NCAA Football FanHouse

Colorado To Play at Outback Tostitos Weedeater.com StadiumFieldThing

Brian Cook — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:56:00 EST

Soon to be named after a lawncare device, or maybe a juicer.

The scourge of corporate naming pollution that have given us things like the "TD Banknorth Garden" and "Enron Field" has mercifully passed college football by. A couple teams (Pitt and USF most prominently) play at corporately-named pro stadiums and Minnesota will name its new open-air on-campus stadium after a bank, but no team has just thrown up its hands and asked for money to rename an old, beautifully-named stadium.

Until now:

The University of Colorado is exploring selling stadium naming rights to Folsom Field under the condition that any potential buyer agree to include the current name in the future moniker, Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson said.

Colorado hopes to nail down 15 million dollars over 15 to 20 years for turning their stadium, named after legendary Colorado coach Frederick Folsom in 1944, into a monument to some corporation's stupidity. Sure, the'y keep "Folsom" as part of the name, but Denver-area fans are no doubt thinking of "StupidCorporation Field at Mile High" right now and gritting their teeth.

Colorado To Play at Outback Tostitos Weedeater.com StadiumFieldThing originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe Pushing for Fifth Year of Eligibility

Jeff Adams — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Kansas Football, Nebraska Football, Oklahoma Football, Oklahoma State Football, Texas Football, Big 12, Missouri Football, Texas A&M Football, Kansas State Football, Texas Tech Football, Baylor Football, Iowa State Football

The Big 12's annual meetings are currently taking place in Colorado Springs and league commissioner Dan Beebe has a lot on his plate. But one agenda item that he is pushing strongly is a fifth year of eligibility for football players. He hopes the proposed change will get some attention from the NCAA rules committee.

The proposal for a fifth year of eligibility would eliminate redshirting, instead giving college football players five years to compete on the field. Under current rules, players have a five-year window in which to complete four years of playing time. This isn't the first time this change has come up, but opponents have argued that eligibility rules need to standard across sports. Big 12 commissioner Beebe, disagrees.

Beebe, however, said he thinks football should be seen as unique because it has a high rate of redshirts and injuries.

"Injuries happen and coaches have players who could contribute, but they don't want to play someone on a limited basis and burn a redshirt year," Beebe said. "And you have kids during their redshirt year who are getting the heck beat out of them in practice every day with no hope of playing."

The rule change would certainly eliminate the need for coaches to agonize about redshirting decisions. In addition, it would seemingly end the need for athletes and schools to file medical hardships in the wake of injuries. Lastly, given that the average college football player takes around 4.7 years to graduate, the five-year eligibility window could help improve graduation rates.

Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe Pushing for Fifth Year of Eligibility originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 21 May 2008 11:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Group of Former Colorado Players Becomes 'Buffs 4 Life'

Jeff Adams — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Big 12

A group of former Colorado Buffalo football players have created a network of ex-players designed to forge their allegiance to the school. The Buffs 4 Life Foundation has already reached out to several former players in need.

"Anthony got sick and that moved us forward," [Lance] Carl said. "That was the impetus that really started things rolling."

"Anthony" was former CU running back Anthony Weatherspoon, who was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in 2004. Weatherspoon died in 2005, and in 2006, Buffs 4 Life held their first charity golf tournament, with proceeds going to Weatherspoon's family.

That got the ball rolling and it hasn't stopped. Last year, tournament proceeds benefitted former Buff quarterback John Hessler.

This sounds like a great organization and one devoted to far more than just reminiscing about the "glory days." The former players have united and found away to give back to the community and the university that oversaw a significant portion of their growth and development. The group posts job listings and resumes of members and is looking to continue its commitment to the university.

"Every guy that ever walked up that hill from the practice field to the locker room has something in common," Embree said. "That's a bond that won't go away. We want that to be a lifetime bond -- and it's important that we continue that bond."

Group of Former Colorado Players Becomes 'Buffs 4 Life' originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 15 May 2008 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eight Big 12 Defenders Placed On Nagurski Watch List

Jeff Adams — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:43:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Kansas Football, Oklahoma Football, Big 12, Missouri Football, Kansas State Football

The Watch List for the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy has been released by the Football Writers Association of America. The Nagurski Trophy is presented annually to the best defensive player in college football and is sponsored by the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

According to the press release:

"The Charlotte Touchdown Club will hold the 2008 banquet on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte. For the eighth straight season, the FWAA will also pick a Bronko Nagurski Defensive Player of the Week beginning with games on Aug. 30 and running through the middle of November. And a Bronko Nagurski Legends Award winner will also be selected from the FWAA's 1967 All-America team.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy has been presented since 1993 and is awarded in memory of the legendary Nagurski, a former All-America lineman at Minnesota in 1927-29 and a star for professional football's Chicago Bears in the 1930s."

