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College Football 2008: Big 12 Preview By Ron Jumper When I look at the Big 12, I am starting to see depth from top to bottom in this conference. Are they the SEC? Not quite. Are they getting better and better? You bet. Last year, they really had 4 teams that could have played with just about anyone when you look at what Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas did. The depth is starting to be there as well, when you look at Texas Tech, Colorado, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State. With all that out of the way, it is time look at the upcoming season and break it all down. Here are some big questions going into the season: -Will Oklahoma ever win another BCS Bowl Game? -Can Colt McCoy and Texas return to the top of the Big 12? -Are Missouri and Kansas here to stay? -What will Michael Crabtree do for an encore and will it lead to big wins for Texas Tech? -What can we expect from the new coaches (Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Baylor)? -Is Colorado finally ready to become a contender? 1. Will Oklahoma ever win another BCS Bowl Game? Yes. Will it be this year? Maybe. The best scenario for the Sooners is to meet up with Ohio State in either the BCS Championship or another BCS Bowl. If that happened, the Sooners wouldn’t be hurting in the speed department like they do against the West Virginias and Floridas of the world. Speaking of which, why does Oklahoma not get more criticism for lacking the speed and athleticism to compete with teams from other conferences? It seems only Ohio State gets that special honor. Obviously, Oklahoma has the talent and is much bigger than anybody they play but it hasn’t translated to postseason success. I call it the Big Bully Syndrome because, when Oklahoma can push you around, they dominate you but, when you come right back and knock them in the mouth, they don’t know how to react. They are the best team in the Big 12 this season, in my opinion, because no one in the conference can match up with them physically. Look at that offensive line, Phil Loadholt (6-8 350) and Duke Robinson (6-5 330) are both about as good as it gets in college football. 2. Can Colt McCoy and Texas return to the top of the Big 12? Going into last season, I had high hopes for Texas. However, Colt McCoy struggled and the offense just seemed to sputter. The only way Texas can win the Big 12 is if this offense can get back to being explosive and that starts with McCoy. However, it doesn’t end with him. They lost RB Jamaal Charles and WR Limas Sweed, so new playmakers will have to pick up the slack. At running back, that appears to be Vondrell McGee. At wide receiver, it appears Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley will be the top targets. If the offense can gel and new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp can implement his tough defensive mentality, the Longhorns can play with anyone. That’s a lot ifs though… 3. Are Missouri and Kansas here to stay? Both teams had phenomenal seasons in 2007, but I doubt either team can duplicate that again this season. When you have a breakout season, it becomes harder to do it again the next season because everyone is ready for you. There is no creeping up on people. Also, sometimes teams get on a magical run and it becomes hard to get that magic back the next season. More simply, they don’t have the years and years of great recruiting classes that Oklahoma and Texas have to overtake them that quickly. It will take time to become a mainstay at the top on a yearly basis. Of the two, Missouri seems more primed to take on the challenge that comes with rising to the top. They have the most important piece back, Chase Daniels, and a nice arsenal of weapons at his disposal. The defense should even be better, as it returns a whopping 10 starters. The Tigers will get an early test by playing Illinois in the opener so we’ll know what they are made of from the start. As for Kansas, I’m just not quite sold. I don’t see enough talent and speed to compete when everyone is gearing for you. On paper, they look similar to Missouri in that the key to their offense (Todd Reesing) and most of the defense (9 starters) is back. However, I really think the loss of CB Aqib Talib will hurt more than people think. We’ll find out all we need to know in the Jayhawks’ third game at South Florida, as the Bulls will provide a tough non-conference test. 4. What will Michael Crabtree do for an encore and will it lead to big wins for Texas Tech? Obviously, Michael Crabtree is a great talent and is going to have a nice career on Sundays someday. However, asking him to improve upon last season is asking an awful lot. He just simply won’t put up those numbers again but that doesn’t mean he is doing anything wrong or not playing well. That just means life will be easier for the rest of the Texas Tech offense because defenses will be focusing on him. When looking at Texas Tech, I see a team ready to compete with anyone. They are pretty much a lot like Missouri and Kansas were last season, in terms of being an explosive spread offense on the verge of breaking out. The first half of their schedule isn’t that demanding so they should get off to a good start. They get Texas at home, leaving the toughest game on their schedule a trip to Norman to take on the Sooners. The Red Raiders just might be in the thick of the Big 12 South race when that game takes place on Nov. 22. 5. What can we expect from the new coaches (Nebraska, Texas A&M, and Baylor)? Looking at the mystery that is Nebraska, it is tough to predict how good they will be. I do think that the offense begins and ends with getting Marlon Lucky the football as much as possible. The passing game is the concern of the offense, as the receiving corps were hit the hardest. The question is whether Joe Ganz and that very solid offensive line can make due with what they have on the outside. Defensively, the strength lies on the defensive line but the back 7 has much work to do. Overall, when you have good line play on both sides and a workhorse at running back, they should be able to compete on most weeks with whomever they are playing. It will some time before they can beat anybody, however. When examining Texas A&M, the talent is there. They have playmakers. They get very good recruiting classes. So why didn’t they win more? Lack of discipline and direction. New head coach Mike Sherman will bring much more discipline, as that is his way, and will make better use of the talent on hand, as his NFL background will naturally dictate. When you look at QB Stephen McGee, RB Mike Goodson, and FB Javorskie Lane, they have playmakers. However, breaking in a young offensive line at the same time you’re switching to a new offense could be disastrous. Defensively, I love what Joe Kines is bringing to the table. He may not give the best interview, but the guy can coach. He will get the most out of the athletes they have on campus. When looking at a school like Texas A&M, it isn’t so much about starters returning to me. I look at talented athletes being put in proven defensive scheme. If the offensive line can hold up, the Aggies should be solid again next season. With Nebraska and Texas A&M having enjoyed some success, they don’t have as far to go as Baylor to reach success. However, Art Briles has won everywhere he has been and, in time, Baylor will be no different. His passing game will bring in the skill players to put up points. I don’t think they will ever reach unthinkable heights such as winning the Big 12, but making a bowl game from time to time is within reason. For this season, it starts with settling on a quarterback. They have four candidates: Blake Szymanski, Kirby Freeman, Robert Griffen, and Jeremy Sanders. Briles offense is complicated so a good signal caller is vital. Besides installing the offense, the other issue is them stopping anybody. That will be the biggest issue this season, as they need time to bring in some more speed and athleticism. 6. Is Colorado finally ready to become a contender? Not quite. I don’t see them becoming a contender this season. They lack game-breakers on offense and talent on the defensive side of the ball. I wouldn’t expect them to be much better than last season, as 7-5 would be a great year. Some have them breaking out and becoming a top team in the Big 12. However, with Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas Tech, and Kansas looking pretty good themselves, I don’t see a lot of room at the top. August 11, 2008 |
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Be Careful What You Wish For
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Jumpology: My Bracket Jumpology: Scouting The Heavyweights Jumpology: Reviewing The Bracket
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