NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com NCAA Football FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NCAA Football FanHouse http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/NCAA Rejects Dez Bryant's Appealhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/osus-dez-bryant-loses-appeal-college-career-likely-over/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/osus-dez-bryant-loses-appeal-college-career-likely-over/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/05/osus-dez-bryant-loses-appeal-college-career-likely-over/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dez BryantLet the Dez Bryant/NCAA debate begin.

Just or unjust? Excessive or just plain over the top?

Whatever side you fall on, the NCAA has made it's decision where Oklahoma State All-American receiver Dez Bryant is concerned. The governing body turned down the final appeal on the junior's one-year suspension for lying, likely ending his college career.

Bryant had been ruled ineligible earlier this season after the NCAA determined he lied about his relationship with former NFL star Deion Sanders. He has missed Oklahoma State's last five games and it appears Bryant has played his final game in a Cowboys uniform.

A likely top-5 pick in next spring's NFL draft, Bryant had given indication in recent weeks that he would begin preparing for the draft should his appeal not be overturned.

Still, the debate will wage on as to whether the year-long suspension to Bryant was fair. He did break a rarely cited conduct code when he lied to NCAA investigators this summer and again in the fall about meeting with Sanders at the former star's Dallas-area home in May.

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Bryant has since admitted he lied to the investigators for fear that by meeting with Sanders, watching him work out and having a meal with Sanders (Bryant says he paid for his own meal) that he had committed an NCAA violation. It appears that all Bryant actually did wrong was mislead the NCAA.

Some have said for that, Bryant should have had to sit out maybe a game or two. Not an entire year. If Bryant were to come back next season, he wouldn't be eligible to return to the playing field until late September.

As a big-time receiving/punt return prospect, Bryant was expected to take his talents to the NFL after this season anyway. He can simply get that process started earlier and without fear of injury.

NCAA Rejects Dez Bryant's Appeal originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Deion SandersDeionSandersDez BryantDezBryantncaaOklahoma State footballOklahomaStateFootballTerrance HarrisThu, 05 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST Texas Rewrites History in Routhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/texas-rewrites-history-in-rout/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/texas-rewrites-history-in-rout/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/texas-rewrites-history-in-rout/#commentsFiled under: , ,

STILLWATER, Okla. --- Texas coach Mack Brown normally demands his teams stay in the moment.

But in the week leading up to Saturday night's game against 13th-ranked Oklahoma State, Brown wanted to make certain the third-ranked Longhorns remembered where they were at this point last season and what they lost against Texas Tech.

They were different opponents, but presented a strikingly similar scenario a year apart.

The final game in a crazy four-game swing. Facing an explosive offensive team in a critical Big 12 South game. Hostile environment.

But where the Longhorns failed a season ago in Lubbock, they excelled Saturday night, putting the clamps on the Cowboys in a convincing 41-14 win, much to the chagrin of a mostly black and orange crowd of 58,516 that packed Boone Pickens Stadium.

They didn't just beat the Cowboys, the walloped the past, too.

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"We feel much better right now as opposed to last year," UT senior quarterback Colt McCoy said. "This was big for us, we focused all week."

The most immediate prize is the pole position in what is shaping up as a one-team Big 12 South race and maybe one of the more predictable Big 12 championships in years. Becoming clearer is the that the Longhorns are positioning themselves for a date in Pasadena, Calif., and a shot at the BCS national title.

All of those possibilities were snuffed out for the Longhorns in a handful of moments last season against Tech, as a missed interception and a missed tackle in the final seconds were all that stood between them and a undefeated record and a shot at the national championship.

But not this time.

In a you-couldn't-script-this-any-better script, Texas secondary members Blake Gideon, Earl Thomas and Curtis Brown all were able to redeem themselves from a season ago with big interceptions Saturday night. Thomas and Brown both returned interceptions by OSU quarterback Zac Robinson for touchdowns. Gideon came up with a late pick.

A year ago Gideon, dropped what could have been the game-sealing interception against Tech in the final minute. On the next play, both Thomas and Brown missed opportunities to stop receiver Michael Crabtree as he corralled a pass and spun out of their grasp and strutted into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

"You also have to give credit for the anniversary, the last drive for Texas Tech," Brown said. "You are so proud for Blake Gideon, Earl Thomas and Curtis Brown. I thought it was very fitting for them tonight to (have) all three intercept balls, two of them for touchdowns to put that low thought to rest."

To make certain the Longhorns didn't forget what they needed to do to avoid last year's letdown, defensive end Sergio Kindle gave everyone on the team, including Brown and the coaching staff, dog tags that read: Texas Swagger. It seemed to work to near-perfection Saturday night.

"The message is we want to play with a swagger; we want to play with confidence is all that it is," said Brown, whose team is now 8-0 (5-0 in the Big 12). "We don't want to go into places on the road and feel like we might get beat. We want to walk in there and send a message that we are good, we want to play good."

That mission was accomplished Saturday night as the Longhorns' defense put forth a suffocating display against the Cowboys. They closed off running lanes, harassed Robinson and then they physically handled the OSU receivers playing nickel most of the night.

Robinson, the most efficient quarterback in the Big 12 entering the game, threw an uncharacteristic four interceptions as the Cowboys' offense became predictable in trying to overcome a deficit that at one point was 41-7 in the third quarter. Oklahoma State committed a total of five turnovers on the night.

"When you turn the ball over and make that many mistakes against a team that has that much ability, it's very difficult to win the game, " said OSU coach Mike Gundy, whose team slipped to 6-2 (3-1) after being ranked as high as No. 5 in the country earlier this season. "Getting behind by more than two scores makes it very difficult to execute on offense and defense."

The Longhorns, meanwhile, didn't have much trouble at all. The offense was limited in opportunities because of Oklahoma State's game plan to play keep-away with the ball.

But the Longhorns made their few chances count with McCoy leading the offense on five scoring possessions. He completed 16-of-21 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. With two touchdowns from the defense, the offense did all it had to, playing smart turnover-free football (star receiver Jordan Shipley, however, did have turnover on a muffed punt).

Thomas and Brown's touchdowns marked the seventh and eighth touchdowns from the Longhorns' defense or special teams this season.

"I think that makes you an unusual team, we've never been able to do that," Brown said. "Our offense is getting better, our defense is continuing to score and we didn't score on special teams tonight, but we usually do.

"Scoring in all three phases is something that gives you a chance to be really good. We just got to keep that hammer down and keep pressing in those areas."

Interestingly, OSU actually out-gained the Longhorns and held on to the ball for a larger portion of the game. The Cowboys had 277 yards of offense to 275 for Texas. They won the time of possession battle 33:16 to 26:44.

But Oklahoma State lost the all-important turnover battle five-to-one, repeatedly sandbagging offensive drives. Receiver Hubert Anyiam, who had been excellent for the Cowboys in the absence of Dez Bryant, dropped a for-sure touchdown pass early and then fumbled after the catch to blow another opportunity.

Much of the credit for the Cowboys flailing had to go to the hard-hitting UT defense.

"Basically we put everything on the line going out there and showing everybody what we've got, national game, across the world," said UT linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy. "We tried to show them how Texas plays football."

That isn't to suggest the Longhorns can't get better at nearly every phase of the game because they can. They didn't do much in special teams and the offense still isn't as fluid as it needs to be both in running the ball and in the throwing game.



Those are things that must be addressed should Texas end up on college football's biggest stage this year, as now seems likely.

