NCAA Football FanHouse

Daily Domer: Crist Out, Floyd Back

John Walters — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:23:00 EST

Filed under: Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Daily Domer

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Crist will come again ... in four to six months.

Notre Dame learned the fates of both back-up quarterback Dayne Crist and wide receiver Michael Floyd on Monday and the results were mixed.

Crist, a sophomore who went down in the fourth quarter of Notre Dame's 40-14 win against Washington State, learned on Monday that he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. Floyd, who broke his left collarbone against Michigan State in the season's third game, was cleared to play.

On Tuesday, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis confirmed that Crist, who had an MRI on Monday, had torn his ACL and that he would have surgery on Friday. Weis said that the Irish staff consulted "the guru in Alabama" (Dr. James Andrews) and that the prognosis was for a four-to-six month rehab. That likely keeps Crist out of spring football.

"I know one thing," Weis said, concerning Crist's return. "We'll be conservative."

As for Floyd, a CAT-scan on Monday convinced doctors that he should be cleared to play. Weis reported that Floyd was "hootin' and hollerin'" (suddenly No. 7 is Slim Pickens in "Blazing Saddles?") at the news and was in no mood to keep it to himself.

"No. 7 [Jimmy Clausen] texted me a few minutes later," Weis reported. "I think No. 7 might have been as happy as No. 3 [Floyd]."

What this all means is that the nation's most potent passing attack outside the state of Texas (take your pick) will be at full strength for the first time since Ann Arbor. You will recall that Floyd started against Michigan State but that he'd just received 15 stitches in his right knee seven days earlier.

And while Clausen himself still has vestigial turf toe troubles, this Irish offense is more lethal than before. That's because Golden Tate has taken his mojo to a previously unrealized plateau in Floyd's absence the past six weeks.

Asked if Tate would have become the rock star that he has in Notre Dame's past five games had Floyd been healthy, Weis replied, "You'd have to lean towards 'No.' "

The facts are these: Floyd caught five touchdown passes in three games for the Irish and at the time Weis was asked if he might be the greatest wideout in school history. And in his absence Tate has become a bona fide first team All-American candidate, even a Heisman candidate (SI.com's Gene Menez lists him at No. 3 this week behind Alabama's Mark Ingram and nose tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska).

With Floyd and Tate on the field together, well, Clausen just became a much better quarterback.
As for JC's back-up and successor, prospects are more opaque. One wonders just how quickly Weis did, or will, put the redshirt freshman in touch with his former pupil, Tom Brady, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear last year. Also, does Crist's injury have any impact on the decision Clausen will make in the coming months about declaring for the NFL Draft? If anything, it adds clarity to the prospect of an entire season being forfeited in one play ... and the prospect of diminishing value in the eyes of NFL scouts.

The headache begins for Charlie Weis. This week he will promote Evan Sharpley, the most gifted passer currently teaching ninth grade geography in America, to second-string. Sharpley, a fifth-year senior, is teaching full-time at local Adams High School as he works toward his teaching certificate. According to Weis, he needs to find a way to skip his final period of the day now in order to be back at the Gug in time for film sessions. Perhaps Crist could substitute teach?

Anyway, Sharpley moves to No. 2 while John Goodman, who played both wideout and quarterback at Bishop Dwenger in Fort Wayne (and who recently said that he considers himself a better quarterback than wideout) will move to third string while still taking most of his reps with the receivers. It was Goodman, after all, who caught a beautifully thrown pass from Crist for a 64-yard touchdown Saturday ... the lone TD pass of Crist's career.

One commenter on an Irish message board suggested that Sharpley start against Navy. What's the worst, asked someone whose memory does not extend more than two years, that could happen?

The problem, obviously, is next year. Does Clausen return? If he does the Irish passing attack will be sick. If he does not Weis will, for the second time in four years, break in a new starter who is both an underclassmen and coming off off-season surgery. Sharpley will be gone. Should Clausen go, the Irish quarterback prospects will be a fragile Crist; a possible prodigal son in Nate Montana (who was on the team in '08 and is currently at Pasadena City College, where he is 31-of-88 with two touchdowns and five interceptions; Clausen's completion percentage, 66.9 percent, is higher than Montana's passer rating, 62.29); and verbal commit Andrew Hendrix, a 6-3, four-star recruit out of Cincinnati Moeller High School.

Weis said that when Floyd was cleared to play yesterday, he told his brilliant sophomore that only two votes went into the decision as to when he would play: his and Floyd's. "And you know which way I'm voting," Weis laughed.

If it were to come down to a similar two-vote decision as to whether Clausen stays or goes (and it won't, but if it were to), Weis might want to replace his favorite band (Bon Jovi) with one of his college contemporaries, Chicago. "If you leave me now ..."

Daily Domer: Crist Out, Floyd Back originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:23:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Latest College Football Photos

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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Latest College Football Photos

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.

Charlie Neibergall, AP

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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Upsets Send Big 12 North's Rep South

Terrance Harris — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:52:00 EST

Filed under: Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Big 12

So much for the Big 12 North being taken seriously this season.

On a day when division leaders Kansas and Nebraska had a chance to make a statement, both teams were upset, and stunningly so.

No.15 Nebraska was exposed offensively in a 31-10 loss to unranked Texas Tech in Lincoln, Neb. And the 17th-ranked Jayhawks, which hadn't played a quality opponent until Saturday, was stunned, 34-30, by a one-win Colorado team for their first loss of the season.

