NCAA Football FanHouse

Stoops, Snyder Resume Friendly Rivalry

Terrance Harris — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

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

There is nothing new about Bob Stoops matching coaching wits with old mentor and boss Bill Snyder. They've done plenty of that over the years in Big 12 cross-divisional play.

But that doesn't mean Stoops isn't a little surprised to see Snyder, 70, back on the Wildcats sideline. The longtime Kansas State coach retired four years ago to pursue opportunities outside coaching, but was lured out of retirement last winter.

Stoops, whose 22nd-ranked Sooners host the Wildcats on Saturday, admits it's a little unexpected to be going up against his old boss again, but he was stunned when Snyder was no longer there, too.

"I always believe you have something in the tank, but I guess I was surprised because I was surprised initially that he did retire," said Stoops, who served on Snyder's staff at K-State from 1989-95 as defensive backs coach and later co-defensive coordinator. "I know how well thought out everything Coach Snyder does is that I figured that was it for him. But life changes I guess, the way people keep asking me what's going to happen with me in the next five to 10 years. Heck, I don't know. You just don't know.

"In the end, life changes and he felt that it was right for him to go back and I'm happy for him that it's working out well."

Working well may be the biggest of understatements. The Wildcats, who were up-and-down in the three seasons under Ron Prince, came into the season expected to finish near the bottom of the division race. But after the first three weeks of Big 12 play K-State (5-3, 3-1) stands alone in first place in the North division having won back-to-back league games and four of its last five.

The three-time defending Big 12 champion and last season's BCS championship game participant Sooners (4-3, 2-1), meanwhile, have fallen on difficult times this season with three defeats and the loss of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford for the season.

Still, the Wildcats will get their greatest of the season Saturday and it comes courtesy of someone who knows Snyder and his tendencies rather well.

"It may make it more difficult because they probably have a better understanding of me than I do of them over a period of time," Snyder said. "Having been out of the game for three years I didn't study what other teams were doing or how consistent Oklahoma was in doing the things I was more attuned to at that particular point in time. What makes it most difficult is just the fact I know the quality of coaching that exists there.

"Bob and his staff there have done extremely well. You always know that you are going to play an excellent football team and a well coached football team a very aggressive football team and one that is difficult for anybody to beat."

Stoops is always aware of what to expect from a Snyder-coached football team, as well. The Wildcats will play great disciplined defense; offensively they will start by effectively running the ball both with the running back and quarterback and they won't beat themselves.

Knowing that, Stoops said he wasn't surprised when Snyder blasted his team in victory last week over Colorado for stumbling and bumbling offensively in the second half.

"He's always looking for improvement," Stoops said. "I spent a long time with Coach Snyder, seven years at Kansas State and I was around him for 10 years at Iowa so I know all about it."

Snyder, who has come back slightly kinder and gentler than before, admits he might have been a little harsh on his team after last Saturday's impressive home win.

"It wasn't good for a lot of different reasons, some I mentioned and some I didn't," Snyder said. "I was probably a little angrier than I should have been. Nevertheless, it's apparent we've got some improvement to make there."

What's Inside a Score, Really?

It was interesting to see if anyone could make sense out of three scores and three teams in the last three weeks in the Big 12.

Follow this: Texas Tech torched Kansas State, 66-14, in Week 6. The following week the Wildcats took out their frustration on Texas A&M by stomping the Aggies 62-14 in Manhattan. And then this past weekend, the Aggies went up to Lubbock, Tex. and destroyed the 21st-ranked Red Raiders 52-30.

So what, if anything, can be derived from college football scores these days?

"Don't look at them because history will repeat itself if you do," said Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, who insinuated afterward that his team went into the A&M game a little full of itself having seen what the Wildcats did to the Aggies a week earlier. "I just think it doesn't matter how much you talk about it during the course of the week, because we talked about it in the course of the week because we spent most of the week talking about it doesn't matter what that Kansas State score was, you've got to be ready play. Somehow as coaches, we weren't able to reach them. We've got to find a better way to do that.

"I think between a guy looking at the score themselves and then going out into the community and being told how great they are and how easy it's going to be, I think somehow you have to have the ability to overcome it. I think we have to find a better way to do that."

Second-year A&M coach Mike Sherman was also at a loss to explain his team's dramatic one-swing that ended a three-game losing streak.

"If I could, I probably could write a book and sell it to a lot of coaches across the country," he said. "Each week presents different challenges. Obviously last week our back was against the wall and there was only way you could go and that's to come out swinging which I thought they did."

Snyder used the odd turns of events in the three games as an excuse this week not to gush over his team's surprising first place standing in the North division.

"There is no real way of predicting how things will turn out," Snyder said. "Just look at the past few weeks involving us, Texas Tech and Texas A&M. That just shows you how much of a guessing game this really is."

Sherman, who of course spent some time as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers and offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans, said the scores in college football can be misleading from week to week. Unlike in the NFL, college kids are dealing with a lot of extenuating circumstances like mid-terms and papers to write.

And there is the injury issue. In the NFL, it's released who is healthy and who will play from week to week. College teams release such information at their discretion and coaches like Leach don't discuss injuries or who might be out at all.

"In college football you have guys playing hurt no one else knows about, different guys playing different positions," Sherman said. "I think it's very difficult because you don't have the full extent of knowledge of what a team is presented with. So I think every team is different."

As The Quarterback Turns At Colorado

Colorado coach Dan Hawkins made it clear Monday that sophomore Tyler Hansen would remain the Buffaloes starting quarterback this week.

But what is a little uncertain is whether Hansen will carry the load or will Hawkins' son, Cody, take most of the meaningful snaps? Hansen was pulled out of his redshirt three weeks ago and given the starting job over ineffective Cody Hawkins.

After guiding the Buffaloes to a surprising win over Kansas, however, Hansen struggled early during last weekend's loss at Kansas State. Cody Hawkins then spent the majority of the second half playing as the Buffaloes tried to come from behind.

Hawkins, a junior and three-year starter, moved the ball effectively at times but he also threw two costly picks, including one into triple coverage in the end zone that iced the game on the final drive. Immediately there were questions after the game about who would start this week against Missouri.

While continuing to back Hansen as the starter, Hawkins left open the door for his son to play in the hurry-up offense and in no huddle situations.

"You just have to kind of see how it goes, you have to play it by feel," he said. "I think Cody has a little better handle on the no huddle part of it."

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Robert S. Hudd, center, Chief of Police for the University of Connecticut Police Department, makes an announcement of an arrest in the murder of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 in Storrs, Conn. Connecticut Department of Public Safety Commissioner John A. Danaher III, right, looks on. Howard, a starting cornerback on the football team, was stabbed early Oct. 18 outside a university-sanctioned dance, hours after helping his team to a homecoming game win over Louisville. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

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Memphis' Curtis Steele (26) fights for positive yards against East Carolina's Darryl Reynolds, left bottom, and Dekota Marshall, right, during first quarter NCAA college football action at Liberty Bowl Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/The Commercial Appeal, Mark Weber) ** NO SALES, MAGS OUT, TV OUT, MEMPHIS OUT **

** ELIMINATE FROM ARCHIVE. IMAGES CARRIES RESTRICTION AGAINST ONLINE USE **Memphis' Curtis Steele (26) fights for positive yards against East Carolina's Darryl Reynolds, left bottom, and Dekota Marshall, right, during first quarter NCAA college football action at Liberty Bowl Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009 in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/The Commercial Appeal, Mark Weber) ** NO SALES, MAGS OUT, TV OUT, MEMPHIS OUT **

Hakim Muhammad, 20, has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, which led to the death of University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard. (Photo Courtesy UConn Police Department via Hartford Courant/MCT)

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Jamal Todd, 21, has been charged with falsely reporting an incident and reckless endangerment for pulling the fire alarm that preceded the altercation during which University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard was stabbed. (Photo Courtesy UConn Police Department via Hartford Courant/MCT)

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John W. Lomax III, 21, has been charged with murder in the stabbing death of University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard, police said. (Photo Courtesy UConn Police Department via Hartford Courant/MCT)

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Robert S. Hudd, chief of the University of Connecticut police, announced the arrests in the death of University of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard in Storrs, Connecticut, Tuesday, October 27, 2009. (Rick Hartford/Hartford Courant/MCT)

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Clemson tight end Michael Palmer (86) runs for a touchdown in the second quarter against Miami during an NCAA football game in Miami Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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Clemson tight end Michael Palmer (86) celebrates with guard David Smith (73) after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against Miami during a NCAA football game in Miami Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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In this photo taken on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris hands off the football during a NCAA football game against Clemson in Miami. Only seven quarterbacks in the country have more interceptions than Harris, who had three interceptions in last week's loss to Clemson. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

In this booking photo released on Tuesday Oct. 27, 2009, by the University of Connecticut Police Department, Hakim Muhammad is shown. Muhammad, 20, of Bloomfield, Conn., has been charged with conspiracy to commit assault, in connection with the stabbing death of Connecticut football player Jasper Howard outside a school-sanctioned dance on Oct. 18. (AP Photo/UCONN PD)

Quarterback Issues II

Colorado, however, is far from alone in having quarterback dilemmas.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has continued to stick with first-year starter Zac Lee much to the dismay of the Nebraska Cornhuskers faithful who've been given a little taste of freshman Cody Green and they want more.

Then at Texas Tech, the cradle of record-breaking college quarterbacks, Leach is possibly looking at starting his third quarterback of the season Saturday against Kansas.

Former walk-on Steven Sheffield, who came off the bench and led the Red Raiders to a three-game winning streak, is out with a broken football suffered two weeks ago. Taylor Potts, the season-opening starter, was practically booed off the field during Saturday's stunning home loss to Texas A&M in his first start since Oct. 3 when he suffered a concussion.

Redshirt freshman Seth Doege could make his starting debut against the Kansas Jayhawks after seeming to light a spark in the Red Raiders during the second half of the A&M game. Leach, of course, wouldn't reveal his starter Monday.

But he did discuss Potts' shaky confidence after fans at Jones AT&T Stadiu chanted "No More Potts" as he walked to the locker room at halftime after losing a fumble and throwing two interceptions in the Aggies territory.

"I think it's an issue," Leach said. "Confidence is probably the most important asset that a quarterback has. No matter who you are, there are things that you have to fight through.

" I think on an individual level [Potts] needs to ensure that he's confident because no quarterback is going to be effective unless they are."

Pelini, meanwhile, said the fans won't decide who places a spark in the Cornhuskers who are riding a two-game losing streak into Saturday's game at Baylor. Lee, a junior, has struggled in conference play completing 50-of-93 passes for 534 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in three games.

As a consequence Nebraska's offense has been lethargic, ranking 10th in the Big 12 in scoring with a 14.7 points per game average in league play.

"I do believe the offense needs a spark, where that spark comes from that's up for us to determine where that comes from," Pelini said. "I think that can come from a lot of different areas. I can say this, we need to light a fire under it. Somebody has to step up and make some plays."

Stoops, Snyder Resume Friendly Rivalry originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Notebook: North by North Mess

Terrance Harris — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST

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

It's just three weeks into the full-swing of Big 12 play but the North Division is looking like any of the six teams could win the race.

That doesn't necessarily bode well at all for the weaker half of the two-division league.

Nebraska and Kansas came into the season as the presumed favorites to represent the North, but after two weeks of inconsistent play neither seems as powerful. The same can be said for two-time North champion Missouri, which started the season a surprising 4-0, but has dropped its first two games of the Big 12 season.

The standings looked a little odd to start this week when Kansas State and Colorado joined Nebraska and Kansas at the top of the North standings as one-loss teams. The Wildcats, who were expected to be in major rebuilding mode in the return of Bill Snyder, actually sit alone in first place as they've played one more game than the other top three and have a 2-1 league record.

"Certainly this far into the season, it looks like it's going to be kind of a wild race," said KU coach Mark Mangino. "For us, we understand this is a great conference and that anybody can win on any day. I don't think you can discount anybody in the conference. You've got to be ready to play and play smart football.

But the signal that this could be a wacky year in the North is much more than team records. It's what's happened in the first couple weeks.

Kansas State lost to Texas Tech 66-14 two weeks ago and then, last week, made a big statement by stomping Texas A&M 62-14. Nebraska, meanwhile, pulled off a late fourth-quarter win over Missouri only to fall apart and stay that way against Texas Tech this past Saturday.

Snyder, who built the Wildcats into an unlikely North power in the 1990s and the early part of this decade before his retirement, can't explain the dramatic swing, from dazed in the opener to sitting atop the standings.

"It probably tell us we are a little goofy and we have no idea who we are or what we are," Snyder said. "Why does it happen? Everybody has their own opinion about it.

"I think in our situation, there was certainly a major embarrassment from the week before. The preparation in a lot of different ways improved over the course of the week."

Then there are the Jayhawks, who, thanks to steady diet of cupcakes in non-conference play, jumped out to a 4-0 record but barely squeaked by Iowa State before being upset Saturday by a one-win Colorado team Saturday. The Buffaloes also gave No. 2 Texas a scare week earlier before falling to the Longhorns in the second half.

Even the two bottom teams, Iowa State and Colorado still have a chance. The Cyclones, under first-year coach Paul Rhoads, have played both K-State and Kansas tough while they pulled out a convincing win over Baylor this past week.

And 0-2 Missouri has been the victim of a forgiving start to the Big 12 season that includes facing Nebraska and Oklahoma State and it continues this week when No. 3 Texas comes to Columbia. The Tigers fortunes should change the final five games with a slate that includes Colorado, Baylor, Kansas State, Iowa State and Kansas.

"It's kind of hard to figure, I don't know what's going on," said Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel. "Everybody is playing different people at this time. We are on a real tough stretch obviously. We knew going into this it was going to be tough.

"There is a lot left in the season, a lot of things are going to happen by the end of October and November will be interesting to see how that all works out."

So the theme for the North is to expect the unexpected and hold on for a rather wild ride.

"What I see is that a lot of teams in the North, probably everybody is still got an opportunity," Mangino said. "For us, we just have to take care of the business at hand. We've just got to win as they come and let that stuff kind of figure itself out at the end. But it certainly looks like it's going to be a wild race, no question."

Longhorns sitting pretty at No.3

It may have seemed like a slight to some Texas fans when the Longhorns came in No.3 during the first BCS poll released this week.

But with either No.1 Florida or No.2 Alabama sure to take a fall in the SEC championship game at the latest, the third-ranked Longhorns just have to keep winning and they will punch their ticket to the BCS national title game.

The key for the Longhorns is to keep winning, but tough back-to-back road games coming up against Missouri and Oklahoma State that could prove difficult.

It doesn't really matter to me," UT senior quarterback Colt McCoy said of being third in the BCS rankings and what that might mean. "We don't care about that. We care about beating Missouri this week. Other than that, it doesn't matter."

But coach Mack Brown recognizes the challenges that are in front of his team as it attempts to make a run at the BCS national title this season. The Longhorns were just seconds away from earning a trip last season when they fell to Texas Tech on a last-second play. That was all that stood between them and an undefeated record.

"The pressure is there being No. 3, because everybody says to every one of our kids that unless you win them all you're not going to have a chance to get what you want," said Brown, whose team dropped from No. 2 to No. 3 in the polls after an unimpressive win over Colorado two weeks ago. "What we want for them is to try to enjoy the ride. What a wonderful time that these kids have given us as fans, you as media, this is fun.

"Two years in a row they have been in the mix after mid-season. Two years in a row they have beaten Oklahoma to jumpstart the writing of the first BCS polls that come out.

"There is pressure, regardless of whether you are [No.] 1 or 3 and I don't think that the kids feel there is any difference because they know that it changes. They know it changes per week so I feel like they know that if you are in the top 3 or 4 than it is okay."

Who's at QB For Tech this week?

It appears that new star quarterback Steven Sheffield may have been injured during the Nebraska game and won't play in Saturday's home game against Texas A&M.

That means, if Sheffield isn't able to go, he will be replaced by starter Taylor Potts, whom Sheffield replaced a few weeks ago when he went down with an apparent concussion against New Mexico.

But don't expect to hear anything official from head coach Mike Leach or Texas Tech. Injuries are guarded under lock and key. We'll see Saturday.

But does it really matter? Whoever is at quarterback, the Red Raiders will throw for a lot of yards and score a bunch of touchdowns against A&M. Don't they always?

Pelini mum on quarterback situation

Nebraska nearly pulled ineffective quarterback Zac Lee during the second half of the Missouri game two weeks ago, but Lee got things going just in time to pull off the rallying win.

Lee, a first-year starter, didn't have that same magic this past weekend and in came freshman Cody Green, who did guide the Cornhuskers to a score in the loss to Tech.

Now head coach Bo Pelini has a full-blown quarterback controversy on his hands. Surprise, he isn't tipping which way he's leaning, either.

"Right now nothing has changed," Pelini said. "If and when the change occurs we'll announce it."

So does that mean the competition is open?

"It's always open," the always short on words coach said. "That's kind of how we always approach it."

That's certainly not helpful information to Paul Rhoads, whose Iowa State Cyclones have the task of preparing for two quarterbacks instead of one this week.

"You have to certainly analyze all their film and study what they've done and build a basic game plan and preparation based on those plays and look long and hard when the different players are there. Did the play go any different? Is there a significance to that?," Rhoads said. "If there is then you have to devise a little bit different play calling scheme.

"You can't over prepare, there just is not enough time, not enough reps in a day or a week. That's where the problem can come up if there is significant difference and the time that goes along with it."

