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BIG 12 Conference Preview
North Division:
Kansas State Wildcats: This is the year that the Wildcats should make a serious run at the National Title. Quarterbacks coach, Del Miller said it best, "As Ell Robertson goes, so will this football team". With Robertson, tailback Darren Sproles and the Wildcats always-stout defense, look for them to be in the thick of things come December. New Defensive Coordinator, Bob Elliot has picked up right where former coordinator, Phil Bennett left off with a defense that is harder to penetrate than titanium. This unit has an average ranking of 3rd nationally in total defense over the past four seasons. Obviously, the defense will still anchor this team and if the offense can stay away from so many turnovers and inconsistent play from both Ell Robertson and running back Darren Sproles, then this could indeed be a memorable year in Manhattan.
Colorado Buffaloes: This year the Buffs won't sneak up on anyone and if they can overcome a brutal schedule that consists of Florida State, Washington State, Colorado State, UCLA, Oklahoma, Kansas Sate & Nebraska, they could be in the conference championship game again against either OU or Texas. The Buffs defense has been drastically upgraded and improved over last years unit that was suspect at times. Their LB's are amongst the finest in the conference. The only real weak link may be on the offensive line that is depleted due to injuries, inexperience and graduation. The receiving corps is second only to Texas, but who will get the pigskin to them? At the time of this article, Head Coach Gary Barnett has still not named either Joel Klatt or James Cox as the starter. Not to worry though Buff fans, we still think this herd is primed for another stampede!
Missouri Tigers: Missouri? That's right folks, we are predicting that Mizzou will finish third in the North this season and may even end up second if Colorado cannot overcome one of the toughest schedules in all the NCAA. The Tigers possess this year's version of Iowa's Brad Banks, with quarterback Brad Smith. This guy can do it all, through the air and on the ground and is loaded with talent around him at every skill position. It also doesn't hurt that the Tigers are returning nine starters on offense. Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel's decision last year to replace incumbent Kurt Farmer and fan favorite with Brad Smith was a stroke of genius as the offense came together and jelled. If not for an inconsistent defensive unit, they would have finished much better than 5-7. Speaking of defense, this group should be vastly improved over last year's porous group.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: We hate to say we told you so, but you read it here first when we said that the Cornhuskers would not finish better than 500 last year. Once again, if you expect anything great from this once proud program than you will be disappointed. However, we still feel that the Cornhuskers will be just good enough to keep their bowl streak intact. The Huskers will have yet another easy schedule that will help keep them afloat. Nebraska will have Jammal Lord as their QB to lead this team into new territory, but his journey will be tough as the offensive line is suspect at best. Don't be surprised to see a lot of disappointed BIG RED fans this year as the Huskers could possibly dip below the 500 mark. No National Title hopes for sometime to come.
Iowa State Cyclones: The Cyclones are gunning for their fourth straight bowl appearance and most of it depends on how the offense will operate with a new quarterback at the helm. Quarterback, Seneca Wallace graduated leaving a void that must be filled by either Chris Love, Waye Terry or redshirt freshman Austin Flynn. The offensive line is solid and the Cyclones have amassed the best group of receivers in school history. This team has one of the more difficult schedules, as they must face seven teams coming off bowl bids. Ouch! The defense ranked 39th nationally last year so this unit will be respectable. Also, the offense and defense return seven starters each.
Kansas Jayhawks: Well Jayhawk fans, you got what you wanted last year as new Head Coach Mark Mangino took over for Terry Allen who finished dead last in the BIG 12, again! Not much changed though with Mark Mangino (Oklahoma's former offensive coordinator) who is a disciplinary and runs a very tight ship. Unfortunately for coach Mangino, he inherited a squad that was depleted of talent at every position. Given time this hard nosed no nonsense coach will turn things around, but it won't be this year. Another year at the bottom looms.
South Division:
Oklahoma Sooners: Head Coach Bob Stoops, stated at the start of last season what effects he thought that losing both Roy Williams and Rocky Calmus would have on the defense? Stoops just grinned and said, "We're going to have an awfully good defense this year guys and in fact, don't be surprised if we're better than last years unit". Stoop's prediction wasn't quite accurate as the unit suffered some growing pains at times. Somehow, the Sooner defense managed to maintain it's national ranking in the top ten once again. This unit not only will get better this year, but it is expected to be the best unit on the field since Stoops tenure began. Ok, now that's a nasty thought for opposing offensives! This defense will finish as the number one ranked unit in the nation and you can quote us on this. The offensive line is the deepest and most experienced group that the Sooner's have seen in years. Look for the Sooner's to run a high percentage low risk offense to perfection this year. This should put them in position for a shot at the National Championship with a no frills offense and a smothering defense. We think their only obstacle is their long time hated rival, the Longhorns.
