2010 Big XII Preview

Hey there guys,

First I want to say R.I.P. Coach Ronny Massey, who passed away earlier this week. He was a great coach and great man.

Anyway back to the point of this post.

Only 15 MORE DAYS!! Just over two weeks until the return of college football!! Guys I can't wait, I have already started making my week 1 picks and I have to say I am getting really excited and can't wait for the start of the season.

The Big XII had a pretty awful off season in my opinion. They lose Colorado to the Pac-10 and more importantly they lose Nebraska to the Big XII. And even though he essentially "saved" the conference, Big XII Commissioner Dan Beebe may have given away all power he had in doing so, as Texas now has their own TV network. I have my doubts in how much control Beebe has now. By giving the Longhorns their own network they will be the primary bread winner for the confernce, and they won't have to share it with anyone else.

That said their is still hope to save the conference, but to do so they are going to have to act quickly and pick up some of the big named Non-BCS teams, TCU being the biggest out there. If they can grab the Longhorns, and perhaps Houston, who is a program that is on the rise right now. If you are a fan of the way that things are now then you should join me in wishing that Texas says its ok.

This season though some of their big name teams of recent seasons are going to be down including Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, which is the big reason why the Big XII only has three teams ranked heading into this season, and they are all in the top ten, with Texas coming in at #4, Oklahoma at #8, and Nebraska at #9. This is going to be an important season for the Big XII and I think that the members who are still going to be around this season, not named Texas or Oklahoma, need to have better then expected years. If this conference has a down year than they might as well go ahead and disband.

As always guys you know I love to hear what you think so let me know.

Big XII

(cp - coaches poll/ ap - associated press)

South Division

1. #8(cp) Oklahoma Sooners
'09 Final Record: 8-5 (5-3)

Offense (Pro Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #4 Scoring Off - 28.9 points per game
• #3 Passing Off - 298.1 yards per game
• #3 First Downs - 23.3 first downs per game

Returning: 8 Starters

• Passing: QB Landry Jones (261-449 58.1% 3198yds 26td 14int)
• Rushing: RB DeMarco Murray (171att 705yds 4.1avg 8td), RB Jermie Calhoun (45att 220yds 4.9avg 1td)
• Receiving: WR Ryan Broyles (89rec 1120yds 12.6avg 15td), RB DeMarco Murray (41rec 522yds 12.7avg 4td)

Last season was the worst offense since the Pre-Sam Bradford era for the Sooners though it was 3rd best over the last 5 seasons, as they averaged 31.3ppg 424ypg. This season they return 8 Starters on offense, which makes them vasly more experienced than this past years squad. They return very highly touted sophomore QB Landry Jones (former top five QB recruit out of HS) and he had a fantastic season as a rFr replacing the injured Sam Bradford. Now he has some experience to go along with his talent, and he returns some key components to this offense including 3 starters along the offensive line. While there are no big names among this group it is still filled with some great talent including new starter at LT Jarvis Jones (LSU Transfer). Jones also gets back his top four receiving leaders from a year ago including 2nd Tm All-Conf WR Ryan Broyles. While DeJuan Miller (36rec 434yds 12.1avg 1td) and Brandon Caleb (26rec 408yds 15.7avg 2td) each had pretty good seasons last year I would also watch out for a couple of very highly touted true frosh in Justin McCray (top ten WR recruit out of HS) and Kenny Stills (practiced with team in spring). With an experienced QB Jones, a talented O-Line and Receiving corps I expect the Passing numbers to increase this season for the Sooners. As far as the running the ball is concerned they do lose last years leading rusher in RB Chris Brown (182att 749yds 4.1avg 7td '09) but they return do it all 2nd tm All-Conf RB DeMarco Murray. While has shared carries the past two seasons with Brown I expect him to take the majority of the carries this season with his primary backup being very highly touted sophomore Jermie Calhoun. While the rushing numbers this past season were their lowest in 7 years (135ypg 3.6ypb '09) I expect them to get back to resemble more of the '06 numbers (177ypg 4.5ypb). This should return to being one of the nations premier offenses

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #2 Scoring Def - 15.9 points per game
• #1 Passing Def - 183.6 yards per game
• #1 Opp First Downs - 15.8 first downs per game
• #1 Opp 3rd Downs - 27.8% conversion
• #4 Takeaways - 17

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Travis Lewis (109tkl 9.5tfl 1sk 1int), FS Quinton Carter (88tkl 2.5tfl 5pbu 4int)
• Sacks: DE Jeremy Beal (70tkl 19tfl 11sk 3pbu 1int), DT Adrian Taylor (37tkl 7tfl 3.5sk)
• Interceptions: FS Quinton Carter, CB Jonathan Nelson (42tkl 2pbu 3int)

While the offense was looking for its Identity after all time leading passer Sam Bradford went down with an injury, the Defense had its best season in the last 7 years only giving up 14.5ppg 273ypg. This season they only return 5 starters on defense and just 2 up front as they lost #3 pick in the NFL Draft in DT Gerald McCoy (36tkl 15.5tfl 6sk). They do however bring back 3rd Tm AA DE Jeremy Beal and HM BXII DT Adrian Taylor. One of the "new" starters up front is DE Frank Alexander (23tkl 7tfl 1.5sk) who was HM BXII in '08 before being replaced by former LB Auston English this past season. The other DT starter is very highly touted sophomore Jamarkus McFarland (8tkl 2.5sk; former top ten DL recruit out of HS). Despite the losing an AA in DT McCoy I actually expect for the Sooners to have another outstanding season up front this year. At LB they return 1 starter from a year ago but they do lose 2 all-conf members from this past season. This unit is filled with very highly touted players to step in and play next to 1st tm All-Conf OLB Travis Lewis. At MLB two names are battling for the starting spot in the experienced jr Austin Box (33tkl 2.5tfl) and highly touted rFr Tom Wort. The other spot belongs to very highly touted sophomore Ronnell Lewis (22tkl 2.5tfl 1sk; former top ten LB recruit out of HS). This unit is very talented and has the potential to be as good as last years unit but with less experience I will call them down a notch or two. In the secondary they return 2 starters from last years group two all conf CBs. They do return both S's including 2nd tm All-Conf FS Quinton Carter. I like Sam Proctor (44tkl 2pbu) but wouldn't be surprised to see him split playing time with very highly touted true frosh Tony Jefferson (top ten DB recruit out of HS). At CB the experienced Sr Jonathan Nelson, who made HM BXII last season as a backup, and very highly touted rFr Gabe Lynn (top ten DB recruit out of HS) to take over. Like the LBs this is a solid unit, with loads of talent but after losing two experienced stars I expect them to be a skosh from last season.

Conclusion

The Sooners have a very interesting out of conference schedule with plenty of interesting games as they play Utah St, Florida St, Air Force, and then go @ Cincinnati. They should easily dispatch Utah St so we'll go ahead and give them a win there. I don't think Florida States defense is ready to take on an offense like the Sooners just yet and I actually think the Sooners win this one easily. In the final two I think both Air Force and Cincinnati will give the Sooners problems early but they don't have enough to compete just yet. I would be surprised if Oklahoma finished less than 4-0 in their OOC. In conference play they take on Texas (in Dallas), Iowa St, @ Missouri, Colorado, @ Texas A&M, Texas Tech, @ Baylor, and @ Oklahoma St. Their are 3 key games on this schedule that will determine whether or not Oklahoma can run the table or sit at home and watch someone else play in the Big XII championship game. Those games are vs. Texas, @ Missouri, and @ Texas A&M. Now Oklahoma should win all 3 of those games, but you know Texas is going to give them their all and the longhorns have won 3 of the last 5 (2 in a row), Missouri is quietly one of the most improved teams in the country and if Oklahoma isn't fully ready could very easily get upset on the road, and Texas A&M is probably the most improved team in the league with the leagues best QB in Jerrod Johnson. And anything can happen at Kyle Field. That being said I expect for the Sooners to slip up in one of those games but still win the North.