There is also the possibility the Cyclones could face both Lee and Green. Maybe.

"It depends on how it goes," Pelini said. "We're not real big on the rotating quarterback system. It's hard to get a guy in a rhythm. We'll see how it goes and how they practice and how they perform and we'll go from there.

"There are a lot of variables, there is a lot of things that could happen, but it's hard for me to look into a crystal ball and say this will happen for sure."

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Notre Dame receiver Robby Paris (82) is injured on a hit by Southern California's Taylor Mays (2) and Kevin Thomas (15) late in the fourth quarter during a college football game, Saturday, October 17, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

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Iowa State quarterback Jerome Tiller dives for extra yardage during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 24-10.

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Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon, top, dives into the end zone for a touchdown over Middle Tennessee State defenders, from left, Antwan Davis, Danny Carmichael and Cam Robinson, in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Mississippi State won 27-6.

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Connecticut football coach Randy Edsall, center, leads his players during NCAA college football practice in Storrs, Conn., on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009. Practice was scheduled as usual despite the on campus slaying of player Jasper Howard over the weekend. (AP Photo/George Ruhe)

Camouflage design football cleats are displayed during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. Maryland and South Carolina will wear uniforms with camouflage designs during their NCAA college football games on Saturday, Nov. 14, to honor military veterans and promote the Wounded Warrior Project. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

South Carolina's football coach Steve Spurrier holds up a jersey with camouflage designs during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. Maryland and South Carolina will wear uniforms with camouflage designs during their NCAA college football games on Saturday, Nov. 14, to honor military veterans and promote the Wounded Warrior Project. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

South Carolina's football coach Steve Spurrier, center, flanked by Sgt. Jeremy Hale, left, and Master Sgt. Pete Lara, both from Fort Jackson, as he holds up a jersey with camouflage designs during a news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. Maryland and South Carolina will wear uniforms with camouflage designs during their NCAA college football games on Saturday, Nov. 14, to honor military veterans and promote the Wounded Warrior Project. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

A UConn Huskies player pats a teammate on the shoulder as the team is called to "play hard in honor of Jasper" by another team member, at the start of practice on the UConn Storrs, Conn., campus on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009. Practice was scheduled as usual despite the slaying of Jasper Howard ( 6) over the weekend. (AP Photo/George Ruhe)

Anyiam stepping up in place of Dez Bryant

Oklahoma State has needed someone to step in place of suspended All-American receiver Dez Bryant and so far that person has been sophomore Hubert Anyiam.

During Saturday's win over Missouri, Anyiam put forth a Bryant-like performance with 10 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown to earn Big 12 Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors on Monday. Anyiam has 16 catches for 223 yards and two scores on the season.

"Hubert has played well for us, he still has a ways to go but he's made catches for us," said OSU coach Mike Gundy. "He's a great example of a young man taking advantage of an opportunity. He hadn't had as many reps when Dez was playing and available to us, but since then he's had to step up and play a considerable amount of reps and done a good job."

As for when Bryant might be reinstated for lying to the NCAA about his friendship with Deion Sanders, Gundy said he still doesn't know. Bryant has been held out of the Cowboys last three games, all wins, but last week he went to Indianapolis to ask for reinstatement. No decision has been made.

Griffin gets a medical redshirt

Baylor sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin has been granted a medical redshirt after suffering a season-ending ACL injury last month so he will have three to play upon returning in 2010.

Griffin opted to have surgery to repair his ACL last week, effectively ending his season. Now begins a lengthy rehab, which head coach Art Briles hopes will have him ready to participate some in spring ball.

"I think he is going to depend on how his rehab goes," Briles said. "I think he is going to be able to participate but certainly on a limited basis right now."

Big 12 Notebook: North by North Mess originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Notebook: As Usual, Red River Rivalry Is More Than a Game

Terrance Harris — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:33:00 EST

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

It's not like Texas and Oklahoma ever needed a reason to make their annual Red River Rivalry game in Dallas any more intense.

The tradition of the two programs, the bordering states and the fight for superiority in fertile recruiting ground of Texas use to be enough. Who knew this early season game would take on so much more meaning when both teams joined the Big 12 in 1996?

This game has become about so much more than school pride and bragging rights, as one of these two teams has won the South each of the last 10 years, and it has sometimes set the stage for the national championship picture.

"It's a definite highlight, how could it not be?" OU coach Bob Stoops said Tuesday during his weekly press conference. "It's a definite highlight, a definite challenge and all of that.

"But it's not unlike anyone else. If you are in a good league, you are going to play against teams where you've got your hurdles, your challenges throughout the year. You embrace them and you go play them."

Saturday's game at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, like so many of the past 10 years, will have huge Big 12 South implications. Oklahoma and Texas, the only South division champs since 1999, were both picked as the co-Big 12 South champs in the preseason media.

The Longhorns, undefeated (5-0) and ranked third in the country, not only have Big 12 implications riding on this but are trying to keep pace with Florida and Alabama for a shot at the BCS national championship. The 20th-ranked Sooners (3-2), who have been injury plagued all season, are probably out of the national title picture, but they still have their sights on a fourth straight Big 12 championship.

Giving this game an even more interesting twist is the fact UT actually defeated Oklahoma by 10 points in this game last season, but it was the Sooners who advanced to the Big 12 championship game and also into the national title game following a controversial three-way tiebreaker decision that sent 7-1 Oklahoma to the conference championship game and left 7-1 UT and Texas Tech home to watch.

"It's a conference game, and I think if you ask both teams, it's crucial," said UT senior quarterback Colt McCoy, who comes into Saturday's game 2-1 against the Sooners. "For us, we can't look at their record and the things that have gone on in the first five games of the season. We have to understand that it doesn't matter who we're playing, we're going to get their best shot. This game is the most important game for us this season."

On the surface, this will be billed as a matchup of two Heisman Trophy-caliber quarterbacks who happen to be good friends in OU's Sam Bradford and McCoy. Last season, Bradford won the prestigious award and McCoy finished second. This season, McCoy could have the edge right now just by virtue he has been healthy and Bradford just returned last week from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss two complete games.

But underneath it all, this should play out as a classic matchup of two outstanding defenses.

The Longhorns, led by defensive end Sergio Kindle and linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy, rank fourth in the nation in overall defense after allowing teams an average of 233.0 yards per game. Against a much tougher slate, Oklahoma's defense is allowing 256.00 yards per game and has given up just six touchdowns to rank ninth in country in overall defense.

"We have the two best defenses in the country," said UT coach Mack Brown, whose team slipped from No.2 to No.3 this week in the AP poll. "It will be really fun to watch the two defenses play because they play well every week."

But for everyone on both sides, it will be fun just because it's Texas vs. Oklahoma.

"This game is one of the reasons why you come to Texas," said UT guard Charlie Tanner. "I grew up watching the Texas vs. OU game. Going to the Cotton Bowl is one of the most awesome games of college football. You got half the stadium crimson, half the stadium orange and coming out of that tunnel is everything you could want in a college football game."

Todd Reesing for Heisman?

Kansas coach Mark Mangino, as a practice, doesn't campaign for his players to win national awards like the Heisman Trophy.

So that might explain why his trumpeting senior quarterback Todd Reesing for the Heisman Trophy on Monday seemed a little odd and ill-timed.

"We've only played five games, but I believe, this is an opinion, he certainly merits the right to be a part of the Heisman conversation," Mangino said during Monday's Big 12 football media call. "When you look at him statistically you are impressed.

"But I think the true way you judge Todd Reesing is you have to see him play. If you watch him play, the way he just has great leadership, he's in control, how he can take what looks to be a minus-yardage play and turn it into a gain or big gain. The real appreciation is after you watch him play. It's not fair just to look at his statistics."

There is no doubt Reesing is an exciting player. The 5-foot-11 quarterback certainly makes the 17th-ranked Jayhawks fun to watch as he dodges tackles, squares his shoulders and heaves the football down field to either Dezmon Briscoe or Kerry Meier.

But is he Heisman Trophy worthy? The numbers and the competition to this point just don't seem to support such an assertion.

Reesing ranks third in the Big 12 in total offense with 1,680 yards in five games, he's second in the league in passing per game (315.8), passing efficiency (157.6) and passing yards (1,579). He has completed 133 of 192 passes while throwing for 13 touchdowns and three interceptions while guiding the Jayhawks to a 5-0 record so far.

All of this fancy work has come against a slate of Northern Colorado, UTEP, Duke, Southern Miss and Iowa State. Let's talk Heisman after these next six weeks when Reesing will have matchup against the likes of Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Texas and Missouri.

Praise for Suh

Coming into the season, there probably wasn't a more hyped defensive lineman in the country than Nebraska senior tackle Ndamukong Suh.

All indication were after the way he ended last season that he could be the best to ever come through Nebraska. Six games into his final season in Lincoln, Suh is appearing to be worth the hype and then some.

At 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, he has been doing it all for the Cornhuskers: rushing the passer, stopping the run, dropping back into passing lands and yes intercepting passes.

Suh was the defensive catalyst in the Cornhuskers come-from-behind 27-12 win at Missouri last Thursday night. He not only had six tackles, a forced fumble, a sack and a pass deflection, but his fourth quarter interception changed the game. Nebraska was trailing 12-7 when he got his hands on a Blaine Gabbert pass near the line scrimmage. That pick led to the go ahead touchdown for the Cornhuskers.

"That's pretty special when a guy like that can make those kind of plays and create turnovers," said Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.

He will get no argument for Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, who watched his team try to do everything it could within the rules to neutralize Suh. Nothing seemed to work as Suh put up numbers worthy of him being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

In the type of production normally seen from linebackers and safeties, Suh leads Nebraska in tackles (32). The preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year is the top tackling defensive lineman in the conference where is tied with Oklahoma defensive back Quinton Carter for 22nd with 6.4 tackles per game.

"I think he's a great player," Pinkel said. "You can double team a player every single (down). We played him year ago and I thought he was a good player then. We played him earlier in the season a year ago, by the end he was first team All-Big 12.

"The things he does, the numbers he puts up at that position, at that size, he's a very dominant player. As he's done with everyone else he's played, he caused us a lot of problems."

Oklahoma' Red Zone Problems

The Sooners knew they would miss All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham when he went down with a season-ending knee injury before the season began.

But they didn't know it would be this much. Gresham had been one of Bradford's primary targets in the red zone the past couple seasons, but without his presence the Sooners touchdown success has plummeted.

Last week alone, Oklahoma made seven trips into the red zone and had to settle for four field goals and just two touchdowns as receivers had major drop problems in the win over Baylor.

The success rate is even more troubling when you consider that in two one-point defeats to BYU and Miami, the Sooners made eight combined trips inside of the red zone and came away with just three touchdowns. That could be the major difference in them being 5-0 instead of 3-2.

While Stoops admits the offense misses Gresham, he says the problems in the red zone have been far more complex than just one missing player.

"Sometimes it's blocking, it's just executing the run game a little bit better, sometimes it's being able to work offensive coverage and sometimes we've had some drops, as well," he said. "It doesn't take much when you are down there for that to happen."

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In this Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, photo, Florida State tight end Caz Piurowski is checked by team trainers following his knee injury during an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State announced Monday, Oct. 12, that Piurowski will miss the remainder of the season due to the injury. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

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In this photo taken on Sept. 26, 2009, Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead (22) carries the ball against Louisiana-Lafayette during an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb. Burkhead injured a foot in practice on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, and Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini said the freshman would be out "for a while." (AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno smiles during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State host Minnesota on Saturday in an NCAA college football game. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

** RECROPPED VERSION ** Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno smiles during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State host Minnesota on Saturday in an NCAA college football game. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno addresses the media during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State host Minnesota on Saturday in an NCAA college football game. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno enters his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State host Minnesota on Saturday in an NCAA college football game. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno addresses the media his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State host Minnesota on Saturday in an NCAA college football game. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

In this photo taken Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy is shown before his team's 38-14 win in an NCAA college football game against Colorado in Austin, Texas. Texas, ranked No.3, is set to play No. 20 Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 in Dallas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

In this Sept. 26, 2009, photo, Michigan cornerback Boubacar Cissoko (33) trails Indiana wide receiver Tandon Doss (2) on a long pass during an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan has suspended Cissoko indefinitely for violating team rules. Coach Rich Rodriguez made the announcement Saturday night, Oct. 10, after Iowa beat the Wolverines 30-28. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

Washington's Desmond Trufant returns an intercepting of a pass from Arizona's Nick Foles at the end fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Earlier in the quarter Washington intercepted another pass returning it for a touchdown to win 36-33 over Arizona. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Quick Hits

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin elected to have surgery to repair his torn ACL, effectively ending his sophomore season. Griffin, the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2008, should be back in time to begin the season in 2010...Stoops said receiver Ryan Broyles could return to the lineup as early as this week after being projected to be out four-to-six weeks with a shoulder injury ... Texas A&M receiver Jeff Fuller has began practicing with the team after suffering a cracked right fibula in the Aggies second game of the season on Sept. 19 ... Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said Kendall Hunter, the Big 12 leading rusher in 2008, has began practicing with the team after missing the last couple games with ankle injury. It's not certain if Hunter will be back the lineup for Saturday's home game against Missouri...In addition to Suh, Texas Tech quarterback Steven Sheffield earned Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors after throwing for seven touchdowns against Kansas State in his first start. Texas receiver/punt returner Jordan Shipley was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week after he returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter Saturday in the win over Colorado.

Big 12 Notebook: As Usual, Red River Rivalry Is More Than a Game originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Weekend in Review: Career Days For Kansas Trio

Terrance Harris — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST

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

We all knew the Kansas Jayhawks offense had a chance to be lethal this season with quarterback Todd Reesing and wide receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier setting the pace.

Well, the trio took it to a ridiculous level Saturday as the receivers bested each other during the Jayhawks' 41-31 win over Iowa State. First Briscoe set the school record for career receptions, then Meier jumped ahead of him. Meier, a converted quarterback, has 167 career catches while Briscoe sits at 165 after making 12 catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns Saturday.

Meier also established a new school record with 16 catches in a game, while gaining 142 yards and scoring two receiving touchdowns.

And not to be overlooked were Reesing's career-high 442 yards and four passing touchdowns on the day.

--Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson established a new Big 12 mark by extending his streak of consecutive passes without an interception to 228 during Saturday's 36-31 loss to Oklahoma State.

Ships-A-Hoy!

Texas' Super-Duper senior Jordan Shipley had a monster game during the No. 2 Longhorns' 38-14 victory over Colorado on Saturday.

Shipley, perhaps one of the most underrated players in the country, accounted for 273 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns on the day. The sixth-year senior had 11 catches for 147 yards and a 39-yard touchdown reception. And then he capped his day with a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

A Get Well Card

While 2008's Big 12 leading rusher, Kendall Hunter, nurses an ankle injury, his backup at Oklahoma State, Keith Totson, is continuing to make quite an impression. The senior produced 204 all-purpose yards, rushing for 130 yards on 26 carries and adding 74 yards on two catches against the Aggies.

Happy Return

After missing four weeks and three games, Oklahoma's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford made a triumphant return to the Sooners' lineup Saturday.

And probably even better, Bradford showed no ill-effects from the sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, as he completed 27-of-49 passes for 389 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's rout of Baylor.

The return was just in time as the Sooners get ready to face No. 2 Texas during next week's anticipated annual Red River Rivalry in Dallas.

One thing the Sooners will want to clear up is Bradford's career-high 22 incomplete passes, which were due in large part to a number of drops by the receivers.

Quarterback Controversies Abound

The Colorado fans and boosters may have had enough of quarterback Cody Hawkins for weeks now, but finally his father/coach Dan Hawkins had his fill during the second half of Saturday's loss to Texas, when Cody tossed interceptions on back-to-back series, with the first going for a 92-yard touchdown on the return.

Hawkins yanked his son and pulled the redshirt off sophomore Tyler Hansen, who lost out in the battle with Cody during fall camp. It's the second time in as many seasons Hansen seemed headed for a redshirt year only to have it yanked away during the middle of the season. Last year, it was seven games into the season that Hawkins put Hansen in as Cody struggled. He waited five games this season.

"I guess I'm getting kind of used to burning this redshirt," Hansen joked afterward Saturday. "They came to me last week and gave me a couple of days to decide. It pretty much came down to -- I can get an injury tomorrow and never play again. So when you have the opportunity to play, especially in college at the D-1 level in this atmosphere, you take it."

Obviously, the ball should remain in Hansen's hands the remainder of the 1-4 Buffaloes season, no matter the outcome. Hawkins says Hansen is the starter now. Of course, Hansen has been jerked around plenty of times as Hawkins tries to balance fatherhood and being the head coach of a Division I-A program.

"We're just going to have to see," Hansen said. "We'll do whatever's best for the team. I'm ready to get this thing going. I just want to win games."

Texas Tech, meanwhile, may have a quarterback controversy on its hands in a good way.

With starter Taylor Potts sidelined Saturday with what is believed to be concussion, former walk-on Steven Sheffield came in and the Red Raiders' high-powered offense didn't miss a beat. In fact it seemed fine-tuned with Sheffield throwing for 491 yards and seven touchdowns in the 66-14 slaughter of Kansas State on Saturday.

The offense scored on its first six possessions and nine of its first 10, while scoring the most points in a Big 12 game since defeating Nebraska, 70-10, in 2004.

Oh, what will Mike Leach decide when Potts is ready to return from an injury he doesn't even acknowledge?

A Costly Victory

Texas got the win over the Buffaloes, but may have lost its two top running backs in the process with the Red River Rivalry game against Oklahoma coming up next week.