Both defeats have left the door open for supremacy in the North with darkhorses Colorado and Kansas State perhaps having a shot at the division title. The Wildcats exploded on Texas A&M Saturday for after struggling offensively most of the season.

Nebraska, meanwhile, seems like a team that could be on the verge of big trouble.

A week after head coach Bo Pelini flirted with benching starting quarterback Zac Lee against Missouri, he pulled the trigger Saturday by replacing ineffective Lee with Cody Green in the fourth quarter. There is no word on who will start next week when Iowa State comes to town.

But for the second time in as many games, the Cornhuskers couldn't get anything going in the first three quarters. But unlike against the Tigers, Nebraska was unable to turn it on in fourth quarter against Tech. The Cornhuskers managed just 285 yards of offense for its lowest output since 2007.

"We didn't execute from the beginning to the end," said Pelini, whose team slipped to 4-2, 1-1 Big 12. "On offense, we didn't come off the ball. We didn't catch the ball. We didn't make the right reads at quarterback. We didn't run the ball effectively.

"On defense, we didn't make plays. You can sit there and ask all of the questions you want in the world. It comes down to we got beat because we didn't make plays. We got outplayed and outcoached."

In the Jayhawks road loss, they came across a re-energized Colorado team that was starting Tyler Hansen at quarterback for the first time this season. Hansen may have caused more problems for head coach Dan Hawkins with his performance Saturday.

Hawkins reluctantly benched his son, Cody Hawkins, last week in favor of Hansen. Prior to coming off the bench in the Texas game, Hansen was on his way to a redshirt season after losing out to Hawkins for the starting job during two-a-days.

Hansen sparked the Buffaloes defense with one passing and one rushing touchdown. Hansen completed 14 of 25 passes for 175 yards with one interception while rushing 11 times for 35 yards.

The Jayhawks (5-1, 1-1), meanwhile, were explosive with their trio of quarterback Todd Reesing and receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier. But it was the ground game that took a real hit after finishing with minus-7 yards. Kansas lost the time of possession battle soundly, with Colorado holding a 35:12 to 24:48 edge.

But even still, the Jayhawks had their chances in the end with touchdown passing attempts to both Briscoe and Meier being swatted away to preserve the Colorado upset.

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The University of Miami's fans signal the "U" at the end of the second quarter of a game against The University of Central Florida at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, October 17, 2009. (Joe Rimkus Jr./Miami Herald/MCT)

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Illinois wide receiver Jeff Cumberland catches a touchdown pass in the end zone over Indiana defender Richard Council during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Indiana won 27-14. (AP Photo/Tom Strickland)

Iowa State's Derrick Catlett, left, makes a reception in front of Baylor's Jordan Lake, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 24-10. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Oklahoma State running back Keith Toston heads into the end zone with a touchdown against Missouri in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Baylor's Lanear Sampson, center, is tackled by Iowa State's Kennard Banks, left, and Jesse Smith, right, after making a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 24-10. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Iowa State quarterback Austen Arnaud (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 24-10. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Georgia Tech students tear down the goalpost after the Yellow Jackets' 28-23 win over Virginia Tech in an NCAA college football game in Atlanta, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Missouri kicker Grant Ressel, right, kicks a field goal against Oklahoma State in the first quarter an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Mississippi runningback Brandon Bolden (34) runs through an attempted second half tackle by UAB linebacker Marvin Burdette during their NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Mississippi won, 48-13. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against BYU Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall watches from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against San Diego State Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 in San Diego. BYU won 38-28. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Upsets Send Big 12 North's Rep South originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:52:00 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)

MCT

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 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)

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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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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)

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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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Cornhuskers Determined to Learn From Mistakes, Finish Games

Jim Henry — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska, Virginia Tech

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- After collecting their emotions, the brokenhearted Nebraska Cornhuskers promised to learn, be better and, most importantly, finish games.

Nebraska was just under two minutes away from a statement victory over 13th-ranked Virginia Tech here at Lane Stadium Saturday when the Hokies, out of thin air, crashed the party. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor relied on his athletic skills to miraculously drive Tech 88 yards in five plays for a 16-15 victory that sent shock waves from the southwest Virginia mountain to the Midwestern flat lands.

"It was tough, but that's the name of the game -- you have to finish it until the end and we obviously didn't do that," said Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, brushing the frustration from his forehead with his right hand. "So, we ended up losing, even though we played a great game. It's something that we have to move forward on and let it make us stronger."

Virginia Tech's offense had struggled most of the game against Nebraska's physical defense, managing just 195 yards in three quarters and only one real scoring drive. After a slow opening quarter, Nebraska's offense found its rhythm and outgained Tech 343-278. But mistakes, missed opportunities and, in the end, missed chances to get the elusive Taylor on the ground ruined the Cornhuskers' upset.

No excuses, said stone-faced head coach Bo Pelini.

"We all take responsibility for not finishing the deal," he said, arms folded across a table.

"You have to finish the job and we didn't do that. Each and every guy that walked on the field had a hand in us not winning that football game. Coaches included. They made the plays. We didn't. Pretty simple. In a game like that, you've got to make a play.

Nebraska actually had two chances to make a play in the game's closing two minutes as it tried to protect a 15-10 advantage.