2. #4(cp) Texas Longhorns
'09 Final Record: 13-1 (9-0)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #1 Scoring Off - 36.7 points per game
• #4 First Downs - 22.1 first downs per game
• #2 3rd Downs - 43.4% conversion

Returning: 5 Starters

• Passing: QB Garrett Gilbert (30-66 45.5% 310yds 2td 4int)
• Rushing: RB Tre Newton (116att 552yds 4.8avg 6td), FB Cody Johnson (87att 335yds 3.9avg 12td)
• Receiving: WR Malcom Williams (39rec 550yds 14.1ag 2td), WR James Kirkendoll (48rec 461yds 9.6avg 6td)

Over the last 7 seasons the Longhorns have averaged more than 35ppg 390ypg in every single season. This season may be the first they average below those as they return just 5 starters from last years Big XII Champions squad. One of the many starters they lose is the NCAA leader in wins (45), and Longhorns all time leading passer (13253yds '06'09) QB Colt McCoy. This season he is replaced by very highly touted sophomore QB Garrett Gilbert (top five QB recruit out of HS), who had some pretty promising moments in the National Championship game this past fall against one of the best defenses in college football history. Head Coach Mack Brown has already stated that their is going to be a bigger emphasis on running the football so I don't think that Gilbert is going to match McCoy's numbers from this past season, even though he does return 2 of the top 3 leading receivers a year ago. I expect WR Malcolm Williams to have a breakout season this year. The Longhorns didn't throw to the TE much last season, mostly due to the fact they coudln't get one to stay healthy, but this season I look for very highly touted sophomore TE Barrett Matthews (top ten TE recruit out of HS) to make an impact in the passing game. As previously mentioned there is going to be a bigger emphasis on the run game this fall so I look for highly touted sophomore and last seasons leading rusher Tre Newton to better numbers and to split time with Sr RB Vondrell McGee. The big key to all of this happening is whether or not this inexperienced O-Line can come together fast enough this season. They only return 2 starters from a year ago including HM BXII LG Michael Huey and LT Kyle Nix. While its nice that they return those two they lost 3 all-conf performers from last season. The two deep is filled with talent but they are one of the more inexperienced O-Lines in the conference. I expect this offense to have some of its worst numbers (though still good numbers) of the last 7 years.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #3 Scoring Def - 17.4 points per game
• #1 Rushing Def - 59.8 yards per game
• #2 Opp First Downs - 16.0 first downs per game
• #2 Opp 3rd Downs - 30.3% conversion
• #1 Takeaways - 26

Returning: 7 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Keenan Robinson (74tkl 5tfl 1.5sk 4pbu), DE Sam Acho (63tkl 14tfl 10sk! 3pbu; moved to DT in spring)
• Sacks: DE Sam Acho, DE Eddie Jones (23tkl 7tfl 5sk 1int)
• Interceptions: FS Blake Gideon (62tkl 2tfl 5pbu 6int), CB Aaron Williams (44tkl 6tfl 2sk 6pbu 3int)

Back in '07 HC Brown hired Will Muschamp to be the Defensive Coordinator and in his two seasons the defense has improved each season going from 25.3ppg 371ypg in '07 to 18.8ppg 343ypg in '08, Muschamps first season, to 16.7ppg 252ypg in '09. This season they return 7 starters making them the most experienced defense that Muschamp has had here at Texas. They do return 2 starters along the D-Line but lose all conf DT Lamar Houston and AA DE Sergio Kindle. The 2 returning starters are NT Kheeston Randall (23tkl 3tfl 2sk) and converted DE, HM BXII DT Sam Acho. Replacing the two open DE spots should be Sr. DE Eddie Jones (former top five DL recruit out of HS) who played very well in as a backup last season, and very highly touted sophomore Alex Okafor (22tkl 2tfl; former top five DL recruit out of HS). With the loss of one of the conference best run stoppers in Houston (22tfl '09) and of the nations best pass rushers in Kindle (22tfl '09) I expect the line to be down this season, though still one of the best in the Big XII. Though they list themselves as a 4-3 defense they spent a lot of time last season with 2 LBs and 5 DBs. This season they return 2 starters from last years LB group, and both were HM BXII OLBs Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho (49tkl 10tfl 2sk 1int). While both of those guys are talented watch for a couple of very highly touted true frosh in Jordan Hicks (top five LB out of HS) and Tevin Jackson (top ten LB out of HS). This is a very talented group and should be one of the conferenes best this season. In the secondary the Longhorns return 3 (essentially 4) starters though they do lose 1st tm AA SS Earl Thomas (77tkl 5tfl 16pbu! 8int). They essentially return 4 because they played 5 DBs for a majority of the season this past year and they return a couple of HM BXII in CB Curtis Brown (53tkl 2tfl 15pbu! 1int) and FS Blake Gideon. The Nickel this season should be CB Chykie Brown (48tkl 5tfl 2sk 8pbu 2int). Starting in the opening SS spot should be Christian Scott, and this looks like one of the best secondaries in the country.

Conclusion

The out of conference schedule for the Longhorns is pretty manageable as they fast Rice (at Reliant Stadium), Wyoming, UCLA, and Florida Atlantic. With their only OOC game away from home being at an NFL stadium where the majority of fans will be dressed in burnt orange I expect for Texas to roll through this one with ease. In conference they go @ Texas Tech, Oklahoma (in Dallas), @ Nebraska, Iowa St, Baylor, @ Kansas St, Oklahoma St, and Texas A&M. They have a rough way to open up conference play as they have to go on the road and face a Tommy Tuberville lead Texas Tech team, face a much improved Oklahoma team, and then go on the road to face Nebraska. Woof. If they survive that then they very well could win this division. Watch out for Nov. 25 vs. A&M though. This should be another fine season for Texas though I do not think they will match last seasons 13 wins.

3. Texas A&M Aggies
'09 Final Record: 6-7 (3-5)

Offense (Pro Style w/Option)

Key '09 Stats

• #3 Scoring Off - 31.6 points per game
• #2 Rushing Off - 180.0 yards per game
• #2 First Downs - 24.5 first downs per game
• #1 3rd Downs - 48.8% conversion
• #8 Turnovers - 18

Returning: 7 Starters

• Passing: QB Jerrod Johnson (296-497 59.6% 3579yds 30td 8int), WR Ryan Tannehill (4-8 50% 60yds)
• Rushing: RB Christine Michael (166att 844yds 5.1avg 10td), RB Cyrus Gray (159att 797yds 4.8avg 5td)
• Receiving: WR Uzoma Nwachukwu (40rec 708ds 17.7avg 6td), WR Ryan Tannehill (46rec 609yds 13.2avg 4td)