"We felt like we were a team that was going to continue to get better," Brown said. "I think we are in a world now where people are questioning everybody, it doesn't matter. The key is to win.

"This team is enjoying each other. They are getting ownership, they are stepping up as seniors and taking over their team and that's really important. We feel like we have a chance to get better."

Texas Rewrites History in Rout originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 01:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>colt mccoyColtMccoycowboysJordan ShipleyJordanShipleyLonghornsMack BrownMackBrownmichael crabtreeMichaelCrabtreeMike GundyMikeGundyRoddrick MuckelroyRoddrickMuckelroyzac robinsonZacRobinsonTerrance HarrisSun, 01 Nov 2009 01:01:00 EST Texas Toasts Oklahoma Statehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/texas-toasts-oklahoma-state/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/texas-toasts-oklahoma-state/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/texas-toasts-oklahoma-state/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Texas LonghornsSTILLWATER, Okla. -- So much for the down-to-the-wire games between Texas and Oklahoma State and the chance for the Cowboys to finally break through.

Texas forced OSU quarterback Zac Robinson into four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns and the third was converted into a touchdown as the third-ranked Longhorns cruised to a 41-14 victory in front of 58,516 at Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday night.

This was a meeting of the Big 12 South's two top teams, but it was clear from the outset the Longhorns are by far supreme as they took a major step in locking up the division title while staying in step for the coveted BCS championship bid. Texas (8-0, 4-0) just needs to run the table against Baylor, Kansas and Texas A&M after next week's non-conference game against Central Florida to be in position for the opportunities it was denied last season after one lapsed moment against Texas Tech.
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The loss for the 13th-ranked Cowboys, meanwhile, ends a five-game winning streak as a promising season is fast fading for the one-time fifth-ranked team in the country. OSU (6-2, 3-1) has been plagued by off-field issues and injuries and the youth that's left were obvious Saturday night.

In addition to Robinson's struggles, Hubert Anyiam, who had filled the void left by suspended All-American receiver Dez Bryant, had a dropped touchdown and a costly interception on the night. All-Big 12 running back Kendal Hunter, who hasn't played since Sept. 12 because of an ankle/foot injury, ran the ball just one time in his return.

Texas, on the other hand, got big plays from quarterback Colt McCoy and receivers Malcolm Williams and Jordan Shipley. But the real stars for the Longhorns were the defense and the secondary members who locked down the Cowboys' potent offense in critical moments.

Texas Toasts Oklahoma State originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Terrance HarrisSat, 31 Oct 2009 23:02:00 EST Texas-Oklahoma State Live Blog: Shadows of a Tech-nical Knockouthttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/texas-oklahoma-state-live-blog-shadows-of-a-tech-nical-knockout/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/texas-oklahoma-state-live-blog-shadows-of-a-tech-nical-knockout/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/31/texas-oklahoma-state-live-blog-shadows-of-a-tech-nical-knockout/#commentsFiled under: , ,

STILLWATER, Okla. -- It almost seems uncanny, the parallels between tonight's Texas-Oklahoma State Halloween showdown and last season's matchup between the Longhorns and Texas Tech.

A hostile road environment that will be filled with rowdy fans. Night game. National TV audience. The fourth game of an unforgiving four-game stretch that includes Colorado, Oklahoma, Missouri before this one.

A bid for the Big 12 South title and a shot at the BCS national championship game also hang in the balance.

But the third-ranked Texas Longhorns are certainly looking for a different result this time around. Facing an explosive Texas Tech team last season, the Red Raiders became all that stood between the No.1 Longhorns and a national title bid when Michael Crabtree caught the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock.

To add insult, the Longhorns didn't even get to represent the South in the Big 12 championship game after a three-way tiebreaker sent an Oklahoma team they beat on a neutral field earlier in the season.

The way head coach Mack Brown sees it, the undefeated Longhorns have a chance to right a wrong tonight, though this time comes against the 13th-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys at a soldout Boone Pickens Stadium.

"Obviously we lost the game and didn't play as well as we wanted to last year," said Brown, whose team has won 11 straight against OSU, but the two teams have been involved in some nail biters as of late. "We are really looking at this as we have this window of opportunity to recapture something what we lost last year. The guys are excited about the trip, they are excited about Oklahoma State, but they are also excited about trying to recapture something that didn't work well last year.

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"History doesn't repeat itself and give you these opportunities very often."

Oklahoma State, 6-1, 3-0 in Big 12 play, are explosive in the same way the Raiders were last season. If there is a difference, the Cowboys and quarterback Zac Robinson will not have the proven playmaker at receiver the Raiders had last season after All-American receiver Dez Bryant was ruled ineligible by the NCAA this week for lying. All Big-12 running back Kendall Hunter has been out the last several weeks with an ankle injury. He is expected to play about 10 snaps tonight.

The Longhorns, meanwhile, are looking more and more like a team on the rise with quarterback Colt McCoy and the offense finally getting things clicking on all cylinders from the beginning last week against Missouri. Their defense has been lights out all season long linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy and defensive end Sergio Kindle leading the way.



FIRST QUARTER

Both Oklahoma State and Texas open the game with long drives. The Cowboys 13-play drive ends with no points when Bailey misses 44-yard field goal attempt. Then when it's the Longhorns turn, they drive it down in 11 plays and Lawrence converts a 25-yard field to put UT ahead 3-0 with 3:47 remaining in the first quarter.

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

Victor Johnson just hammers on Jordan Shipley on punt catch, forcing the sure-handed senior to fumble the ball away at the UT 34. But the Cowboys are not able to convert on a four-and-out.


In fact, that drive may come to define the night for the Cowboys. They had Texas right where they want them, but move the ball exactly two yards on three straight bumbling plays. The most costly was the deep pass on fourth down that was dropped by Hubert Ayiam at the goal line. It would have been a touchdown for the Cowboys had he been able to make the catch.


SECOND QUARTER

Anyiam has been impressive in replacing Dez Bryant, but he is off to terrible night so far. First he drops a touchdown pass late in the first quarter and now a fumble after the reception has set up the Longhorns first touchdown of the night. Texas went up 10-0 when Johnson plows in from1-yard out with 10:45 left in the first half.

McCoy also looked good for the Longhorns on the scoring drive, hitting Shipley and Goodwin for big pass plays to set up the score from the 1-yard line. And this after the drive began with a 10-yard sack of McCoy.
**************

Can you say opportunistic defense? That's exactly what the Longhorns have been all all season. Curtis Brown steps in front of a Zac Robinson pass to Fooks and returned it 78 yards for a touchdown that put Texas up 17-0 with 6:21 remaining in the first half. It is the eighth non-offensive touchdown for the Longhorns this season.

************************
The Cowboys are finally able to string together enough plays for a touchdown drive. Robinson completed a few nice passes and then the Cowboys were aided by a pass interference call on Chykie Brown that ultimately set up Johnson's 1-yard touchdown run on the left side to pull the Cowboys within 17-7 with 2:10 left in the half. The touchdown capped an eight-play, 84-yard drive.
***********


The fans are upset about the lack of call and review of James Kirkendoll's apparent fumble deep in the Longhorns territory. But it appears the play was already ruled dead by whistle before the fumble so it was not reviewable.

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

The Longhorns haven't put up the yards Oklahoma State has in the first half, but they've made their opportunities count the most. Texas takes a 24-7 lead into halftime after McCoy finds Williams in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown pass play with nine seconds remaining in the half. The score capped an impressive 10-play, 80-yard drive.