This year's watch list includes eight players from Big 12 schools, led by Oklahoma, which places three Sooners on the list. The Big 12 players on the Nagurski Watch List are:

George Hypolite, Colorado

Joe Mortensen, Kansas

Ian Campbell, Kansas State (pictured at right)

William Moore, Missouri

Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Auston English, Oklahoma

DeMarcus Granger, Oklahoma

Nic Harris, Oklahoma

Since its inception in 1993, three Big 12 players have won the Nagurski Trophy. Oklahoma defensive back Roy Williams took home the award in 2001. The Big 12 then had back-to-back winners in 2003 and 2004 in Oklahoma's Derrick Strait and Derrick Johnson from Texas.

Eight Big 12 Defenders Placed On Nagurski Watch List originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 13 May 2008 14:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Old Guard Becomes New Fullback at Colorado

Jeff Adams — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Big 12

Spring practices are known for position changes and some are certainly more unusual than others. But if you leave things up to Dan Hawkins, they get really strange in a hurry. Just ask Kai Maiava. Maiava was recently moved by Hawkins from offensive guard to fullback.

"I always was a little undersized for a lineman, so I think that's what pushed coach towards making me a fullback. So I can still block for them," Maiava said.

As Maiava continues to try the new position, he said his comfort level is not what it used to be. However, he was quick to point out his willingness to try a new spot.

"I thought it would be cool to at least try it out, and if I didn't like it, I could probably switch back during the summer," Maiava said. "But I thought I'd try it out, and I'm starting to like it... (but) I'm fairly uncomfortable. I don't really know the plays yet. I don't even know where to line up half the time. But I'm sure once I learn everything I'll begin to like it."

This switch is even more bizarre given the accolades Maiava had earned at his previous position. Maiava made the Scout.com freshman All-America team and was also the recipient of the Lee Willard Award, which is awarded annually to the Colorado's top freshman. So it seems Maiava had a ton of talent at guard. The type of talent would allow you build an offensive line around in the years to come.

But that type of thinking makes little sense to Dan Hawkins.

"I'd like him to be an offensive guard in the backfield," Hawkins said. "We want him to pick up blitzes, be a lead blocker and maybe catch three passes this year."

And when Dan Hawkins wants an offensive guard in the backfield, that's what Dan Hawkins gets.

via EDSBS

Old Guard Becomes New Fullback at Colorado originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No-Huddle Epidemic Continues to Spread Across Big 12

Jeff Adams — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:42:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Oklahoma Football, Big 12

Yes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this is getting ridiculous. First, Colorado announced its intentions to utilize a no-huddle offense in 2008. Now we get more information about Oklahoma and their desire for a speedier offensive approach. These two teams join Missouri, Texas Tech and Kansas as other Big 12 teams running some version of a no-huddle approach.

The shift to a quicker offensive tempo is based in large part on the success that this sort of attack has had in recent years.

The top eight college football offenses in 2008 ran versions of a no-huddle. Four of those -- Missouri, Houston, Texas Tech and Tulsa -- ran more than 1,000 plays (OU ran 975). Tulsa (1,126) and Missouri (1,112) led the nation in total plays.

This means we can probably expect more in the way of outrageous scoring come Big 12 play. 76-39? 65-51? 59-43? But other than concession vendors who can complain about more plays and more scores per contest?

Back in Oklahoma, the Sooners have been slowly implementing the no-huddle this spring. In the team's most recent scrimmage the up-tempo attack led to "volatile" results.

Keith Nichol and Mossis Madu produced back-to-back gainers of 20 and 12 yards, then Nichol threw an interception to Jonathan Nelson.

Bradford hit Quentin Chaney for 19 yards on third-and-6, but was sacked three plays later.

Nichol hooked up with Chaney for 16 yards on third-and-10 and scrambled for 5 yards on third-and-2, but Justin Johnson lost a fumble on the next play.

"Today was about as game-like as we've had with the no-huddle as far as the referees and the clock and everything going," Bradford said. "I think we did move the ball pretty well. We did have some penalties that hurt us, but I thought our tempo was good today and guys for the most part, we were on the same page."

In Colorado, on the other hand, the defensive staff has realized the benefits that practicing against a no-huddle approach could have come fall.

"It's awesome," defensive coordinator Ron Collins said. "It's so good for us to get out there and have to face that every day because we're going to see a lot of it during the season."

We as Big 12 fans are going to see a lot of it too. Suddenly no-huddle is the new black, and everybody's wearing it.

No-Huddle Epidemic Continues to Spread Across Big 12 originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Walk-ons Garner Attention During Spring

Jeff Adams — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:51:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Oklahoma Football, Big 12, Missouri Football

Without a scholarship and without notoriety, hundreds of walk-ons are doing their best to carve out a spot on Division IA rosters. Spring practices, which take place without graduating seniors, and before the bulk of incoming freshman arrive, promise plenty of reps. If local media outlets are to be believed it seems a host of walk-ons are serving notice this spring in the Big 12.

At Oklahoma, tight end Trent Ratterree is living out his boyhood dream as he tries to earn the #3 spot on the TE depth chart.

"I'd been an OU fan all my life," Ratterree said. "I dreamed of it my whole life."

He came to Norman at 215 pounds and was thrown into Jerry Schmidt's boot camp.

"It's tough physically," Ratterree said. "Nothing can get you ready for Schmidtty."