In Mike Sherman's first season as Head Coach here the Aggies had one of their worst offenses in recent memory (25.0ppg 341ypg '08). In his 2nd season Sherman may have had the most improved offense in the country as they averaged 32.8ppg 466ypg in '09. This season he returns 7 starters and looks to keep improving. One of the big reasons that this offense was so potent was the emergence of 2nd tm All-Conf QB Jerrod Johnson, who has an impressive arm and he can run (145att 506yds 3.5avg 8td). This season he gets back his top 3 receivers in 1st tm frosh AA Uzoma Nwachukwu, and HM BXII WRs Ryan Tannehill and Jeff Fuller (41rec 568yds 13.9avg 7td). I expect for Johnson to have another fine season throwing the football. As for the run game is concerned this was the most improved part of the '09 offense they went from 89ypg 2.9ypc in '08 to 184ypg 4.4ypc in '09. That was due in most part to BXII Offensive Frosh of the Year RB Christine Michael. His backup is HM BXII returner Cyrus Gray and the two combined for 1601yds and 15td. With mobile QB Johnson and both the top backs returning I expect the rushing numbers to continue to increase. Now both of these things are hinged upon how well the O-Line plays this season and they only return 2 starters from last season in HM BXII RG, and highly touted sophomore, Patrick Lewis. After spring training highly touted true frosh Luke Joeckel was the starting LT. I also expect very highly touted true frosh Jake Matthews (top five OL out of HS) to start receiving some major playing time this fall. The other open spot should go to LSU Transfer Matt Allen (6st at RG/LG last season). Overall despite the inexperience I expect this to be a pretty good Offensive Line and this should be one of the top offenses in the Big XII.

Defense (3-4)

Key '09 Stats

• #12 Scoring Def - 36.3 points per game
• #11 Passing Def - 283.0 yards per game
• #11 Rushing Def - 177.9 yards per game
• #11 Opp First Downs - 23.9 first downs per game
• #10 Takeaways - 14

Returning: 9 Starters

• Tackles: SS Trent Hunter (95tkl 1.5tfl 3pbu), MLB Garrick Williams (74tkl 8.5tfl 1sk 1int)
• Sacks: OLB Von Miller (48tkl 21.5tfl 17sk! 5pbu), DT Eddie Brown (33tkl 7tfl 4sk)
• Interceptions: MLB Kyle Mangan (70tkl 6.5tfl 2.5sk 7pbu 2int), CB Terrence Frederick (61tkl 3tfl 5bpu 2int)

As bad as this defense was this past season they were actually better than the '08 version (37.4ppg 462ypg '08/33.5ppg 426ypg '09). This season they return 9 Starters, making this the most experienced group under Sherman. They run primarily a 3-4 defense and this season return 2 starters up front, and I wouldn't be surprised if DT Eddie Brown didn't move over to the opposite DE spot to bolster the run defense. This unit should continue to improve its rushing defense this season. At LB they return all 4 starters from a year ago including outstanding OLB Von Miller (17sks #1 NCAA) and HM BXII MLB Garrick Williams and OLB Michael Hodges (67tkl 1int). This is very experienced unit and the coaches are high on sophomore OLB Sean Porter (42tkl 4tfl 1sk). This is one of the better LB corps in the conference. This secondary returns 3 starters from a year ago, with their loss being HM BXII FS Jordan Pugh. This season though I am expecting the secondary to be greatly improved as they return 2nd tm All Conf SS Trent Hunter, and CB Terrence Frederick, who as all-conf potential. Keep an eye out for highly touted juco Coryell Judie. With an improved secondary this defense should continue to improve and might even get under 30ppg and 400ypg.

Conclusion

The Aggies should have a winning record through their 4 out of conference games but whether or not they view it as a success or failure depends on their final OOC game. They get Stephen F. Austin, Louisian Tech, FIU, and Arkansas (Arlington). Remember last season they outgained Arkansas but had some crucial drops in the rezone and end zone that would cost them points. This season, with an improved offense and defense they are going to look for revenge. In conference they go @ Oklahoma St, Missouri, @ Kansas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, @ Baylor, Nebraska, and @ Texas. If they can take care of business at home and win the games they should on the road then they may enter that tough final two games at 5-1 and a chance to compete for the division title.

4. Texas Tech Red Raiders
'09 Final Record: 9-4 (5-3)

Offense (One Back Spread)

Key '09 Stats

• #2 Scoring Off - 33.9 points per game
• #1 Passing Off - 360.1 yards per game
• #9 Rushing Off - 85.5 yards per game
• #1 First Downs - 24.6 first downs per game
• #4 3rd Downs - 39.3% conversion
• #8 Turnovers - 18

Returning: 8 Starters

• Passing: QB Taylor Potts (309-470 65.7% 3440yds 22td 13int), QB Steven Sheffield (101-136 74.3% 1219yds 14td 4int)
• Rushing: RB Baron Batch (168att 884yds 5.3avg 14td), RB Eric Stephens (49att 254yds 5.2avg 2td)
• Receiving: WR Detron Lewis (65rec 844yds 13.0avg 6td), WR Alexander Torres (67rec 806yds 12.0avg 6td)

This past season was the worst season offensively for the Red Raiders since '07. And bad for a Mike Leach lead offense is 37.0ppg 387ypg. This season Leach is gone and replacing him is former Auburn Head Coach Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville wants to eventually switch his offenses to a more Pro Style attack but for the time being he is going to form his offense to the talents he currently has, bringing in Troy's OC (sound familiar?) Neal Brown. He returns 8 starters on offense in his first season, although only 2 of those are on the offensive line. They do have some talent on the interior line in C Chris Tolson, RG Deveric Gallington, and LG Lonnie Edwards. I am concerned about the OTs as they are switching schemes and with a lack of experience in general this could be an interesting question mark. It is also going to be interesting to see just how good QB Taylor Potts is, as Leach grown QBs are known for being system QBs. This will still be a pass first offense but It will require more QB skills out of Potts. Lucky for him he returns all of the skill players around him including leading receivers Detron Lewis and Alexander Torres. With a young and inexperienced offensive line and a new system I expect Potts' numbers to be down a skosh this season. As far as the running game they return last seasons leading rusher in HM BXII RB Baron Batch, and Troy made sure to implement a steady dose of the run game under Brown. I think this offenses numbers will be on par with '09 with the passing numbers slightly lower and the rushing numbers slighly higher.

Defense (3-4)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #4 Passing Def - 200.4 yards per game

Returning: 6 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Brian Duncan (88tkl 7tfl 5pbu), FS Cody Davis (81tkl 1.5tfl 6pbu)
• Sacks: NT Colby Whitlock (45tkl 8tfl 3sk 4pbu), MLB Bront Bird (56tkl 5.5tfl 1sk 3pbu)
• Interceptions: SS Franklin Mitchem (57tkl 3pbu 2int), CB LaRon Moore (42tkl 4tfl 6pbu 2int)

In '08 former HC Leach hired Ruffin McNeil to be the DC and immediately the D-Line play got better and in his 2nd season McNeil formed one of the better defenses in the Leach era. This season though McNeil is off to be the Head Coach at East Carolina. I fully believe that Tommy Tuberville is going to be successful because he was successful in the SEC, and how are you successful in the Nations best conference? With good defense. This season Tuberville returns 6 starters 2 of which are on the D-Line, but they lose 2 All Conf DE's from last years 4-3 front. Normally, with the switch to a different scheme and the heavy losses I would expect a huge drop off but I think there is enough talent on this line to prevent the drop from being too big. At NT they return HM BXII Colby Whitlock who was solid against the run last season. AT their Strong DE spot they have former Tennessee Vol Donald Langley (practiced with team in spring) and highly touted Miami transfer Chris Perry. At the weak DE spot they have very highly touted Juco DE Scott Smith, highly touted juco Lawrence Rumph, and highly touted true frosh Jackson Richards. Despite the inexperience Tuberville's defenses usually have solid D-Lines and this one is plenty talented so I don't expect that big of drop off. At LB they return 2 starters from a season ago including last seasons leading tackler OLB Brian Duncan and HM BXII ILB Bront Bird (56tkl 5.5tfl 1sk). Keep an eye on highly touted Jr. ILB Sam Fehoko (19tkl 1tfl) as I think he is going to have a pretty good year this year. Tuberville's DC is James Willis, a former LB coach, so I expect this unit to be as good as '09s. In the secondary they return 3 starters from this past season losing All-Conf CB Jamar Wall (15pbu! 2int '09). I like all 3 of the returning starters, 1st tm frosh AA FS Cody Davis, SS Franklin Mitchem, and CB LaRon Moore. All of those guys could be all conf when it is all said and done. New Head Coaches like their own recruits so I am expecting for highly touted true frosh Tre'Vante Parker to end starting opposite of Moore. Despite a slighly weaker pass rush, and the loss of an All-Conf CB I expect this pass defense to be on par with that of '09. New DC Willis was a LB coach under Will Muschamp (DC LSU, Auburn, and Texas), and under Nick Saban. If he learned anything then this defense might surprise some people this season.