THIRD QUARTER<

Here is the difference between Texas and Oklahoma State tonight. The Longhorns put together impressive opening drive in the third quarter, but stumble at the end. Still, they come away with a Lawrence 40-yard field goal that makes it 27-7 with 10:27 left in the quarter.

In the first half, OSU ventured deep into UT territory four times in the first half but had just one touchdown to show for it.

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

You might as well say this isn't Zac Robinson and the Cowboys night offensively. Robinson just threw his second pick six of the night when UT safety Earl Thomas steps in front of the OSU receiver and returns the interception 31 yards for the touchdown that put the Longhorns ahead 34-7 with 9:31 remaining in the third.

Robinson never looked off his receiver, making it easy for Thomas to read his eyes for the easy interception and subsequent touchdown.
***************

Robinson's struggles continue. He has now thrown three interceptions. The most recent is an improvement, however, only because he didn't throw an interception for a touchdown for the first time tonight. Instead, the Longhorn converted Robinson's interception into a 2-yard touchdown run for Cody Johnson that put Texas well ahead 41-7.

Here is a hint to Robinson and head coach Mike Gundy: The deep pass is gone because the Longhorns are sitting in cover two. The underneath stuff is there, but there isn't enough time to catch up that way. Let's just say, Game Over!

Texas-Oklahoma State Live Blog: Shadows of a Tech-nical Knockout originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>colt mccoyColtMccoyDez BryantDezBryantMack BrownMackBrownmichael crabtreeMichaelCrabtreeOklahoma State footballOklahomaStateFootballRoddrick MuckelroyRoddrickMuckelroySergio KindleSergioKindletexas longhornsTexasLonghornszac robinsonZacRobinsonTerrance HarrisSat, 31 Oct 2009 19:20:00 EST Stoops, Snyder Resume Friendly Rivalryhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/stoops-snyder-resume-friendly-rivalry/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/stoops-snyder-resume-friendly-rivalry/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/stoops-snyder-resume-friendly-rivalry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

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"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.

Mike Sherman"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."



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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]]>Bill SnyderBillSnyderBo PeliniBob StoopsBobStoopsBoPeliniCody HawkinsCodyHawkinsDan HawkinsDanHawkinsDeion SandersDeionSandersDez BryantDezBryantKansas JayhawksKansasJayhawksMike GundyMike LeachMike ShermanMikeGundyMikeLeachMikeShermanNebraskaFootballRon PrinceRonPrinceSam BradfordSamBradfordSteven SheffieldStevenSheffieldtaylor pottsTaylorPottsTyler HansenTylerHansenZac LeeZacLeeTerrance HarrisWed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST NCAA Rules Dez Bryant Out for Seasonhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/ncaa-rules-oklahoma-states-dez-bryant-out-for-season/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/ncaa-rules-oklahoma-states-dez-bryant-out-for-season/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/ncaa-rules-oklahoma-states-dez-bryant-out-for-season/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dez BryantIt seemed a little harsh Monday when Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy told reporters "I think everybody has given up," when asked about the chances of All-American receiver Dez Bryant coming off indefinite suspension.

As it turned out, Gundy was more prophetic than pessimistic.

The NCAA officially ended the junior wide receiver's season Tuesday night, refusing to reinstate his eligibility until Sept. 2010 after Bryant misled investigators his interaction with former NFL star Deion Sanders.

Oklahoma State is appealing the decision.

Bryant, a junior, was placed on indefinite suspension by the university the prior to the Sept. 26 game against Grambling State and has missed the Cowboys' last four games. The NCAA then ruled him ineligible Oct. 7. Under the NCAA suspension, Bryant will not be able to return to the field until Sept. 2010.

But as one of the top receiver prospects in the country and a possible first round pick in next spring's NFL draft, it's likely Bryant has played his final game for the Cowboys.

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Oklahoma State announced in a release Tuesday night that it is appealing the decision to the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee. A decision could come as early as next week, but not in time for Saturday night's Big 12 South showdown between No.3 Texas and the 13th-ranked Cowboys in Stillwater.

The loss of Bryant is obviously more harmful to the Cowboys (6-1, 3-0 Big 12) than it is to Bryant. He's their top playmaker as a receiver and punt returner. Bryant, who has played in just three of seven games for the Cowboys this season, is still third on the team in receiving with 17 catches for 323 yards and four touchdowns and was averaging 107.7 yards per game receiving.

Oklahoma State officials have said there will be no further comment on the Bryant situation until the appeal process is complete.

Monday, Gundy said he had heard nothing new on Bryant but that the team was moving on with the belief he would not return this season.

"There is nothing new," Gundy said at the time. "We've had no response. I think everybody has given up."

The suspension stems from a visit Bryant paid to Sanders' Dallas-area home this past May. There had been concern that Sanders worked Bryant out, bought him a meal and was possibly trying to establish a relationship between Bryant and his agent Eugene Parker.

When the NCAA approached Bryant about the meeting this summer, he said it didn't happen and he again reiterated that point in September when approached by the NCAA again. In talking with Sanders, however, the NCAA did find out a meeting took place.

But Sanders denies that the two worked out together, that the meeting had anything to do with establishing a relationship with his agent. Bryant also apparently paid for his own meal.

If those claims are true, it's unlikely any NCAA violation was committed because Sanders has no connection to Oklahoma State and he now works as an analyst for the NFL Network.

But Bryant ran into trouble when he lied to the NCAA about his interaction with Sanders, which is a serious violation. The school moved to suspend Bryant while the NCAA investigated the matter. The NCAA has accused Bryant of violating bylaw 10.1, which deals with "unethical behavior" including "knowingly furnishing the NCAA or the individual's institution false or misleading information."

Bryant traveled to Indianapolis along with a school compliance officer to meet with NCAA officials to apply for reinstatement late last month. It was there he came clean about meeting with Sanders and what went on, but apparently that was too late.

NCAA Rules Dez Bryant Out for Season originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Deion SandersDeionSandersDez BryantDezBryantMike GundyMikeGundyTerrance HarrisTue, 27 Oct 2009 22:46:00 EST NCAA Rules Dez Bryant Out for Seasonhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/ncaa-rules-dez-bryant-out-for-season/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/ncaa-rules-dez-bryant-out-for-season/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/27/ncaa-rules-dez-bryant-out-for-season/#commentsFiled under:

Dez BryantOklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant will not have his eligibility restored this season, the NCAA announced Tuesday night.

Bryant, a preseason All-American, was suspended four weeks ago by Oklahoma State after the school learned he had lied to the NCAA about a meeting with former NFL star Deion Sanders. The NCAA later ruled him ineligible Oct. 7.

"I made a mistake by not being entirely truthful when meeting with the NCAA," Bryant said in a statement at the time. I sincerely regret my mistake and apologize to my teammates, coaches, OSU fans and the NCAA."

Oklahoma State is appealing the ruling and expects a decision next week.

Bryant's eligibility will be restored by the NCAA next September, though the junior is expected to be among the first wide receivers selected in the NFL Draft.

The NCAA accused Bryant with violating bylaw 10.1, which deals with "unethical conduct," including "knowingly furnishing the NCAA or the individual's institution false or misleading information concerning the individual's involvement in or knowledge of matters relevant to a possible violation of an NCAA regulation."

For the Cowboys, the ruling couldn't come at a worse time. Oklahoma State faces Big 12 South favorite Texas this weekend in Stillwater, Okla.