Faced with 2nd-and-6 at his 16, Taylor found receiver Danny Coale behind the Cornhuskers secondary for an 81-yard completion down the right sideline. Coale was caught from behind and tripped up at the 3-yard line by cornerback Matt O'Hanlon, who had briefly lost sight of Coale to take a peek at Taylor as he scrambled and avoided pressure in the pocket.

Despite the long gain, Suh still felt great about Nebraska's chances with 1:11 remaining.

"I told my guys all we have to do is hold them to a field goal. We're good," Suh said.

"It's going to be four plays and they have to score (a touchdown). That's the only thing they can do to beat us. ... he (Taylor) ends up making a great play. We can't do anything about it other than learn from it and move forward. To play so great; we were that close and we just didn't finish it."

After being sacked on the first play from the 3-yard line on an 8-yard sack by O'Hanlon and then rushed into throwing the ball way, Taylor scrambled for what the school said was nine second before throwing a dart to Roberts on the right side of the end zone with 21 seconds left.

Suh had a hand on Taylor as he released the winning pass. Again, Pelini didn't want to debate what-ifs or close calls.

"You have got to go make the sack," Pelini said. "You have to go get them. We didn't do it. The guy was scrambling and he got them to stop and hesitate. The guy made a play; good job by them."

Suh agreed.

"The situation is tough because he's scrambling and I personally had a great shot but I didn't get there in time," said Suh, who finished with eight tackles, including one tackles for loss and a half-sack.

"So I will be back, working and hoping the next time I am in that situation I make the play. (Taylor's) a great athlete but we had shots, we had opportunities to make plays. I am not going to take anything from him -- he's a great athlete -- and he alluded me and other guys. We had opportunities to get him and we just didn't.

"We all have to man up and not look to blame each other. Take the blame on yourself and see what you could have done to get it done and move forward. We can't do anything about this game. We have to move forward and look towards the next game."

The last time Tech (2-1) came from behind to win in the last minute was in 1999, when Shayne Graham kicked a 44-yard field goal as time expired to life the Hokies to a 24-22 win at West Virginia. The Hokies, who open ACC play Saturday at home against Miami, have won 32 consecutive non-conference games dating back to 1998.

Nebraska (2-1), meanwhile, looks to regroup at home Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette before traveling to Missouri for its Big-12 opener on Oct. 8.

"There's only two ways you can go -- you can either go up or you can go down," linebacker Phillip Dillard told HuskersIllustrated.com. "This team's going to choose to go up, and we're going to keep fighting and we're going to keep proving ourselves, because it's not over.

"It's a long season. I believe in my teammates, and everyone else should. Regardless of whether we won or lost, you saw the fight in us. That's something you didn't see in us for a long time."

Cornhuskers Determined to Learn From Mistakes, Finish Games originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'T-Mobile' Taylor Answers Call for Hokies

Jim Henry — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:13:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska, Virginia Tech

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Despite its season-opening defeat to Alabama two weeks ago, 13th-ranked Virginia Tech was convinced it could still be a national title contender this season. The Hokies needed a victory Saturday against Nebraska and next week against Miami to help make that happen.

The Hokies made a little magic happen -- with 21 seconds to spare -- against the Cornhuskers to keep that dream alive.

With the 19th-ranked Cornhuskers on the verge of registering their biggest road victory in more than a decade, a scrambling Tyrod Taylor dodged several defenders and then rifled an 11-yard touchdown pass to flanker Dyrell Roberts with 21 ticks remaining to rally Virginia Tech past Nebraska, 16-15.

A sellout crowd of 66,233 at Lane Stadium erupted in celebration as the Hokies (2-1) somehow survived after being held in check for the most part since their opening possession of the game. They had the electric Taylor to thank. Known more for his running than his passing, Taylor completed two big, late throws that drew comparisons to the theatrics of former Tech star Michael Vick.

Taylor first hit receiver Danny Coale, who got behind Nebraska cornerback Matt O'Hanlon as Taylor scrambled in the pocket, for 80 yards down the right sideline to the Cornhuskers 3 with 1:11 remaining. After a sack and an incompletion, Taylor, nicknamed "T-Mobile," avoided pressure for nearly seven seconds before connecting with Roberts in the end zone. Roberts had dropped a fourth-down pass on the Hokies' previous possession.

"I just go out there and play the game," said Taylor, who completed 12 of 27 passes for 192 yards.

"Coach always says not to force stuff, and I think me, not forcing things, allows me to buy time with my feet and find my open guy. We had the [TD] play set up to go to the left side and didn't open up like we wanted it to. So I kind of back up and Dyrell felt what I was going to do and he worked to get open. And I got a chance to get him the ball."

The victory was the 32nd in a row for Virginia Tech at home against non-conference opponents. It also gives the Hokies needed momentum heading into their ACC opener against the surging Hurricanes.

"There's always a chance if you've got a Tyrod," Tech head coach Frank Beamer said and exhaled.

"The bottom line is we don't win this ballgame if we don't have a quarterback as athletic as Tyrod is and can throw the football down the field the way he throws. People thought I was blowing smoke when I said I think they (Cornhuskers) are back. I really think they are back. They execute, they are tough, they are well-coached, it's a tough way for those guys to lose but I do believe they are on course."