Texas Longhorns: Gone is the talented, but often publicly criticized Chris Simms and that will leave the fickle Longhorn fans with someone else to blame if they do not play for the coveted National Title that seems to be within their grasp year after year. Head Coach, Mack Brown wasted little time handing over the reins to junior quarterback Chance Mock over the highly touted redshirt freshman Vincent Young. Oft troubled star running back, Cedric Benson who has broke 15 school records is the key to this offense. If that does not impress you, then take into count that a guy by the name of Earl Campbell (quite possibly the best running back in NCAA history) played for this storied school. Benson was disappointed with last year's performance even though he rushed for 1,293 yards! Cedric vows to shatter that yardage total this year and if he does, look for the Longhorns to possibly get their long awaited shot at the National Title. Hook'em Horns!
Texas A&M Aggies: We've been waiting for years for the Aggie Alumni to wake up and fire R.C. Slocum. Don't get us wrong, Slocum was a defensive mastermind, but didn't have a clue how to run an offense and instead of taking the fall, he continually replaced his offensive coordinators. Enter newly acquired Head Coach Dennis Franchione, who left Alabama as fast as the "Tide" would let him! Franchione will no doubt convert the Aggies into a national power, but his first year will be rough as he inherits one of the tougher schedules in the nation. The Aggies have road games with Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. They get little reprieve at Kyle Field as they must face the up and coming Pittsburgh Panthers and in state rival Texas. The Aggies have long since been known for their defense that year in and year out is one of the best around, but the offense will have to step up this year and make some big strides if they are to be in the hunt for the South Division. The offense returns eight starters from last year's squad including QB sophomore sensation Reggie McNeal. We do owe the Aggies a very big thank you as we won our NCAA "Upset Special of the Year" as they defeated then No.1 Oklahoma, 30-26. The Aggies probably will not be able to accomplish that feat again, especially since this years contest is in Norman, but they should provide a couple of more upsets along the way.
Oklahoma State Cowboys: The Cowboys finished just one win shy of playing in the 2002 Big 12 Conference Championship game. This squad had three huge emotional victories over Nebraska, Texas A&M and the hated in state rival Oklahoma Sooners! The Cowboys showed vast improvement last year on defense and with eight starters returning look for more of the same. You will be hard pressed to find a more talented offensive group than, receiver Rashaun Woods, quarterback Josh Fields, running back Tatum Bell and the speedy receiver, Errick McCown. Rashaun Woods is probably the best receiver in the country and has the potential to be a Heisman candidate when it's all said and done. Do not be surprised if this unit competes for the South Division if either Oklahoma or Texas stumbles.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Kliff Klingsbury, who set 17 NCAA records during his sensational collegiate career, passed for 5,017 yards last season. Unfortunately, Kliff graduated and left a big hole in the Red Raiders vaunted offense. Head Coach, Mike Leach has said, that while new quarterback B. J. Simmons might not be able to match Kliff's gaudy stats, he won't be much of a drop off if any. One thing that newcomer Simmons does have going for him is that Tech returns nine starters on one of the most potent offenses in the nation last year. The big question mark as always in Lubbock is, can the defense keep the other QB from also putting up monster stats? The Red Raiders also face a horrific non-conference schedule that consists of North Carolina State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Missouri and Texas. That's not very favorable for a team looking to improve on a 9-5 2002 season.
Baylor Bears: 1-31 in four seasons of Big 12 play! We're not sure why we take the time to even bother reporting about Baylor? Ok, we'll try. Head coach Guy Morriss did a facelift to his coaching staff. He hired former head coach of San Jose State, Dave Baldwin to run the Bears inept offense. Bottom line, nothing changed in Waco and nothing is going to change anytime soon, as the Bears simply do not have the talent to compete in the best conference in all of NCAA. Never mind that Guy Morriss is claiming that his first year of recruiting was successful, because this team is in for another long and humiliating season. Period!