But Ratterree got through it and was rewarded; he suited up for home games last season.

"I never felt, like you see in 'Rudy,' where they were pushing him around," Ratterree said. "They never made me feel like a low-down walkon. You're treated really good here."

"Rudy" was also mentioned at Missouri, where 5-foot-7, Titus Wonsey is trying to find a home in a crowded Tiger backfield. His efforts have not gone unnoticed by head coach Gary Pinkel (pictured at right).

"He's competitive," Pinkel said. "He gets after it. I love those guys."

However, Missouri has four to five running backs ahead of Wonsey on the depth chart.

"He's going against guys who are bigger, stronger," Pinkel noted.

Wonsey also has a message for all the kids out there.

"A lot of kids get discouraged," he said. "There's always someone bigger, someone always taller, someone faster. Trust God. Be persistent. I'm not done yet. I'm just starting my dream."

That type of attitude and hard work has finally paid off for Colorado walk-on running back Cory Nabors.

[Colorado head coach Dan] Hawkins told the team he didn't want players thinking he ever would overlook their hard work. He then asked walk-on running back Cory Nabors to stand up. When Nabors took a knee once again, he was no longer a walk-on.

Hawkins awarded one of the program's available scholarships to Nabors, who joined the program as an invited walk-on from Rangeview High School in Aurora in 2006.

Nabors was also the Buffaloes' second leading rusher in their most recent scrimmage.

It's hard sometimes as a football fan not to look at spring football as a meaningless tease killing time between college basketball season and the long-anticipated opening of fall camp. Stories such as these, however, remind us of the toils of the role players, the long snappers, the holders and the fifth-year senior walk-ons fighting for one more day as a college football player.

Big 12 Walk-ons Garner Attention During Spring originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colorado Going No-Huddle in 2008

Jeff Adams — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Big 12, NCAA FB Coaching

While he's hinted at the possibility in the past, Dan Hawkins is officially implementing the no-huddle offense at Colorado this spring.

"The Buffs are working on a no-huddle attack in the mold of Big 12 Conference rivals Missouri and Kansas, in which players go to the line of scrimmage and look to the line of scrimmage for the next play call. CU's three quarterbacks, Cody Hawkins, Nick Nelson and Matt Ballenger, signal in the plays called by offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich.

Coach Dan Hawkins has talked several times during his first two seasons in Boulder about his interest in using a no-huddle on occasion and taking advantage of the altitude to wear down defenses. But CU has lacked the personnel and overall team experience the past two years to pull it off in the way Hawkins envisions."

Efforts to speed up the game, combined with the altitude in Boulder could make things interesting for Big 12 defensive coordinators. In addition, if Hawkins can quickly put his improved recruiting efforts to work on the field, the Buffaloes might be poised for a move in an unsettled Big 12 North division.

The move to the no-huddle should also surprise few who have been paying attention to the antics of Hawkins since his arrival at CU. They guy blogs, skydives, and denigrates intramural sports at an insane volume. Let's face it the guy is already living a no-huddle life. So why shouldn't his offense reflect his larger than life persona?

Colorado Going No-Huddle in 2008 originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Guy Who Snitched on Darrell Scott Fired

Brian Cook — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Texas Football, NCAA FB Rumors, NCAA FB Video

...I think. Does "snitching" imply veracity? I need a ruling from someone who watches more hip hop videos than I do.

St Bonaventure High School has a "recruiting coordinator" -- kind of odd for a high school to have, but whatever -- named Roger Sonsini. Or, rather, had. Sonsini had the ill fortune to say this in the aftermath of Darrell Scott's surprising decision to pick Colorado:

"Colorado came in on Friday and said and did something and offered something that Darrell and his mom couldn't pass up."

If this seems like a good way to lose your job, you win a prize:

Roger Sonsini, also an assistant coach at Ventura (Calif.) St. Bonaventure High School, said he was terminated Friday but refused further comment.

Awww, you got fired. Now is the time to comment, comment like you're a guest on Jerry Springer. Comment like you're Maurice Clarett. Maybe the Scott family's retention of a lawyer who "who specializes in First Amendment law, defamation and civil litigation" has contributed to Sonsini's sudden reticence.

Guy Who Snitched on Darrell Scott Fired originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Florida State's Dodgy 2008 Schedule

Brian Grummell — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Florida State Football, Miami Football, ACC, The Word

More adventures in iffy scheduling. As for the culprit, where else but a school down south lightening the load.

Florida State has begun recent football seasons against the likes of Miami and Clemson, but because of an academic fraud scandal that will leave Coach Bobby Bowden's team short-handed, the Seminoles will open their 2008 season against two of the weaker teams they've played in recent memory.

FSU on Friday released its 2008 schedule, which features season-opening games at home against Division I-AA teams Western Carolina, on Sept. 6, and Chattanooga on Sept. 13.

I'm all for free enterprise so I'm not here to demand a banning of the whole scheduling of I-AA opponents thing. However, I am here to shame schools like Florida State and LSU who try, no matter their reasons. Money talks and a suitable opponent could have been found.