Nebraska was, quite simply, devastated.

The Cornhuskers have dropped 21 of their last 22 games against teams in the top 20. All of Nebraska's scoring was on the leg of kicker Alex Henery, who had a career-high five field goals. Leading 12-10 late in the third quarter, the Cornhuskers had an opportunity to pad their margin with first-and-goal at the 6. However, two holding calls -- the first erased a TD pass -- two false starts and an incomplete pass forced Nebraska to punt.

"It was a hard-fought football game," Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said.

"In the end, we had plenty of opportunities to put the football game away and we didn't do it. And they made the play at the end. I take my hat off to them. End of story. You all watched the game."

The showdown was the the nation's only major college football game involving a pair of ranked teams. It showed, too, as parking lots surrounding Lane Stadium were jammed with fans more than three hours prior the 3:30 ET kickoff that was televised regionally by ABC.

Tickets were also a premium, going for an average of $300 earlier this week at StubHub, the popular online site in which individuals can name their own selling price. Nebraska received an allotment of 4,300 tickets for the game. However, it appeared many more Cornhuskers invaded the southwest Virginia mountains for their team's first visit here and first road game of the season.

The weather also cooperated. Skies were overcast and the temperature was a comfortable 76 degrees for kickoff.

After the Hokies applied the heat on the opening kickoff to help capture an early 7-0 advantage, the game turned into a defensive tug-of-war over field position. It was a marked difference from last year's game in Lincoln, Neb., where the teams combined for 65 points and 610 yards of total offense in Tech's 35-30 victory.

Tech running back Ryan Williams had 107 rushing yards and a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter set up by Roberts' 76-yard kickoff return to open the game. Nebraska running back Roy Helu had a game-high 169 yards on 28 carries, while quarterback Zac Lee completed 11 of 30 passes for 136 yards and two interceptions.

It was Roberts' difficult catch in the end zone that saved the Hokies' bacon, however. Virginia Tech was limited to one yard in the third quarter as Nebraska gained control.

"After not catching that fourth-down pass, I kind of got down on myself but my teammates picked me back up," Roberts said.

"I was just going to try my best to make a play. It was just a five-yard snag, going inside and sitting. When Tyrod starts scrambling, it turns into a scramble drill and everybody has got to go. I tried to get in an open place where he could see me. It was tough but I knew, after dropping that fourth-down play, I knew I need to make that catch and redeem myself."

Nebraska led 12-10 at the half on the strength of field goals of 40, 27, 19 and 38 yards from Henery. The Cornhuskers didn't register their initial first down until the 14:29 mark in the second quarter.

Matt Waldron connected on a 39-yard field goal late in the second quarter to push the Hokies' advantage to 10-9. Nebraska nearly had an answer, but they couldn't contain Taylor when it counted.

"We did some good things; a lot that we need to get fixed, too," Pelini said. "In the end, we didn't make the play. I don't measure on yards or how we play; you've got to win the football game. We didn't win the football game so we didn't play good enough in any phase of the game. I measure it on results. That's how we measure things around here."

Tech, meanwhile, plans to enjoy the victory and then turn its attention to UM.

"When you have great players on the field and they work as hard and care about each other as much as this crowd does, that's what makes this thing possible," Beamer said.

"You have to have some great players, you have to have some skill to get that done. You have to have a quarterback that can keep things alive. It was one of those you don't give up, don't give in. We've had our exhibition season -- we've had three non-conference games -- now it's serious time. There are some execution things we need to do better. A little bit of this, a little bit of that."

And a little bit of Tyrod, too.

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South Florida wide receiver Dontavia Bogan (81) celebrates with teammate Mistral Raymond (16) after catchingt a first-quarter touchdown pass during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

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Oklahoma State tight end Justin Horton, right, fights Rice defensive back Jarrett Ben, center, to get to Rice safety Andrew Sendejo, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Brody Schmidt)

Vanderbilt running back Zac Stacy, left, gets past Mississippi State cornerback Zach Smith (42) in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

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BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 19: Brandon LaFell #1 of the Louisiana State University Tigers bobbles a ball over defender Orkeys Auriene #2 of the University of Louisiana-Lafatette Ragin' Cajuns at Tiger Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brandon LaFell;Orkeys Auriene

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BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 19: Fans watch during the game between the Louisiana State University Tigers and the University of Louisiana-Lafatette Ragin' Cajuns at Tiger Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 19: Terrance Toliver #80 of the Louisiana State University Tigers is tackled by Dwight Bentley #5 of the University of Louisiana-Lafatette Ragin' Cajuns at Tiger Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Terrance Toliver;Dwight Bentley

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'T-Mobile' Taylor Answers Call for Hokies originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hokies' Tyrod Taylor Taking What Defenses Give Him

Jim Henry — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:54:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska, Virginia Tech, ACC, Big 12

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Tyrod Taylor is the latest in a line of mobile Virginia Tech quarterbacks. While there's no denying his impressive talents, Taylor has heard the whispers, too. He doesn't show enough patience in the pocket. He makes too many bad reads. He runs too much. But guess what?

Taylor wins, too.

"I just study film and go out there and play the game -- let the game come to me," said Taylor, nicknamed "T-Mobile."