Conclusion

Texas Tech has a very manageable out of conference schedule with a challenge at the end of the season as they take on SMU, @ New Mexico, Weber St, and finally home against Houston. They should win their first 3 easily, and you know they are going to want payback for their loss to Houston last season. I expect the Red Raiders to go 4-0. In Conference they face Texas, @ Iowa St, Baylor (in Dallas), Oklahoma St, @ Colorado, @ Texas A&M, Missouri, @ Oklahoma. This is going to be a tough conference schedule and while I do not think that Red Raiders are ready to challenge for the division just yet they coudl very easily beat Colorado on the road and Missouri at home and finish 5-3. They should make the post season again this year.

5. Baylor Bears
'09 Final Record: 4-8 (1-7)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #12 Scoring Off - 13.0 points per game
• #12 Rushing Off - 52.8 yards per game
• #11 First Downs - 16.8 first downs per game

Returning: 7 Starters

• Passing: QB Nick Florence (165-266 62.0% 1786yds 6td 9int), QB Robert Griffin (45-69 65.2% 481yds 4td)
• Rushing: RB Jay Finley (79att 370yds 4.7avg 1td), RB Jarred Salubi (50att 298yds 6.0avg 2td)
• Receiving: WR Kendall Wright (66rec 740yds 11.2avg 4td), WR Lanear Simpson (29rec 297yds 10.2avg 2td)

Baylor has had some poor offenses in recent memory, but in Head Coach Art Briles first two seasons he has produced their two best offenses in the last decade (28.0ppg 376ypg '08/ 20.8ppg 343ypg '09). This season he returns 7 Starters including both his starting QB's over the last two seasons in the '09 Starter QB Nick Florence and '08 Starter QB Robert Griffin. I am going to go ahead and say that I am a personal fan of Robert Griffin III (aka RG3), and if he can return healthy should be one of the BXII's best QB's as he right up there with A&M's Jerrod Johnson. He is accurate, throwing for 60% as a true frosh and was throwing at a 65% last season before being injure, and he is also very dangerous as a runner, rushing for 843yds in '08 and 77 '09 before he was hurt. His Offensive Line returns 3 starters from a season ago, but I like the new starters in highly touted juco Robert "T" Griffin at RG and I expect for highly touted true frosh Troy Baker to make his way in at RG so that he can get some experience before he eventually takes over. This line is fairly experienced and is pretty talented across the board. This may be the most underrated line in the conference. As far as receivers are concerned they only return 2 of their top 5 from a year ago but one of the two is WR Kendal Wright (leading receiver '09). I expect Wright and returning starter WR Lanear Sampson to have improved numbers with the return of Griffin but the rest of this group is unproven. At RB they return their leading rusher from the past two seasons (not including QB Griffin '08) in Jay Finley, plus they return his two primary backups from last season in RB Jarred Salubi and bruiser RB Terrance Ganaway (68att 200yds 2.9ypc 5td). With a more talented offensive line and the return of QB Griffin I expect a huge improvement from this offense this season.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #10 Scoring Def - 31.0 points per game
• #12 Rushing Def - 185.8 yards per game
• #10 Opp First Downs - 23.8 first downs per game
• #12 Opp 3rd Downs - 46.7% conversion
• #12 Takeaways - 7

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Antonio Johnson (77tkl 6tfl 2sk 1int), SS Byron Landor (46tkl 2.5tfl 1sk)
• Sacks: DT Tracy Robertson (22tkl 5tfl 3sk), OLB Antonio Johnson
• Interceptions: CB Chance Casey (36tkl 4pbu 2int), five tied at 1

While the offense may have improved under HC Briles, unfortunately the defense hasn't. And this season Briles, and DC Brian Norwood, have their least experienced Defense yet returning only 5 starters. 2 of those starters are up front in DE Zac Scotton (22tkl 1sk) and NG Phil Taylor (22tkl 2.5tfl). I look for highly touted juco DE Anthony Gonzales to start at the other DE spot and I was impressed with the solid play of DT Tracy Robertson. Taylor has an immense amount of talent and strength, but his big problem last season was that he was way too out of shape. I look for him to be in much better shape this season, and I expect for the run defense to improve upon last seasons numbers (179ypg 4.5ypc). At LB they return 1 starter from last season but they lose one of Baylors all time greats at LB in Joe Pawelek (109tkl 4tfl 2.5sk 5pbu 1int '09). Still this unit returns OLB Antonio Johnson, who should have a pretty solid season, and I like Sr. OLB Earl Patin (38tkl 2tfl). With the loss of Pawelek I expect this unit to be down a notch this season. In the secondary the Bears return 2 starters, but lose All Conf FS Jordan Lake (92tkl '09). They return both CBs from last season in Chance Casey and Clifton Odom (33tkl 6pbu 1int). They should both improve and I would pay attention to highly touted true frosh Tyler Stephenson who should start getting some playing time this season. Back at S they return 1 with starting experience in FS Tim Atchison (42tkl 2tfl 5pbu 1int) and the rest are very talented including very highly touted true frosh Ahmad Dixon (top ten DB recruit out of HS) and hghly touted true frosh Prince Kent (practiced with team in spring). Despite the loss of FS Lake I actually expect them to improve their pass defense this season.

Conclusion

The Bears have a manageable out of conference schedule with one really tough game and 3 really winnable games as they play Sam Houston St, Buffalo, @ TCU, and @ Rice. I expect for the Bears to go 3-1 in the OOC, and they are going to need to if they want any chance at making the postseason this year. In conference the Bears have Kansas, Texas Tech (in Dallas), @ Colorado, Kansas St, @ Texas, @ Oklahoma St, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. The Bears have a legitimate chance at making the post season but they are going to have to find a way to win some interesting games. They need to beat Kansas and Kansas St at home and either Colorado or Oklahoma St on the road. It's doable but the biggest challenge in their way is that they do not get a bye week this season. 12 straight weeks of football. I will call for the Bears to miss out on the post season but they should have their 2nd 5 win season this decade (tied for most wins with '05).