Article provided by Paul Prestridge of Bullseye Handicapping
For Free Daily picks: 1-800-298-6510
www.bullseyehandicapping.com
BIG 12 Conference Preview
North Division:
Kansas State Wildcats: This is the year that the Wildcats should make a serious run at the National Title. Quarterbacks coach, Del Miller said it best, "As Ell Robertson goes, so will this football team". With Robertson, tailback Darren Sproles and the Wildcats always-stout defense, look for them to be in the thick of things come December. New Defensive Coordinator, Bob Elliot has picked up right where former coordinator, Phil Bennett left off with a defense that is harder to penetrate than titanium. This unit has an average ranking of 3rd nationally in total defense over the past four seasons. Obviously, the defense will still anchor this team and if the offense can stay away from so many turnovers and inconsistent play from both Ell Robertson and running back Darren Sproles, then this could indeed be a memorable year in Manhattan.
Colorado Buffaloes: This year the Buffs won't sneak up on anyone and if they can overcome a brutal schedule that consists of Florida State, Washington State, Colorado State, UCLA, Oklahoma, Kansas Sate & Nebraska, they could be in the conference championship game again against either OU or Texas. The Buffs defense has been drastically upgraded and improved over last years unit that was suspect at times. Their LB's are amongst the finest in the conference. The only real weak link may be on the offensive line that is depleted due to injuries, inexperience and graduation. The receiving corps is second only to Texas, but who will get the pigskin to them? At the time of this article, Head Coach Gary Barnett has still not named either Joel Klatt or James Cox as the starter. Not to worry though Buff fans, we still think this herd is primed for another stampede!
Missouri Tigers: Missouri? That's right folks, we are predicting that Mizzou will finish third in the North this season and may even end up second if Colorado cannot overcome one of the toughest schedules in all the NCAA. The Tigers possess this year's version of Iowa's Brad Banks, with quarterback Brad Smith. This guy can do it all, through the air and on the ground and is loaded with talent around him at every skill position. It also doesn't hurt that the Tigers are returning nine starters on offense. Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel's decision last year to replace incumbent Kurt Farmer and fan favorite with Brad Smith was a stroke of genius as the offense came together and jelled. If not for an inconsistent defensive unit, they would have finished much better than 5-7. Speaking of defense, this group should be vastly improved over last year's porous group.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: We hate to say we told you so, but you read it here first when we said that the Cornhuskers would not finish better than 500 last year. Once again, if you expect anything great from this once proud program than you will be disappointed. However, we still feel that the Cornhuskers will be just good enough to keep their bowl streak intact. The Huskers will have yet another easy schedule that will help keep them afloat. Nebraska will have Jammal Lord as their QB to lead this team into new territory, but his journey will be tough as the offensive line is suspect at best. Don't be surprised to see a lot of disappointed BIG RED fans this year as the Huskers could possibly dip below the 500 mark. No National Title hopes for sometime to come.
Iowa State Cyclones: The Cyclones are gunning for their fourth straight bowl appearance and most of it depends on how the offense will operate with a new quarterback at the helm. Quarterback, Seneca Wallace graduated leaving a void that must be filled by either Chris Love, Waye Terry or redshirt freshman Austin Flynn. The offensive line is solid and the Cyclones have amassed the best group of receivers in school history. This team has one of the more difficult schedules, as they must face seven teams coming off bowl bids. Ouch! The defense ranked 39th nationally last year so this unit will be respectable. Also, the offense and defense return seven starters each.
Kansas Jayhawks: Well Jayhawk fans, you got what you wanted last year as new Head Coach Mark Mangino took over for Terry Allen who finished dead last in the BIG 12, again! Not much changed though with Mark Mangino (Oklahoma's former offensive coordinator) who is a disciplinary and runs a very tight ship. Unfortunately for coach Mangino, he inherited a squad that was depleted of talent at every position. Given time this hard nosed no nonsense coach will turn things around, but it won't be this year. Another year at the bottom looms.
South Division:
Oklahoma Sooners: Head Coach Bob Stoops, stated at the start of last season what effects he thought that losing both Roy Williams and Rocky Calmus would have on the defense? Stoops just grinned and said, "We're going to have an awfully good defense this year guys and in fact, don't be surprised if we're better than last years unit". Stoop's prediction wasn't quite accurate as the unit suffered some growing pains at times. Somehow, the Sooner defense managed to maintain it's national ranking in the top ten once again. This unit not only will get better this year, but it is expected to be the best unit on the field since Stoops tenure began. Ok, now that's a nasty thought for opposing offensives! This defense will finish as the number one ranked unit in the nation and you can quote us on this. The offensive line is the deepest and most experienced group that the Sooner's have seen in years. Look for the Sooner's to run a high percentage low risk offense to perfection this year. This should put them in position for a shot at the National Championship with a no frills offense and a smothering defense. We think their only obstacle is their long time hated rival, the Longhorns.