Taylor, 14-3 in three seasons as Tech's starting quarterback, will be looking to repeat his performance from a year ago against Nebraska when the two teams tangle here Saturday at Lang Stadium. Taylor enjoyed perhaps his best college game in Lincoln, Neb., running 15 times for 87 yards and one touchdown, and passing for 171 yards without an interception in a dramatic 35-30 victory.

Despite their season-opening loss to Alabama, Taylor and the 13th-ranked Hokies (1-1) haven't given up their dream of playing for a national championship. A victory over the 19th-ranked Cornhuskers (2-0) would certainly keep that dream alive, not to mention build needed momentum heading into a critical ACC Coastal Division matchup next week at home against Miami. The Hurricanes thumped Georgia Tech 33-17 Thursday night to take an early lead in the division.

One hurdle at a time, though. A sea of red is swelling near Price Mountain.

Tech's opportunities against Nebraska start behind center with Taylor, part of a growing line of standout quarterbacks from the Peninsula area of Virginia. The Hampton High products joins Allen Iverson and Ronald Curry from the same city, Bryan Randall from Williamsburg, Va., and, of course, both Michael and Marcus Vick from Newport News, Va.

When Taylor graduated from Hampton in 2007, he was rated nationally as the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback by Rivals.com. Taylor's college choices came down to Virginia Tech and Florida, but he wanted to be just like Mike.

"I think he (Taylor) is an exceptional player," Tech head coach Frank Beamer said.

"He does a lot of good things for us, and he's a really good leader. Good person, good leader, good player. He's the kind of guy that's trying to constantly get better in every area. I think he's reading defenses better ... getting it there quicker, throwing better. I think he's trying to improve all parts of his game."

Taylor was vintage Taylor against Marshall. He was 9-of-16 for 161 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception and also ran seven times for 72 yards -- exactly the kind of performance Tech needs out of him each week.

The Hokies' offense is also searching for consistency.

In their 34-24 loss to Alabama, the Hokies totaled only 155 yards of offense. In their rout of Marshall last week, they amassed 605 yards of total offense. Freshmen running backs David Wilson and Ryan Williams became the first running back combo in school history to each eclipse 160 yards rushing in the same game. Virginia Tech had 444 rushing yards.

Taylor saw plenty of good in the win, but he focused on the not-so-good, knowing full well that Nebraska offers a far more difficult challenge.

Nebraska's defense played well in its first two games, allowing only 12 points combined in victories over Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State. There's also the memory of last year's game. After Tech grabbed a 28-10 advantage late in the third quarter, Nebraska used a 75-yard drive and a stunning 88-yard punt return to pull within five points with just under eight minutes to go.

"Going back and watching (the Marshall) film, some plays as far as the passing game, there some plays I missed," Taylor said.

"We played well but we didn't play a perfect game. (Nebraska) is going to put more people in the box and we are going to throw the football -- that's the game plan, try to stretch the field and, of course. try to get the running game going."

Beamer also has been impressed by the Cornhuskers.

"Offensively, they were good," he said.

"Defensively, I think they're better (from last year). They've been in the system a while and understand what's expected and they're better. Of course, the kicking game, they got us on a couple things there last year. So I was impressed with them last year and they're a better football team this year. That's a statement about what they're doing out there and how they're doing it. They've got a lot of good players and they're well-coached."

Nebraska will be looking to beat a Top-20 on the road for the first time since Tom Osborne was coach. Since Osborne's retirement from coaching after the 1997 season, Nebraska is 0-16 in true road games versus teams ranked in the top 20 of the Associated Press poll. The highest-ranked opponent that Nebraska has beaten since 1997 was then-No. 23 Notre Dame in 2000.

On the flip side, however, Nebraska also has won six consecutive games dating back to last season. That represents its longest win streak since it reeled off 13 straight in 2000 and 2001. The Cornhuskers have won eight of nine games since last October. Their lone defeat was at No. 4 Oklahoma.

And containing Taylor will be key to keeping the good times rolling as upwards to 9,000 Nebraska fans are expected to attend the game. Only Michael and Marcus Vick boast better winning percentages than Taylor in the last 13 years at Tech, and Taylor also believes he's a better quarterback from last season. He will take what the defense gives him -- with his arm or legs.

"He's a good football player," Nebraska coach Bo Pellini said.

"I think the biggest key for him now is it's his offense. It pretty much was last year, but they still had a little bit of a rotation going, but now I'm sure that helps him with a little bit of a comfort level. To be out there all the time and knowing that he's going to get all the snaps. That would help anybody. I think he is more comfortable. I think he has grown. Just like anybody else who has played this game, the more reps you get, the more experience you get, the better you get.

"I think that's the case with Tyrod."

Hokies' Tyrod Taylor Taking What Defenses Give Him originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Test Time Finally Here for Nebraska

Terrance Harris — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska, Virginia Tech, ACC, Big 12

At last, the road to the top seems awfully clear for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

How far they still have to go will be determined, at least in part, Saturday when the Cornhuskers travel to Blacksburg, Va., to take on the 13th-ranked Hokies, Nebraska's first real test of the season.

Just don't expect Nebraska coach Bo Pelini to admit that his team's first BCS opponent of the season will be a gauge for how close the Cornhuskers are to returning to their dominant former selves.

"Every week is a measuring stick," Pelini said this week. "We have to measure ourselves according to where we want to be and how we're executing. It's the way it is. You have to measure yourself every day. Are you improving every day? Are you getting better every day? Are you competing to be the best every day? You have to make improvement and this week is just the next step."