6. Oklahoma State Cowboys
'09 Final Record: 9-4 (6-2)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #10 Passing Off - 168.3 yards per game
• #1 Rushing Off - 186.3 yards per game
• #3 Turnovers - 13

Returning: 4 Starters

• Passing: QB Brandon Weeden (15-24 62.5% 248yds 4td 1int)
• Rushing: RB Kendall Hunter (89att 382yds 4.3avg 1td), RB Jeremy Smith 15att 160yds 10.7avg 1td)
• Receiving: WR Hubert Anyiam (42rec 515yds 12.3avg 3td), WR Justin Blackmon (20rec 260yds 13.0avg 2td)

This past season Oklahoma State had its worst offensive totals (28.4ppg 367ypg) since Head coach Mike Gundy's first year with the team (20.2ppg 325ypg '05). This season the Cowboys only return 4 starters, making this Gundy's least experienced offense yet. They have one returning starter along the offensive line, and outside of highly touted rFr LG Brandon Webb and returning starter LG Lane Taylor I don't see much to get excited about with this offensive line. If there is any unit you don't want to see that in it is the O-Line. They return QB Brandon Weeden who looked decent playing while last years starting QB, and all time Oklahoma St leading passer (8317yds '06-'09), Zac Robinson was hurt. He does return 3 of his top 5 receivers from a year ago but they only one that impressed was HM BXII WR Hubert Anyiam. In the backfield they return '08 1st tm AA Kendall Hunter, who only played in 3 last year because of injury, and behind him are some highly touted freshman in rFr Jeremy Smith and true frosh Joseph Randle. Despite returning Hunter and some talented RB's, HC Gundy has decided to switch the offense to a Texas Tech Style of attack, running only to keep the other team from focusing too much on the pass. I'm not sure if that was such a smart decision and I am going to call for the worst offensive numbers of the Mike Gundy era.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #4 Scoring Def - 22.0 points per game
• #2 Rushing Def - 72.4 yards per game
• #4 Opp First Downs - 18.0 first downs per game
• #4 Opp 3rd Downs - 33.1% conversion

Returning: 4 Starters

• Tackles: SS Markelle Martin (45tkl 1tfl 11pbu), CB Andrew McGee (32tkl 6pbu 1int)
• Sacks: DE Ugo Chinasa (30tkl 9.5tfl 6.5sk), two tied at 1.5
• Interceptions: CB Andrew McGee

Last season Gundy brought in a new HC Bill Young, who is known for having some great defenses where he goes (Pitt, Miami(FL), Ohio St, Oklahoma, Kansas, USC), and the defense improved drastically in his first season going from 28.1ppg 406ypg in '08 to 21.7ppg and 333ypg in '09, making it the best defense during Mike Gundy's time here. This season though, like the offense, the defense only returns 4 starters making it, again like the offense, the least experienced defense under Mike Gundy. The Cowboys return 2 starters up front including HM BXII DE Ugo Chinasa. The returning starter is DE Jamie Blatnick (28tkl 3.5tfl 1.5sk). In the interior there really isn't much experience or talent, with the exception of highly touted sophomore Nigel Nicholas. As long as Young is the DC I don't think the drop off will be too big but they will not match last years out standing rush D numbers(96ypg 3.0ypc). At LB they don't return any starters froma year ago but they do return MLB Orie Lemon (HM BXII '08; inj '09) so it is like having a starter back. Unlike the interior on the D-Line this unit is filled with some decent talent including Sr. OLB Justin Gent (27tkl 3tfl 1sk) and OLB James Thomas (18tkl). Don't be surprised if you don't see highly touted true frosh LB Shaun Lewis or Caleb Lavey getting some serious playing out there this season as well. This unit is a lot less experienced than the '09 version but is talented and should produce a pretty solid group. In the secondary they return just one starter but lose 1st tm All-Conf CB Perrish Cox (15pbu! 4int). They do return a starter at S in SS Markelle Martin, who is the teams leading returning tackler, and is fantastic in coverage. Outside of Martin though I don't know where to start. These guys are very inexperienced and I don't think that any of them have the talent to replace someone like Cox. Young is a solid DC but he is going to have a lot of work to do this season if he wants to produce another solid unit.

Conclusion

If this were the Oklahoma State team from a year ago I would have called this a very easy out of conference schedule and expected them to sweep it. This season though I don't know if there are any of these games that can be referred to as "automatic" as they should all be pretty challenging. They get Washington St, Troy, and Tulsa at Home and then go on the road @ Louisiana. I am expecting either 2-2 or 3-1 this season. In conference they get Texas A&M, @ Texas Tech, Nebraska, @ Kansas St, Baylor, @ Texas, @ Kansas, and Oklahoma. To be honest I think that the Cowboys are going to struggle in all of their conference games and their best bets may be Baylor at home and Kansas on the road. This is definitely a rebuilding year for the Cowboys.

North Division

1. #9(cp) Nebraska Cornhuskers
'09 Final Record: 10-4 (6-3)

Offense (Pro Style)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #11 Scoring Off - 18.0 points per game
• #12 Passing Off - 140.2 yards per game
• #12 First Downs - 13.2 first downs per game
• #10 3rd Downs - 33.3% conversion
• #11 Turnovers - 20

Returning: 8 Starters

• Passing: QB Zac Lee (177-302 58.6% 2143yds 14td 10int), QB Cody Green (33-62 53.2% 317yds 2td 2int)
• Rushing: RB Roy Helu (220att 1147yds 5.2avg 10td), RB Rex Burkhead (81att 346yds 4.3avg 3td)
• Receiving: WR Niles Paul (40rec 796yds 19.9avg 4td), WR Curenski Gilleylen (17rec 302yds 17.8avg 1td)

When Bo Pelini became the Head Coach in '08 he made sure he kept OC Shawn Watson, who has 3 of the top Nebraska offenses this past decade '06-'08. This past season though they struggled to find a rhythm in the passing game and it was the worst offense during Watson's time here. This season though he returns 8 starters, making it his most experienced group to work with, including QB Zac Lee, and if the passing game is really the key then it is big that he returns. One of the reasons that Lee struggled some this past season was that he was beat up throughout most of '09, so I am sure he is glad to know that he returns 3 starters on the O-Line this season (lost returning starter C Mike Smith to a broken leg), and they have very highly touted juco Yoshi Hardrick, who practiced with the team in spring and came away as the starter at LT. They also get back a couple of HM BXII OG's from this past season in RG Ricky Henry and LG Keith Williams. This looks like a solid O-Line. They return the top 3 receivers from a year ago as well but only made any real impact in HM BXII returnman Niles Paul. This season I expect for highly touted juco Brandon Kinnie (15rec 141yds 9.4avg) to have a much bigger impact along with WR Mike McNeill (28rec 259yds 9.3avg 4td; former TE). At RB they return their top 2 RBs from last season in 2nd Tm All-Conf Roy Helu and highly touted sophomore Rex Burkhead. I expect for Burkhead to start receiving more carries this season but together they could have the best ground game here since '04 (176ypg 4.7ypc). Overall I expect this offense to be a lot better than the '09 version with a better passing attack and solid ground game.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #1 Scoring Def - 13.1 points per game
• #2 Passing Def - 197.7 yards per game
• #4 Rushing Def - 86.4 yards per game
• #3 Opp First Downs - 17.7 first downs per game
• #3 Opp 3rd Downs - 32.3% conversion
• #2 Takeaways - 20

Returning: 6 Starters

• Tackles: DT Jared Crick (73tkl 15tfl 9.5sk 4pbu), CB Prince Amukamara (64tkl 3tfl 2sk 11pbu 5int)
• Sacks: DT Jared Crick, DE Piere Allen (51tkl 12tfl 5sk, 5pbu)
• Interceptions: CB Prince Amukamara, SS DeJon Gomes (46tkl 4tfl 5pbu 4int)