Bryant caught 17 receptions for 323 yards and four touchdowns in four games this season. He caught 87 passes for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns a year ago.
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NCAA Rules Dez Bryant Out for Season originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dez BryantRay HollomanTue, 27 Oct 2009 21:24:00 EST Oklahoma State Gunning to Finally Overcome Nemesishttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/oklahoma-state-gunning-to-finally-overcome-nemesis/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/oklahoma-state-gunning-to-finally-overcome-nemesis/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/oklahoma-state-gunning-to-finally-overcome-nemesis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zac RobinsonIn so many real ways Texas has been the hump the Oklahoma State Cowboys have needed to clear but for any number of reasons just haven't.

In recent years they've come oh-so-close only to fail to come away with the coveted win. A turnover here, a missed tackle there and a failed opportunity somewhere else have been all that's prevented the Cowboys from success.

"There is no question it's been frustrating to be in a situation we've been in with them and just not been able to finish the deal," OSU quarterback Zac Robinson said Monday. "We know we've been really close the past few years and just haven't been able to finish it off."
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The 13th-ranked Cowboys get another crack at overcoming the third-ranked Texas Longhorns this Saturday night in front of an expected overflow crowd at Boone Pickens Stadium in what is shaping up as a Halloween extravaganza. The two lone unbeaten teams in Big 12 play are meeting for what many consider the South division title, and for the Longhorns (7-0, 4-0) the chance to remain in the hunt for the BCS national title will be an overriding theme.

And if those reasons aren't enough to make Saturday night's showdown compelling, this series has been intensified by the close nature of the games in recent years. The Cowboys (6-1, 3-0), a program attempting to break through into the hierarchy of the South division, have given the Longhorns all they can handle but have still lost 11 straight in the series.

Two years ago in Stillwater, OSU owned a 35-14 lead going into the fourth quarter only to falter 38-35. Then last season, with both teams undefeated and in the Top 10, No.1 Texas came out of an on-the-edge-of-your-seat battle with a 28-24 win. But the win was only secured when Robinson's Hail Mary was intercepted on the game's final play.

And from 2003-05, the Cowboys led all three games at halftime but were outscored by a combined 118-0 in the second half. But the difference this year could be an improved Oklahoma State defense under veteran defensive coordinator Bill Young.

Mike Gundy"Obviously, if you look at those games, you look at them from [a] coach's standpoint, they were able to make some plays and finish the game off or come back and find a way to win or they made some good calls as coaches," said OSU coach Mike Gundy. "I don't know that there is any one area you can point your finger at."

The Cowboys are hoping their flirtation with success against UT the last few years combined with the fact they've already been the victors in a blockbuster-type game against the Georgia Bulldogs could give them the confidence to overcome this hurdle.

"I've always felt good playing against Texas," said Robinson, who leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency with a rating of 158.3. "I've always liked personally playing in big games. I think that is the reason you play college football. It's going to be a lot of fun."

Texas coach Mack Brown, whose program owns a 21-2 record all-time in the series with Oklahoma State, is hard-pressed to explain why the Cowboys play his teams so close other than the state ties. The Cowboys have over 50 players on their roster from the state of Texas, 12 of which are starters.

"So they get really excited about this game and in some cases our kids haven't matched their enthusiasm," Brown said. "They are so good right now and Mike Gundy has done such a good job, I think our kids will be as excited as Oklahoma State for this game this weekend."

The same should hold true for the Cowboys this season, as well. They are few lapsed moments in an early home loss to the University of Houston from being undefeated.

The Cowboys, who were ranked as high as No. 5 this season, have clearly struggled to make it into the next echelon of success, where Texas and Oklahoma have roamed the last 10 years. They ran roughshod over Georgia in a heavily anticipated national game pitting the Big 12 versus the SEC in the season opener. Then came the inexplicable loss at home the following week to the then-unranked Cougars.

Still, Brown gives Gundy a great deal of credit for transforming the OSU program from a program with no identity in the South to one that has to be accounted for every season now.

"I've always really admired Mike," Brown said. "He's always been first-class with every situation I've had arise with him. He's always been honest, but he's direct, very positive and respectful and he's done a great job. Each year now they are in the mix for the Big 12 South championship and on the national scene."

This could be Gundy's most impressive run yet. The Cowboys are on a five-game winning streak and have been without the services of star receiver Dez Bryant and running back Kendall Hunter -- both All-American-type players -- for much of the run.

Hunter has been sidelined with an ankle injury the last month and Bryant has been suspended for the season for lying to the NCAA about his relationship with former NFL star Deion Sanders. The school has appealed the NCAA's decision.

In their absence, Robinson has been unbelievable. In Saturday's rout of Baylor, Robinson completed 23-of-27 passes for 250 yards and a season-high three touchdowns. Senior Keith Toston has filled in admirably for Hunter, and receivers like sophomore Hubert Anyiam have stepped up big in Bryant's absence.

So the expected strength-on-strength matchup of the Cowboys' high-powered offense versus a stifling Longhorns defense should be very much at play Saturday.

"It is very difficult to lose your best running back at the time and now Keith Toston has stepped up and done a great job so they've obviously recruited depth," said Brown, whose team has been inconsistent all season at running back because of injuries. "It's also tough to have your top receiver step out but now Anyiam has caught 19 passes the last two weeks.

"Instead of talking about what they don't have, they've moved forward and produced with what is available on their team. So you give them credit for developing depth in their program and credit for moving on and not trying to use any of those as excuses."
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Oklahoma State Gunning to Finally Overcome Nemesis originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>dez bryantmike gundyzac robinsonTerrance HarrisMon, 26 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST Starting 11: From BCS Title to Toilet Bowl http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/starting-11-from-bcs-title-to-toilet-bowl/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/starting-11-from-bcs-title-to-toilet-bowl/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/26/starting-11-from-bcs-title-to-toilet-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Man carrying toiletI'm convinced there's an epidemic currently afoot in America that receives no attention: Cell phones dropped in the toilet.

I have five different friends who have confessed to this via sheepish e-mails (presumably not from the toilet-ed phones). They're trying to reprogram a new phone. This problem is of epic importance, particularly with the importance of smart phones, which can cost upwards of $500. Do you know how much money we've lost by having to replace a BlackBerry or an iPhone because of fumbles during urination? If this happened to Warren Buffet, and he hadn't backed up his information, we'd need a new stimulus package. What if Obama's BlackBerry vanished down the toilet?

I'm convinced that every day in America we throw away the equivalent of the GNP of Moldova in dropped cell phones in toilets. The issue struck me on Saturday as I tailgated and went inside a disgusting port-o-potty. Because a drop here is even worse. How much would it ruin your day if instead of the home bathroom your cell phone went into a port-o-potty? Because, be honest, you might be willing to reclaim a phone dropped at home? But a port-o-potty? It's with the effluvium for all eternity.

What's more, what about if you go to a port-o-potty, drop your phone, and can't find your friends anymore? . We all live with the idea that we're within easy mobile contact. Suddenly, you're the fan with no clothes. Not to mention no idea who is winning games on Saturday. Anyway, with this august question as prelude, let's dive right in to the ClayNation Starting 11.

1. If you're a Cincinnati fan with dreams of a national championship, you need to start rooting for West Virginia and Pittsburgh really, really hard.

Why?