Thus far, it's been difficult to tell exactly how far along the rebuilding process is for the Big 12 North preseason favorites. Nebraska has won a pair of games but did so by flooring a pair of lightweights -- a 49-3 drubbing of Florida Atlantic and a 38-9 victory over Arkansas State.

A win Saturday afternoon over a high-caliber ACC foe like Virginia Tech (1-1) would certainly provide the telltale sign that Nebraska is indeed on the road to recovery, as most predicted for Pelini's second year.

"It's a great opportunity, especially a team like Virginia Tech that has had such long-term success," said Nebraska junior quarterback Zac Lee. "I think it's an opportunity that we are really looking forward to."

Through the first two games, the Cornhuskers (2-0) have resembled the old Nebraska "Blackshirt" defensive teams that used to stifle opposing offenses.

But they will face a much more powerful and potent rushing attack this weekend led by Hokies backs Ryan Williams and David Wilson. It's because of those two that Virginia Tech ranks 13th in the country in rushing offense after amassing 508 yards on the ground in its first two games -- a 10-point loss to No. 4 Alabama, and then a 52-10 win last week against Marshall.

Williams is the workhorse with an 8.1 yards per carry average this season, to go along with 235 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Wilson, meanwhile, is averaging an eye-popping 13.8 yards per carry on 12 attempts.

Last weekend, Nebraska faced an Arkansas State team that insisted on running the football, rushing 38 times compared to 20 passes. The Hokies promise to be even more committed to the ground game.

"Very potent," Nebraska senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said of Virginia Tech's rushing attack. "There's times where they definitely got some good yardage against [Marshall] and were very physical and a running-downhill team."

Nebraska's offense has had success of its own rushing the football behind running back Roy Helu Jr., who hasn't had a negative carry yet this season and has 212 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries.

But the real story of the offense to this point has been the passing of Lee. In his first season as a starter, Lee has been impressive with a 186.41 quarterback rating that ranks him seventh in the nation. He has completed 42 of 57 passes for 553 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception, a performance that has eased Nebraska's concerns at its most vital position.

Lee is performing better than just about everyone expected, with the exception of coach and player.

"I think Zac is doing what we thought he was capable of doing," Pelini said. "I said all along, I have a tremendous amount of confidence in him. I think if you asked anybody associated with our team, they feel the same way. It doesn't surprise me at all."

Lee, too, is pleased but not surprised at his fast start.

"I'd like to say I have pretty high expectations for myself, so I feel like I'm pretty much right on track," Lee said.

But the junior also realizes the ante goes up quite a bit this week against Virginia Tech.

"I'd imagine things might move a little faster," Lee said. "I think you'll probably be a little more precise with things overall. Our offense as a whole, just [has to] be more precise, more detailed, because I think the speed of the game might speed up a little bit because of the caliber of athletes they have and the coaching that they have."

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ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 12: Cocky, mascot of the South Carolina Gamecocks, watches from the sidelines against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cocky

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In this photo taken on Sept. 12, 2009, Ohio State right tackle Jim Cordle is shown during an NCAA college football game against Southern California in Columbus Ohio. Cordle will miss the next three to four weeks with an ankle injury. Coach Jim Tressel disclosed the injury on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Jordan Shipley prepares to hold an extra point attempt for a Texas kicker during fourth quarter action in an NCAA college football victory in Austin, Texas. A fake field goal in last week's victory in Wyoming failed. As the holder on field goals, Shipley took the snap and tried to run for the first down. Needing one yard, he got none. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

In this photo taken on Sept. 5, 2009, Southern California running back Joe McKnight dives over the goal line to score a touchdown against San Jose State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles. McKnight finally had a performance befitting his star potential last week against Ohio State, yet the junior is still just one man in a rotating cast of ball-carriers for the No. 3 Trojans. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

In this photo taken on Sept. 5, 2009, Southern California running back Joe McKnight carries the ball against San Jose State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles. McKnight finally had a performance befitting his star potential last week against Ohio State, yet the junior is still just one man in a rotating cast of ball-carriers for the No. 3 Trojans. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Texas safety Blake Gideon keeps his mouthpiece at the ready as he stands in sidelines during fourth quarter action in an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns host Texas Tech Saturday night. In last season's loss to Texas Tech, Gideon dropped a sure interception that likely would have given the Longhorns the victory. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

In this photo taken Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, Texas safety Earl Thomas is shown during pregame warmups before his team's NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas. The Longhorns are set to host Texas Tech Saturday night, Sept. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno gestures as he answers a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State plays Temple at home on Saturday. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno answers a question during his weekly news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009 in State College, Pa. Penn State plays Temple at home on Saturday. (AP Photo/Pat Little)

Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy speaks during a news conference in Stillwater, Okla., Monday, Sept. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Wisconsin head football coach Bret Bielema screams during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Madison, Wis. It took two overtimes for a flu-ravaged Wisconsin team to defeat Fresno State. As the Badgers look toward Wofford this week, Bielema gives an update on how his team is handling the flu outbreak that affected 40 players last week. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

That's about as close as you are going to get to anyone in the Cornhuskers camp admitting how important Saturday's game is.