In Bo Pelini's first season as HC back in '07 Nebraska had one of the worst defenses int their history (37.9ppg 477ypg). In '08 Pelini hired his brother Carl Pelini to become Defensive Coordinator. That was a smart move as this defense made giant strides in each of the two seasons he has been here (28.5ppg 350ypg '08; 10.4ppg 272ypg '09). This season though the defense only returns 6 starters but loses DT Ndamukong Suh (85tkl 24tfl 12sk 10pbu 1int). They only return 2 along the D-Line but lose AA Suh and All-Conf DE Barry Turner (16tfl 5.5sk '09). However they do return 1st tm BXII DT Jared Crick, and Pierre Allen had All-Conf numbers this past season but was overshadowed by 3 superstars in Suh, Turner, and Crick. Highly touted sophomore DE Cameron Meredith (21tkl 5tfl 1.5sk) is expected to take over the other DE spot and they are replacing Sugh with the very highly touted sophomore Baker Steinkuhler (former top five OL recruit out of HS; 17tkl 1tfl). Even though this may still be one of the conferences best defensive lines I do not expect them to be as ridiculously amazing as they were last season (Starting DL combined for 32sk 67tfl). At LB the 'Huskers return 2 starters from a year ago but lose All-Conf MLB Phillip Dillard (83tkl 11tfl 3sk 1int '09). Of the two they do return they are HM BXII OLB Eric Hagg (40tkl 7tfl 2sk 4pbu 1int) and frosh AA OLB Will Compton (40tkl 1tfl). Highly touted sophomore Sean Fisher (35tklk 2tfl 1sk) should take over for Dillard at MLB and this should be one of the better LB Corps in the conference. In the secondary they also only return 2 starters, and also lose a star in 1st tm All-Conf SS Larry Asante (79tkl 7pbu 2int '09). They do however return 1st tm All-Conf CB Prince Amukamara and HM BXII SS DeJon Gomes. Gomes picked off 4 passes as a back up and I wouldn't be surprised if he has a major breakout season. Alfonzo Dennard (31tkl 4tfl 8pbu) is the other starting CB and he has all conf potential as well. If they can get some solid play from the FS position then this will be one of the top secondaries in the conference. The "Blackshirts" should be out again this season.

Conclusion

The Out of Conference schedule is very manageable for the Cornhuskers as they take on Western Kentucky, Idaho, @ Washington, and South Dakota St. The road trip to Washington will be interesting and it will be their first test of the season. I fully expect for Nebraska to go 4-0 though I wouldn't be too surprised to see them 3-1. They get a bye in between those four OOC games before they take on the conference schedule which has them playing: @ Kansas St, Texas, @ Oklahoma St, Missouri, @ Iowa st, Kansas, @ Texas A&M, and Colorado. It is pretty possible that the Cornhuskers could go 8-0 in the conference this season, but to do so they are going to need to make Texas pay for the controversial :01 second in '09 and beat Texas A&M at the 12th Man. I will call for a 7-1 conference record and a 2nd straight trip to the Conference Title Game.

2. Missouri Tigers
'09 Final Record: 8-5 (4-4)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #4 Passing Off - 272.5 yards per game
• #12 3rd Downs - 32.8% conversion
• #3 Turnovers - 13

Returning: 8 Starters

• Passing: QB Blaine Gabbert (262-445 58.9% 3593yds 24td 9int), QB Jimmy Costello (9-17 52.9% 64yds 2int)
• Rushing: DR Derrick Washington (190att 865yds 4.6avg 10td), RB De'Vion Moore (63att 258yds 4.1avg 1td)
• Receiving: WR Jerrell Jackson (37rec 458yds 12.4avg 2td), WR Wes Kemp (23rec 418yds 18.2avg 3td)

Gary Pinkel has been Missouri's HC since '01 and has taken them to 6 bowls, all in the the last 7 seasons, and he has done it by having one of the better offenses in the conference year in and year out, having averaged under 400ypg only once in that time span ('04). This season he returns 8 starters making this his most experienced group since '07. They return QB Blaine Gabbert who was outstanding this past season as a sophomore and I expect him to be one of the conferences best now that he has a full season under his belt, and to improve upon his %. He loses his two favorite targets from a year ago but returns starter WR Wes Kemp, and WR Jerrell Jackson, who might as well be considered a starter since he was the #3 receiver a year ago. I am looking for to see how much of an impact a couple of highly touted frosh do this season in rFr Jaleel Clark and true frosh Marcus Lucas. Missouri was known for having two very good TE's in Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman back in '07, Coffman in '08, but then this past season didn't really use the TE that much. I look for that to chance this season and for very highly touted Jr. TE Andrew Jones (8rec 43yds 5.3avg) to make a much bigger impact in the offense this season. In the backfield they do return two time all-conf RB Derrick Washington (career 2,085yds) and his back up De'Vion Moore, and the two combined for 1123yds and 11tds this past season. Up front they return 4 starters from a year ago including '08 HM BXII C Tim Barnes, HM BXII RT Dan Hoch, and 1st tm frosh AA LT Elvis Fisher. Highly touted Jr. RG Jayson Palmgren looks to take over the open spot and this should be one of the better OL in the conference. This has the potential to be one of the best offenses in the last 7 seasons for the Tigers

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #12 Passing Def - 283.4 yards per game
• #3 Rushing Def - 77.8 yards per game
• #9 Takeaways - 9

Returning: 8 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Andrew Gachkar (80tkl 3.5tfl 3sk), MLB Will Ebner (78tkl 9.5tfl 3.5sk)
• Sacks: DE Aldon smith (64tkl 19tfl 11.5 sk 5pbu), MLB Will Ebner
• Interceptions: CB Kevin Rutland (47tkl 2tfl 1sk 2pbu 2int), four tied at 1

Missouri is a well known program and their recent success is a big reason for that. But what is keeping them from being able to play with the big boys is the fact that they aren't playing the kind of defense to win championships. In the '07 and '08 Big XII Championship games, both against Oklahoma, Missouri was outscored 38-100 (avg score 19-50). This season they return 8 Starters and look to improve. They return 2 starters up front this season including Bix XII Frosh Defensive Player of the Year DE Aldon Smith. There really isn't much else there aside from returning starter DT Dominique Hamilton (46tkl 5.5tfl 1sk). Even so this unit is more experienced than they '09 version and should put up similar numbers. At LB they return 2 Starters but lose AA OLB Sean Witherspoon (111tkl 14.5tfl 4.5sk 1int '09). I am a fan of OLB Gachkar and MLB Ebner and wouldn't be surprised to see very highly touted juco OLB Josh Tatum (inj RS '09) to start as the in Witherspoons place. Despite the loss of a tackling machine I expect this unit to be pretty good and even match last years numbers. In the secondary they return all 4 starters from a season ago including 3 HM BXII members in CB Carl Gettis (61tkl 5pbu), CB Kevin Rutland, and FS Jasper Simmons (73tkl 3tfl 1int). SS Jarrell Harrison (47tkl 2tfl 1sk 3pbu 1int) is no slouch either. I expect a major improvement from last years poor numbers (251ypg 64.2%). This should be the best defense in the last 4 seasons for the Tigers.

Conclusion

Missouri has a relatively manageable out of conference schedule with their only "test" coming against Illinois (in St. Louis) to open the season followed by McNeese St, San Diego St, and Miami (OH). Missouri has beaten Illinois by an average score of 43-28 in their last 3 meetings in StL. The Tigers should open up the season 4-0. In Conference play they get Colorado, @ Texas A&M, Oklahoma, @ Nebraska, @ Texas Tech, Kansas St, @ Iowa St, and finally Kansas (in Kansas City). The Tigers have 4 games in the conference that I expect them to win: Colorado, Kansas St @ Iowa St and vs. Kansas. Whether or not they challenge Nebraska for the division title will be determined by how the Tigers do in that brutal 4 game stretch of @ A&M, Oklahoma, @ Nebraska and @ Tech. If they can come out of their 2-2 they have a legitimate shot.