Not good.

Tailback Vondrell McGee exited the game when he suffered a left shoulder injury Saturday, while Tre' Newton left in the first half with a mild concussion.

The injuries, along with the fact the Longhorns netted just 46 yards on the ground against the Buffaloes, left Mack Brown more than just a little concerned about what was supposed to be an improved ground attack this season.

"What we're trying to do is get better in the running game. It didn't work," said Brown, whose team was surpassed by Alabama for the No.2 spot in the latest AP poll despite defeating Colorado. "We've just got to keep looking at it and keep doing what we need to do."

Big 12 Weekend in Review: Career Days For Kansas Trio originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nebraska's Rally Caps More Than Just Fourth Quarter

Terrance Harris — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:21:00 EST

Filed under: Missouri, Nebraska, Big 12

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- If Nebraska had been looking for a defining moment, that one where lip service and projections give way to real proof the program is back, perhaps the Cornhuskers found it Thursday night.

Their backs were up against the wall in a major way against Missouri at Faurot Field when something miraculous happened.

In a hostile environment where they hadn't won since 2001, in the midst of a driving Midwestern rainstorm, after three quarters in which they couldn't couldn't have played any worse on offense and special teams, the Huskers found a way. In a span of a little more than three minutes in the fourth quarter, the 21st-ranked Cornhuskers swung a 12-point deficit into an eight-point lead on the way to stunning 27-12 win over the 24th-ranked Tigers that left most of the drenched 65,826 in attendance in disbelief.

So what, if anything, does this say about the Cornhuskers in Bo Pelini's second year on the job?

"That we are a bunch of competitors," said Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee, who threw three touchdown passes in a span of 3:22 to lead his team to victory. "We are going to compete to the very very end no matter what the situation is.

"To come into a place like this, on a day like this and to pull out a victory says a lot about our character as a team."

Some on the Missouri side will argue this also says something not so flattering about the character of the previously undefeated Tigers, who choked away a 12-0 lead and the game they appeared to have had won in a matter of 57 seconds.

But maybe this was just a night of destiny for the Cornhuskers. They had done everything imaginable to give the game away, muffing punts, turning the ball over in the worse of areas, surrendering a safety, and at times Lee couldn't buy a pass completion.

Yet, as badly as they played, the Cornhuskers were always within a few positives things happening from turning it around.

Finally, Nebraska's chance came with 13:56 to play when Lee saw the safety biting on an underneath route and he flung it to Niles Paul in stride on a deep post route for a 56-yard touchdown reception. But it didn't stop there as the Cornhuskers' defense, which had played superbly most of the night, gave the offense a couple gifts in the form of back-to-back interceptions of Blaine Gabbert.

Prior to Thursday night, Gabbert led the Big 12 in passing efficiency and hadn't thrown an interception in his first 164 passes this season. That was until Nebraska's defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh picked him off near the line of scrimmage and then cornerback Dejon Gomes intercepted him downfield.

Lee capitalized with a 13-yard touchdown to Paul followed by an eight-yard touchdown strike to tight end Mike McNeill that put the Huskers up 20-12 with 10:34 remaining in the game. Running back Roy Helu, Jr., who had found yards hard to come by all night added the final insult when ran in from five yards out with 56 seconds left to complete the 27-0 fourth quarter run.

Nebraska's comeback from a 12-point deficit matched its largest fourth-quarter rally in school history.

"That's how this team works," said Suh, who had six tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and an interception on the night. "We needed something small to spark us."

The Cornhuskers certainly needed something, anything, if they wanted to start off Big 12 North play on the right foot. The last three years, the winner of this game has represented the North in the Big 12 championship game.

Certainly it's too early to anoint the Huskers the division champs, but there is no denying this was a necessary win to achieve their lofty goals this season.

"It's huge," Suh said. "If we want to dominate the Big 12, we have to be willing to go in people's houses and go ahead and secure the win. That's what we had to do and that's something we will have to do later on in this season."

Pelini, however, downplayed the potential magnitude of beating the two-time defending North champion Tigers in their house.

"I don't get into all of that," said Pelini, whose team improved to 4-1 overall, 1-0 in the Big 12. "This game is just part of the process, part of where we are.

"We're not going to address or handle this win any different than we do any other week. It's on to the next game."

Pelini has every right to feel that way after watching his offense stumble through the first three quarters. Missouri crowded the line scrimmage and dared Helu to run the football, turning the Cornhuskers an ineffective one-dimensional unit.

So much had gone wrong that several Nebraska offensive players, including Lee and Paul, had their jobs threatened at halftime. Pelini could be seen shouting at Lee on the sidelines after he allowed a bad snap to get away from him early in the third quarter.

Lee had completed just 9-of-27 passes for 79 yards through the first three quarters before going 5-of-6 for 79 yards and three scores in the fourth quarter.

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 08: Missouri Tigers fans sit through driving rain during a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on October 8, 2009 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Missouri wide receiver Jared Perry (4) tried to spin out of the grasp of Nebraska cornerback Dejon Gomes (7) during game action at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, Thursday, October 8, 2009. Nebraska defeated Missouri, 27-12. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/MCT)

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Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (12) and Missouri safety Jarrell Harrison (11) celebrated after Missouri's defense held Nebraska on a three-and-out during game action at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, Thursday, October 8, 2009. Nebraska defeated Missouri, 27-12. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/MCT)

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Nebraska punter Alex Henery (90) gathered up a bad snap while he was trying to punt from the end zone during game action against Missouri at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, Thursday, October 8, 2009. Nebraska defeated Missouri, 27-12. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/MCT)

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Missouri wide receiver Jared Perry (4) celebrated his catch that set-up a touchdown in front of Nebraska safety Larry Asante (4) during game action at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, Thursday, October 8, 2009. Nebraska defeated Missouri, 27-12. (Shane Keyser/Kansas City Star/MCT)

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 08: Quarterback Zac Lee #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers prepares to take the snap during a game against the Missouri Tigers on October 8, 2009 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Zac Lee

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 08: Dejon Gomes #7 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers sprints down the sidelines after intercepting a pass during the game against the Missouri Tigers on October 8, 2009 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dejon Gomes

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 08: Quarterback Zac Lee #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers smiles after passing for a touchdown during the game against the Missouri Tigers on October 8, 2009 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Zac Lee

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 08: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers passes during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on October 8, 2009 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Blaine Gabbert

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 08: Niles Paul #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers sprints toward the endzone for a touchdown as Jarrell Harrison #11 of the Missouri Tigers defends during the game on October 8, 2009 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Niles Paul

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"I think all of our confidence wavered some," said Paul when asked if he saw Lee wavering during the first three quarters. "We kind of let ourselves down. Coach challenged us as men."

The Cornhuskers obviously still have some things to correct with opponents like Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Kansas still to come, but this was the beginning they needed to make the remainder of the schedule interesting.

"It's a great start to Big 12 play and it's one of those that means a little bit more because it's in Big 12 play," Suh said. "We definitely want to dominate the Big 12 North and we started out the right way.

"Missouri played hard, they definitely played hard. I'm happy the way it ended, but we've still got some work to do."

Nebraska's Rally Caps More Than Just Fourth Quarter originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:21:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Live Blog: Nebraska Storms Back

Terrance Harris — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:33:00 EST

Filed under: Missouri, Nebraska, Big 12

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The rain is coming down hard here at Faurot Field and the Missouri Tigers and their spread attack, this can't be in good.

It's the exact opposite for Nebraska and running back Roy Helu, Jr., who should benefit from the soggy conditions. The 21st-ranked Cornhuskers are much more adept at running the football and playing solid defense, two attributes that swing tonight's Big 12 North matchup with No.24 Missouri heavily in their favor.

Mizzou sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency after throwing 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in the Tigers first four games this season. But it will be hard to put the ball in the air with a lot of effectiveness with the rain coming down hard.

Follow Terrance Harris' liveblog after the jump.

More Coverage: Live Scorecast | All Scores | Rivalry Born?

Helu, meanwhile, leads the Big 12 in rushing with 464 yards and five touchdowns this season. He's averaging 6.4 yards per carry and 116.0 yards per game rushing through the Cornhuskers first four games.

Missouri has had trouble getting its 1,000-yard rusher Derrick Washington going on the ground so far this season. He has 301 yards and touchdowns on 68 carries for a an average of 4.4 yards per carry and 75.2 yards per game.

Establishing Washington tonight could be pivotal but the Tigers will have to do so against a touch Nebraska defense led by preseason All-American defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The Cornhuskers lead the nation in scoring defense after surrendering just 28 points in their first four games. They rank fifth in the Big 12 in rushing defense, allowing an average of 113.2 yards per game and have surrendered just two rushing touchdowns this season.

PREGAME

A transformer near Faurot Field blew about an hour before the game, temporarily knocking out most power inside of the stadium. The lights are back on, but the giant scoreboard remains out as does power in several buildings on campus across the street from the stadium.

FIRST QUARTER

Not surprising in the sloppy rain conditions but both teams keep making mistakes after moving the ball successfully. Both teams have sufferered big penalties that ruined potential scores.

****************

Nebraska may have made the biggest mistake so far when one of its players allows the punt to hit him on the foot and the Tigers recover at the Cornhuskers 32.

Another holding penalty by Missouri and a big sack by Nebraska defensive tackle Jared Crick on Blaine Gabbert moves the Tigers back to the 49 to end the threat as the first quarter comes to a close with the score locked at 0-0.

Both teams combined to commit six penalties for minus-65 yards in the first quarter. They have also combined for just 95 yards of total offense, while both committed turnovers.

SECOND QUARTER

It was only a matter of time before the weather paved the way for a score. Well sort of. Nebraska punter Alex Henery, standing in his own end zone, took a high punt and all he could do to avoid giving up a touchdown is roll right and throw the ball out, giving Missouri a safety and a 2-0 lead with 14:01 left in the second quarter.

**************

Neither offense can string together a drive in this weather, making this a battle of field position. Nebraska just put together a nice drive with a couple nice passes from Lee, but the drive stalled at the Missouri 39 as Lee became a little erratic. You get the feeling that the first one to score a field goal will win this one tonight.

Defensively, Suh and the Nebraska defensive front have been extremely strong against the run and rushing Gabbert. Gabbert has come up limping a couple times tonight.

***************

Okay, can Nebraska receive a punt? The Cornhuskers have muffed three punts already tonight. One resulted in a turnover and the other two resulted in poor field position.

************

For a minute Gary Pinkel seemed a little nuts as the offense jogged back out on the field on fourth with the ball on the 1-yard line and two seconds left on the clock in the first half. In a game where points will certainly be hard to come by, how does he pass up on the easy field goal.

Well, Pinkel's gamble paid off when Gabbert ran in from one yard out on a misdirection play to Derrick Washington that gave the Tigers a commanding 9-0 lead going into halftime.

Realistically with the way the game has gone, that may be all the scoring for the night. Nebraska can't get anything going consistently on offense and for that matter, neither has Missouri. But a deep pass from Gabbert to Jared Perry as Nebraska corner Prince Amukamara fell down went for 38 yards to the Cornhuskers six. That set up the touchdown as time expired in the first half.

It seemed like this would be Nebraska's game because of the Cornhuskers superior running attack. But in the first quarterback Zac Lee was just awful throwing the football, allowing Missouri to stack the line and dare Roy Helu to run the football. Helu has just 15 yards rushing on six carries and the entire Nebraska offense has rushed for just 24 yards this half.

The greatest difference in the first half is in the passing game where Gabbert has completed 12 of 24 passes for 107 yards. Lee has completed just 8 of 22 for 75 yards. Special teams has also been a major setback for the Cornhuskers, who have three muffed punts and gave up safety in the first half.

THIRD QUARTER

Another mistake by the Cornhuskers on the opening drive of the second half puts them in a bad spot. Bad snap results in a a turnover when Gachkar falls on loose ball at the Nebraska 29.

But Missouri isn't able to get much going offensively and Ressel's 45-yard field goal is no good to avoid the threat.

************

Gabbert entered tonight not having thrown an interception this season. But he twice nearly thrown pick sixes. The first came in the first half and just now Nebraska defensive end Barry Turner nearly picked him off with nothing but green turf in the way.. But in both instances the defender dropped the passes.

*************

In this game where yards and points are still very difficult to come by, Missouri is winning the field position battle. After forcing Nebraska to punt from its own end zone late in the third, Missouri got the ball back at the Nebraska 34. Seven plays and 19 yards later, the Tigers capitalized when Ressel converted a 33-yard field goal that put them ahead 12-0 with 1:25 remaining in the quarter.

FOURTH QUARTER

Missouri kept daring Lee and Nebraska to pass the football and finally the Cornhuskers made the Tigers pay when Lee hooked up with Niles Paul for a 56-yard touchdown pass on a deep post to pull within 12-7 with 13:56 left to play. The Cornhuskers caught them in a corner blitz.

*************

Gabbert's first interception of the season proves to be a costly when Suh intercepts him at the line of scrimmage, giving Nebraska the ball at the MU 18. Two players later, Lee hit Paul in double coverage for a 13-yard touchdown pass two plays later to put Nebraska ahead for the first time on the night at 13-12 with 12:59 left to play. The two-point conversion attempt failed.

Lee and Paul have hooked up for two touchdowns in less than a minute (57 seconds) to all of sudden make this game.

**********

Chances are Gabbert now realizes this thing ain't easy. He has just thrown his second interception in as many possessions to set up two Nebraska touchdowns. And just like than in a span of 3:22, the Cornhuskers have gone from being down by 12 points to leading 20-12 with 10:34 remaining in the game.

Gabbert's second interception placed the ball at his own 10 and threw plays later Lee threw his third touchdown pass of the game when he completed an eight-yard pass to tight end Mike McNeil.

Live Blog: Nebraska Storms Back originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nebraska-Missouri Rivalry More Than a Century in the Making

Terrance Harris — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:05:00 EST

Filed under: Missouri, Nebraska, Big 12

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- In terms of rivalries, Missouri-Nebraska still doesn't quite measure up to Ohio State-Michigan, Texas-Oklahoma or USC-Notre Dame.

That isn't to suggest this rivalry hasn't had its moments during the 102 previous meetings that date back to 1892.

But in recent years, especially since the Gary Pinkel-era began at Missouri nine years ago, this Big 12 North matchup has produced quite a few fireworks. There was last year's 52-17 spanking the Cornhuskers took from Missouri in their own Memorial Stadium, marking the first time since 1978 that Mizzou had won in Lincoln. In 1997, an unranked Missouri team came within a miracle catch of upsetting the No.1 Cornhuskers in a co-national championship year.

Since the beginning of the decade, Nebraska holds a narrow 5-4 edge in the series, while the winner of this game has been the North's representative in the Big 12 championship game the last three seasons.

All the trappings of a rich rivalry seem to exist: longevity, annual heated showdowns with tangible and intangible rewards, where records and rankings mean little and fan support is intense on both sides as each game seems to produce capacity crowds.

But....

"I really don't think of it as a big rivalry," Missouri senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. "It's been a fun game. When we go up there it's a nice atmosphere and when they come down here it's a crazy atmosphere like I've never seen at our stadium. It's more like a fun game to me than a rivalry."

For the Cornhuskers, Oklahoma is the team they mark the calendar for in the Big 12. Kansas is the program that does it for Missouri and its fans.

Truth be told, the Tigers would have killed to be considered rivals of Nebraska during the 1980s and 1990s when the Cornhuskers were one of the dominant college football programs in the country under Tom Osborne. Missouri always seemed to be looking up from the bottom.

But the fortunes of both programs changed as parity in college football has set in, paving the way for Missouri to attract talent away from Nebraska, such as quarterback Blaine Gabbert who switched his commitment from Nebraska to the Tigers. There is certainly a direct connection with the fall of the Cornhuskers and the rise of one-time North bottom-feeders Kansas and Missouri.

Missouri, the two-time Big 12 North champion, has won two straight against Nebraska, four of the last six meetings and three straight at Faurot Field. It's hard to believe this is the same series the Cornhuskers had a 24-game winning streak in from 1979 through 2002.

The Cornhuskers, who up to 1978 only held a five-game edge in the series, now hold a 63-35-3 advantage in the series that will see its 103rd installment Thursday night at Faurot Field.

"We've always had, and will always have, great respect for Nebraska," said Pinkel, whose team is trying to make it three straight in the series for the first time since 1967-69. "Nebraska, obviously, a lot goes with that name historically and traditionally. We've always had great respect for them; we still do.

"As far as a rivalry goes, from their standpoint, you'd have to ask them. I think we've played some good games against Nebraska. If you look at the win-loss record, they've beat us a lot more than we've beat them. They've certainly got a huge edge on us. But I think they're one of the best teams in our league, and one of the best teams in the country. So that's incentive right there. To know that we are going to play one of the best and you try to play your best game and try to win the best you can."

Second-year Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has yet to experience success against Missouri, having lost to the Tigers when he was the Cornhuskers' defensive coordinator under Frank Solich in 2003. Then there was last season's blasting.

"I don't know how much it's changed," Pelini said when asked how different has the Missouri-Nebraska game become in past years. "I haven't been here for many years. I think you create rivalries when you divide it North and South. It becomes a rivalry when you play somebody every year. It's a division game.

"The next game on your schedule better be a rivalry for you or you'd better approach it that way."