As made clear in the article, Western Carolina and Chattanooga are a helplessly impoverished man's Appalachian State. They combined to go just 3-21 last year in I-AA. To be fair, the Seminoles do face Colorado in Jacksonville this year after having tripped out to Boulder to play the Buffs last year.

Also: Miami fans already hold a grudge over Florida's general unwillingness to play them. Now Florida State's off the schedule. Not good. What has happened to the state of football in Florida when these schools can't get together? This is the stuff that creates real opportunity for UCF, Florida International and USF to emerge from the shadows. Retracted, amended . . . I know.
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Florida State's Dodgy 2008 Schedule originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colorado Picks Up Nation's Top Running Back

Brian Cook — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Texas Football, NCAA FB Recruiting, NCAA FB Video

Go play intramurals, Texas.

Texas was presumed to be the heavily leader for California running back Darrell Scott, this year's version of the Adrian Peterson/Chris Wells monster back, but odd family ties have landed Scott somewhere else, somewhere they play DIVISION ONE FOOTBALL BROTHER:

BSN spoke with sources very close to the Darrell Scott situation on Tuesday. We learned that Darrell Scott, the tailback from St. Bonaventure High in southern California, will sign with Colorado today.

Zoinks. Scott is Colorado's biggest recruit in the internet era of reruiting, Rivals #6 player in the country and likely a starter from day one. Texas fans have to be disappointed after losing out on both Scott and instate recruit Jermie Caloun (who picked hated Oklahoma).

UT does have five running back commits in this class, including national top-100 type DeSean Hales. Hales authored this year's most remarkable run on any level; video after the jump.

This rivals some of Mike Hart's feats:

Hales might end up a slot receiver, but the Texas RB job is there for the taking.

Colorado Picks Up Nation's Top Running Back originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alabama Needs Most of 27 Point Lead to Edge Comeback-Minded Colorado

Ryan Ferguson — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:25:00 EST

Filed under: Alabama Football, Colorado Football, Big 12, SEC, Bowl Games

Okay, raise your hand if you turned the TV off when Alabama spotted up a 27-0 lead over the Buffs halfway through the 2nd quarter.

All of you except... the 'Bama and Colorado fans. Figures.

Why? Why would you do such a thing? Did you not watch the Tide play this year? After scoring more than a point per minute, in the first 25 minutes of the game, the Fighting Sabans went cold the rest of the way save for one final Leigh Tiffin field goal late in the 4th quarter.

And in that time, Colorado scored 24 points and came within three minutes and a 3rd-down stop of getting the ball back. Cody Hawkins' slow start was more or less made up for by a hot hand starting late in the second quarter, and he completed an amazing pass to the endzone to make it a 27-14 game with just :04 remaining in the first half.

His was a mirror-reverse performance of Bama's John Parker Wilson, who looked unstoppable in the game's opening salvos but quickly lost his mojo after an interception led to Colorado's first points of the night.

After the half, the Tide's QB grew tentative and Bama reverted to their woeful offense of the past, but this time they held on for the win. Final: Alabama 30, Colorado 24.

As ESPN color commentator Bob Davie said at least one million times during the telecast, the difference between walking out of Shreveport with a winning record at 7-6 versus a losing record at 6-7 is huge. Although Alabama's season was average at best this year, they do go out on a high note with that all important bowl W. Congrats, Bama fans.

Alabama Needs Most of 27 Point Lead to Edge Comeback-Minded Colorado originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Dominates AP First Team

Jeff Adams — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:08:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Kansas Football, Oklahoma Football, Big 12, Missouri Football

The Big 12 which is regularly left out of conversations about college football's elite conferences managed to place eight players on The Associated Press All-America team. The conference's dominance is particularly noticeable at the receiver positions where Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree, Kansas State's Jordy Nelson, and Missouri's tight end Martin Rucker were honored. Jeremy Maclin of Missouri, another wide receiver, was recognized as the first team all-purpose player. The rest of the Big 12 honoree's were Kansas tackle Anthony Collins, Oklahoma guard Duke Robinson, Colorado linebacker Jordan Dizon and Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib.

Much of the Big 12's representation can be attributed to the emergence of Kansas and Missouri as national powers. Both teams placed two players on the AP's list. Overall, the Big 12 outgunned the SEC (four players), the Big 10 (four players), ACC and Pac-10 (three players), and the Big East with two players. I've always hated the conference sniveling that goes on a year-to-year basis, but where is all that much ballyhooed SEC speed? Sorry couldn't help it.

The bottom line is that the Big 12, which has been maligned by many critics in recent years isn't quite as dead as folks might have thought. In addition, Kansas and Missouri have also been relatively hot on the recruiting trail this year, which could be indicative of transfer of power to the lower Midwest. Or not, but even one-hit wonders deserve their recognition.

Big 12 Dominates AP First Team originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Respect Colorado's Authorita

Brian Cook — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Big 12, NCAA FB Video, The Word

This year, ESPN switched up its player introductions for college football, adding a little circular area of the screen where some player, coach or quasi-celebrity associated with the team would introduce the lineups.