3. Colorado Buffaloes
'09 Final Record: 3-9 (2-6)

Offense (Pro Style)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Scoring Off - 20.5 points per game
• #10 Rushing Off - 85.0 yards per game
• #9 First Downs - 17.5 first downs per game
• #10 3rd Downs - 33.3% conversion
• #12 Turnovers - 21

Returning: 10 Starters

• Passing: QB Tyler Hansen (129-231 55.8% 1440yds 8td 7int), QB Cody Hawkins (121-239 50.6% 1277yds 10td 11int)
• Rushing: RB Rodney Stewart (198att 804yds 4.1avg 9td), QB Tyler Hansen (84att 61yds 0.7avg 1td)
• Receiving: WR Scotty McKnight (76rec 893yds 11.8avg 6td), WR Markques Simas (43rec 585yds 13.6avg 3td)

This offense has only ever improved their yards per game once in Head Coach Dan Hawkins 4 seasons here ('07), that was also the same year that Colorado last went to a Bowl game ('07 Independence vs. Alabama). This season he gets back 10 starters from last years group making it his most experienced offense since '07. One big thing is that he returns all 5 starting offensive lineman from last season including 1st Tm All-Conf LT Nate Solder, HM BXII RG Ryan Miller, and highly touted sophomore RT Bryce Givens. That is huge because this past season Colorado had it's worst rushing numbers (88ypg 2.8ypc) since '03 (94ypg 2.6ypb) and it gave up 44 sacks which was also it's worst since '03 (39sks). They bring back HM BXII RB Rodney Stewart but they do lose the two backs that he shared carries with, and to be honest after Stewart, the cupboard is pretty bare. If Stewart can stay healthy he should have a pretty big season, with an experienced o-line but if he goes down this could be a long year in Boulder. As far as the apssing game is concerned they return plenty of starting experience in QBs Tyler Hansen and Cody Hawksins, with the more mobile Hansen the starter out of spring. Hansen showed some pretty decent accuracy this past season, and I expect him to improve on that and he returns his top two receivers from a season ago in WR Scotty McKnight and highly touted Jr. WR Markques Simas. Also keep your eye on highly touted Jr. Toney Clemons (Michigan Transfer) who has solid hands a great speed. With some stability at QB, 5 returning o-lineman and pretty solid group of receivers I expect the passing numbers to improve from last year, and for just the 2nd time in Dan Hawkins stay at Colorado I am looking for the offense to improve.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Scoring Def - 29.3 points per game
• #3 Passing Def - 199.1 yards per game

Returning: 7 Starters

• Tackles: SS Anthony Perkins (78tkl 1sk 3pbu 2int), CB Jimmy Smith (70tkl 3tfl 10pbu 2int)
• Sacks: DE Marquez Herrod (38tkl 10tfl 6sk), DT Will Pericak (36tkl 6tfl 3sk)
• Interceptions: three tied at 2

Defensively the Buffaloes haven't been anything special during Hawkins' four seasons here but they have been improving a little bit at a time over the last two seasons (29.5ppg 389ypg '07 - 29.3ppg 382ypg '08 - 28.8ppg 363ypg '09). This season they return 7 starters making them more experienced then a year ago. Up front they return 4 starters from this past season as they switch to a 4-3, and they bring back HM BXII DE Marquez Herrod, and both interior DTs in Will Pericak and NT Curtis Cunningham (41tkl 3tfl 2sk). Taking the available DE spot should be very highly touted sophomore Nick Kasa (former top ten DL recruit out of HS). This group looks to be more experienced and more talented than last years version I expect much better numbers against the run this season (161ypg 4.1ypc '09). At LB they return 1 starter from last season in OLB B.J. Beatty (30tkl 6.5tfl 2.5sk). They do have very highly touted sophomore Jon Major (13tkl; former top five LB recruit out of HS) set to take over the other OLB spot. Despite being less experienced this group should about on par with '09s unit. In the secondary they lose 2nd tm All-Conf FS Cha'pelle Brown but they return the outstanding CB Duo of HM BXII members Jimmy Smith and Jalil Brown (66tkl 15pbu ! 2int). They also get back last seasons #3 tackler in SS Antohy Perkins. Taking over the open spot at FS should be highly touted sophomore Ray Polk (40tkl 1tfl). I expect them to be even better against the pass this season than they were last year (202ypg 57.9%). This should be the best defense of the Hawkins era.

Conclusion

Colorado has an interesting out of conference schedule as they take on Colorado St (in Denver), @ California, Hawaii, and Georgia. None of these games are easy games and I do not expect them to win @ California or beat Georgia at home. They should however go 2-2. In conference they go @ Missouri, Baylor, Texas Tech, @ Oklahoma, @ Kansas, Iowa St, Kansas St, and @ Nebraska. Let's go ahead and knock off the losses here as I expect them to lose @ Missouri, Texas Tech, @ Oklahoma, and @ Nebraska. They have a solid chance at beating Baylor, Iowa St, and Kansas St at home. Now if they are do go 2-2 in their OOC and they are wanting the chance to play for a Bowl they are going to have to win @ Kansas. I don't have that much faith in Hawkins and call for Colorado's 3rd postseason at home.

4. Iowa State Cyclones
'09 Final Record: 7-6 (3-5)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #10 Scoring Off - 18.9 points per game
• #9 Passing Off - 186.4 yards per game
• #4 Rushing Off - 162.1 yards per game
• #3 3rd Downs - 41.1%
• #2 Turnovers - 12

Returning: 7 Starters

• Passing: QB Austen Arnaud (178-303 58.7% 2015yds 14td 13int), QB Jerome Tiller (41-73 56.2% 376yds 1td 4int)
• Rushing: RB Alexander Robinson (232att 1195yds 5.2avg 6td), QB Austen Arnaud (147att 561yds 3.8avg 8td)
• Receiving: WR Jake Williams (36rec 403yds 11.2avg 5td), WR Darius Darks (28rec 303yds 10.8avg 2td)

The last two seasons for the Cyclones have been their best two offenses this past decade, averaging 25.3ppg 387ypg '08 and 20.5ppg 365ypg in '09. This season they return 7 starters and look to continue to play at a higher level. They return starting QB Austen Arnaud, who is one of the more underrated QBs in the BXII, and 2 of his top 3 receivers in WR Jake Williams and Darius Darks. While they are solid to bring back I am actually expecting some highly touted juco's to make the biggest impact on the offense this season in WR Darius Reynolds, who had 13 catches in 2 games before being injured and missing the rest of the season, WR Chris Young, and TE Ricky Howard (practiced with team in spring). This season I expect the passing numbers to increase from this past seasons dismal numbers (185ypg 57.9%). In the backfield they return HM BXII RB Alexander Robinson, who was one of the big reasons as to why this team was able to turn it around this past season. Along the line they only return 3 starters including 2nd tm All-Conf LT Kelechi Osemele. I do expect for Arnaud's numbers to improve this season now that he is in the 2nd season of the same system for the first time in his career, with talented wr's and a pretty solid OLine along with the explosive RB Alexander Robinson so I expect their offense to have their best season in the last 10 years.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Passing Def - 267.8 yards per game
• #9 Rushing Def - 174.8 yards per game
• #11 Opp First Downs - 23.9 yards per game
• #9 Opp 3rd Downs - 43.4% conversion
• #2 Takeaways - 20