Because an 8-1 West Virginia could come to Cincinnati Nov. 13. Even better, a 10-1 Pittsburgh could loom Dec. 5, the day the SEC and Big 12, other combatants for the BCS title spot, will be playing their conference championship games. I'm starting to believe that an undefeated Cincinnati will end up in the national championship game if there is only one other undefeated team. Why? Because they get two premier games against teams that will, by then, be ranked in the top 15 if they keep winning. In fact, a 10-1 Pittsburgh would likely be a top-10 team.

I can even sketch out the argument for why an undefeated Cincinnati would have dibs over every other team that doesn't emerge unscathed from the BIg 12 or the SEC. They'll have run the table in the Big East and played two major college opponents in the out-of-conference -- Oregon State on the road and Illinois at home. Aside from the Big East being reasonably strong this season, I think this schedule, featuring two would-be powers from other conferences, eliminates the weak schedule argument. Especially since no one foresaw the Illini collapse when this schedule was made. Plus, and just wait for this argument to get trotted out there, Cincinnati beat Oregon State by 10 on the road, while USC won by six at home.

In the ridiculous cake baking contest that is the BCS, that's a pretty compelling argument for why the Bearcats should be in over USC.
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2. Iowa, Iowa, my kingdom for Iowa's good fortune.

How many teams come back from a third-and-18 conversion on a hook-and-ladder? How many teams can boast wins of two, two, three and one point in their eight games? The team they beat by a lone point, Northern Iowa, has a 10-point loss to North Dakota State and a touchdown loss to Southern Illinois on its resume. Arkansas State, a team Iowa beat by three, is 1-4 against BCS teams.

And on Saturday, Iowa needed a defensive holding call to erase an interception, and a fourth down touchdown pass on the final play of the game to come away with the win. So, to say you don't believe that Iowa is a top echelon team, has some validity, but credit where credit is due, Iowa is 8-0 for the first time ever.

How does Iowa get to the BCS title game? Losses by Texas, USC and probably Cincinnati (Interesting voter aversion test: Which embattled conference do you effectively vote against, Big East or Big Ten?) and maybe even then a little prayer that livestock per capita becomes an only slightly-less-nonsensical BCS component. And they still have to beat Ohio State in Columbus Nov. 14.

At least they've got luck on their side. Not to mention, an underdiscussed benefit, finishing their season on November 21 and getting to sit around and see what the rest of the contenders can do with all the pressure on them for the final two weeks of the season.

3. Tim Tebow threw two interceptions, played a mediocre game, and bailed on the post-game press conference.

That's unfortunate.

There has never been a college athlete who has received more glowing press coverage than Tim Tebow. I genuinely believe that's true. Even after having a poor game -- by his standard -- Florida still won by double digits. For a senior to dodge out on the post-game was beneath his stature.

Put it this way, Tennessee's Daniel Lincoln went on the road and missed three field goals against the No. 1 team in the country. Any one of those kicks would have won the game for his team. Did he dodge the post game press conference?

Nope.

4. Watch out for Oklahoma State in the Big 12 South.

After their 34-7 win over Baylor, the Cowboys are now 6-1 this season and undefeated in the Big 12. Only you haven't heard a damn thing about them in the past month that didn't involve Dez Bryant being suspended. Look, they lost to Houston back in September, we get it.

There's no great crime in that, Houston is a fine team with a superb offense. Certainly other one-loss teams have lost to inferior opponents, USC ring a bell? Meanwhile in their five consecutive wins, Zac Robinson has been smoking.

Yet, given all the preseason hype, the loss to Houston completely killed all interest in the Cowboys.

Until, guess what, Texas comes to town this weekend. Beat the Longhorns and Oklahoma State is about to set the BCS all aflutter. Would a one-loss Texas that doesn't win their division still have a shot at advancing to the BCS title game without playing in their conference championship game?

Maybe.

Would they have a better argument for playing for the title than a one-loss Oklahoma State team that beat them?

Nope.

5. You think the phone in the toilet business has no applicability to college football players, right? You're wrong.

It's a plague I tell you. Even football players are not immune.

"The Tigers' starting running back Joseph Doss was suspended for the first half because he was late to a pre-game meeting. Doss said he normally uses his cell phone as an alarm clock but couldn't after he dropped the phone in the toilet."

6. Ball State had a 300-yard rusher and a 200-yard rusher in their win over Eastern Michigan.

This was the first time in NCAA history that a team had a 300- and 200-yard rusher in the same game.

Ball State had, wait for it, one yard passing.

Can you imagine being the Eastern Michigan defensive coordinator watching game film on this one? Do you think he changes his resume to reflect the one yard passing? Like beneath his position--Defensive Coordinator--does he list, "Allowed only 1 yard passing to Ball State in 2009."

What about calling a pass defense, do you think he did it the entire game? Wouldn't it be great to hear the headset calls from this game?

7. Is the Landry Jones mustache the college football equivalent of Spencer Pratt's cowboy hat, so compelling you can't look away?

Landry JonesI think so.

Every time I think I should hate it, I can't help but admire the bravado.

Also, if I'd had to shave the beard after the Alabama game, I was going to leave a stache with a handlebar that came down the side. It would have looked scary, potentially felonious, but it would have also been pretty awesome.

8. The perception that the SEC is rooting for Alabama and Florida is firmly locked in the fan consciousness.

We can argue about whether a systematic conspiracy is remotely possible ... Actually, we can't. It isn't. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist as a fervent point of belief among certain pockets of SEC fans. We sports fans are great conspiracy theorists when it comes to our teams.

But Commissioner Slive is not firing magic bullets from the SEC gatling as he stands on a grassy knoll. There are several reasons for this. No. 1, Slive has a Montgomery Burns-like strength about him, I'm not sure he could pull the trigger if he tried. No. 2 , well, it's just not happening.

But here's what might be happening, the officials, like many of us, have bought into the idea that Alabama and Florida are vastly superior teams to the rest of the conference. Once you buy into that argument you're more likely to notice opposing teams playing in the margin of the rules than you are the dominant teams.

And I'd argue that's what we're seeing take place in games that feature those teams, not an intentional bias in favor of them when it comes to the calls, if there is, in fact, any bias at all, but just a preconditioned perception of superiority that allows those situations to occur.

9. What the funnel is up with Chris Todd and Auburn? A thesis for you.

Early in the season I thought Gene Chizik was a miracle worker given his ability to make Todd a star, but now Todd looks incapable of leading his team to victory against anyone.

Okay, maybe Furman.

But I think Todd offers an interesting illustration of what happens in the SEC. The defenses catch up to and eclipse the offenses every year about this time in the season.

New thesis: the defensive SEC coaching staffs have become so good at what they do, that much like the NFL, merely being good at one or two things doesn't allow you to succeed on a consistent basis. You have to evolve during the season, and most offenses aren't that good at evolving. So Auburn's offense has been quashed. Same with Arkansas and Alabama and Florida. Same with virtually every team in the conference.

Don't believe me?

There are only two offenses in the top 30 in the SEC: Florida and Auburn. The latter is rapidly plummeting and will be outside the top 30 soon if things hold true.





10. I'm not sure I would have gotten out alive if the ref had called Alabama's Terrence Cody for excessive celebration after his blocked kick.

I had on orange pants. The refs would have been safe. Me? Not so much.

Look, I know he ripped his helmet off, and I know there has been a dispute about whether the penalty should have been called and what the impact would have been. The end result would have been negligible. But what if they'd called the penalty and misapplied the rule so that Tennessee re-kicked for the win?

Would you really be surprised if that happened?

Which leads me to this...