From what I can gather, most people think this is a stupid idea. It lengthens the time the introductions take -- several times this year, plays on the opening drive have been largely obscured -- and the end result is usually somewhere between wooden and embarrassing. Sometimes you'll get an entertaining nickname for one of the players, but that's about it.

However, that general thumbs-down has one huge exception. Eric Cartman introduced the Colorado Buffaloes as they took on Nebraska on Friday, and it was sweet:

The defense after the jump.

(Via The Game and Awful Announcing)

Correction: Eric Cartman is in fourth grade. He is not a CU alum.

Respect Colorado's Authorita originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colorado Topples Oklahoma In Last Second

Brian Grummell — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Oklahoma Football, Big 12, The Word

Well, we have our story of the day. After a disastrous morning for the Big Ten, Oklahoma's defeat against Colorado will save their bee-hinds during the highlight shows.

Redshift freshman Sooner quarterback Sam Bradford - who had been nearly flawless up to this point - finally fell to Earth. Bradford completed just 8 of 19 attempts and tossed two interceptions. Colorado executed a solid gameplan to nickle and dime and manufacture points and put themselves in a position for the win in the fourth quarter.

They did exactly that, Outscoring the Sooners 17-0 in the final frame and nailing the game-winning field goal as time expired.

We'll leave the rest up to victorious coach Dan Hawkins:

I told them the whole week 'guys we're winning this game'. And not because I'm the Swami. [snip]

It's not magic dust. We thought we'd get it done versus Georgia last year. Didn't happen. Set us back a little bit. I think it would be great momentum for these guys if we can continue to play with confidence, and then you have that ultimate buy-in. So we just got to keep hammering this thing.

Well this puts a bit of a damper on the Red River Shootout, no?

Colorado Topples Oklahoma In Last Second originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 29 Sep 2007 17:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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YouTubesDay: The Big 12 Probably Deserves This

Jeff Adams — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST

I'm not even sure exactly what this is, but it did make me laugh. Let's face it kicking the Big 12 when they're down is always funny.

We've got the Willie the Wildcat hitting up a rave and the Missouri Tiger strung out on smack. Herbie Husker posing in a Speedo and the Red Raider Mascot making a visit to the Jerry Springer Show. Hard times for the Big 12 indeed.

Just sit back and enjoy.

YouTubesDay: The Big 12 Probably Deserves This originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cody Hawkins Debuts With Quick Touchdown

Brian Grummell — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado Football, Big 12, Mountain West, Colorado State Football

That didn't take long.

Two minutes into his collegiate debut, Cody Hawkins has engineered an 83-yard touchdown drive for Colorado. The capper was a beautiful 20+ yard touchdown pass to put the Buffaloes up 7-0 over rival Colorado State.

Hawkins is coach Dan Hawkins' son whose game is reminiscent of Chris Leak. Colorado is about a three point favorite in this hotly contested rivalry game.

Cody Hawkins Debuts With Quick Touchdown originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Football Preview '07: The Mediocre

Brian Grummell — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:00:00 EST

Ahh, the unhappy middle. It is the place that most drives sports fans insane. Everyone wants a great team, but few see those hopes achieved. For the fans of a bad team or a bad school, at least they know going in their team has limited hopes and can prepare themselves for dark days.

For others, however, it's a tortured existence. I'm talking about you, the fans of The Mediocre. These are those quality programs that have a pulse but are unlikely to pull things through like a contender would. For these teams, the season will be a success, if they can separate and make the Big 12 Championship Game.

That is, however, a tall order.

Texas A&M Aggies

Last year: 9-4 overall, 5-3 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Because the pressure is on coach Dennis Franchione to get big wins and make a Big 12 Championship appearance or lose his job. On the field, the Aggies return one of D-I's finest ground attacks. They can go four deep at tailback and quarterback Stephen McGee's a talented runner as well. The win over Texas last year also appeared to signal that this team finally figured out how to win big games.

WHY THEY WON'T: But then again, the Aggies also lost their very next game in embarrassing fashion. California pounded them in the Holiday Bowl, 45-10.

Also, one big win does not a team make. The Aggies have yet to string together several big wins in a season, and must find a way to close games out. They blew late leads at home last year to both Nebraska and Texas Tech and very nearly lost to Missouri the same way.

The schedule is a killer with national power Miami making an appearance. In the Big 12 slate, the Aggies face all three of their recent masters: Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska as well as Northern division favorite Missouri. If past is precedent, it will be a tall order to manage more than one win out of those five games.

PROGNOSIS: Hard to tell. I have people tell me occasionally about the disconnect between Franchione and the Aggie nation. It's not a leap to assume that unease sometimes trickles down to the team and frustrates his ability to lead the entire roster. All of which means his teams are unpredictable, prone to unexpected wins and losses.