It's interesting because in this next game, the programs were supposed to be heading in very different directions. The Cornhuskers are the preseason favorites to win the North with Kansas close behind, while Missouri was thought to be in a rebuilding year because a good portion of the players from its most successful season are gone, including quarterback Chase Daniel.

But the Tigers are a surprising 4-0 coming out of non-conference play with Gabbert leading the way with his arm. Gabbert leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency after completing 66.4 percent of his passes while throwing 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in four games. Missouri, which is coming off bye, moved into the Top 25 this week for the first time this season after impressive wins against Illinois and at Nevada in September.

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In this oct. 3, 2009 photo, South Carolina's Spencer Lanning (34) kicks a field goal as Stephen Flint (86) holds the ball during the second half of their NCAA college football game against South Carolina State, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Lanning couldn't have had a tougher act to follow as South Carolina kicker. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

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** ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, OCT. 10-11 ** This photo made Sept. 5, 2009, shows Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis, left, talking with quarterback Jimmy Clausen during an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind. This team is an enigma, even with only one loss. The same can be said of their coach. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy takes a breather during the fourth quarter in his their 59-20 win in an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Monroe in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns are set to host Colorado on Saturday night. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

In this photo taken on Sept. 19, 2009 releseased by the University of Virginia sports information department, Virginia assistant football coach Anthony Poindexter, left, shaeks the hand of Rodney McLeod, right, during an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville, Va. Virginia will retire the jersey of former safety Anthony Poindexter before Saturday's game against Indiana, making him the 11th player so honored by the school. (AP Photo/Univ. of Virginia Sports Information) ** NO SALES, EDITORIAL USE ONLY **

In this Sept. 12, 2009, photo Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark runs with the ball during the first half of the Iowa against Iowa NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009. Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark's mobility presents his head coach a high-stakes dilemma: Run him more to help the offense, just like in last week's win over Illinois; or hold Clark back to protect him from getting hurt, especially when his backup is a true freshman. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this Oct. 3, 2009 photo, South Carolina's Spencer Lanning (34) celebrates his field goal with Patrick DiMarco (47) during the second half of their NCAA college football game against South Carolina State, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Lanning couldn't have had a tougher act to follow as South Carolina kicker. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes watches from the sidelines during the final minutes of an NCAA college football game against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas. The transformation of Jerry Hughes from prep running back to All-American defensive end was never more evident than the picture of a skinny kid somebody taped to his locker. Now nearly 50 pounds heavier and a senior for No. 11 TCU, Hughes now looks more like a potential first-round NFL draft pick. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes runs off the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas State in Fort Worth, Texas.The transformation of Jerry Hughes from prep running back to All-American defensive end was never more evident than the picture of a skinny kid somebody taped to his locker. Now nearly 50 pounds heavier and a senior for No. 11 TCU, Hughes now looks more like a potential first-round NFL draft pick. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Matt Moore, a former college football player at Texas Christian attends The 24th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner benefiting The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis (national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) at The Waldorf=Astoria on October 6, 2009 in New York, New York. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for The Miami Project) *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore *** Local Caption *** Matt Moore

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Also, much of the credit to Missouri's early run has to be a testament to Pinkel's ability to coach and to stock the program with talent.

The Cornhuskers, meanwhile, have done little to dispel the notion they are on the way back with just one lucky play at Virginia Tech being all that separates them from a 4-0 non-conference record. One thing is for sure, they would dominate the Sun Belt Conference this season after beating up on three of its teams this season. Nebraska leads the nation in scoring defense, having allowed a very Blackshirt-like 7.0 points per game so far this season.

So could it be that Nebraska is really back and Missouri is here to stay?

"I'd like to think, 'Yes,' to both questions, but we still have a ways to go," Pelini said. "We'll see what happens Thursday. But every year I think both programs are good. We'll find out what happens this year. All I'm concerned about is this year.

"One game or a four-game season or one or two years doesn't do much for you. You have to do things over time, over a period of time and have consistency not only to be a good football team in a season, but over a long period of time. That's what both programs are working to do.

"As consistent as Missouri has been over the last few years, it's pretty easy to say they are here to stay."

Nebraska-Missouri Rivalry More Than a Century in the Making originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Notebook: North Heats Up

Terrance Harris — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST

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

Maybe it's premature to start trumpeting the return of the Big 12 North, but if the non-conference success of the big-three North teams is any indication this could be an interesting season.

Nebraska and Kansas were expected to dominate the weaker of the league's two divisions, but it appears they will have company. Missouri, which is supposed to be in a rebuilding mode after back-to-back North titles, is off to a surprising 4-0 start that catapulted the program into the Top 25 this week at No. 24.

The North has three teams in Top 25 this week with the 4-0 Jayhawks at No. 16 and the Cornhuskers (3-1) ranked No. 21 in the latest AP poll. But before we anoint the North as the dominant division in the Big 12 this season, let's remember there isn't a Top 25 victory among the top three. So don't expect the national fireworks that the three-way tie in the South between Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech set off last season.

It does, however, make for a potentially interesting race as league play gets going in earnest this week. It should be a lot more interesting than the South race where it looks like the Longhorns are now the clear favorites.

For obvious reasons, nobody is quite ready to discuss the North Division race.

"I am not looking at the big picture at all," Kansas coach Mark Mangino said during Monday's Big 12 coaches call. "The way we are handling things is that we have to take care of the business at hand. A byproduct of having a great season in the North for us is paying attention to each opponent as they come.

"But to tell you where people are, how they are going to be three weeks, a month from now, I'm not able to do that."

Things start off in hurry for this week for Missouri and Nebraska when they open up against each other in primetime Thursday night in Columbia, Mo. in what has become quite an intriguing rivalry. The Cornhuskers once upon a time owned Missouri, but the Tigers have reeled off three straight impressive wins over Nebraska at Faurot Field by an average of 23 points and have won four of the last six meetings in the Gary Pinkel era. The Tigers blasted Nebraska 52-17 at Memorial Stadium last year.

Initially, this seemed like the year Nebraska might be able to swing the rivalry back to its favor, but first-year Mizzou quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been impressive in his replacement of Chase Daniel. Gabbert is coming off a 414-yard, three passing touchdown effort against Nevada on Sept. 25, which bested his 319-yard effort in the season opener against Illinois.

Nebraska, meanwhile, in attempt to return to prominence has been successful against Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State and UL Lafayette while losing a heart-breaker near the end at Virginia Tech in a matchup of Top 25 teams.

So is Nebraska back and is Missouri here to stay?

"I'd like to think yes to both questions," said second-year Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, whose team generated excitement with four straight wins at the end of last season, including 26-21 victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. "We still have ways to go. We'll see what happens Thursday."

Could Griffin Return?

It was generally assumed super sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin was done for the season when he suffered the isolated tear of his right ACL during the first quarter of the win over Northwestern State Sept. 26.

But head coach Art Briles said the surgical procedure that would have cost him the rest of the season has not yet been scheduled. He left open the door that Griffin could return at some point this season. He would obviously lose some mobility but there is a chance Griffin could not injure the knee any worse.

"That's strictly his decision because there are positives and negatives with going either way," Briles said Monday. "That's a decision that will be based on what's best for Robert in the long term."

His loss certainly was a blow to the Bears ending their postseason drought, though they came out of non-conference play 3-1 despite having to start third-string quarterback Nick Florence during Saturday's 31-15 win over Kent State.

Senior backup Blake Szymanski was also injured in the Northwestern State game and was unavailable last week, leaving the freshman as the best option.

Florence completed 20-of-27 passes for 216 yards and did not throw any interceptions while also running for two touchdowns.

"I thought Nick did what we asked him to do and that's to be careful with the football, give us an opportunity to be productive on the offensive side and put us in the position of winning the game," Briles said. "So he did all of those things. He played with a lot of awareness, a lot of intelligence, a lot of passion."

Briles said Monday he still wasn't certain whether Szymanski or Florence would start Saturday at No. 19 Oklahoma.

"As far as Blake, he wasn't available yesterday at workout," he said. "We'll have to see how it looks (Tuesday) when we get back on the field."

Potts' Progress

It's hard to find out any official news on the progress of Texas Tech quarterback Taylor Potts, who was knocked out of Saturday night's win against New Mexico and hospitalized overnight with an apparent concussion, since head coach Mike Leach won't even acknowledge that he was hurt.

Leach, like most college coaches, has a policy of not discussing injuries. But as with almost anything with Leach, the Red Raiders coach takes his policy over the top by not even being willing to discuss what thousands at Jones AT&T Stadium witnessed.

"He's doing well, a great member of our team and we continue to look forward to his success," Leach said when asked about Potts progress.

When asked if there is any reasonable way Potts could play Saturday against Kansas State after suffering an apparent concussion, Leach remained evasive.

"First of all, I've never acknowledged that an injury exists," Leach said on the Big 12 Conference call. "So write what you want to write."

The only thing Leach did confirm was that offensive lineman and captain Brandon Carter has returned to the team after the team captain was indefinitely suspended last week for violation of team rules. Carter, a guard, practiced with the team Sunday.

Leach has not discussed what Carter did to be suspended and declined to say what transpired to allow him to return to the team after missing all of last week's team activities.

"Since we didn't talk about his case to me to begin with, it seems to me it's an internal matter so we are not going to go into it now," he said.

It's unknown whether or not Carter will resume his role as a team captain.

Kansas State Has QB Dilemma

There probably wasn't anyone in Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday who was surprised when well-traveled senior quarterback Grant Gregory trotted out to start for Kansas State against Iowa State.

That included Gregory, whose workload had certainly increased in the week leading up to the game.

"We have been practicing pretty well overall," Gregory said. "We just go out there every day. Wednesday and Thursday practices I started taking number one reps, but I said I'll believe it when I get on the field."

Gregory quickly became a believer Saturday and perhaps so did many on the Wildcats' sideline as he made several big plays to spark Kansas State to the 24-23 come-from-behind win over the Cyclones. Coach Bill Snyder, who has long favored mobile quarterbacks, went with Gregory over Carson Coffman as the starter for the first time this season.

Both players had played quite a bit throughout the first three games, but Coffman had been the starter. But with Gregory possessing a few more physical tools, including being a better runner, Snyder turned it over to the senior who has played with three different college programs in six years.

And Gregory didn't disappoint, completing 16-of-23 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns while he also ran for 29 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. He threw two fourth quarter touchdowns, which included the go-ahead 54-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Banks with 5:36 left to play.

Surprisingly, Snyder wouldn't commit to Gregory as his starter against Texas Tech.

"I thought Grant did some really positive things in the ballgame. He created some big plays for us, which was important for us to have," he said. "There was certainly some of his performance that needs vast improvement on. There were some mistakes that were critical in the ballgame, threw an interception and some other things.

"There are just things that are going to come with constant focus on improvement and more experience on the field. He's a hard working young guy who is very focuses and conscientious. They will go to the practice field and continue to compete as they have all season."

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In this Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 photo, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden is shown walking the sideline during the second half against Boston College of an NCAA college football game at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

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In this photo taken Sept. 12, 2009, Illinois' QB Eddie McGee (10) heads down field against Illinois State during the second half of the NCAA college football game at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

In this photo taken Oct. 3, 2009, Illinois' quarterback Juice Williams (7) scrambles out of the pocket against Penn State during the first half of the NCAA college football game in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

In this photo made Oct. 3, 2009, Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher makes a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, Oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

Washington State running back Logwone Mitz, top, attempts to leap in for a touchdown but is stopped short by the Oregon defensive during the second half of their NCAA college football game in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. Oregon beat Washington 52-6.

Don Ryan, AP

In this Oct. 3, 2009 photograph, Mississippi State linebacker K.J. Wright (34) attempts to block a first half pass by Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt (9) during their NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss. Josh Nesbitt is making it tough on defensive coordinators. The Georgia Tech quarterback did a little bit of everything the last two weeks, baffling defenses in wins over Mississippi State and North Carolina. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Stanford running back Toby Gerhart (7) scores a touchdown past UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner (1) in the first quarter of their NCAA football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Houston quarterback Case Keenum and UTEP defender Aaron King chase a fumble during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. Keenum was unable to recover the ball and it was instead picked up by UTEP's Roddray Walker and run 70 yards for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

Houston's Brandon Brinkley agonized after UTEP's Donald Buckram scored his fourth touchdown of the evening during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. UTEP linemen celebrated with Buckram in the background. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

UTEP defender Roddray Walker sprints 70 yards for touchdown after recovering a Houston fumble during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Victor Calzada)

Jayhawks Might Turn Sharp Loose

Kansas running back Jake Sharp could be back in the lineup Saturday against Iowa State, but Mangino isn't saying yet.

Sharp suffered an unknown injury in a non-contact drill in the week leading up to the Sept. 19 Duke game and since playing sparingly against the Blue Devils he sat out the Southern Miss game and the Jayhawks had a bye this past week.

"For Jake, we feel pretty good about his progress," Mangino said. "We will see him all-out, full-speed on the practice field this week, and if he's feeling good and no effects, he will play against Iowa State."

In his absence, freshman Toben Opurum has turned quite a few heads with his versatility. During the 44-16 win over Duke, he put up a total of 120 yards while scoring two touchdowns and averaging 4.1 yards per play. He came back the following week and rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown while catching two passes for 21 yards, which included a 12-yard touchdown.

Mangino said the bye week was good learning time for the freshman.

Toben got a chance to assess what he has done," he said. "He's gone over with his coaches all the positive things and all the things he needs to work on. So it was a very positive big week of learning for Toben."

Longhorns not overlooking Colorado

The second-ranked Texas Longhorns have a big one in couple weeks against the Sooners in the annual Red River Classic game in Dallas.

But before then, they will host struggling Colorado on Saturday. Head coach Mack Brown said there is no way his team overlooks the Buffaloes.

"It's something that comes up because OU is like a bowl game in the middle of the football season," Brown said." But this football team is excited about the home game this weekend against Colorado. We'll have over 100,000 here plus they had a weekend off so we are pumped. We've had some great ballgames with Colorado since we've been here and I do think our fans will get excited about this game, as well.

"We do understand we have to get better. We have not played near our best yet. This weekend gives us a chance to improve on some things we were able to look at and re-evaluate over the bye week."

Big 12 Notebook: North Heats Up originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Notebook: Texas' Tre Newton Earns Starting Job on the Run

Terrance Harris — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:20:00 EST

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

It was of little surprise Monday when Texas coach Mack Brown named redshirt freshman running back Tre' Newton as the starter for Saturday's UTEP game.

Newton gave the second-ranked Longhorns everything they had been looking for in a tailback for the last two seasons during Saturday's win over Texas Tech, picking up difficult yards and moving the chains. Filling in for injured starter Vondrell McGee in the second half, Newton rushed for 88 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries.

His 18 carries for 81 yards in the second half proved pivotal in keeping Texas Tech's explosive offense off the field as the Longhorns escaped with a 34-24 win. It was the inability of the Longhorns backs to pick up critical yards late that paved the way for their upset loss to Tech last season.

"He was like he has been every time we've seen him," Brown said. "We've just got to keep playing him more."

Coming into fall camp, Newton and redshirt freshman D.J. Monroe seemed to take a backseat to proven tailbacks Cody Johnson, Fozzy Whittaker, McGee and even true freshman Chris Whaley. But Newton has stepped up with McGee and Whittaker continuing to struggle to stay healthy.

Starting out the second half after McGee tweaked his ankle Saturday, Newton made an impact on the opening drive with carries of 6 and 7 yards before he burst through the line for a 19-yard touchdown run that put the Longhorns ahead 17-3.

That was all the UT coaches needed to see to keep running him for the remainder of the night.

"Tre' has good patience, good vision," said UT offensive coordinator Greg Davis. "We had a couple guys who were (banged) up and we just felt like he was healthy and playing well."

Newton, the son of former Dallas Cowboy great Nate Newton, was excited after receiving his first extended opportunity Saturday night.

"It felt good," said Newton, who leads the Longhorns backs with 178 yards in three games. "Going into the game I was backing up Vondrell, just ready to do whatever they asked me to do. I just try to make sure I'm always ready for when the opportunity comes."

A learning experience for the Cornhuskers

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini couldn't hide his frustration on the sideline Saturday afternoon as Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor completed an 11-yard touchdown with 21 seconds remaining to rally the Hokies to a 16-15 win over the Cornhuskers.

The Cornhuskers came so close to the signature win the program needs. But two big plays -- the 11-yard touchdown pass and then a 76-yard kickoff return run that set up a one-yard touchdown in the first quarter -- were really all that denied Nebraska its biggest win in years.

Pelini was a little more philosophical Monday than he was on the sideline Saturday after the 11-yard touchdown pass.

"You have to finish things off and you have to execute for four quarters and unfortunately we didn't do that and it cost us," he said. "That's what we are working towards, getting that aspect fixed.

"I've moved on, we've moved on. It doesn't change whether we stopped them on that last drive or not. There is a lot of things we need to get fixed and it shouldn't have come down to that anyway. We had plenty of opportunities to put that game away on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Everybody contributed to us not finishing that game off."

Still, Pelini realizes the value in such a game even in loss. The Cornhuskers went into a hostile environment against a top-25 opponent and played better in all facets, except the final score.

"Playing in a game like that helps you get ready for conference play because you've been tested, you've been in a tough environment and we know we are going to face that once we get into conference play," said Pelini, whose team dropped down to No.25 in the latest AP poll. "So I think we will be a better football team because of it."

Fuller out for 4-6 Weeks at A&M

It wasn't much of a shock when Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman confirmed Monday that star sophomore receiver Jeff Fuller will miss four to six weeks after cracking a bone in his leg.