Meanwhile there are five defenses inside the top 22. Five! Florida is first, Bama is fourth, Tennessee is tenth, Ole Miss is 20th and LSU is 22nd.

Remember the old thesis that defenses were better than offenses when the season starts? The idea was that offenses would work into their rhythm and get better as the season progressed while defenses wouldn't? I think we might have flipped the cliche in the SEC, the defenses are quicker to react and shut down things that work offensively than they ever have been before.

Keep this in mind as the season progresses, because those dominant defenses perform well in bowl games. Offenses? Often, they don't.

11. Last, but not least, I give and I give and I give.

Wet phone survival tips.

Starting 11: From BCS Title to Toilet Bowl originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Clay TravisMon, 26 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST Big 12 Notebook: North by North Messhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/20/big-12-notebook-north-by-north-mess/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/20/big-12-notebook-north-by-north-mess/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/20/big-12-notebook-north-by-north-mess/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bill SnyderIt'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.

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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."

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

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

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

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


Who's at QB For Tech this week?

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

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

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

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

Pelini mum on quarterback situation

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

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

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

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

So does that mean the competition is open?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    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)

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

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

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

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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)

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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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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)

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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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]]>Art BrilesArtBrilesBig 12 FootballBig12FootballBill SnyderBillSnyderBo PeliniBoPeliniCody GreenCodyGreencolt mccoyColtMccoyDeion SandersDeionSandersDez BryantDezBryantGary PinkelGaryPinkelJerrod JohnsonJerrodJohnsonMack BrownMackBrownmark manginoMarkManginoMike GundyMike LeachMike ShermanMikeGundyMikeLeachMikeShermanpaul rhoadsPaulRhoadsRobert GriffinRobertGriffinryan tannenhillRyanTannenhillSteven SheffieldStevenSheffieldtaylor pottsTaylorPottsZac LeeZacLeeTerrance HarrisTue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST Big 12 Notebook: As Usual, Red River Rivalry Is More Than a Gamehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/big-12-notebook-red-river-runs-through-it/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/big-12-notebook-red-river-runs-through-it/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/big-12-notebook-red-river-runs-through-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sam Bradford, Colt McCoyIt'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.

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"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)

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    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)

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    ** 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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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)

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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 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)

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    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)

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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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]]>Bob StoopsBobStoopscolt mccoyColtMccoydezmon briscoeDezmonBriscoeGary PinkelGaryPinkelJermaine GreshamJermaineGreshamJordan ShipleyJordanShipleyKendall HunterKendallHunterkerry meierKerryMeierMack BrownMackBrownmark manginoMarkManginoMike GundyMikeGundyndamukong suhNdamukongSuhRed River RivalryRedRiverRivalryRobert GriffinRobertGriffinRoddrick MuckelroyRoddrickMuckelroyRyan BroylesRyanBroylesSam BradfordSamBradfordSergio KindleSergioKindleSteven SheffieldStevenSheffieldTodd ReesingToddReesingTerrance HarrisTue, 13 Oct 2009 19:33:00 EST Gundy Supports Bryant's Reinstatementhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/coach-supports-dez-bryants-reinstatement/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/coach-supports-dez-bryants-reinstatement/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/12/coach-supports-dez-bryants-reinstatement/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dez BryantSuspended Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant has the support of head coach Mike Gundy as he heads to Indianapolis on Tuesday to request reinstatement by the NCAA.

Bryant, the Cowboys All-American receiver/punt returner, was suspended by OSU last week after it came out that he lied to the NCAA about his involvement with former star NFL cornerback Deion Sanders. The NCAA said Bryant violated a rule governing ethical conduct by lying to investigators. Apparently, the NCAA asked Bryant about going to Sanders home in the Dallas-area last May and he denied going.

Sanders has since said he and Bryant have had a longstanding relationship and that there was nothing improper about their interaction. Sanders, who attended Florida State, has no connection to Oklahoma State. Bryant missed the Cowboys win Saturday at Texas A&M, but will meet with NCAA officials Tuesday in hopes of being reinstated for the home game against Missouri on Saturday.

"We are in the reinstatement process here, which means we are supporting Dez Bryant in this case," Gundy said during Monday's Big 12 Football media call. "We understand he made a mistake being untruthful to the NCAA. Dez is very sorry about that and Oklahoma State is just the same.
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"We are in the reinstatement process and that should take place this week. Quite honestly I am 100 percent in support and want the best for Dez Bryant but my first concern right now is getting the players ready who will be out there practicing tonight."

The 16th-ranked Cowboys barely escaped A&M this past Saturday with a 36-31 win without their top playmaker. That might be more difficult this week against an explosive Missouri squad that plays much better defense.

Bryant, who has appeared in just three games this season, leads the Cowboys with 17 catches for 323 yards and four touchdowns. He's averaging 19.0 yards per catch and 107.7 yards per game, while also averaging 37.0 yards per punt return and has one 82-yard punt return so far this season.

"Obviously he is a good football player and he makes a lot of plays but it doesn't do anything for us as a staff to concern ourselves with the players that aren't out there," Gundy said. "For me to sit here and say it doesn't hurt to lose a good player ... Everybody in the country is missing some good players. But we want Dez back. If he was here we would have him on the field, we would have him involved in the game plan, but right now he is not."

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Washington's Kavario Middleton catches a pass for a touchdown against Arizona during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
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    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)

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    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)

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    Arizona's Nick Foles, left, talks with teammates before taking to the field for the final series against Washington during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Foles gave up two interceptions near the end of the game one scoring the winning touchdown as Washington wins 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Washington's Kavario Middleton catches a pass for a touchdown against Arizona during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Washington players including Taylor Bean, front, celebrate the 36-33 win over Arizona of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian congratulates quarterback Jake Locker after the 36-33 win over Arizona in an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    Washington's Devin Aguilar, right, celebrates with Senio Kelemete, left after Aguilar scored a touchdown against Arizona during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Seattle, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Washington won 36-33. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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    UNLV quarterback Omar Clayton (2) passes during the first half of their NCAA college football game against BYU at Sam Boyd Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. BYU defeated UNLV 59-21. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

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    BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall watches his team during the second half of their NCAA college football game against UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. BYU defeated UNLV 59-21. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

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    BYU quarterback Max Hall (15) looks to pass against UNLV during the first half of their NCAA college football game at Sam Boyd Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 in Las Vegas. BYU defeated UNLV 59-21. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

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Gundy Supports Bryant's Reinstatement originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Deion SandersDeionSandersDez BryantDezBryantMike GundyMikeGundyTerrance HarrisMon, 12 Oct 2009 17:45:00 EST Big 12 Weekend in Review: Career Days For Kansas Triohttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/11/big-12-weekend-in-review-career-days-for-kansas-trio/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/11/big-12-weekend-in-review-career-days-for-kansas-trio/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/11/big-12-weekend-in-review-career-days-for-kansas-trio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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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]]>Cody HawkinsCodyHawkinsDan HawkinsDanHawkinsdezmon briscoeDezmonBriscoeJordan ShipleyJordanShipleykerry meierKerryMeierMack BrownMackBrownMike LeachMikeLeachSam BradfordSamBradfordTodd ReesingToddReesingTre NewtonTreNewtonTyler HansenVondrell McGeeVondrellMcgeeTerrance HarrisSun, 11 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST Dez Bryant Ineligible After Lying About Visit to Deion Sanders' Homehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/dez-bryant-ruled-ineligible-for-lying-about-visit-to-deion-sande/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/dez-bryant-ruled-ineligible-for-lying-about-visit-to-deion-sande/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/07/dez-bryant-ruled-ineligible-for-lying-about-visit-to-deion-sande/#commentsFiled under: ,

The news just keeps getting worse for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, the team many figured could challenge Texas and Oklahoma for supremacy in the Big 12 this season.