The Aggies can manage 50% of their schedule but it's that other 50% that matters here. The win over Texas was huge, but they responded horribly the next time out - not good. Let's call this a 7-8 win season with much greater promise if some of the dark clouds of past years are put behind them.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Last year: 7-6 overall, 3-5 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: "The Greatest Offense in College Football". Or something like that. Oklahoma State is hyping up its balanced offense which posted 200+ yards/game both on the ground and in the air last year. Most of those players are back including marquee names like receiver Adarius Bowman, quarterback Bobby Reid and tailback Dantrell Savage. Hey, don't forget about Kenneth Toston, either. The Cowboys head into 2007 feeling good about themselves after an exciting bowl win over SEC power Alabama.

WHY THEY WON'T: Like Texas A&M, this team has an exciting offense and a shaaaaaky defense. Any win will be a race to get to 30 points which is tough to do against some of the better defenses on the schedule like Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma and maybe Nebraska.

The offensive system really started humming midway through last year and this team can afford some injuries, but not too many. Sophomore receiver Artrel Woods (how many Woods' are there at Oklahoma State?!) pretty much shattered his back in a lifting accident a few weeks back and is out for the season. The penciled-in starters at defensive line combined for all of 7 or so starts last year.

PROGNOSIS: This is an improving team starting a feel-good third year under coach Mike Gundy. They've proven they can make a showing against the big boys (just one blowout loss last year) and fend off most of the middling teams in the Big 12. What's left is to either stay at that place or make a leap forward. I don't see them having a defense necessary to do that, however. Mix in the usual Texas/Oklahoma/Nebraska intimidation matrix along with a roadie against Georgia and the Cowboys should settle in at 7 to 9 wins his year.

Missouri Tigers

Last year: 8-5 overall, 4-4 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Because everyone keeps telling them this is their year. The Tigers flashed an improved defense last year and if it can improve just a little bit more they have a shot at the Big 12 North division crown. The offense is sometimes spectacular and has an exciting leader in quarterback Chase Daniel. After a few rough years of failing to meet expectation, the Tigers are feeling good about themselves.

WHY THEY WON'T: If past is precedent, this snake-bitten program will find a way to collapse and/or disappoint. The Tigers were scorching hot in a 6-0 start last year but faded badly and lost some very winnable games. The defense is average at best, which was fine several years ago. However, this league is becoming much more offensive-minded and those who can make the occasional stop like Texas and Oklahoma keep winning.

PROGNOSIS: Big 12 media think this team is headed towards a North division title. I'm a little more skeptical. I was on the Tiger bandwagon last year and agonized over the ruin of the Tigers' finish. I know better this time around. The Tigers get to skip Texas this year and host two of the three biggies: Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. It's a favorable schedule so let's call this a 9-win season.

Kansas State Wildcats

Last year: 7-6 overall, 4-4 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Coach Ron Prince surprised many in making the Wildcats competitive in just his first year on the job. The roster was questionable but he managed to keep this team in some games and even beat Texas.

If he can keep turning that Manhattan Kansas water into wine then they'll improve behind their 6'-6" Stay-Puff giant of a quarterback Josh Freeman. The running game is decent and they should improve against both the run and the pass with seven returning defensive starters.

WHY THEY WON'T: Talent. The roster's improving, but this walks and talks like a middle of the Big 12 team. The defense wasn't great last year, and Freeman for all the hype had a TD/INT ratio of 6 to 15. He also checked into camp out of shape and overweight which isn't a great leadership mark. Combine that with a possibly humiliating road opener against Auburn and this season could unravel fast.

PROGNOSIS: I was tempted to put this team in The Dregs, but their schedule is nice and Ron Prince seems like the kind of coach who can consistently get this team to overachieve while he slowly improves the overall talent. Playing in the less regarded Big 12 North helps. Just two conference giants are on the schedule - a pair of roadies against Texas and Nebraska. If the Wildcats play their cards right I could see another 7 or so wins.

Big 12 Football Preview '07: The Mediocre originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Football Preview '07: The Dregs

Brian Grummell — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EST

The dregs is a perfect phrase to describe those scrappy but unfortunate teams left at the bottom of the Big 12's 2007 liquid brew. We mean well when talking about these teams, but somebody's gotta finish last and we've come up with a few nominees.

Count on these teams to either fall short of bowl eligibility or play in a less celebrated December bowl. Some pundits would consider tossing the entire Big 12 North division in here, but there's a way around that. Thus, a handful of teams that probably deserve to be mentioned here escape the strong pull of The Dregs' gravitational pull and orbit around a different celestial body: The Mediocre (published later today).

Oh, unhappy Plains State souls, let us deliver your eulogy in advance. The full and painful list in no particular order after the jump.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Last year: 8-5 overall, 4-4 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Because they can still outscore most of their peers. The Red Raiders will have a rare returning quarterback in talented junior Graham Harrell. Redshirt freshman receiver Michael Crabtree is getting buzz as potentially Texas Tech's best receiver yet. Tailback Shannon Woods is a first team all conference performer and will only get better assuming he gets out of coach Mike Leach's doghouse first.

This team has some fight in it, beating Texas A&M on the road 31-27 last year and Oklahoma State 30-24 in the final week to secure bowl eligibility. They also set a record for biggest bowl comeback in college football history in beating Minnesota 44-41 last year. And in the "Things That Make You Go Hmm" department, Mike Leach's Red Raiders took Texas to the brink before Colt McCoy had one of those "The Leap" moments right in front of them, falling 35-31.