Texas Longhorns: Gone is the talented, but often publicly criticized Chris Simms and that will leave the fickle Longhorn fans with someone else to blame if they do not play for the coveted National Title that seems to be within their grasp year after year. Head Coach, Mack Brown wasted little time handing over the reins to junior quarterback Chance Mock over the highly touted redshirt freshman Vincent Young. Oft troubled star running back, Cedric Benson who has broke 15 school records is the key to this offense. If that does not impress you, then take into count that a guy by the name of Earl Campbell (quite possibly the best running back in NCAA history) played for this storied school. Benson was disappointed with last year's performance even though he rushed for 1,293 yards! Cedric vows to shatter that yardage total this year and if he does, look for the Longhorns to possibly get their long awaited shot at the National Title. Hook'em Horns!
Texas A&M Aggies: We've been waiting for years for the Aggie Alumni to wake up and fire R.C. Slocum. Don't get us wrong, Slocum was a defensive mastermind, but didn't have a clue how to run an offense and instead of taking the fall, he continually replaced his offensive coordinators. Enter newly acquired Head Coach Dennis Franchione, who left Alabama as fast as the "Tide" would let him! Franchione will no doubt convert the Aggies into a national power, but his first year will be rough as he inherits one of the tougher schedules in the nation. The Aggies have road games with Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma. They get little reprieve at Kyle Field as they must face the up and coming Pittsburgh Panthers and in state rival Texas. The Aggies have long since been known for their defense that year in and year out is one of the best around, but the offense will have to step up this year and make some big strides if they are to be in the hunt for the South Division. The offense returns eight starters from last year's squad including QB sophomore sensation Reggie McNeal. We do owe the Aggies a very big thank you as we won our NCAA "Upset Special of the Year" as they defeated then No.1 Oklahoma, 30-26. The Aggies probably will not be able to accomplish that feat again, especially since this years contest is in Norman, but they should provide a couple of more upsets along the way.
Oklahoma State Cowboys: The Cowboys finished just one win shy of playing in the 2002 Big 12 Conference Championship game. This squad had three huge emotional victories over Nebraska, Texas A&M and the hated in state rival Oklahoma Sooners! The Cowboys showed vast improvement last year on defense and with eight starters returning look for more of the same. You will be hard pressed to find a more talented offensive group than, receiver Rashaun Woods, quarterback Josh Fields, running back Tatum Bell and the speedy receiver, Errick McCown. Rashaun Woods is probably the best receiver in the country and has the potential to be a Heisman candidate when it's all said and done. Do not be surprised if this unit competes for the South Division if either Oklahoma or Texas stumbles.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Kliff Klingsbury, who set 17 NCAA records during his sensational collegiate career, passed for 5,017 yards last season. Unfortunately, Kliff graduated and left a big hole in the Red Raiders vaunted offense. Head Coach, Mike Leach has said, that while new quarterback B. J. Simmons might not be able to match Kliff's gaudy stats, he won't be much of a drop off if any. One thing that newcomer Simmons does have going for him is that Tech returns nine starters on one of the most potent offenses in the nation last year. The big question mark as always in Lubbock is, can the defense keep the other QB from also putting up monster stats? The Red Raiders also face a horrific non-conference schedule that consists of North Carolina State, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Missouri and Texas. That's not very favorable for a team looking to improve on a 9-5 2002 season.
Baylor Bears: 1-31 in four seasons of Big 12 play! We're not sure why we take the time to even bother reporting about Baylor? Ok, we'll try. Head coach Guy Morriss did a facelift to his coaching staff. He hired former head coach of San Jose State, Dave Baldwin to run the Bears inept offense. Bottom line, nothing changed in Waco and nothing is going to change anytime soon, as the Bears simply do not have the talent to compete in the best conference in all of NCAA. Never mind that Guy Morriss is claiming that his first year of recruiting was successful, because this team is in for another long and humiliating season. Period!
Article provided by Paul Prestridge of Bullseye Handicapping
For Free Daily picks: 1-800-298-6510
www.bullseyehandicapping.com