The school confirmed Wednesday that All-American receiver Dez Bryant has been declared ineligible after lying to the NCAA about his interaction with former NFL star Deion Sanders this past May. Bryant visited Sanders' home in Texas, had lunch with him and worked out with the NFL star this past May.

But when asked by the NCAA first in the offseason, then again Sept. 11 about the interaction with Sanders, Bryant denied both accounts because he thought it was a rules violation. The meeting and workout with Sanders, who is unaffiliated with Oklahoma State, likely wasn't a violation. Misleading NCAA investigators, however, is.

"I made a mistake by not being entirely truthful when meeting with the NCAA," Bryant said in a prepared statement released by the university Wednesday. "I sincerely regret my mistake and apologize to my teammates, coaches, OSU fans and the NCAA."

The school said Bryant violated NCAA bylaw 10.1(d), which addresses "knowingly furnishing ... false or misleading information."

Bryant, who is expected to be one of the top receivers taken in next spring's NFL Draft if he forgoes his senior season, is planning to appeal to the NCAA in Indianapolis as soon as possible, the school said. In the meantime, the Cowboys have suffered another blow in its quest for a season for the record books.

The No.15 Cowboys jumped to fifth in the country during the second week of the season, but quickly dropped after a stunning loss to Houston in Week 2. Since then, All-American running back Kendall Hunter has missed the last two-and-a-half games with an injury and quarterback Zac Robinson has struggled to return to form.

Now, the Cowboys are at losing their best playmaker on offense and on special teams, as Bryant is a breakaway threat punt returner, and have their Big 12 opener at Texas A&M Saturday. Bryant leads OSU (3-1) with 17 receptions for 233 yards and four touchdowns this season. He's coming off a breakout season in which he caught 87 balls for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2008.
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"We are certainly disappointed, but we are moving forward as we would with any challenge during the season," said head coach Mike Gundy in a released statement.

School officials did not disclose any other details, citing an ongoing investigation. The release did say OSU had began applying for reinstatement on behalf of Bryant.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Dez Bryant Ineligible After Lying About Visit to Deion Sanders' Home originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Deion SandersDeionSandersDez BryantDezBryantKendall HunterKendallHunterMike GundyMikeGundyncaaOklahoma State CowboysOklahomaStateCowboyszac robinsonZacRobinsonTerrance HarrisWed, 07 Oct 2009 20:27:00 EST Big 12 Notebook: North Heats Uphttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/big-12-notebook-north-heats-up/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/big-12-notebook-north-heats-up/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/big-12-notebook-north-heats-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


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."


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Could Griffin Return?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potts' Progress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas State Has QB Dilemma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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In this Saturday Oct. 3, 2009 photo, Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden is shown walking the sideline during the second half against Boston College of an NCAA college football game at Alumni Stadium in Boston. Boston College won 28-21. The chairman of the Florida State University trustees wants Bobby Bowden to retire at the end of this season. Jim Smith said Monday, oct. 5, 2009, the arrangement with Bowden as head coach and his successor, Jimbo Fisher, as offensive coordinator isn't working. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
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    In this photo taken Sept. 12, 2009, Illinois' QB Eddie McGee (10) heads down field against Illinois State during the second half of the NCAA college football game at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. Illinois will start backup quarterback Eddie McGee on Saturday against Michigan State instead of Juice Williams. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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]]>Art BrilesArtBrilesBill SnyderBillSnyderBlaine GabbertBlaineGabbertBo PeliniBoPeliniBrandon CarterChase DanielChaseDanielGary PinkelGaryPinkelJake SharpJakeSharpMack BrownMackBrownmark manginoMarkManginoMike LeachMikeLeachRobert GriffinRobertGriffintaylor pottsTaylorPottsToben OpurumTerrance HarrisMon, 05 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST Big 12 Notebook: Texas' Tre Newton Earns Starting Job on the Runhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/21/big-12-notebook-texas-tre-newton-earns-starting-job-on-the-run/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/21/big-12-notebook-texas-tre-newton-earns-starting-job-on-the-run/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/21/big-12-notebook-texas-tre-newton-earns-starting-job-on-the-run/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tre NewtonIt 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."

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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)

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    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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    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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    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)

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

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

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

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

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

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Stoops could have QB quandary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Muckelroy honored

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

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

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

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

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

 

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]]>art brilesArtBrilesbo pelinibob stoopsBobStoopsBoPelinidemarco murrayDemarcoMurrayderrick washingtonDerrickWashingtonfozzy whittakerFozzyWhittakerjeff fullerJeffFullerkendall hunterKendallHunterlandry jonesLandryJonesmack brownMackBrownmike shermanMikeShermannate newtonNateNewtonroddrick muckelroyRoddrickMuckelroyryan tannenhillRyanTannenhillsam bradfordSamBradfordtaylor pottsTaylorPottstre newtonTreNewtontyrod taylorTyrodTaylorvondrell mcgeeVondrellMcgeewill muschampWillMuschampTerrance HarrisMon, 21 Sep 2009 20:20:00 EST Big 12 Notebook: Overrated?http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/15/big-12-notebook-overrated/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/15/big-12-notebook-overrated/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/15/big-12-notebook-overrated/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Oklahoma State, HoustonEvery 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, 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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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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    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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"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."

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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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]]>bill snyderBillSnyderbob stoopsBobStoopscarson coffmanCarsonCoffmancody hawkinsCodyHawkinsColt McCoyColtMccoydan hawkinsDanHawkinsgrant gregoryGrantGregorymack brownMackBrownmark manginoMarkManginomike gundyMikeGundytaylor pottsTaylorPottsTerrance HarrisTue, 15 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter Doubtful for Saturdayhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/14/oklahoma-states-kendall-hunter-doubtful-for-saturday/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/14/oklahoma-states-kendall-hunter-doubtful-for-saturday/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/14/oklahoma-states-kendall-hunter-doubtful-for-saturday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kendall HunterOklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said during Monday's Big 12 conference call that All-American running back Kendall Hunter is doubtful for Saturday's non-conference home game against Rice.

Hunter injured either his right ankle or right foot during the second quarter of the Cowboys' stunning upset loss to Houston on Saturday. He did not return, but experienced backs Keith Toston and Beau Johnson filled in nicely in Hunter's absence.

Both are expected to carry the load against the Owls is Hunter is unable to go.

"We're fortunate that we have a couple backs who can make plays for us," said Gundy, who speculated Sunday that Hunter could be out as long as a month. "Depth is such an important factor in college football now, in my opinion with the limited number of scholarships being able to have quality backups that give you maturity and experience in the game. We're very fortunate to have those two guys."

In other injury news, Gundy said quarterback Zac Robinson is indeed healthy. There had been some speculation Robinson could still be suffering from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss time during fall camp.

Robinson has yet to make big plays with his legs as he had in his previous years and as a result his overall game has suffered in the first two games this season. The senior committed two costly turnovers late in Saturday's game, a fumbled snap and then an interception for a touchdown that ended any comeback threat against the Cougars.