WHY THEY WON'T: They're in the wrong division. The Big 12 South is particularly competitive this year as Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State all look to be much improved from last year. For all those gutty victories last year, turmoil rocked the Red Raiders' early season and led to strange defeats like a 12-3 loss to TCU and a 30-6 pounding at the hands of lowly Colorado. This team is bipolar until proven otherwise.

PROGNOSIS: Texas Tech probably learned a few lessons from last year's disappointments and did end things on a high note with the bowl comeback, but that won't be enough. The Red Raiders must play hungry and improved versions of Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas and Oklahoma as well as North division favorite Missouri. Layups against SMU, UTEP, Rice and Northwestern State help, but that still leaves at least two must-wins against Iowa State, Colorado and a roadie with Baylor just to sneak into a lower bowl.

Iowa State Cyclones

Last year: 4-8 overall, 1-7 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Because although they're considered the weakest link in a doughy soft Big 12 North, they're still in the Big 12 North. Wins can be had by a properly motivated and well coached team.

New head coach Gene Chizik is an unknown as a head man although he's a noted star defensive coordinator (Texas fans might quibble with last year's below average output). If the players take to him there's something about a team believing in itself that sometimes make them play above true ability.

But really I'm grasping here. The schedule has some winnable games against Kent State, Northern Iowa (scary last year!) and Toledo. The Cyclones also get to host rival Iowa and Ames is a sneaky challenging place to play.

Bonus: it's throwback uniform night against Iowa.

WHY THEY WON'T: Malaise. Longtime coach Dan McCarney dearly loved the program and was a decent coach, but he never got this program where its fans wanted it to be. A new attitude is needed but that doesn't happen overnight and new coaches tend to purge rosters in their first year. That leads to depleted depth, hard feelings and confusion. Such difficulty is exacerbated at schools like Iowa State with only modest winning tradition. There are some quality returning pieces like quarterback Bret Meyer and receiver Todd Blythe, but overall Iowa State brings back just 11 starters, amongst the lowest in the NCAA.

PROGNOSIS: No bowls for you! I'm guessing coach Gene Chizik realizes this year is already a wash and will concentrate on the off-field stuff and hope that leads to winning down the road. There are opportunities to surprise like against rival Iowa and home games against Texas and Oklahoma who may be looking past the Cyclones the way Missouri did last year. Overall this is a tough year and there's not much to be done other than make a good showing each time out. By my rough estimate, I see this being a 3-4 win season, with one or two chances at a conference win.

Baylor Bears

Last year: 4-8 overall, 3-5 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Because they have to if coach Guy Morriss wants to 100% ensure he has a job here next year. Bucking convention, the Bears installed a Texas Tech styled offense last year. It is now year two for the scheme and a lot of last year's rough patches should be smoothed out. Two of their receivers can flat out fly in David Gettis and Thomas White.

Also, there are three decent options at quarterback; one of them is bound to stick. Middle linebacker Joe Pawalek was second team all conference as just a freshman last year. Aaaaand I think this team has some fight in it. They got waxed last year by teams with big offenses like Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, but hang tough against more conventional foes.

WHY THEY WON'T: The defense is still a sieve. Baylor allowed an average of 191 rush yards a game last year and a dismal 5 yards/carry. Three starters are back on the defensive line but that may not be a good thing. Overall the team returns just 11 starters, amongst the lowest in D-IA. Both quality corners from last year graduated, weakening the secondary a bit against an increasingly pass-happy Big 12. Finally, the running game is nothing to write home about. Last year's top rusher is gone and what remains is a complete unknown.

PROGNOSIS: This one's fairly easy. Half the schedule is manageable, the other half (TCU, Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech) is murder. Phil Steele is calling this a rebuilding year but I think the Bears have some quality pieces to at least compete against the manageable part of their schedule. That still means a season without a bowl trip, but I could see another outing like last year. With a little luck, Baylor could have gone from 4-8 to 7-5, so maybe the ball bounces their way this time around.

Colorado Buffaloes

Last year: 2-10 overall, 2-6 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Because Colorado can't stay down forever. As coach Dan Hawkins reminded everyone in the offseason, this is Division I football!

The Zen-tastic, sky-diving coach is impatient for some wins and is going to drive this team to overachieve and not drop games to I-AA foes. Cody Hawkins is expected to take over at quarterback and he could be an important piece in rebuilding the Colorado franchise. Most of the skill talent returns on offense and two well regarded transfers should spice up the defense.

For all his passing hype, Hawkins engineered a sneaky good rush attack last year as Colorado averaged 173 yards a game and 4.5 yards/carry on the ground with a dwarf named Hugh Charles in the backfield.

WHY THEY WON'T: Schedule. Besides the conference slate, Colorado must travel to Arizona State in the September heat and then turn around and host Florida State the next weekend. The Buffaloes surprised a lot of people in hanging close on the road against Georgia last year, but this back-to-back could be demoralizing. The defensive roster looks improved but is still patchwork and there's not much in the way of depth.