"I don't feel any different, me as a football coach," said Pelini, whose team lost 35-30 to Virginia Tech at home last season. "I'm sure you ask me on Saturday, I'll probably feel a little bit differently. I don't approach it much different, and I don't think our football team approaches it any different than they do any other week.

"Obviously, we have a lot of respect for this football program and it's going to have your stinger up a little bit more. The reality of what's needed to win the football game doesn't really change you're just playing against different people."

Not surprisingly, Lee agrees with his coach.

"It's just the next step," he said. "I know you guys [in the media] are thinking [Pelini]'s just saying it's the next step, but it is. It's the next game on our schedule, and therefore, it's the most important game.

"It's obviously a little different because they're a highly-ranked opponent, who's played good people and done well against them. But we're focused every week and we prepare every week as if it is the biggest week. I think preparation and everything will be very similar this week, just because that's how our coaches prepare us every week."

Test Time Finally Here for Nebraska originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:00:00 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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Ndamukong Suh May Be Nebraska's Best Defensive Lineman -- Ever

Terrance Harris — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nebraska, Big 12

It's one thing to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the Nebraska Cornhuskers' great defensive linemen of the past.

Grant Wistrom. Rich Glover. Larry Jacobson. Neil Smith. Danny Noona. Kenny Walker. Jason Peter.

It's another thing altogether to leapfrog your name ahead of all of them. Yet that's position senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh finds himself in going into his final season in Lincoln.

Could he be? Will he be?

For now, that's a question left unresolved, and, if were up to Suh, would remain unanswered.

"It's a compliment but it seems very far-fetched for me," Suh said to FanHouse this week. "I don't really see me being one of the best that has played here. Hopefully, I'm among the best, but I don't know. That's a lot of weight on my shoulders for me to have that said about me. That's fine with me, I definitely want to live up to that expectation."

Suh, 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, certainly made a strong case last season. He was the embodiment of power and agility along the interior of the Cornhuskers defensive line, putting together one of the most impressive seasons in a long time in Lincoln.

Suh clogged the middle, ran down ball carriers all over the field and served as a constant menace to opposing quarterbacks. He might not have been the sole reason for the Nebraska Cornhuskers resurgence on the side of the ball that had defined Nebraska football for decades but he was definitely the catalyst.

"Big Suh is a tremendous football player," said second-year Nebraska coach Bo Pelini. "He's very big, very powerful, extremely athletic and smart.

"He has all the tools to be a tremendous player. He's become a tremendous player."

Almost anyone Suh lined up against last season would agree. The Portland, Ore., native dominated the line of scrimmage and helped the Cornhuskers defense recoup its Blackshirt alter ego.

Suh's 76 tackles led Nebraska's defense, a feat all but unheard of for an interior defensive lineman in modern football. In fact, the last time a defensive lineman had led the Cornhuskers in tackles prior to last season was in 1973.

But more importantly than his personal accomplishments, which also included a pair of interceptions for touchdowns, Suh is most fixated on the vast improvement made by the entire defense last season. The Cornhuskers went from 116th to 21st nationally in rushing defense and they were second in the Big 12 in total defense at 349.8 yards per game allowed, 126 yards better than the disastrous 2007 season.

Suh hopes last season serves as a notice of what's to come.

"It was huge," said Suh, who has 33 career tackles-for-loss and 12 career sacks. "We're still in the process of getting back. Obviously our ultimate goal is being a Blackshirt defense and holding teams to no scores and field goals and stuff like that when we get into playing teams in conference.

"It was a huge step for us to get our problems taken care of and start to turn that corner last year. So now we can just pick up right where we left off."

All of that optimism might not be there going into this season had Suh decided to capitalize on his monster junior season after two so-so years. Suh could have been a first-day NFL draft pick this past April, but he opted to return to school for his fifth-year senior season.

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Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham (55) sits with running back Brandon Minor (4) and other seniors while waiting for a group photo during the school's annual football media day, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

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Tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, center, of Denmark, poses with members of the Yale University college football team as she visited their practice Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, in West Haven, Conn. (AP Photo/Bob Child)

Tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, center, of Denmark, poses with members of the Yale University college football team as she visited their practice in West Haven, Conn. (AP Photo/Bob Child)

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Aug,11, 2009, Ohio State running back Dan Harron (3) runs in a drill during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, Ohio State running back Jaamal Berry (4) runs in a drill during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, Ohio State running back Brandon Saine (3) runs in a drill during NCAA college football practice Tuesday, Aug,11, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, Ohio State running back Dan Harron (1) stretches during NCAA college football practice in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is shown posing during NCAA college football media day in Gainesville, Fla. Despite working with prostyle quarterback coaches, Tebow is expected to show little changes on the field. Coach Urban Meyer said "the guy has a 60 plus percent completion rate. Enhanced, yes. It's not going to be like all of a sudden, 'Look at this guy.' It's going to be Tim Tebow." (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

In this photo taken on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow (15) throws a pass under the eye of new quarterback coach Scott Loeffler, left, during the NCAA college football practice Gainesville ,Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

In this photo taken on Aug. 9, 2009, Notre Dame wide receiver Shaquelle Evans makes a catch during NCA college football practice in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond)

In this photo taken Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, Texas head football coach Mack Brown is shown during the Longhorns team practice in Austin, Texas. For a guy who started the speculation of when he would retire, Brown acts and sounds like someone who plans to keep coaching at Texas for a long time. Why would he? His Longhorns are ranked No. 2. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck)

Suh said he wanted to help the Cornhuskers complete its return to prominence, and he also wanted to earn his construction management degree, which he will in December after completing 10 credit hours this fall.