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Gundy said the only thing ailing Robinson now is turnovers. Robinson currently ranks 11th in the Big 12 in passing efficiency with a rating of 129.1 after completing 29 of 53 passes for 375 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

"We have a lot of confidence in Zac, we would like for him to take care of the football better than he has in the last game," Gundy said. "In our zone read game, he needs to do a good job of taking care of the ball and keeping it off the ground. Improving in that area will help our offense considerably."

Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter Doubtful for Saturday originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Kendall HunterKendallHunterMike GundyMikeGundyZac Robinzac robinsonZacRobinZacRobinsonTerrance HarrisMon, 14 Sep 2009 15:31:00 EST Cowboys Come Crashing Back to Realityhttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/oklahoma-state-cowboys-have-come-crashing-back-to-reality/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/oklahoma-state-cowboys-have-come-crashing-back-to-reality/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/13/oklahoma-state-cowboys-have-come-crashing-back-to-reality/#commentsFiled under: ,

Houston wrangled Oklahoma St. on SaturdayOne day following Oklahoma State's back-to-reality loss to Houston, head coach Mike Gundy was a bit reflective Sunday on what his team has been through and what remains ahead.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys had been the media darlings of the offseason, making Sports Illustrated covers, starting the year in almost everyone's Top 10 preseason poll, and then last week they seemed to make good on all of the expectations with a convincing season-opening win over Georgia.

Maybe just winning the Big 12 was too modest. "What about a national title?" some might have thought as OSU ascended to Top 5 of the AP poll this week.

But for all of the buzz that was generated, it all disappeared in an instant when unranked University of Houston, of Conference USA acclaim, came into Boone Pickens Stadium on Saturday and lowered all the expectations on the Cowboys courtesy of their 45-35 win.

So now we know the Cowboys aren't nearly as good as originally thought.

"I think it's just life," said Gundy, whose lofty ranking plummeted to No.16 in the latest AP poll released Sunday. "We had been on a pedestal for several months, people telling you how good you are and you beat Georgia, the national publicity and then around town everybody is patting you on the back and then all of sudden you lose a game people think you should have won.

"In our profession that's what happens and the only way to handle it is to keep your head up, come back, correct your mistakes and try to make your team better and get ready to play next Saturday."

In doing so, the Cowboys now have a lot more on film they need to get corrected before Rice pays a visit Saturday. The biggest thing is figuring out how to get an offense that is supposed to be one of the most explosive in the country out of the gates faster. That could be difficult with the status of running back Kendall Hunter unknown after he left Saturday's game in the second quarter with an apparent right ankle injury and did not return. OSU must also clean up four ugly turnovers after not committing any a week earlier against the Bulldogs. Star quarterback Zac Robinson committed two critical turnovers late in the game, including a pick six, with the Cowboys fighting to reclaim the lead.

But potentially bigger is fixing the fragile psyche of a defense that seemed to turn a major corner in defensive coordinator Bill Young's debut against Georgia. Now we speculate that the Bulldogs were just way too deliberate and vanilla in their approach, which made it easy for Young and his experience to solve. The Cougars moved the ball in ways and at a pace very similar to what OSU will see in Big 12 play shortly.

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Ohio State's defense Devon Torrence (10), Brian Rolle (36) and Jermale Hines (7) try to contain Southern California's Antony McCoy (86) in the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, September 12, 2009. (Neal C. Lauron/Columbus Dispatch/MCT)
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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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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)

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    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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    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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UH put up 512 yards of offense with quarterback Case Keenum completing 32 of 46 passes for 366 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Interestingly, Gundy had little to say about the defense during Sunday's teleconference. While he normally looks at the film and meets with the defensive coaches before talking with the media, he hadn't brought himself to make it to that end of the building yet.

"Part of the defensive issue was us not playing very well in the first quarter on offense," Gundy said.

As for bouncing back from such a deflating loss, Gundy admits it will be difficult though it can be done. Any thoughts of a national championship have disappeared, but with Oklahoma and Texas maybe not as mighty as initially thought, either, the Big 12 championship remains a realistic goal.

But Gundy placed the onus on his players to regroup after Saturday's loss.

"It's hard to gauge those circumstances," he said. "The team will be over here tomorrow but it's their responsibility, the seniors and the guys who played, to gather the team up and to practice and prepare. As coaches we can feed them information and we can give them pep talks and whatever it may be but it's their responsibility to come together and play each Saturday.

"When we've built a program to the level we are at now, people expect us to win every game we play for the most part, so that's good. But I said this before the season started, there are not going to be many teams that win 14 games and there are not many that going to win 13, 12, 11 or 10.

"We are going to try win every game we play, we are going to try to work hard and prepare. If we put everything into it and we give effort and we come up short then we come up short," Gundy continued. "We don't ever accept losing but we can't just shut it down and quit. What we need to do is correct mistakes. We have to eliminate turnovers and play more sound on defense -- eliminating penalties or do a better job to minimize penalties and go from there. That's where we need to start and that has to start tomorrow."

As for Hunter, Gundy said he had not been apprised as of yet on the status of last season's Big 12 rushing leader. But he did offer a hint of concern for the prognosis.

"I would think his injury is somewhat significant," Gundy said. "I don't know if it's a week, two weeks or a month. Just because he didn't come back into the game, in most cases when a player doesn't come back into the game that means it's not going to be just a two- or three-day injury. But I can't say that until I meet with the medical people later on tonight."

Cowboys Come Crashing Back to Reality originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>bill youngcase keenumkendall huntermike gundyzac robinsonTerrance HarrisSun, 13 Sep 2009 21:45:00 EST Houston Guns Down Oklahoma Statehttp://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/houston-guns-down-oklahoma-state/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/houston-guns-down-oklahoma-state/http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/09/12/houston-guns-down-oklahoma-state/#commentsFiled under: ,

Houston CougarsPlaying with a false sense of defensive dominance and an obviously lofty No.5 ranking, the Oklahoma State Cowboys came crashing back to reality Saturday afternoon against University of Houston at their own Boone Pickens Stadium.

In a battle of two potent offenses, the Cougars prevailed 45-35 to move to 2-0 on the season. This was a huge loss for the Cowboys (1-1), who this week moved into the Top 5 for just the fifth time in school history and first time since 1985, following a rousing win over SEC foe Georgia.
Houston 45, (5) Oklahoma St. 35: Box Score | Top 25 Scoreboard

But this was obviously a different week and a much different offense than the Bulldogs threw at first-year defensive coordinator Bill Young and the Cowboys. UH, led by quarterback Case Keenum, compiled 512 yards of offense, 367 of which came through the air to survive a late-game shootout by scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys rallied from a 24-7 halftime deficit to to take the lead a couple times late in the second half without leading rusher Kendall Hunter, who was hurt in the second quarter and did not return to the game. OSU scored thre touchdowns in a seven-minute in the third quarter to claim its first lead, 28-24.

It seemed like it was going to be a replay of last season when the Cougars went up 16-7 on the Cowboys and gave them all they could handle before eventually losing to OSU 56-37. But this year, UH was able to reclaim the lead and hang on.

Four turnovers did the Cowboys in, especially two costly turnovers by quarterback Zac Robinson late in the game. He committed a fumble and then threw an interception for a touchdown with 3:14 remaining that gave the Cougars the 10 point lead.

Still, the Cowboys had one last chance to make one last run but couldn't punch it on four attempts from the Cougars 8 yard line in the final minute of the game.

Houston Guns Down Oklahoma State originally appeared on NCAA Football FanHouse on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 19:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Case KeenumTerrance HarrisSat, 12 Sep 2009 19:06:00 EST