PROGNOSIS: The Buffaloes should improve their win total over last year and look much improved, but there are some rough spots in the schedule. If they can keep their heads on straight they could surprise and overachieve. Colorado was "in" most of their games last year but lacked enough offensive pop to close the deal several times. If the offense is improved, let's call it a six win season.

Kansas Jayhawks

Last year: 6-6 overall, 3-5 Big 12

WHY THEY'LL WIN: Because coach Mark Mangino knows how to win here. A creampuff out-of-conference slate helps, but Magino's always found a way to two or three conference wins. The Jayhawks are tough at home and get seven home games this year. Cornerback/receiver Aqib Talib is a potential All American. The defense returns eight starters, most of whom are rapidly improving juniors and sophomores. The schedule is fairly light, and they already have the benefit of playing in the Big 12 North.

WHY THEY WON'T: The offense could be pathetic this year. Quarterback Kerry Meier was adequate last year but he's still just a sophomore. Workhorse tailback Jon Cornish and his 1,500 yards are now graduated. The defense is still young.

PROGNOSIS: Kansas State should open up 4-0, although they did lose to Toledo last year. Games against Baylor, Colorado, Kansas State and Iowa State are winnable. Games against Texas A&M, Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Missouri less so. The Jayhawks should flirt with a bowl bid, but they'll be right at that edge of five or six wins.

Big 12 Football Preview '07: The Dregs originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Football Preview '07: The Schedule

Jeff Adams — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:00:00 EST

Much has been made of the cupcake scheduling employed by many ~~Division I-A~~ Football Bowl Subdivision teams for the 2007 season.In fact, we already chronicled the worst schedules in the Big 12 this season, as well as some of the seson's best games. For those who are too lazy to click, we present a bit of a refresher. We'll also take a look at the strangest non-conference pairings we could find.

Best schedule: Nebraska

The Huskers will get a chance to catch their breath in week four with a game against Ball State, but the first three weeks of the schedule are pretty brutal. Nebraska opens with Nevada who went 8-5 a year ago and lost 21-20 to Miami (FL) in the MPC Computers Bowl. The following week the Huskers travel to Wake Forest to take on the defending ACC champs at home.

The next week Nebraska will host the #1 team in the country in USC. The Huskers will be hoping for some Memorial Stadium magic as they look to avenge a 28-10 loss to the Trojans in 2006.

Nebraska's two biggest conference games are also both on the road at Missouri and at Texas. The Missouri game should decide the winner of the Big 12's North division. Now you see why the daunting schedule puts a dampener on some Husker fans' expectations for 2007.

Worst Schedule: Kansas

Kansas already ran away with the Big 12 Bill Snyder around, but FanHouse wasn't the only one to notice the paltry nature of the Jayhawk's nonconference slate. Kansas opens the season with games against Central Michigan, Southeastern Louisiana, Toledo and Florida International. And to top it off, all four nonconference games are in Lawrence. Those are some damn fine, home cooked cream puffs.

Of the group, only Central Michigan played in a bowl game last year. This year they have a new coach and a new system and are a middling MAC team at best. Southeastern Louisiana is Division I-AA and the Lions went just 2-9 a year ago. Yikes! During the Big 12 schedule the Jayhawks miss Oklahoma and Texas, play Nebraska at home and Missouri at a neutral site.

The schedule is good news, however, for Jayhawk coach Mark Mangino who is feeling the heat after some recent comments about increased expectations from his athletic director.

Best Game: Oklahoma State at Georgia, September 1

The SEC loves to talk about how strong their conference is. The Big 12 gets two early attempts to find out. In the first week of the season, Kansas State travels to Auburn and Oklahoma State heads out to meet Georgia. The more intriguing of the match ups in my opinion is the Oklahoma State Georgia game.

Oklahoma State is looking to prove they are more than just an also-ran in the Big 12's South division. We all know Boone Pickens has been busy rounding up money and improving facilities, but what's the payoff? This contest will provide the Cowboys with a national stage on which to showcase their progress.

Georgia will likely be a Top 10-15 team and always has a tough defense. What I can't wait to find out is whether it can stop the high-powered Oklahoma State offense led by Bobby Reid, Dantrell Savage and Adarius Bowman.

Weirdest Game: Baylor at Buffalo, September 22

Guy Morriss (pictured at right) has clearly brought an "Anyone, Anywhere" attitude to Waco. Even if that means taking it to the road to match up with perennial powers like ... Buffalo. Yes, fans you'll have to wait three whole weeks to watch what might be the worst college football game of the year.

Turner Gill is hoping to turn things around at Buffalo, but the Bulls aren't there yet. A year ago they finished 2-10 and the team has just 7 victories over the past five years. But perhaps a visit from Baylor can boost the Bulls' average attendance, which was just over 16,000 per game a year ago.

I can't really decide what to think about this game from a Baylor perspective. I guess it must just be really tough to find opponents that look like guaranteed wins for the Bears on paper. And apparently to make it work, you actually have to go on the road. Who knew?

Big 12 Football Preview '07: The Schedule originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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