But what was a little surprising was to hear that doesn't mean backup quarterback/receiver Ryan Tannehill will necessarily see his workload increase at receiver. Tannehill, a sophomore, showed he was a true natural last season at receiver.

He competed with Jerrod Johnson for the starting quarterback spot, as promised by Sherman, during spring and fall practices but lost in his bid to unseat Johnson. Tannehill views himself as a quarterback who can play receiver though his heart is really at quarterback.

His value to the Aggies is at receiver, but Tannehill's desire is to be a college quarterback. Certainly Sherman finds himself in an awkward situation.

"You have to really appreciate Ryan to see him practice and throw the football to realize he really is a quarterback," said Sherman, whose team hosts UAB on Saturday. "But he keeps playing receiver, I'm sure from the outside looking in and even from my standpoint, he's equally adept at both. It's a very unique combination. I don't know if I've ever seen anything quite like it."

Tannehill has thrived as a receiver, who doesn't put in the work meeting with the receivers and rarely practices. Yet goes into the games and excels with limited work.

"He sits with the quarterbacks, he doesn't meet with the receivers, he doesn't practice receiver a lot, just certain plays at certain times," Sherman said. "It's just amazing to me what he does with the limited amount of time. You can argue both sides of the coin but to appreciate him as a quarterback you have to watch him in practice."

So instead of seeing Tannehill's reps increase and introducing more risk to the No.2 quarterback spot, Sherman said you can expect to see more of freshmen Brandal Jackson and Kenric McNeal along with an increased workload for Uzoma Nwachukwu and Terrence McCoy to fill Fuller's void.

Baylor's run defense gets exposed

Two weeks after a feel-good road win at Wake Forest, Baylor seemed like the same old Bears during Saturday's deflating 30-22 home loss to UConn.

The Bears allowed UConn to run the ball down their throats the entire game in front of 40,147 at Floyd Casey Stadium. The Huskies picked up 235 yards of their 382 total yards on the ground, while winning the time of possession battle 39:44 to 20:16.

Andre Dixon led the way for UConn with 149 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries while Jordan Todman accounted for 103 yards, marking the second time the duo had both eclipsed the 100-yard barrier in the same game.

"It was embarrassing as a defense to get the ball run down our throats like that," Baylor safety Jordan Lake said to the Waco Tribune. "We knew they were going to run the ball, but we didn't come out with the energy we needed to stop them up front. They did a good job of using their big line to push the ball downfield, and then Dixon would pop out and get four or five more yards."

Baylor coach Art Briles and his staff will likely have to restore a lot of confidence in his defensive front before having to face the likes of Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter or Missouri's Derrick Washington during the Big 12 season.

"As far as the defensive line and stopping the run, that's something you've got to be able to do," Briles said. "That's something each week is an opportunity to get better at. We know what we need to do now we need to go out and do it. We'll have that opportunity this Saturday."

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A swarming Alabama defense stops North Texas running back Jeremi Mathis (24) during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. Defending for Alabama is Cory Reamer (13), Luther Davis (96), Nick Gentry (58) and Kerry Murphy (64). Alabama won 53-7. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy talks with coaches during a fourth quarter time out in his team's 34-24 NCAA college football victory over Texas Tech in Austin, Texas. McCoy had the flu last week, causing him to miss a day of practice and kept him out of most drills. By Saturday night's game, he said he was still not feeling 100 percent. But a halftime spent downing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and slugging back a hydration drink, made him feel better. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, Texas wide receiver Dan Buckner is shown during the pregame warmup before his team's 34-24 NCAA college football victory over Texas Tech in Austin, Texas. With Buckner in the lineup, quarterback Colt Mc Coy has a new passing target in the Longhorns' offense. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

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Texas head football coach Mack Brown talks on his headset during the fourth quarter of his team's 34-24 NCAA college football victory over Texas Tech Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in Austin, Texas. For the second week in a row, the Longhorns used their quick-snap "jet" tempo to pull themselves out of the doldrums of a clunky first half and rode it to a victory. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy talks with coaches during a fourth quarter time out in their 34-24 NCAA college football victory over Texas Tech Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in Austin, Texas. For the second week in a row, the Longhorns used their quick-snap "jet" tempo to pull themselves out of the doldrums of a clunky first half and rode it to a victory. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: UCLA Bruins head coach Rick Neuheisel looks on from the sideline in the second half against the Kansas State Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rick Neuheisel

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder looks on during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bill Snyder

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Alterraun Verner #1 of the UCLA Bruins is brought down by Brandon Banks #83 of the Kansas State Wildcats after intercepting a pass in the first half at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alterraun Verner;Brandon Banks

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Kevin Craft #3 of the UCLA Bruins congratulates teammate Eddie Williams #62 following a touchdown against the Kansas State Wildcats in the fourth quater at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kevin Craft;Eddie Williams

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder yells towards the bench during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on September 19, 2009 in Pasadena, California. UCLA defeated Kansas State 23-9. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bill Snyder

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Stoops could have QB quandary

With a bye coming this week, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Monday he doesn't want to begin speculating about the availability of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford for the Oct. 3 mega non-conference showdown at Miami.

Bradford has been out since opening week when he suffered a shoulder injury.

"No updates on Sam but he continues to do well," Stoops said Monday. "But we are not getting into any speculations about when."

The way redshirt freshman Landry Jones is playing could be a reason Stoops doesn't have to worry about his quarterback position. Jones is coming off one of the best performances of any freshman quarterback in NCAA history.

Jones threw six touchdowns in the Sooners' 45-0 win over Tulsa on Saturday, the second most touchdown passes in a game by a freshman in NCAA history. He was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week on Monday after also completing 25-of-37 passes for 336 yards against Tulsa.

"I feel good. I think if it is Landry he's handling it really well," said Stoops, whose team jumped up to No. 10 in the AP poll this week. "He's been nothing but consistent and solid. I think more than anything it's the players around him and in the last couple of weeks the players around him have played better. Regardless of who is in that position, the players around him have to protect that position. You have to protect him, you've got to be able to run the ball, you have to be able to get open and catch it when you have the opportunities.

"But as far as his part, he's doing a really good job."

Muckelroy honored

Middle linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy showed up big for the Longhorns Saturday night, constantly harassing quarterback Taylor Potts and serving as virtual shadow to Texas Tech running Baron Batch all night.

Muckelroy finished the night with seven tackles, which including two tackles for loss, and one sack while playing a major role in the Longhorns limiting the Red Raiders to minus-6 yards rushing.

Muckelroy was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

"I've been very proud of his progress, he's started all three games for us at the Mike (middle linebacker)," said UT defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. "He's a guy you enjoy to coach in the way he approaches the game. He certainly showed up (Saturday) an awful lot and played well."

Big 12 Notebook: Texas' Tre Newton Earns Starting Job on the Run originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Notebook: Overrated?

Terrance Harris — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST

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

Every college football season there seems to be at least one major conference that's projected to be among the best , only to find out it's all just hype.

Could this season be the Big 12's turn?

Projected to be one of the top two conferences in the country, along with the SEC, there is now a small mountain of evidence indicating the Big 12 isn't the conference we thought it would be. The league has already suffered more than it share of stunning upsets in non-conference play, starting at the top.

Oklahoma, the preseason favorite with Texas to win the Big 12 South and the nation's third-ranked team to start the year, had its hopes of another BCS national championship berth jolted after an opening week loss to BYU. This past weekend, Oklahoma State, ranked fifth in the nation (their highest ranking in 24 years, following a win over Georgia) came falling back to reality when Houston strolled out of Stillwater with a convincing upset.

Just like that, the Big 12 lost two of its three Top 10 team preseason teams, leaving No.2 Texas carrying the weight of the Big 12 by itself. But even the Longhorns struggled at Wyoming in the first half last week before pulling away from the Cowboys, as did Missouri against Bowling Green.

It certainly seems as though the Big 12's quest for a third BCS national championship appearance in five years is already in jeopardy. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, whose team moved back up to No.12 in this week's AP poll, believes it's too early to make such assertions.

"There is a ton of football to go," Stoops said. "I've never tried to project in the first or second week where you are going to be for a Big 12 or national title. It's a long road, so you have to keep working and try to improve as you go."

But early evidence says the league has a lot of work to do to make up for the perception-altering performances of its top teams. In addition to the Oklahoma State loss last weekend, Kansas State also went to Louisiana-Lafayette and suffered a stunning defeat to the Ragin Cajuns of the Sun Belt Conference. And then there is Colorado, which doesn't seem capable of beating anyone after falling apart against Mid-American Conference foe Toledo on Friday night to fall to 0-2 on the season.

So far this season, the Big 12 has suffered defeats to the Mountain West, Conference USA, Sun Belt and Mid-American Conference. None of the other major conference can make that claim to this point.

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In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Northwestern's Stefan Demos celebrates after kicking the game-winning 49-yard field goal against Eastern Michigan in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill. Northwestern won 27-24. (AP Photo/David Banks)

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In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo Penn State linebacker Sean Lee, left, walks away after sacking Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus, right, during the second half of their NCAA college football game in State College, Pa. Lee was so active against Syracuse, it seemed like the Penn State linebacker spent all day leveling opponents behind the line of scrimmage. Any lingering doubts about the health of his surgically-repaired right knee were erased in a dominating performance against the Orange. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, photo, Penn State linebacker Sean Lee (45) stands with assistant coach Tom Bradley on the sideline during the second half of their college football game against Syracuse in State College, Pa. Lee was so active against Syracuse, it seemed like the Penn State linebacker spent all day leveling opponents behind the line of scrimmage. Any lingering doubts about the health of his surgically-repaired right knee were erased in a dominating performance against the Orange. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers rushes for a key fourth quarter gain on the wiining drive of the Beavers 23-21 win over UNLV in an NCAA college football game on Saturday Sept. 12, 2009 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Daniel Gluskoter)

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Stafon Johnson #13 of the USC Trojans celebrates in the end zone with teammate Jarvis Jones #10 after scoring a two yard touchdown in the fourth quarter over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. USC won the game 18-15. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stafon Johnson; Jarvis Jones

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Stafon Johnson #13 of the USC Trojans celebrates in the end zone after scoring a two yard touchdown in the fourth quarter over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. USC won the game 18-15. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Stafon Johnson

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Purdue head coach Danny Hope, left, confers with referees on a call that kept the Boilermakers from tying the game with just seconds left during the second half of their NCAA college football game against Oregon in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. Oregon beat Purdue 38-36.(AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Utah players celebrate a 24-14 win over San Jose State in an NCAA college football game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Utah running back Sausan Shakerin (22) breaks through for a long run late in the fourth quarter against San Jose State in an NCAA college football game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. Utah won 24-14. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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"It's a 12-game season. It's a grind," Kansas coach Mark Mangino said to FanHouse. "I wouldn't judge the Big 12 on the first couple weeks. I really think you have to look at the body of work throughout the season. Those kind of discussions arise at the end of the year.

"Sure there has been some games where we've gotten beat when we were favored, but I think you have to look at the whole body of work and wait until the season is over because this is a pretty doggone good conference."

Stoops seems to think what we've seen so far in the Big 12 early is just a symptom of parity created by the scholarship limits. So far we've seen Boise State dominate Oregon and Central Michigan delivered a blow to Michigan State to name a few other upsets outside of the Big 12.

"In the end there are a lot of good teams and if you are not at your best anybody can beat you," Stoops said. "I don't know that that's like any other year or unlike any other conference. I think you see it around the country with everybody every year.

"Every week you see different people with upsets around the country. I don't know any year that hasn't been the case."

Fast-Break Offenses

The Big 12 season kicks off Saturday when No. 2 Texas hosts Texas Tech in what should be a fast-paced, high scoring affair based on what both teams have showed so far.

Through the first two games, both teams lead the Big 12 in scoring offense. The Longhorns, behind the proven arm of Colt McCoy, are averaging 50 points per game and have scored 13 touchdowns combined against Louisiana-Monroe and Wyoming.

Mike Leach's Red Raiders, who seemed to have invented fast-break offense in college football, are second in the conference in scoring offense with first-year starting quarterback Taylor Potts after averaging 46.5 points and having scored a total of 13 touchdowns against North Dakota and Rice.

Both teams also rank around the middle of the pack in the Big 12 in scoring defense.

"This will be a great fan game," said UT coach Mack Brown. "There is going to be balls flying all over the place. People come to see offense. Both defenses are improved, they're playing well but I'm going to tell you there will be some sparks flying in this game on offense because we're more uptempo than we've ever been and Tech has been that way from the beginning. So I think it will be a great game to watch."

It will be interesting to see how both offenses handle the obvious elevation in competition.

Snyder staying the course

Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said he doesn't anticipate making a change at either quarterback or placekicker, despite some obvious struggles in both areas in the first two games.

Quarterbacks Carson Coffman and Grant Gregory have combined to complete just 49.1 percent of their passes. The Wildcats struggled early against Louisiana-Lafayette before scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter prior to falling to a late field goal.

But Snyder says he doesn't anticipate a change heading into Saturday's game at UCLA.

"We have what we have," he said. "I don't know that we could go any further than we are right now."

The same goes for junior placekicker Josh Cherry, who has missed all three of his field goal attempts through the first two games. Cherry missed two field goals in the loss to ULL and also missed on an extra point attempt.

"The major thing right now is to re-establish his confidence," Snyder said. "He's a very intent young guy, he really cares, he's very genuine. He's pained by it, as well, and I certainly understand it and appreciate that. I have great confidence in him and will continue to work with him. I think he will continue to move forward and eventually become the kicker I'm quite confident he's capable of becoming."

But most glaring right now is the play of Snyder's quarterbacks. Both went into fall camp in a tight race for the job, but Coffman emerged as the starter.

So far Coffman has struggle, completing just 27 of 52 passes for 360 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Gregory has been worse after not completing a pass in four attempts.

"It's quite obvious that we need to have substantial improvement at that position," Snyder said. "We have to make better decisions, we have to throw the ball more accurately. Those are the two main situations and get us in the right plays we can get into and not put us jeopardy. It's just a matter of trying to make improvement and that's true of the entirety of our football team.

"We are trying to make improvements at every position we have but the quarterback position stands out dramatically for any football team and it's quite obvious we need those improvements."

Tech not missing a beat at QB

Taylor Potts is just two games into his first year as a starter and already he seems on the way to being another record-setting Red Raiders quarterback.

Potts was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week after completing 36 of 57 passes for 456 yards and seven touchdowns in the 55-10 win over Rice on Saturday. Potts became the first Raiders quarterback to throw for at least seven touchdowns in a game since B.J. Symons tossed eight touchdowns against Texas A&M in 2003.

After two games, Potts leads the Big 12 in passing with 430.5 yards per game to go along with nine touchdowns and just three interceptions. He has also completed 70 of 105 attempts for 861 yards.

"He's playing and is getting better every game out there," Leach said. "He's thrown for a bunch of yards both games and he's getting sharper and sharper."

Cowboys hope to recover

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy compares the uphill battle his Cowboys face in trying to recover from Saturday's stunning loss to University of Houston to challenges of recovering from failure in everyday life.

"The only difference in college football than any other aspect of life is we are in the public eye.," Gundy said. "Everything we do, every weekend people see it and there is a lot of talk about it. There are great lessons to be learned here."

The Cowboys, who went from No.5 in the country to No.16 this week, begin their recovery process Saturday when Rice pays a visit to Boone Pickens Stadium.

Cody Hawkins expected to play for Buffaloes

Colorado coach Dan Hawkins said he expects his son, quarterback Cody Hawkins, to play Saturday when Wyoming comes into Boulder.

Hawkins suffered a mild concussion at the end of Friday's loss to Toledo.

Big 12 Notebook: Overrated? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Notebook: Gresham's Season Ends Early

Terrance Harris — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:35:00 EST

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

The news on Oklahoma All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham Tuesday night wasn't what was hoped for in Norman, but it also wasn't unexpected.

The Sooners senior underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday afternoon and the scope revealed a tear in the cartilage that needed to be stitched back, a procedure that ended his season before it began and likely means the end of his college career.

Gresham, who passed on a chance to skip his senior season and head to the NFL, injured his knee during practice last Tuesday and missed the Sooners' season-opening loss to BYU. Gresham was expected to be the Sooners' top receiving threat and maybe the best tight end in the country after catching 14 touchdowns and 950 yards last season.

"Just unfortunate that he comes back and is not able to continue to participate," OU coach Bob Stoops told the Tulsa World. "So we really feel for him."

Stoops informed the Oklahoma media of the season-ending surgery, which he says will take five months to heal properly. Just Monday, the Sooners learned that Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford will be out of the lineup for two to four weeks with a Grade III sprain of the AC joint in his right throwing shoulder.

Bradford will not need surgery, but Gresham wasn't as fortunate.

Both players had a chance to leave school early as high NFL draft picks last spring, but both elected to come back; Gresham was believed to be a sure first-round draft pick. Stoops told Oklahoma reporters that Gresham should be recovered in time to take part in February's NFL combine.

"For his sake, the rest of the knee looks good, and this is something that heals really well," Stoops said to the World. "So for his long-range future, he'll be fine."

Gresham also has the option of returning to school for a fifth year because he did not redshirt as a true freshman.

Big 12 Trio Hopes to Stay Focused

Conventional wisdom holds that the biggest improvement in college football teams comes between the first and second week.

But for a handful of Big 12 teams coming off huge opening-week wins, there could be a false sense they've already arrived. Oklahoma State, Baylor and Missouri all are coming off impressive victories that could propel them towards strong seasons but a lot will depend on how they handle Week 1 success.