He will also probably be able to take a lot of hardware with him to the next level if his preseason award list is any indicator. Suh is a preseason candidate for the Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, Nagurski Award and Lott Trophy along with preseason first team All-Big 12 and All-American honors.

"My biggest motivation in coming back is I felt this team had unfinished business," said Suh, who was voted by the Big 12 coaches as just a second-team all conference member following last season. "I think our seniors last year left this program with a great legacy being that class that turned it around. I kind of want this team to leave that stamp of a higher note of getting back to a BCS bowl or possibly a national championship this year.

"The reason I came back is I felt that the people we have on this team right now are a collection of guys who could possibly do that as long as we put in the work and time and come together as a team. That's pretty much everybody's goal in all the big conference, but I just felt like I can be another small piece of what can move this program back into the promise land as it was before."

But Suh also understands there are some risks involved with coming back to school. If all goes well, he could be the first defensive tackle taken in the first round of next year's NFL Draft. There is also the chance for injury that could reduce his stock.

Suh has heard it all.

"There are two sides to every story and I can see both sides," he said. "But for me, ultimately it was what was best suited for me and my family. I felt I could come back here and have another great year and hopefully that opportunity of going to the next level will still be there as long as I take care of business on the field."

Pelini certainly believes Suh made the right decision.

"At the end of the day, I think he realized that he could use another year of college. Most kids can," said Pelini, whose team enters as the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 North. "He also just felt like he had unfinished business. He felt that he wanted to be instrumental in where the program is headed and he wants to finish off his career at Nebraska the right way."

For Suh that would be winning the Big 12 North and overall Big 12 championship and having a chance to play for Nebraska's first national title in more than a decade. But it's almost just important to him to help return to the Blackshirt mystic to the Nebraska defense that the players before him helped establish.

Only then might he be comfortable with the comparisons to the Nebraska greats.

Ndamukong Suh May Be Nebraska's Best Defensive Lineman -- Ever originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Can the Big Ten Get Its Mojo Back? Ask a Doctor

Mark Hasty — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Big 10

The other day a commenter asked me what I thought the Big Ten needed to do to get back on track. Well, I've only thought about that question every day since the end of last season, so as you might suspect, I have a few ideas.

First off, let's put all the cards on the table. What is "broken" in the Big Ten? The league suffers under the perception/reality that, while its teams look very good against each other, they fold up in competition with teams from other conferences, specifically the Big 12, SEC and Pac 10.

Why? Because the Big Ten has become synonymous with a slow, plodding, and most of all boring style of football. Does this sound familiar to some of you? It should.

It's exactly what people were saying about Nebraska football about 16 or 18 years ago.

Consider the stats: Between 1980 and 1993, the Huskers didn't miss going to a bowl game. How did they do in those games? Over the same stretch, they went 4-10. Ouch. From 1987 to 1993, they lost seven straight. Double ouch. That stretch included four Orange Bowls and two Fiesta Bowls. Mommy!

By the early 1990s, Nebraska was generally considered a team that dominated its shockingly weak conference but couldn't run with college football's elite any more. Like I said ... sound familiar? I'm looking at you, Buckeye fans.

So what did Dr. Tom Osborne do about it?

He went out and got himself some faster players, that's what. He didn't fire his assistants, he didn't bring in some trendy new offensive scheme, he just got quicker. Osborne and his staff grabbed fast players like Tommie Frazier out of Bradenton, Fla., and Ahman Green out of Omaha. He didn't just look for speed at the skill positions, however. The whole team began to emphasize quickness.

What did he get for his trouble? How about back-to-back undefeated national championship seasons in 1994 and 1995? How about a brutal filleting of the Florida Gators in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl (62-24, and the game wasn't as close as the score might lead you to believe)? How about a third national title after the 1997 season?

The point is, Osborne listened to his critics. He didn't claim that they didn't know what they were talking about, that his team just needed to try a little harder, that these things go in cycles, that the Titanic couldn't possibly sink, and so on. He looked at the film and said, "You know what? We are a little slower than the other teams. I think I need some faster players." That was the only change he made.

That's something I think the Big Ten can learn from. The schemes aren't fundamentally broken; it's still possible to win in college football without selling out to the spread. What I don't see, though, is a willingness to make the personnel and recruiting adjustments necessary to make these schemes prosper again. There's still too much emphasis on just being bigger and stronger than the other guy. A lot of that is because of how Ohio State and Michigan have historically dominated the conference with a big, physical style of football. Unless the schedule gods have smiled on your team by letting them skip one or both of those schools, you haven't been able to win the conference without beating one or both of them.

So perhaps the first team to make this small philosophical adjustment will be the first to go and make something good happen nationally. Or maybe the overdog himself, Jim Tressel, needs to take Nebraska's experience to heart. In Terrelle Pryor, he already has a quarterback who is essentially Frazier with a better arm. All he needs is a little more quickness all the way down the depth chart, and some of these loudmouth SEC and Big 12 fans will be forced to drink a tall, cool glass of humility. Again.

How Can the Big Ten Get Its Mojo Back? Ask a Doctor originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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