Keller, IB Marlon Lucky, WR Maurice Purify, WR/KR Terrence Nunn, G Andy Christensen, G Matt Slauson, LB Bo Ruud, LB Corey McKeon, DT Ndamulong Suh, CB Cortney Grixby, CB Zackary Bowman
Newcomer: CB Armando Rumillo (JUCO Transfer)

While the transition from a traditional option team to a west coast offense for Nebraska hasn’t been the easiest, Bill Callahan certainly has the tools to bring his team to the Big 12 Championship Game. The departure of QB Zac Taylor is much less significant after Nebraska landed the senior transfer from Arizona State, Sam Keller, who just might be even better. Keller is big, has a strong arm, and experience to boot. I-Backs Marlon Lucky and Cody Glenn support Keller in this potent offense along with an experienced, sure-handed receiving corps. Led by guards Andy Christensen and Matt Slauson, Nebraska once again has a solid offensive line. The “Blackshirt” defense’s strength lies in its linebackers. The Cornhuskers have arguably the best in the Big 12 in Bo Ruud. The only concern may be the front four, which is relatively inexperienced and has to replace 1st round draft pick Adam Carriker.

Final verdict: Nebraska will be tested early and often. In early September, the team travels east to play at the defending ACC Champions, Wake Forest and hosts USC the following week. In October, the Cornhuskers have back-to-back games at Texas A&M and Texas – two of the most hostile environments in college football. Luckily for them, two of those games are out of conference.

2. Missouri Tigers
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: Nebraska (10/6), at Oklahoma (10/13), Texas A&M (11/10)

Key Players: QB Chase Daniel, RB Tony Temple, TE Martin Rucker, TE Chase Coffman, C Adam Spieker, T Tyler Luellen, DT Lorenzo Williams, DT Ziggy Hood, LB Brock Christopher, CB Darnell Terrell, K Jeff Wolfert
Newcomer: WR Jeremy Maclin

QB Chase Daniel gained some national recognition due to his breakout season in 2006. Leading Missouri to an 8-5 record, Daniel threw for 3,527 yards and 28 touchdowns (only 10 interceptions) with a 63.5 completion percentage. This year, most of the offense is back, which is dangerous for any defense in the Big 12. Daniel has two of the best tight ends in the country to throw to in Chase Coffman and Martin Rucker. He will utilize them often. RB Tony Temple gets to run behind an experienced offensive line returning 4 starters including the anchor, C Adam Spieker. The defense could spell trouble for Mizzou’s title hopes. Only 4 starters remain from a team that struggled mightily against the run in Big 12 competition. Defensive tackles Lorenzo Williams and Ziggy Hood provide an experienced foundation that could help improve this weakness.

Final verdict: Despite their shortcomings, Missouri will certainly compete for the Big 12 North title. They may even be able to steal a win against Texas A&M at home. The biggest test for the Tigers is the October 6th game at home against Nebraska. A win puts them in the drivers’ seat to play in San Antonio for a right to claim a BCS bowl bid.

3. Colorado Buffaloes
Projected Record: 6-6 (4-4)
Wins: Colorado State (9/1), Miami University (9/22), at Baylor (10/6), Kansas (10/20), at Texas Tech (10/27), at Iowa State (11/10)

Key Players: RB Hugh Charles, WR Patrick Williams, T Edwin Harrison, C Daniel Sanders, TE Riar Greer, DT George Hypolite, LB Jordon Dizon, CB Terrence Wheatley
Newcomer: QB Cody Hawkins

Final Analysis: Could someone remind us what Division the Buffaloes play in? Division 1 football you say? Well it ain’t intramurals, brother. Dan Hawkins’ now infamous rant on ESPN radio highlighted the despair of CU’s season last year in which the first year coach led the team to a 2-10 record. With a year under his belt, and a few more experienced players, expect improvement for the Buffaloes – especially in this weak division. Coach Dan Hawkins will break in his son, redshirt freshman Cody Hawkins, at the quarterback position. Young, inexperienced quarterbacks generally spell trouble, but Hawkins has support from an excellent run game. On defense, Jordon Dizon leads a good run-stopping front 7. However, the Buffaloes must improve upon a secondary, which allowed an astounding 67% completion rate from opposing quarterbacks.

Final verdict: While Colorado should beat the lower caliber teams of the Big 12 and possibly beat archrival Colorado State, the Buffaloes just don’t have the talent yet. Still, 6-6 would be an improvement from 2-10.