Oklahoma State, coming off a big-time 24-10 win against Georgia this past week in Stillwater, has to quickly get focused because an explosive and dangerous Houston team is heading into Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday. The Cowboys have to be extra careful they aren't still celebrating the win over Georgia and their new top-five ranking this week.

"I think we have to be up front with them and tell them, 'We had a great win on Saturday and we have a great football team coming in here, a team that led the nation in scoring and is very capable of playing at a high level on any given day,'' ' said OSU coach Mike Gundy. "I think because of the success they had last year and obviously as well as they played in the first game, our players should be able to stay focused. This will be a good football game. Houston is a very good team."

Baylor has a bye this week after accomplishing what was once thought impossible for the Bears program -- go on the road and beat a quality BCS conference school. But that is exactly what quarterback Robert Griffin and his Bears did this past Saturday, hanging on to beat Wake Forest, 24-21, in Winston-Salem.

That win was pivotal as Baylor looks for its first bowl bid since 1994. The victory over the Demon Deacons should be great for the Bears' confidence, but they have to guard against overconfidence as they head into a three-game home non-conference stretch against UConn, Northwestern State and Kent State, three games they are expected to win. A slip-up in non-conference followed by an unforgiving Big 12 schedule could all but make the Wake Forest win irrelevant.

"Where we are as a program, we don't have to worry about getting overconfident or getting the big heads because we've had our lips punched enough times to understand that you've never arrived and you are never where you need to be," said second-year Baylor coach Art Briles, whose team received votes in the AP poll this week. "One game doesn't dictate your outcome. I think the thing that helps us a little bit is we have an open date this week.

"It was a big win against a quality opponent, but it was something that we felt like needed to do if we were going to accomplish one of our intermediate goals, which is to win all of our non-conference games. Starting from [Sunday], we have flipped our focus off of that game and on to the next one."

Perhaps the team with the most to prove last Saturday and with the biggest chip on its shoulder was Missouri. The winner of the Big 12 North the past two seasons, Mizzou entered the season without many outside expectations in the North or in the national polls due to the senior talent lost, including star quarterback Chase Daniel.

So all the Tigers did this past week was roll a respectable Illinois team, 37-9, on a neutral field in St. Louis. The voters were obviously paying attention because they entered the AP poll this week at No. 25. But the Tigers have little time to gloat because a dangerous Bowling Green team is heading to Columbia this weekend.

"I think you just want to react responsibly when you come out of a big game like that and have a reasonable amount of success," said Missouri coach Gary Pinkel. "I'm paid to make sure our team is prepared at its highest level and we're not good enough to take anybody lightly. Bowling Green has beat us the last two times they've played us.

"We are just focused on getting better and through the leadership of our team, I think we will be okay."

Sooners' Offensive Line Blues

All offseason the biggest concern for the Oklahoma Sooners seemed to be their offensive line.

And in the Sooners' season-opening 14-13 upset loss to BYU on Saturday night, it seems the concerns were well-founded. The offensive line was out of sync well before Heisman Trophy quarterback Sam Bradford was hit and knocked out of the game with a AC joint injury late in the second quarter.

Bradford had little time to set his feet, throwing for just 96 yards in the first two quarters while with former 1,000-yard rushers DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown in the backfield, the Sooners rushed for 118 yards on the night.

But OU coach Bob Stoops seemed most bothered by the penalties called on the offensive line. Right tackle Cory Brandon had six penalties called on him alone, including a critical five-yard false start penalty late in the game that forced Tress Way to have to kick a 54-yard field goal that could have won the game, but came up short.

"The major issue are the penalties," Stoops said. "That really just took away and destroyed so many drives. As far as physical play and playing hard, it's there. but the part of having the discipline to play by the rules and eliminate penalties we have to improve. As far as effort and being physical and everything, that part was solid. But we have to have more discipline to not have the penalties.

Trouble Brewing at Colorado

Colorado is a team on the other end of the spectrum that didn't start the season the way its alumni and fans would expect.

Dan Hawkins, already under fire for lack of success on the football field, didn't do himself or his quarterback son any favors with Sunday night's embarrassing 23-17 defeat to Colorado State in Boulder, Colo. Many of the 53,168 fans in attendance began booing the Buffaloes as they entered halftime trailing 20-3.

When asked Monday how he responds to the fans booing, Hawkins was short when he replied: "I don't. You just have to do your deal."

There were several questionable decisions made during Sunday's game, such as limiting highly-touted running back recruit Darrell Scott to just a couple touches. Then there is the touchy subject of giving his son, Cody, all the snaps at quarterback and what was apparently a close quarterback competition between him and Tyler Hansen this summer.

Hawkins didn't reveal who the starter was until game time Sunday. But that apparently was for show, because Hansen revealed this week that he has decided to redshirt this season to put some distance between himself and Cody, and likely Hawkins, if things aren't corrected real quick.

Hawkins, who is largely responsible for the success at Boise State, hasn't had quite the same touch at Colorado. The Buffaloes are 13-25 in the four seasons under Hawkins. He will have to get things smoothed quickly with a tough road game at Toledo coming up Friday night.

"We'll be okay," Hawkins said.

Leach's Meaning of Balance

When coaches talk about being balanced on offense, they are comparing the number of running plays versus passing plays called in a particular game.

Leave it to Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, perhaps one of the most out-of-the-box coaches in the college game, to have a completely different spin on being balanced. A coach who would just as soon throw a two-yard pass for a first down as run it, says balance to him means the number of players you use in a game.

And a quick glance at the Red Raiders' stat sheet from their 38-13 opening-week win over North Dakota certainly makes it hard to argue when Leach says he is the most balanced coach in the country. The Raiders had 10 different players catch balls from first-time starting quarterback Taylor Potts, and six players carried the football on Saturday.

"I am proud to say we are probably the most balanced team in the nation because balance has virtually nothing to do with rushing as opposed to passing," Leach said. "It has to do with your ability to get the ball in all of your players' hands.

"We had 10 receivers touch the ball so if you run across anybody more balanced than that, I'd like to meet them."

Notebook: Gresham's Season Ends Early originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Notebook: Marquee Matchups Rule Opening Week

Terrance Harris — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Baylor, Brigham Young, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas, Texas Tech, Big 12

Most college football coaches seem to prefer easing into the non-conference portion of the schedule before the fun really starts during league play.

But for three Big 12 schools, the start of the season will be anything but a breaking-in period this upcoming weekend.

Missouri and Illinois meet in St. Louis, third-ranked Oklahoma takes on No. 20 BYU in Arlington, Texas, and the marquee matchup features No.13 Georgia at No. 9 Oklahoma State on Saturday afternoon.

Let's just say there isn't likely to be any relaxing moments where the backup quarterback can get a little work for any of these teams Saturday.

"It makes ... your players have a sense of urgency, and that they've got to be on top of their game for sure right off the bat," OU coach Bob Stoops said Monday. "You like it if you are able to win and you don't like it if you aren't able to win it.

"At the end of the day it is challenging and it does get your players' attention for sure."

These games also capture the attention of voters, networks, alumni and important recruits. That is certainly the case with the rivalry series between Mizzou and the Illini now being played in St. Louis, the city where both bordering state schools regularly tangle for talented recruits in the area.

"This game is like a bowl game. It's two rivals, in a great city, the dome," said MU coach Gary Pinkel, whose team has won its last four games against Illinois in St. Louis. "This intensity is just unbelievable to start the season."

As intense as things may get in St. Louis, the emotional level in the newly renovated Boone Pickens Stadium is likely to be 10 times greater Saturday. The Cowboys are coming into their most hyped season ever. The program is ranked in the top 10 and is considered talented enough to challenge for its first Big 12 South title and earn a BCS bowl bid.

But to get this season of high expectations off to the desired start, OSU will have to get past a Georgia program that knows a little about big-time matchups. Fortunately for the Cowboys, the Bulldogs will be breaking in a new starting quarterback and running back.

But the fact that even OSU coach Mike Gundy is inexperienced in these type of games might be more damaging than Georgia's inexperience at key positions on the field.

"This is new to me personally," Gundy said. "I've not been in a situation where we've had to so much national attention and gotten the program to this level so this is new for myself. I do worry about it. I don't know what we can do other than practice hard and stay focused as a staff."

If Gundy is trying to do all he can to bring normalcy to his team as the game approaches, the fans are doing all they can to keep the Cowboys on edge.

"In Stillwater and the community, the last four or five weeks wherever you go, that's all anybody talks about," Gundy said Monday. "Three or four nights ago I was in Wal-Mart with my oldest son at 9:30 or 10 at night and everybody that walks by, that's all they talk about. That's good.

"It's good that there is a lot of excitement in the community. But you always worry about [being able to focus] as a coach."

Even more pressing, the coaches must worry about having to come out of the gate fast. Most coaches will tell you that the biggest improvement in their teams comes between Week 1 and Week 2. That could be too late for teams like Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, who have national championship aspirations.

Chances are, in a division that is as competitive as the Big 12 South, there is enough recovery time. But who wants to take that chance when teams like Florida, Ohio State, or USC might be capable of running the table?

Colorado, Kansas State keeping QB secrets

Both Colorado and Kansas State come into this season with serious competition at quarterback and neither of the respective coaches were willing to reveal their hands Monday.

K-State coach Bill Snyder said he would wait until Tuesday's press conference to announce the winner of the competition between junior Carson Coffman and senior Grant Gregory for Saturday's season opener against UMass.

Colorado coach Dan Hawkins is going to wait until Sunday's game against Colorado State to unveil whether or not sophomore Tyler Hansen has unseated his son, Cody Hawkins, for the Buffaloes' top spot.

"Both of them have done a nice job," Dan Hawkins said. "We are fortunate because we have two guys who understand the system. They're smart players who can make plays. They are both good players."

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University of Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez addressed the media at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Monday, August 31, 2009. (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

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In this photo provided by Harpo Productions, ESPN college football sideline reporter Erin Andrews, left, talks with television talk-show host Oprah Winfrey during a taping for an upcoming show Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009, in Chicago. In the interview, which airs Sept. 11, Andrews tells Winfrey that having secretly videotaped nude footage of her distributed on the Internet was a "nightmare." (AP Photo/Harpo Productions, George Burns)

University of Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez addressed the media at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Monday, August 31, 2009. (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

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University of Michigan athletic director Bill Martin addressed the media at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Monday, August 31, 2009. (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

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University of Michigan linebacker Obi Ezeh addressed the media at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Monday, August 31, 2009. (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

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University of Michigan linebacker Steve Brown addressed the media at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Monday, August 31, 2009. (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

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University of Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez addressed the media at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Monday, August 31, 2009. (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

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University of Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez addressed the media at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Monday, August 31, 2009. (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

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University of Michigan offensive lineman David Moosman addressed the media at Junge Family Champions Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Monday, August 31, 2009. (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

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Arkansas head football coach Bobby Petrino speaks to reporters before a luncheon at the Little Rock Touchdown Club in Little Rock, Ark., Monday, Aug. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

In this Aug. 23, 2009 photo, Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez waits for his players to be seated for a team photo, during the school's annual football media day at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. Players from the 2008 and 2009 teams told the Detroit Free Press for a story published on the newspaper's Web site on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 that the amount of time they spend on football activities during the season and in the offseason greatly exceeds NCAA limits. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

But while Hawkins still seems somewhat undecided on his direction, Snyder said he already knows who his quarterback will be to start the season. He just wasn't willing to tell Monday.

"We have a decision and we'll announce it tomorrow at the press conference to give everybody a fair shot at it," said Snyder, who returns to the sidelines after a brief retirement. "But we know which way we will go."

It's fair to assume Kansas State and Colorado will likely play two quarterbacks at various points this season. Both Hawkins and Hansen played last year, with Hansen showing a great deal of promise. Coffman was the backup to Josh Freeman last season, while Gregory was a backup at South Florida last season before transferring upon graduation to play his final year of eligibility in Manhattan.

Snyder said that whichever quarterback gets the nod for the opener will have to continue to play well because the competition will remain open.

"We're not in a position and it's never really been our philosophy to say, 'You're it for the year,' " he said. "I think what you would like to have happen is for the youngster to accept the responsibility of being No.1 and maintaining the position of being No.1 throughout the course of the year. That would be the hope. But by the same token, we want to make sure it remains competitive so whoever the No. 2 quarterback is going into this game, I want him to understand that if he continues to improve he always has the opportunity to challenge for the No.1 spot.

"Whoever it is going on the field on Saturday will certainly have to perform well enough to retain the position."

Frustrated Rhoads

First-year Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads seemed to take a shot or two at his predecessors and how they taught or didn't teach the Iowa State Cyclones defenders how to tackle.

The most recent head coach of ISU was Gene Chizik, who bounced after two unsuccessful seasons to take over at Auburn, the school where Rhoads was the defensive coordinator last season.

"The first thing we need to do on that side of the ball is to tackle," Rhoads said. "We inherited a football team that we felt tackled very poorly. We went to work on it just as quickly as we could when we started spring practice.

"I believe we've made a good amount of improvement but we are far from being a good tackling football team yet. Part of that is athleticism, we have to upgrade that and develop it. The other part is we have to improve technique angles that go along with being a good tackling football team. At this point still, we forget those things."

The numbers from last season support Rhoads' concerns. The Cyclones were 10th in the Big 12 in total defense and 112th overall after allowing an average of 453.2 yards per game and 6.7 yards per play.

Rhoads is going to have to play with many of those players while his recruits develop.

"It's been really frustrating because our players are our program," he said. "You develop athleticism, you develop the ability to change direction better throughout your offseason and drills, but you don't change physically who [you are] a great deal."

To correct the problem, Rhoads admits his camp was very much on the physical side.

"I don't think anybody would argue that fact," Rhoads said. "I think the output of ice coming out of our training room has definitely been up [over] where it's been the last couple of years."

Punting around in Jerry's World

Oklahoma and BYU's punters could be the next to encounter the low-hanging scoreboard in the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium when they play Saturday.

The 90-foot high scoreboard has caused controversy in the NFL because punted balls have hit it, causing a stop in play for a do-over. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he won't raise the towering structure in his state-of-the-art venue.

Stoops doesn't seem too concerned.

"Whatever the rule is we'll abide by it," he said. "From what I understand you just re-kick. They reset the clock and you have a do-over."

In some ways, Sooners freshman punter Tress Way connecting with the scoreboard might be a good sign.

"Hopefully our guy can hit it and have that kind of problem," Stoops said. "That means he's hitting it pretty well."

Big 12 Notebook: Marquee Matchups Rule Opening Week originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Roundup: Oklahoma Coaches Hit With Minor NCAA Violations

Terrance Harris — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:10:00 EST

Filed under: Missouri, Oklahoma, Big 12, Police Blotter

Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops was mentioned as one of the Sooners coaches guilty of committing several minor NCAA violations in connection with apparent inadvertent phone calls and text messages, according to a report obtained by the Associated Press on Friday.

Documents from Oklahoma's self-report show that Stoops and assistant football coach Jackie Shipp, along with assistant women's basketball coach Stacy Hansmeyer, made impermissible phone calls to a recruit. Head women's basketball coach Sherri Coale also mistakenly sent a text message to a perspective student-athlete.

The violations are not considered serious and should not bring harsh penalties.

Missouri Dismisses Backup QB Blaine Dalton

Missouri freshman quarterback Blaine Dalton may become a case study in why early enrollment could be a bad idea.

Dalton, 18, was kicked off the football team Friday following his second arrest in four months in Columbia, Mo. Dalton, who skipped his final semester at Blue Springs (Mo.) High School to enroll early at Missouri to go through spring ball, was arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according several reports.

In late April, Dalton was arrested after Columbia police stopped his car and found prescription painkillers, Hydrocone pills and an unopened can of beer in the vehicle. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel suspended Dalton for a while after the initial incident but allowed him to return to the team and participate in two-a-days this summer.

Before being dismissed, Dalton had jumped from fourth-string and a possible redshirt year to competing with Jimmy Costello for the backup job to Blaine Gabbert.

Big 12 Roundup: Oklahoma Coaches Hit With Minor NCAA Violations originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gary Pinkel Says Missouri's 'Winning Tradition' Will Continue

Terrance Harris — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Missouri, Big 12

During the past three seasons, Missouri football has risen to unprecedented heights.

Some would even say the Tigers' recent exploits at one point were unimaginable. Preseason and in-season national Top 10 rankings. Back-to-back Big 12 North Division titles. Four straight bowl appearances.

That certainly wasn't your father's Missouri Tigers football program. Thanks to head coach Gary Pinkel and his model of consistency, the Tigers blossomed into a team about which their alumni and fanbase could get excited.

But with a large number of departing starters, including record-breaking quarterback Chase Daniel, the first changes in Pinkel's coaching staff in his nine seasons in Columbia and the resurgence of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the North, just like that the magic seems to be gone.

No top 10 preseason rankings, no serious outside expectations for a third North title and no hype, period.

It stands to reason the Tigers would have to re-evaluate their goals for this season with hopes of making a push for prominence next season or the year after. But outsider expectations are not defining how Pinkel and his players are approaching what is supposed to be a rebuilding campaign.

"If you accept that, you're not a real competitor," nose tackle Jaron Baston said to Missouri reporters this summer. "As soon as we started hearing, 'Oh, you're ranked fifth in the North,' you heard it out here on this field and you heard it before we started working out and running. If you came out and watched, guys were attacking everything and angry."

"We've had the same goal since we've been here," said Pinkel, who lost 14 starters from last season's 10-4 Alamo Bowl championship squad. "I think we've reestablished the winning tradition at Missouri.

"We had a great tradition a year before I got here, but I think we've reestablished it. We haven't won a Big 12 championship. There's a lot of things we have not done. But with that comes responsibility."

Because of that responsibility, Pinkel doesn't seem willing to back off the standard that has been set the past few seasons with high-end players like tight end Chase Coffman, All-American receiver Jeremy Maclin and Daniel leading the way. It's as if he feels he owes the Missouri fan base that much.

"It starts with me and it starts with our coaches," said Pinkel, whose team won 22 games during the last two seasons in what was the program's most successful two-year run in school history. "And it flows down through to our players.

"I don't think any of our fans really care about how young we are or how inexperienced we are or who we lost. They expect to see a good football team and that's my job to try to get that done."

He will have do so this season with more new moving parts than at probably any point since leaving Toledo for Missouri. Not only are significant players gone, but so are key coaches. Offensive coordinator Dave Christensen left the Tigers to take over as head coach at Wyoming and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus left to take an assistant coaching job with the Cleveland Browns.

Instead doing a national search for the next up-and-coming coordinators, Pinkel looked within his staff and promoted quarterbacks coach David Yost and linebackers coach Dave Steckel into coordinator roles on their respective sides of the ball. What those moves amount to for the Tigers are no overt changes to scheme and philosophies.

"The coordinators, that's all part of our system," Pinkel said. "You move people up. I didn't hire two guys from outside, saying let's change the offense and let's change the defense. These guys just moved up."

Now only if the changes at some of the key positions will be just as smooth. Sophomore quarterback Blaine Gabbert, a former five-star quarterback recruit who was originally committed to Nebraska, will face the most scrutiny as he attempts to replace the three-year magic of Daniel in the Tigers spread offense.

Pinkel says the expectations he'll have for Gabbert won't be the same as the ones he had for Daniel in his senior season. There is a maturation process and fortunately for Gabbert, he will have versatile 1,000-yard rusher Derrick Washington to lean on as he becomes more familiar with the offense and builds a relationship with his receivers.

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In this photograph taken on Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor throws a pass during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

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Latest College Football Images

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Adrian Arrington (87) goes through his stretching exercises at the start of the practice session at the Saints football training camp in Metairie, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

New Orleans Saints safety Pierson Prioleau (31) catches a ball at the Saints' NFL football training camp in Metairie, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem, left, talks with quarterback Drew Brees (9) during a practice session at the Saints' NFL football training camp in Metairie, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Adrian Arrington (87) and New Orleans Saints safety Pierson Prioleau (31) watch the special teams practice at their NFL football training camp in Metairie, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

In this photograph taken on Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor throws a pass during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photograph taken on Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) and running back Dan Herron (1) wait to participate in a drill during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photograph taken on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) pitches the ball during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photograph taken on Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor watches a drill during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photograph taken on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor looks on during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photograph taken on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, Nebraska's Marcus Mendoza catches a pass during their NCAA college football practice in Lincoln, Neb. Mendoza will move from wide receiver to running back after the departure of Quentin Castille last week .(AP Photo/Dave Weaver)

Gabbert won the job during spring ball and has continued to make strides during fall camp.

"Anytime you have a transition at quarterback, everybody sits back and goes, 'Wow! What's going to happen?" Pinkel said. "When you lose a high level guy like [Daniel], hopefully you can replace him with a high level guy."

The thing is you can say that about so many positions this season. All-Big 12 linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (149 tackles, 10.6 stops per game), viewed in some circles as the most complete linebacker in college ball this season, and Washington (1,036 yards, 17 touchdowns, 5.9 yards per carry) are without question the Tigers most proven players. The rest of the cast are primarily unproven players who will have a chance to make a name in a hurry. That seems just fine with Pinkel.

"I just do what I do," he said. "Three years ago we were real young. All the guys now were real young back in 2006. That's part of what we do. It's also a challenge and it's also exciting."

Gary Pinkel Says Missouri's 'Winning Tradition' Will Continue originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 North Predictions Go Retro

Terrance Harris — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Big 12

You might want to label this the throwback year in the Big 12 North.

Legendary Kansas State coach Bill Snyder is returning to the Wildcats sidelines this season after a four-year hiatus. And maybe even bigger, Nebraska appears on the way back.

Following a forgettable four years under Bill Callahan, former Cornhuskers' defensive coordinator Bo Pelini stepped in last season and immediately began to restore pride in the one-time powerhouse program, particularly on the defensive side of the football.

Nebraska concluded last season on a four-game winning streak, which included a feel-good 26-21 victory over Clemson in the Gator Bowl. Many are counting on the Cornhuskers carrying that momentum into this season, despite breaking in an inexperienced quarterback and some major question marks on both sides of the football.

But while the rest of the country is counting on an instant return (Nebraska was picked to win the North Division in the Big 12 Preseason Media Poll last month), Pelini isn't declaring that his Cornhuskers are back to the Tom Osborne days when they always seemed to be in the national championship conversation.

"We'll find out this year," Pelini said when asked by FanHouse how close his program was to being the Nebraska of old. "I believe our talent level is better than it was a year ago. I think we are young in some spots. We're not as deep a football team as I would like to be across the board.

"I won't be satisfied until we win them all, until we are playing for the national championship. How close we are to that, I don't know. I know this: I'm looking forward to the challenge of the upcoming year as is the rest of the team."

Just to show how much has changed in the North, Nebraska's biggest challenges use to come from Colorado and Kansas State. But Missouri has won the last two North titles and Kansas is likely to pose the biggest threat this season to Nebraska's return to thrown.

The Jayhawks may have the most talented offense in the North, led by quarterback Todd Reesing and receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier. Defense will be their biggest hurdle.

"There is a lot of enthusiasm and great expectations we have as coaches and as players for this year's team," said KU coach Mark Mangino, whose team has recorded back-to-back bowl seasons. "We're looking forward to it."

NORTH DIVISION

Nebraska

Pros: After losing the Blackshirt mystic under Callahan, the Cornhuskers rebounded immediately under the defensive guru-turned head coach Pelini. Defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was a big reason Nebraska went from 116th in the country against the run to 21st last season. Also, safety Larry Asante and defensive end Barry Turner, who returns after missing last season with a broken leg, should be big contributors on a defense that returns just six starters. Offensively, running back Roy Helu should take some of the pressure off first-time starting quarterback Zac Lee as will the reliability of tight end Mike McNeill.

Cons: Joe Ganz is gone after an outstanding year and what's left is an unknown. Even worse there is a depth issue now that one of the projected backups is out for the season. Lee came out of spring ball ahead, but he has thrown just two career passes. The Huskers could turn to highly touted freshman Cody Green if he is ready, but they are preparing former linebacker Latravis Washington to play quarterback after Pellini announced this week redshirt freshman Kody Spano will miss the season. Nebraska also has some unknowns at receiver and the defense has several holes to fill including its entire linebacker corp.

Scheduling: The Cornhuskers will benefit from a very weak North Division round of opponents and the fact Texas is off the schedule this season. The Nov. 7 showdown with Oklahoma in Lincoln should be interesting while the game at Kansas the following week may settle the North.

Kansas

Pros: Quarterback Reesing, listed at 5-foot-11, might be small in stature, but the senior has been huge for the Jayhawks program. He's coming off an impressive season in which he completed nearly 67 percent of his pass for 3,888 yards and 32 touchdowns. He should be able to improve those numbers with what could be the Big 12's top receiving corp. that includes big-play receiver Dezmon Briscoe and possession receiver Kerry Meier. The running game is on solid footing despite the messy departure of former JC Offensive Player of the Year Jocques Crawford. Top rusher Jake Sharp is back after running for 860 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Cons: The Jayhawks could be plagued by the same problem that prevented them last season from reaching the levels of 2007's Orange Bowl campaign and that's defense. KU was one of the worst against the pass last season and much of that had to do with the lack of a legitimate pass rush. Defensive end Jake Laptab, who came on late in the season, and All-Big 12 safety Darrell Stuckey headline eight returning starters on defense. But will the unit show significant enough improvement to knock off Nebraska is the major question. Offensively, the Jayhawks have just two returning starters on the offensive line which could slow the offense some.

Scheduling: Kansas should reign supreme in the North this season, marking an unprecedented third straight bowl season. But what will hurt the Jayhawks title hopes most is a brutal schedule that has both Texas and Oklahoma -- two top five teams -- and tough road games at Colorado, Texas Tech and Kansas State. Their showdown with Nebraska in Lawrence should settle the North Division.

Kansas State

Pros: Bill Snyder, the man who built the Wildcats from virtually nothing into a power in the Big 12 North, returns after a four-year semi-retirement. It will be interesting to see if at 67-years-old he has the energy to resurrect a program that began falling apart toward the end of his initial tenure. Ron Prince came in and re-energized the program before his success began to dip. Snyder might not win immediately, but the program is in much better shape than he left it so it might not take long to return to the top.

Cons: The Wildcats are virtually starting over on offense with early departure of quarterback Josh Freeman to the NFL. The lone real offensive threat is senior receiver Brandon Banks, who was last season's Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year after catching 67 passes for 1,049 yards, but he will be hard for a new quarterback to find at 5-foot-7. Junior Carson Coffman has waited patiently for his turn at quarterback and now he has it. He put up a few numbers last season but they came in situations where the game was already decided.

Scheduling: Much has changed around the Wildcats program since Snyder retired from the program in 2005. Scheduling is one of them. Snyder was known for loading up the schedule with Division I-AA teams in non-conference, but he will be treated to road games against UL-Lafayette and UCLA this season due to Prince's insistence that the schedule toughen up. Okay, yeah UMass and Tennessee Tech --two I-AA opponents -- are still on the schedule. But the Wildcats with a mostly young offense will need all the confidence they can get with Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska awaiting in Big 12 play.

Colorado

Pros: The good news about last season's injury-plagued campaign is that the Buffaloes certainly have a lot of experience on sides of the football because they had to rely on whomever was healthy. The most interesting aspect of the Buffaloes could be quarterback where Cody Hawkins returns for a third season, but sophomore Tyler Hansen may push his for his job. Coach Dan Hawkins has vowed to return to more of power running game and he has the horses to do it and an experienced offensive line that brings back four starters from last season.

Cons: This could be a huge distraction year with so much speculation about Dan Hawkins' career. Colorado fans are losing patience and it's understandable, considering Hawkins is 13-24 going into his four seasons in Boulder. Things will get particularly hairy if his son, Cody, takes another step back and the fans begin to insist they want Hansen. Hansen has a stronger arm and is a little more mobile than Hawkins. Defensively, the Buffaloes are going to a 3-4 scheme, but that scheme has had spotty success at the college level.

Scheduling: The schedule is mild enough the Buffaloes should be able to come out with at least seven wins and make a bowl game to ease some of the unrest. But there is trouble early with three should-win home games against Colorado State, Miami University, Wyoming and then later in the season, the Buffs have to win games at Kansas State and Iowa State and at home against Missouri and Texas A&M.

Missouri

Pros: Gary Pinkel's spread offense will need time to find its footing with a new quarterback and a stable of inexperienced receivers, but that may not be such a huge problem with a quality 1,000-rusher returning in Derrick Washington and three offensive linemen returning. Defensively, All-Big 12 linebacker Sean Weatherspoon returns for his third season as a starter. He led Mizzou last season with 155 tackles.

Cons: After an unprecedented run in which the Tigers won back to back North titles and have gone to bowl games in the last five of six seasons, Pinkel is finally starting over. Tigers lost 14 starters last season after they led Missouri to what was once unimaginable success. The biggest loss is quarterback Chase Daniel, who engineered the offense for three seasons. Sophomore Blaine Gabbert takes over after seeing limited action in five games as a true freshman last season. Just four starters return on defense, which also could mean trouble.

Scheduling: This could be a brutal schedule for a rebuilding team with Oklahoma, Texas and Baylor on the schedule from the South, but the Tigers do get North favorites Nebraska at home and play Kansas in a neutral site game in Kansas City to end the season.

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Stanford head football coach Jim Harbaugh watches his team during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Latest College Football Images

Stanford head football coach Jim Harbaugh watches his team during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Stanford cornerback Corey Gatewood (2) covers receiver Ryan Whalen (8) during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

California running back Jahvid Best, left, runs drills as running back coach Ron Gould, right, looks on during college football practice in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. With eight returning starters from a topflight defense, Best and Shane Vereen sharing the running load, and Pac 10 powerhouse Southern California needing to fill plenty of holes, this could be the year the Bears end a more than half century drought and make it to the Rose Bowl for the first time since the 1958 season. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

California Running Jahvid Best puts on his helmet during college football practice in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. With eight returning starters from a topflight defense, Best and Shane Vereen sharing the running load, and Pac 10 powerhouse Southern California needing to fill plenty of holes, this could be the year the Bears end a more than half century drought and make it to the Rose Bowl for the first time since the 1958 season. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

California quarterback Kevin Riley smiles during college football practice in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. Riley, who went 7-2 as a starter last season, is back and entered as the slight favorite in a three way battle with Brock Mansion and Beau Sweeney based on what he did last year. "His experience puts him a step ahead and he has a knowledge of the offense," Tedford said. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Stanford quarterbacks Andrew Luck (12) and Tavita Pritchard (14) throw during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

California head coach Jeff Tedford watches his team during college football practice in Berkeley, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. With eight returning starters from a topflight defense, Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen sharing the running load, and Pac 10 powerhouse Southern California needing to fill plenty of holes, this could be the year the Bears end a more than half century drought and make it to the Rose Bowl for the first time since the 1958 season. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws during NCAA college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh instructs his team during college football practice in Palo Alto, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Iowa State

Pros: Iowa native Paul Rhoades takes a over a program that has been a little down since Dan McCarney days and is still smarting from the hasty exit of Gene Chizik after just two years, but the Cyclones could be ready to take off. Rhoades has 15 starters returning, the fourth most in the Big 12. This group went 2-10 last season but quarterback Austen Arnaud is better, he has deep and talented pool of receivers to throw to and a talented running back in Alexander Robinson. The Cyclones have a new more exciting offense, which should
really allow Robinson to take off.

Cons: Rhoades' background as a defensive coordinator will come in handy because there are major holes to fill. The Cyclones have just five starters returning from a unit that ranked 112th in the nation in overall defense (453.2 yards per game and 56 touchdowns) and was 116th against the pass (276.7 yards and 31 touchdowns). Their best defender is linebacker Jesse Smith and he's a former walk-on. Fourth-year punter Mike Brandtner may be the defenses best friend after he averaged a career-best 41.6 yards a punt last season.

Scheduling: The Cyclones will hit some rough spots on the schedule, like a three-week stretch in the middle where a home game against Baylor is in the middle of road games at Kansas and Nebraska. But if all goes right, Rhoades could win five or six games in his first season which would amount to a perfect homecoming.

Big 12 North Predictions Go Retro originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In Big 12, South Will Rise Again

Terrance Harris — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST

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

The appearance is that not much has changed in the Big 12.

When we left off last season, three teams -- Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech --were vying for supremacy in the Big 12 South and ultimately the Big 12. Again this season, three teams from the South will clash for the title and likely the right to represent the conference in the BCS national title game.

But this time instead of Tech, Oklahoma State will join the three-ring circus with the Sooners and Longhorns in college football toughest division. Last season, Oklahoma edged out Texas for the division title despite losing the head-to-head battle and eventually made it to the BCS national championship game where Florida and the SEC came out on top 24-14.

The Sooners return several key pieces from last season, including Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford giving real indication they could be just as good as last year. Head coach Bob Stoops is hoping for better than a 13-2 record.

"You have to go earn all of that," Stoops said. "You have to get back with your team, get back out on the field and start competing to see truly where you're at."

The Big 12 preseason media poll predicts it's too close between OU and the Texas to tell who is better. OSU and its high-powered offense isn't being given much of a chance, but should it force another three-way tie, the Sooners and Longhorns might be ones playing in lesser bowls because the Cowboys have an impressive enough schedule to influence voters.

"The continuity and structure of the program and where we're at give us the best chance since I've been back here with [former] Coach Les Miles and myself as head coach," said OSU coach Mike Gundy.

The North should be improved with Kansas as the top team and Nebraska threatening to return to prominence in Bo Pelini's second season. But North is probably a year or two away from seriously challenging the South for superiority.

SOUTH DIVISION

Oklahoma

Pros: In a league that is definitely become more known for passing, the winner of the South Division and ultimately the Big 12 championship will likely be the team that will be able to run the football the best. The jury is out on Texas' stable of unproven runners. You know what you are getting from the Sooners and that is three backs, DeMarco Murray, Chris Brown and Mossis Madu, who are all capable of going for 1,000 yards this season. (Murray and Brown both did it last year, Madu will move out to the slot.) Look for their ability to run and the defense's ability to defend to be more of factor than Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford's arm in the Oct. 17 neutral site showdown with the Longhorns.

Cons: The most glaring issue facing Oklahoma this season is the offensive line where just one starter returns from last season. Left tackle Trent Williams is the lone returning starter up front, but sophomore Stephen Good (right guard) got some valuable time last season and redshirt freshman center Ben Habern should be a stud. The threat of a running and passing game should help the offensive line early.