4. Kansas State Wildcats
Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5)
Losses: at Auburn (9/1), at Texas (9/29), Kansas (10/6), at Oklahoma State (10/20), at Nebraska (11/10), Missouri (11/17)

Key Players: QB Josh Freeman, RB James Johnson, RB Leon Patton, WR Jordy Nelson, DE Rob Jackson, DE Ian Campbell, CB Justin McKinney, S Marcus Watts, P Tim Reyer
Newcomer: LB Chris Patterson (JUCO transfer)

The play of sophomore QB Josh Freeman could determine the fate of the Wildcats season. Freeman has drawn comparisons to JaMarcus Russell due to his size (6’6” 255 lbs.) and arm strength. If he shows any resemblance to Russell this season, K-State could be in for a surprise season. If he throws 6 touchdowns and 15 interceptions like he did his freshman year, don’t expect the Wildcats to be anywhere near the Big 12 title. The defense, which is switching from 4-3 to 3-4, will be led by All-Big 12 selection Ian Campbell.

Final verdict: One could guess that Josh Freeman will fall somewhere in between being one of the most inefficient quarterbacks in college football like he was last year and being one of the most dominant like Russell was. If he continues to progress and rely on the running game, Kansas State could be much more efficient. As long as State beats the Jayhawks and have a winning record, it’s a salvaged season; at this point, neither is certain.

5. Kansas Jayhawks
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6)
Wins: Central Michigan (9/1), SE Louisiana (9/8), FIU (9/22), at Kansas State (10/6), Baylor (10/13)

Key Players: QB Kerry Meier, TE Derek Fine, T Anthony Collins, DE Russell Brorsen, DT James McClinton, CB Aqib Talib
Newcomer: RB Brian Murphy

Kansas quietly had one of the best run games in the Big 12 with running back Jon Cornish. With Cornish gone, the ‘Hawks will look to sophomore Jake Sharp and freshman Brian Murphy for continued success on the ground. QB Kerry Meier performed adequately as a freshman, but will need to cut back on his mistakes this year (56.5 completion pct., 13/10 TD/INT) ratio. On defense, CB Aqib Talib would qualify as one of the best players you’ve never heard of. He was the nation’s leader in pass breakups. The defensive line would be to blame for Kansas’ # 119 ranking (last in D-IA) in pass defense, as its pass rushing of the quarterback was non-existent. Expect a slight improvement, but the D-Line is still bad.

Final verdict: Kansas is young and not very talented, but could win some games in the weak Big 12 North. Although the wins may not reflect this, the team should be better as the year goes on as they gain some confidence.

6. Iowa State Cyclones
Projected Record: 4-8 (1-7)
Wins: Kent State (8/30), Northern Iowa (9/8), at Toledo (9/22), Kansas

Key Players: QB Bret Meyer, RB Jason Scales, WR Todd Blythe, TE Ben Barkema, LB Alvin Bowen, LB Jon Banks, S Caleb Berg, K Bret Culbertson
Newcomer: DT Michael Tate (JUCO transfer)

Last year was supposed to be the year for the Cyclones. They had experience at several positions, but something did not click as Iowa State finished with a disappointing 4-8 record. This year, QB Bret Meyer and WR Todd Blythe return for their senior seasons with not much else support. The offensive line returns 1 starter and several junior college transfers will immediately start on O and D. Iowa State will not be able to compete with the Big 12 powers this year.

Final verdict: Gene Chizik is trying to win sooner rather than later as evidenced by his recruiting class of sophomore and junior transfers. However, the Cyclones still do not have enough talent.

Big 12 North Offensive MVP: QB Chase Daniel, Missouri
Big 12 North Defensive MVP: LB Bo Ruud, Nebraska
Big 12 Newcomer of the Year: QB Cody Hawkins, Colorado

South Division

1. Texas Longhorns
Projected Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Losses: at Texas A&M (11/23)

Key Players: QB Colt McCoy, RB Jamaal Charles, WR Limas Sweed, WR Billy Pittman, T Tony Hills, G Cedric Dockery, DT Frank Okam, DT Derek Lokey, LB Robert Killebrew, LB Rashad Bobino, S Marcus Griffin
Newcomer: CB Chykie Brown