Scheduling: There is no denying the three-time South champion Sooners will have a tough go of it this season with most of their tough games away from Norman, Okla. OU has neutral site games against BYU and Texas in Cowboys Stadium, but they will either earn or lose their reputation in difficult road environments like Kansas, Nebraska and Texas Tech. If Oklahoma makes it through that slate unscathed, forgot about Bob Stoops' lack of prowess in the big games, the Sooners will be BCS championship ready.

Texas

Pros: This is the season Mack Brown expected his Longhorns to contend for the national title, though they came pretty darn close last season. The Longhorns have the most prolific quarterback in school history in Colt McCoy, a solid nucleus of returning offensive linemen and some quality defenders in the seven returners. Behind McCoy's arm, the Longhorns became a pass-first team the past couple seasons. Now Brown wants to return to more of a downhill running team and they could have the horses to do so three experienced backs and true freshman Chris Whaley coming in. Defensively, the Longhorns should be solid with linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy and a deep secondary leading the way.

Cons: The Longhorns want to return to running the football this season, but a trio of returning backs -- Vondrell McGee, Cody Johnson and Fozzy Whitaker -- who have yet to distinguish themselves it's hard to figure what they may do. The trio barely combined to crack 1,000 yards rushing last season. And while McCoy is a proven passer, who are his receiving threats other than Jordan Shipley? Quan Cosby is gone, can Malcolm Williams step up? Defensively, coordinator Will Muschamp has to not only replace the play of Nagurski Award-winning defensive end Brian Orakpo and defensive tackle Roy Miller up front, but he has to find players to step into their leadership roles.

Scheduling: The Longhorns appear to have a schedule that works in their favor with only one real tough road test against a top-10 team and then the October 31st game at Oklahoma State. They get Texas Tech and Kansas at home and face the Oklahoma Sooners in the annual Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl Oct. 17.

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Latest College Football Photos

Texas senior quarterback Colt McCoy speaks during a media availability Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

Latest College Football Images

New Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian points downfield as he works with his team on practice drills, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, on the first day of NCAA college football practice. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

New Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian, left, talks to Washington quarterback Jake Locker, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, on the first day of NCAA college football practice. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Washington defensive line coach Johnny Nansen, center, runs with Washington football players from both sides of the line, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, on the first day of NCAA college football practice. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Washington quarterback Jake Locker looks to throw under pressure Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, on the first day of NCAA college football practice. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Washington quarterback Jake Locker looks to throw Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, on their first day of NCAA college football practice. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Washington wide receiver James Johnson runs with the ball at lower left as Washington safety Anthony Tokunaga (45) squares up on defense, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, at Husky Stadium in Seattle, on the first day of NCAA college football practice. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Connecticut football coach Randy Edsall watches his team run a drill during the first day of the team's NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Connecticut football tailback Jordan Todman, left, is hit by coach Terry Richardson during a drill on the first day of the team's NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Connecticut football quarterback Zach Frazer, right, talks with tailback Jordan Todman, left, during the first day of NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2009 in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Connecticut football players sprint across the practice field on the first day of the team's NCAA college football practice Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Oklahoma State

Pros: With their 3,000-yard passer, 1,500-yard rusher and 1,480-yard receiver and maybe the most dominant offensive line in the country all returning, saying the Oklahoma State offensive will be explosive is a big understatement. Quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter, receiver Dez Bryant and offensive tackle Russell Okung are the reasons most in Stillwater are banking on this being the most special football season in recent memory. Head coach Mike Gundy has even brought in defensive guru Bill Young to shore up a suspect defense. He will have three senior linebackers to work with, including leader Andre Sexton on the strongside.

Cons: As much as Young's return to his alma mater and the Big 12 are reasons to be excited, we are talking about a Cowboys program that has no defensive identity. They are coming off a season in which they ranked 93rd in the country in overall defense, allowing 405.5 yards per game and surrenderd 49 touchdowns. OSU returns six starters on defense and just one of its top five players in the secondary in cornerback Perrish Cox.

Scheduling: If ever the scheduling gods were smiled down on the Cowboys, it's this season. The lone tough road game is at the end of the season, in a Bedlam tilt with Oklahoma. Otherwise, Georgia, Texas, Texas Tech and Colorado come to T. Boone Pickens Stadium. The Cowboys have eight home games this seson.

Baylor

Pros: It's been a while since there has been this much positive buzz around the Bears program and for good reason. Sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin may be the most exciting quarterback in a league that will be defined by its superb quarterback play this season. Griffin was nearly a one-man show as a true freshman last season in Art Briles' wide-open attack. Griffin isn't alone, he has quality running back in Jay Finley and an exciting young receiver in Kendall Wright, who earned Freshman All-American honors after catching 50 balls for 649 yards and five touchdowns last season. Defensively, the Bears have something to be excited about as well with seven returning starters including hard-hitting All-Big 12 linebacker Joe Pawelek and Thorpe Award watch list safety Jordan Lake. The Bears also get Penn State transfer defensive tackle Phil Taylor on the field this season.

Cons: The Bears certainly have some holes to fill on the offensive line with the departure of No.2 overall NFL draft pick Jason Smith (left tackle) and Dan Gay (right tackle). Baylor also has some questions in its secondary with inexperienced juniors Tim Atchison and Antareis Bryan as the top two cornerbacks.

Scheduling: The Bears could be better than last season's 4-8 record and still occupy their usual spot near the bottom the league standings because of a brutal schedule. Baylor plays eight teams that played in bowl games last season, including a non-conference road game at Wake Forest to open the season followed by a home-opener against UConn two weeks later. It only gets rougher in conference play with a road game at Oklahoma to open Big 12 play followed by the usual South suspects and home game against Nebraska. The only good news about the schedule is UT, Oklahoma State and Nebraska come to Waco and the season-ending Texas Tech game is on a neutral field at the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium.

Texas Tech

Pros: Junior quarterback Taylor Potts made the Davey O'Brien Award watch list last week before ever throwing a meaningful pass in a game. That's a testament to Mike Leach's wacky offense that seems to enable any quarterback to throw for 4,000-plus yards. Potts should be able to ease into the job with ease with a stable of skilled players around him at tailback and receiver. Top receiver Michael Crabtree is gone, but Detron Lewis is ready to step right in as are Edward Britton and Tramain Swindall. Defensively, the Red Raiders return all three starting linebackers to an improved defense. Middle linebacker Brian Duncan was the team's leading tackler last season. Nose guard Colby Whitlock should again be a joy to watch.

Cons: The Raiders have some holes to fill, particularly along with the defensive front where an NFL defection and a suspension derailed what could have been dominating pass rush this season. Tech also has some issues in the secondary where two new safeties will be broken in this season.

Scheduling: Non-conference scheduling is usually a joke under Mike Leach, but the Red Raiders are stepping it up this season -- kinda. They start with North Dakota but then take it up a notch or two with Rice, Houston and New Mexico. But league play will be challenging with a new quarterback with road games at Texas, Nebraska and Oklahoma State. Oklahoma comes to Lubbock late in the season but Stoops seems to have Leach's number more often than not.

Texas A&M

Pros: The Aggies have some exciting young players all over the field such as quarterback Jerrod Johnson, receiver Jeff Fuller, receiver/quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Cyrus Gray, defensive tackle Tony Jerod-Eddie, and safety Trent Hunter. They all had their moments last season and should be ready to become consistent players in year No.2 of the Mike Sherman era.

Cons: The interesting thing here is while the Aggies have some exciting young players, they are young. It may take another season or two before they experience a breakthrough. The Aggies still have issues on the offensive line, so much so they have moved top defensive lineman Lucas Patterson over to starting left tackle to protect Johnson's blindside. Defensively, A&M may be faster but with just four returning starters there will be many growing pains.

Scheduling: The Aggies have a schedule that would look good in most years with four home games and a neutral site game before they hit the road for the first time Oct. 17 at Kansas State. But the neutral site game against Arkansas and the home Big 12 opener against Oklahoma State are brutal. A&M also has to play at Texas Tech, Colorado and Oklahoma. Things could be real ugly before Baylor and Texas come into Kyle Field for the final two regular season games.

In Big 12, South Will Rise Again originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Big 12 Might Permanently Move Championship Game to New Cowboys Stadium

Terrance Harris — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:22:00 EST

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

DALLAS -- Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe announced Tuesday night the league is considering moving the conference championship game permanently into Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' new state-of-the-art stadium in Arlington, Tex.

It was only a matter of time before division among the Big 12 North and South Divisions set in.

In fact, it took less than 24 hours before league coaches either expressed their support for the idea or their displeasure about the possibility moving the game permanently to Dallas. And wouldn't you know those lines are separated at the North and South division lines?

South coaches have long complained of having to play in the cold of cities like Kansas City and St. Louis during the early December Big 12 title game.

"I like for people to have to come out of the nice warm weather and play in the snow and the cold weather and build an advantage, but I also see Dan's point," said Kansas State coach Bill Snyder. "Everybody is talking about the new stadium you have down here, I saw it when it was still structural steel and it was amazing at that point and time.

"It's obviously a great stadium, but I would like to have games in Kansas City. I think they have all been great. We've played a few of them up there and enjoyed the environment. I think the conference has been well supported up there, not only in football but basketball as well. It's a pretty lively city when that takes place."

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach obviously has a different point of view.

"I think it's positive because it gives us a set place and Dallas is easy to fly into for everybody," Leach said. "It stabilizes the weather situation, if that's important.

"Some of the teams in the North don't like it, but I think if you look at it objectively it's easier for a lot of those teams to fly to Dallas from a whole bunch of those North locations and then having it at the same spot is pretty good."

Since the first year of the league in 1996, the Big 12 championship game has been rotated among Kansas City, Dallas, St. Louis (Dome), San Antonio and Houston. This year's conference championship game will be played in Jones' new stadium.

Texas coach Mack Brown is trying to see it from both sides, though he favors the move to Arlington.

"I know in the meeting you have the same old stuff you've always had, you've got a North and South," Brown said. "When you have a North and South, all the North would like to play in the snow and all the South would like to play indoors.

"That's the difficulty the presidents and athletic directors will have to look at. Obviously, I would like to see it in Dallas for the rest of the time. Sitting and listening in a meeting there is some sentiment this league has diverse schools and diverse weather and it's unfair to make them play in an element that is conducive to the South all the time."

Big 12 Might Permanently Move Championship Game to New Cowboys Stadium originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lawyers Encircle College Football

Brian Grummell — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Florida, Florida State, Missouri, USC, Utah, BCS, Pac 10, Bowl Games

Every Monday during college football's endless offseason, The FanHouse Walk will put last week's stories to bed and deliver the essentials to bridge that agonizing space between now and September.

There's an unnerving, repetitive theme to the first four items in this week's FanHouse Walk -- lawyers. Maybe its just the offseason or an odd week, but they seem to be everywhere related to college football right now. Today's headliner finds Florida's Attorney General Bill McCollum threatening the NCAA and its president Myles Brand with a $1,000 fine or even jail time if it doesn't make public documents related to its confidential investigation into Florida State athletics.

McCollum is leaning on Florida law that appears to force sunlight into otherwise confidential processes involving public entities like Florida State University. Florida State has so far declined requests for documents citing NCAA policy asking member institutions not to release confidential details related to investigations. To which McCollum answers thusly:

A lack of physical custody of a document does not excuse Florida State University from its obligations under Florida law.

Any lawyers in the house care to assess the NCAA and Florida State's chances of keeping matters private here? Seems like a slam dunk victory for the state of Florida if they take this to court. I'm big on privacy but McCollum's got a point that when matters involve an entity like Florida State University serving at the behest of the public, some of that privacy is necessarily thrown out the window.

Good Attorney General, Bad Attorney General -- At the moment I'm sympathetic towards Florida AG Bill McCollum, but Utah's AG Mark Shurtleff (who claims to be a "true fiscal conservative" on his Twitter page) is just plain annoying. Whatever you think of the BCS, its clear he's overreached the bounds of his office in taking on the dominant presence in college football's postseason structure.

His latest antics include calling on the Department of Justice to waste its time and further taxpayer dollars investigating the BCS.

In an interview with KSL NewsRadio, Shurtleff said he plans to make a pitch to the Justice Department to bring the weight of its antitrust division into the probe. "Because they have the resources that Utah does not have," Shurtleff said. "Taking on the BCS is a huge undertaking financially."

Here's an idea, if its a huge financial undertaking, not really of high public priority and you're a fiscal conservative, don't bother. Anyone created one of those recall petitions yet for Mr. Shurtleff? I'll sign it.

Preventative Medicine -- Missouri will now test all athletes for sickle cell trait, which is linked to exercise-related fatalities. This move is seemingly related to the settlement of a lawsuit after the death of football player Aaron O'Neal.

While the official cause of death was listed as viral meningitis, several experts - including the chairman of Missouri's pathology department - suggested that a sickle cell trait O'Neal possessed was a contributing factor in his death.

Briefly reading up on the condition it seems extremely rare and not quite fully linked to exercise death, but it sounds like a worthwhile test if it can prevent death. Hopefully more universities follow Missouri's example here although perhaps the costs for such testing are generally prohibitive?

Florida's Get Out Of Jail Card -- Florida's point man when it comes to athlete legal troubles is one Huntley Johnson.

... Sentinel research shows that of the 23 cases handled by Johnson, 21 resulted in dropped charges, a plea deal or pre-trial deferment plans that help first-time offenders avoid charges after fulfilling court-ordered stipulations.

The remaining two cases are unresolved, including sophomore cornerback Janoris Jenkins' arrest two weeks ago on charges of affray and resisting an officer. Eight felony cases have been reduced to misdemeanors or thrown out of court.

"As far as the legal aspect, he's the [team's] MVP," said Cecil Newton, the father of former Gators quarterback Cam Newton.

He sounds a lot like Carmen Trutanich, who has been vilified by UCLA fans as something of a Houdini helping USC football players get out of trouble. Trutanich, by the way, is the newly elected Los Angeles City Attorney.

Overtime, Ball on the 25

-- The Rose Bowl will now be televised by ESPN starting in 2011, meaning all the major BCS bowl games are under contract with The Worldwide Leader through 2014.

-- Meanwhile, the Pac-10 is looking into negotiations with the Alamo Bowl. Hopefully that works out as the Pac-10 could use a shakeup in their bowl arrangements and a chance to play some bigger teams out east.

-- Former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer a star in race relations?

-- Priorities. The NCAA blog wonders if candy is good for athletes.

Lawyers Encircle College Football originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can Big 12 Bounce Back After Getting Bowled Over in Postseason?

Mark Hasty — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST

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

College Football Spring Storylines 2009 looks at the key developments and big news from spring ball.

The Big 12 stood up and challenged the SEC for the title of One Conference to Rule Them All in 2008. They didn't exactly succeed, but the conference gave us a lot of great football last season.

However, that was then and this is now. The postseason was not entirely successful for the conference, with a 4-3 overall record in bowl games. How will that carry over into this fall? Who's on the rise? Who's hitting the skids? We'll talk about the big stories after the jump.

1. Can the North recover its mojo? Last season the South and its endless parade of top-flight quarterbacks soaked up most of the limelight. Missouri was ranked as high as second in the coaches' poll but the Tigers fell hard after consecutive losses to Oklahoma State and Texas. Kansas was ranked early but had a similar retreat, and no other North team was ranked at all. Still, three North schools made the postseason, and they all won their games. Nebraska is clearly on the rise, but what about the rest of the division?

2. Will the South pick up where it left off? Of the four South teams that went to bowl games, only one won. That was Texas, which beat Ohio State in a game that wasn't quite as close as the score indicated, but wasn't the rout many predicted. Oklahoma State got blown up by Oregon, however, and Texas Tech was humbled by a little-regarded Ole Miss squad. Not only that, but Oklahoma fell well short of Florida in the BCS National Championship. Can these squads return to dominance, or will the lack of success get in their heads? And is it all due to ... well, that's the third question.

3. Can anybody in this league play defense? 20th. Four places behind Northern Illinois. That's where Texas finished in total defense last season. It was by far the best showing for any Big 12 defense. The runner-up was Oklahoma, at 57th. Three of the ten lowest-ranked defenses last season were from the Big 12. That's no way to build a dominant conference. If the Big 12 can't stop playing matador defense, it could go the way of the other Big conferences (East and Ten) and slide into irrelevance.

4. Who will fill these shoes? The Big 12 had an embarrassment of riches at quarterback last season. Texas's Colt McCoy and Oklahoma's Sam Bradford return this season, but it the league's defenses don't gel, will there be enough offensive firepower to keep more than just the Sooners and the Longhorns among the elite?

5. Bill Snyder? Seriously? I mean, I hope it works for K-State, but wow.

Can Big 12 Bounce Back After Getting Bowled Over in Postseason? originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Signing Day: Sheldon Richardson Stays in Missouri

Chas Rich — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:17:00 EST

Filed under: Missouri, Big 12, National Signing Day 2009

You would think with the success of Missouri in the last couple years, the Tigers would really start to see more dividends in recruiting. Instead Mizzou has not had it that much easier. Even with the in-state talent.

Despite being the only 1A program in the state, it took until December for the state's top player, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson, to give a soft verbal to the Tigers. Even then, he still seemed intrigued with heading to Miami. The last weekend of January saw him take a recruiting visit down south.

Today, however, the state's top player and one of the best defensive tackles in the country signed with the home state team. Missouri gets a 6' 4" and nearly 300 pounds beast, that will very likely rise in the Tigers two-deep with the graduation of Ziggy Hood.

FanHouse takes you into the belly of the college football beast that is recruiting. We'll be around before, during and after Signing Day '09.

Signing Day: Sheldon Richardson Stays in Missouri originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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