Last year, Colt McCoy had the rather large task of replacing Maxwell Award-winning, Rose Bowl MVP Vince Young at quarterback and he did so masterfully. Completing 68.2% of his passes, McCoy threw for 2,570 yards with a 29/7 TD/INT ratio. McCoy had one of the best seasons of any quarterback in the country – until he injured his shoulder against Kansas State and was never the same again. This year, he is healthy and is surrounded by top athletes. Junior RB Jamaal Charles will be the feature back and could make a run for the Heisman. WRs Limas Sweed and Billy Pittman as well as linemen Tony Hills and Cedric Dockery each have 1st round draft pick potential. On defense, Frank Okam is the enforcer on the defensive line; Okam and fellow interior linemen Derek Lokey and Roy Miller will make it tough for the opposing ground game. Robert Killebrew and Rashad Bobino make up a solid linebacker group. Texas may be weaker in the defensive secondary, though, as they have to replace Big 12 stalwarts Tarell Brown and Michael Griffin.

Final verdict: Texas may have a little trouble against TCU early on in the season, but the Longhorns’ first big test is Oklahoma. Away games at Oklahoma and at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field could also cause problems. Remember, Texas is at the level where they are looking to go 12-0 (and beyond) this season. One slip and they may not make the Big 12 title game.

2. Texas A&M Aggies
Projected Record: 10-2 (7-1)
Losses: at Miami (9/20), at Oklahoma (11/3)

Key Players: QB Stephen McGee, RB Mike Goodson, RB Jovorskie Lane, FB Chris Alexander, WR Earvin Taylor, TE Martellus Bennett, G Kirk Elder, C Cody Wallace, DE Chris Harrington, DT Red Bryant, S Devin Gregg
Newcomer: DE Amos Gbunblee

Aside from James Davis / C.J. Spiller and Darren McFadden / Felix Jones, Jovorskie Lane and Mike Goodson form the most dangerous running back combo in college football. Each fits the classic mold of the powerful Thunder (Lane) and quick Lightning (Goodson) combination. Thunder and Lightning will have plenty of room to maneuver through the Aggies skilled interior line. The passing game will utilize athletic pass-catching tight end Martellus Bennett more this year. Throwing the ball to him will be Stephen McGee, one of the toughest, poised quarterbacks in college football. His mere 2 interceptions last season reflect that. The pride of A&M’s defense is its defensive line led by Chris Harrington and Red Bryant. While the linebackers and secondary are relatively unknowns, several players return including former JUCO transfer LB Misi Tupe.

Final verdict: Aside from the obvious talent on offense, Texas A&M has arguably the best intangibles working for it at home games: its fans. Kyle Field isn’t called the “12th Man” for no reason. Teams rarely come out of College Station with a win. Those that do win had to work extra hard to claw out a W.

3. Oklahoma Sooners
Projected Record: 10-2 (6-2)
Losses: Texas (10/6), Oklahoma State (11/24)

Key Players: RB Allen Patrick, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Malcolm Kelly, G George Robinson, C Jon Cooper, DT DeMarcus Granger, CB/KR/PR Reggie Smith, CB Marcus Walker, S Nic Harris, S D.J. Wolfe, K Garrett Hartley
Newcomer: RB DeMarco Murray

The departure of QB Paul Thompson and RB Adrian Peterson may not matter as much as you would think. Thompson was mobile as well as efficient, but can be replaced. With a wide receiver the caliber of Malcolm Kelly, the transition to former JUCO transfer QB Joey Halzle much smoother. Peterson was hurt for half of the year, but Allen Patrick ran for 127.6 yards per game as a starter in his place. Patrick will have highly touted redshirt freshman running back DeMarco Murray pushing for playing time. The defense returns the best secondary in the Big 12 highlighted by shutdown corners, Reggie Smith and Marcus Walker, and safety D.J. Wolfe. Defensive tackles DeMarcus Granger and Cory Bennett add some size up front against the run game. Oklahoma has one of the best special teams in the country. Kicker Garrett Hartley was a Lou Groza Award finalist having missed only 1 field goal in 20 attempts and Reggie Smith is dangerous in the return game.

Final verdict: Bob Stoops will always have Oklahoma in contention for the Big 12 title. This year will be no different, but new players in key roles have to perform well for the Sooners to be in position for a BCS game.

4 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Losses: at Texas A&M (10/6), at Nebraska (10/13), Texas (11/3)

Key Players: QB Bobby Reid, RB Dantrell Savage, RB Keith Toston, WR Adarius Bowman, TE Brandon Pettigrew, C David Washington, DE Marque Fountain, LB Patrick Levine, LB Chris Collins, S Andre Sexton
Newcomer: WR Dez Bryant

Oklahoma State will surprise some this year. It returns the 7th best rushing attack (208.0 rushing yards per game) led by running backs, Dantrell Savage and Keith Toston and dual threat quarterback Bobby Reid. Reid is also a threat with his arm, having thrown for 2,266 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Reid will be throwing primarily to Biletnikoff Award candidate WR Adarius Bowman. The defense will need to be strong in its secondary as the Cowboys break in an entirely new group of defensive linemen. Sophomore linebackers Chris Collins and Patrick Levine should be the glue to hold this defense together.

Final verdict: The biggest issue for Oklahoma State is their tough schedule. OK State opens the season away at Georgia, then has to play Texas A&M, Nebraska, and Oklahoma all away. This team is talented enough to hold their own against these opponents and could even win a few.

5. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Projected Record: 6-6 (2-6)
Wins: at SMU (9/3), UTEP (9/8), at Rice (9/15), Northwestern State (9/29), Iowa State (10/6), at Baylor (11/3)

Key Players: QB Graham Harrell, RB Shannon Woods, WR/PR Danny Amendola, DE Jake Ratliff, CB Chris Parker, S Darcel McBath, S Joe Garcia
Newcomer: WR Michael Crabtree

3rd in the nation in passing, Texas Tech is led by a quarterback who should get a little more press in Graham Harrell. He is labeled as just another system quarterback in Mike Leach’s pass-happy offense, but has some skill to make people think otherwise. The issue for the Red Raiders this year is that three of their top receivers are gone and the running game is again one of the worst in Division I football. One can only rely so much on the quarterback to deliver. The defense has a solid secondary led by strong safety Joe Garcia. Other than that, the team is inexperienced.

Final verdict: If it weren’t for Tech’s rather soft out-of-conference schedule, which consists of 3 small schools in Texas and one D-IAA school in Louisiana, they could’ve been in worse shape. Then again, Texas Tech would be in the middle of the pack or better in the Big 12 North.

6. Baylor Bears
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-8)
Wins: Texas State (9/22), at Buffalo (9/29)

Key Players: QB Michael Machen, OL Jason Smith, OL Dan Gay, DT Vincent Rhodes, LB Joe Pawelek, S Dwain Crawford
Newcomer: RB Jay Finley

Led by senior QB Shawn Bell, Baylor was actually 11th in the nation in passing. With Bell gone, the Bears are left with an unproven journeyman quarterback and an awful run game that was last in the country with only 40.2 yards per game. The defense has a few good individual players that will allow the Bears to stay fairly competitive in some games.

Final Analysis: Baylor has been in the drudges of the Big 12 for some time now. This trend will continue this year as well. Forget being the worst team in the Big 12, Baylor may be the 8th best team in Texas, behind UT, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU, Rice, Houston, and SMU.

Big 12 South Offensive MVP: QB Colt McCoy, Texas
Big 12 South Defensive MVP: DT Frank Okam, Texas
Big 12 South Newcomer of the Year: RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

All-Big 12 Conference
QB – Colt McCoy, So., Texas
RB – Jamaal Charles, Jr., Texas
RB – Mike Goodson, Jr., Texas A&M
WR – Malcolm Kelly, Jr., Oklahoma
WR – Adarius Bowman, Sr., Oklahoma State
TE – Martin Rucker, Sr., Missouri
OL – Matt Slauson, Jr., Nebraska
OL – Adam Spieker, Sr., Missouri
OL – Kirk Elder, Sr., Texas A&M
OL – Tony Hills, Sr., Texas
OL – George Robinson, Jr., Oklahoma
DT – Frank Okam, Sr., Texas
DT – Red Bryant, Sr., Texas A&M
DT – James McClinton, Sr., Kansas
DE/LB – Ian Campbell, Jr., Kansas State
LB – Bo Ruud, Sr., Nebraska
LB – Chris Collins, So., Oklahoma State
LB – Jordon Dizon, Sr., Colorado
CB – Reggie Smith, Jr., Oklahoma
CB – Aqib Talib, Jr., Kansas
S – Nic Harris, Jr., Oklahoma

Big 12 Championship Game
Texas over Nebraska