Returning: 4 Starters

• Tackles: SS David Sims (88tkl 3.5tfl 5int), CB Leonard Johnson (64tkl 2.5tfl 7pbu 2int)
• Sacks: CB Ter'ran Benton (41tkl 3.5tfl 2sk), DE Rashawn Parker (13tkl 2sk)
• Interceptions: SS David Sims, CB Leonard Johnson

Over the last 4 seasons this Cyclone defense has given up 390ypg or more, including 416ypg this past season. They were the definition of bend but don't break as they gave up 416ypg but only 21.8ppg. This season though they only return 4 starters making them the least experienced defense Iowa St has had since '06. They do return 2 up front including DE Rashawn Parker, and NG Bailey Johnson (22tkl 3tfl). This is not an overwhelming unit, though I do expect for DE Patrick Neal (22tkl 3tfl 1sk) to have a break out season, so I will call for only slightly worse numbers this season (166ypg 4.4ypc '09). AT LB they don't return any starters, at all, as in not a single LB on their roster has ever started a game. This is a major question mark this season and way way down from a year ago. In the secondary however things are looking up as they return 2 starters including BXII Defensive Newcomer of the Year last season in SS David Sims. They also return starting CB Leonard Johnson, who was pretty solid this past season, and FS Michael O'Connell (43tkl 1tfl 2pbu 1int) who was solid as a backup. I expect highly touted juco CB Anthony Young (practiced with team in spring) to take over the other CB position and they should continue to improve their pass defense. Depending on how well the LB's play this unit could be one of the best defenses in last 10 years for the Cyclones.

Conclusion

The Cyclones have a pretty interesting out of conference schedule as they take on Northern Illinois, @ Iowa, Northern Iowa, and Utah. I do not expect a win @ Iowa, and both Northern Illinois and Utah are going to be toss ups with me leaning towards Iowa St in the former and Utah in the latter. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cyclones go 1-3 or 3-1 in the OOC this season. In conference they get Kansas St (Kansas City), Texas Tech, @ Oklahoma, @ Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, @ Colorado, and Missouri. The Cyclones are going to need to go 3-1 in the OOC if they are going to have a chance at the postseason because they have a rough schedule in the conference that will require an upset to make it to the postseason.

4. Kansas State Wildcats
'09 Final Record: 6-6 (4-4)

Offense (Pro Set)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #11 Passing Off - 164.9 yards per game
• #3 Rushing Off - 171.6 yards per game
• #10 First Downs - 17.4 first downs per game
• #9 3rd Downs - 34.6% conversion
• #1 Turnovers - 11 turnovers

Returning: 5 Starters

• Passing: QB Carson Coffman (71-117 60.7% 860yds 2td 4int), RB Daniel Thomas (3-4 75.0% 50yds 1td)
• Rushing: RB Daniel Thomas (247att 1265yds 5.1avg 11td)
• Receiving: RB Daniel Thomas (25rec 257yds 10.3avg)

This offense has been getting lightly worse each of the past two seasons going from 35.2ppg 418ypg in '07, to 34.9ppg 402ypg in '08, to 23.0ppg 349ypg in '09. This year they return only 5 starters, 4 of which are on the offensive line. You build any offense offensive line first so having some experience up front is going to be huge. The other starter that they return is BXII Offensive Newcomer of the Year in RB Daniel Thomas, whose rushing numbers gave this offense their most potent rushing attack since '03. His primary backups from a season ago are both gone, but with an experienced line I expect Thomas to have a superb season. As far as the passing game is concerned they put up their worst numbers last season (169ypg 58.7%) since '04 (178ypg 56.1%). This season however they return QB Chase Coffman, and while he may not be the runner that HC Daniel Snyder usually likes from his QBs he was very accurate in his passes last season and as a full time starter I expect him to improve on those numbers. He doesn't return very much starting experience at WR but he does get back highly touted juco WR Aubrey Quarles (inj '09) and highly touted sophomore Oregon Transfer WR Chris Harper. With teams focused on Thomas and and experienced line I expect the passing numbers to increase, even if just slightly.

Defense (Multiple Sets/4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #10 Passing Def - 276.9 yards per game
• #10 Opp 3rd Downs - 45.3% conversion

Returning: 6 Starters

• Tackles: SS Emmanuel Lamur (68tkl 2pbu 3int), FS Tysyn Hartman (54tkl 6pbu 5int)
• Sacks: DE Antonio Felder (30tkl 7tfl 3sk) two tied at 0.5
• Interceptions: FS Tysyn Hartman, SS Emmanuel Lamur

Defensively the Wildcats had their best season (23.3pptg 340ypg) since '06 (23.8ppb 346ypg). The biggest increase was in rush D where they went from allowing 218ypg 5.2ypc in '08 to 105ypg 3.5ypb in '09, while also improving their pass D. That is pretty impressive and this year they return 6 on defense, but only 2 along the D-Line. Those 2 are DE Antonio Felder and DT Raphael Gudry (19tkl 2tfl). With the general inexperience surrounding the interior of the line I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of highly touted juco's take the other starting spot and have some major playing time. The juco's are DT Ray Kibble and Javonta Boyd (practiced with team in spring). The other DE is Brandon Harold, who was 1st frosh AA in '08, before getting injured and missing '09. Also keep an eye on very highly touted juco DE Adam Davis. Despite the inexperience I expect this line to still have some solid play. At LB they only return 1 starter in OLB Troy Butler (46tkl 5tfl). This unit didn't exactly have any stars on it, and this year I can't see that changing much. This a very inexperienced group and I will call it a notch down from last year. In the secondary they return 3 starters from last years team including HM BXII FS Tysyn Hartman, and SS Emmanuel Lamur. I really like the play of CB Stephen Harrison (25tkl 11pbu) and I expect him to start oopposite of highly touted juco CB Matthew Pearson (practiced with team in spring). I expect for this group to continue it's improvement in pass defense. With a solid line and good secondary this could be one of the more underrated defenses in college football if they can get a LB to step up.

Conclusion

The out of conference schedule has it's challenges as they take on UCLA, Missouri ST, Central Florida, and @ North Texas. UCLA is a talented team that should give the wildcats fits, and before you laugh at Central Florida and North Texas keep in mind that the Wildcats lost to the University of Louisiana this past season. I expect them to go 3-1 out of conference this season. In conference they have a tough schedule taking on Iowa St (Kansas City), Nebraska, @ Kansas, @ Baylor, Oklahoma St, Texas, @ Missouri, and @ Colorado. Simply put I expect thi team to beat Oklahoma St, and possibly even Kansas on the road. Their opening game against Iowa St should give a pretty good idea about what kind of team this is. I do expect for the Kansas St to again miss the postseason, but they are getting close.

4. Kansas Jayhawks
'09 Final Record: 5-7 (1-7)

Offense (Spread)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #2 Passing Off - 314.4 yards per game
• #11 Rushing Off - 63.5 yards per game
• #8 Turnovers - 18

Returning: 6 Starters

• Passing: QB Kale Pick (4-5 80.0% 22yds)
• Rushing: RB Toben Opurum (133att 554yds4.2avg 9td), QB Kale Pick (14att 167yds 11.9avg)
• Receiving: WR Jonathan Wilson (35rec 449yds 12.8avg), WR Bradley McDougald (33rec 318yds 9.6avg)

During all time leading passer Todd Reesing (11194yds '06-'09) years as the Jayhawks full-time starter this offense had their best seasons over the last decade. This will be their first season with out him at the helm since '06. With Reesing as a starter the Jaywhawks went 25-13, and the 3 previous seasons they went 17-18. This season they return 6 starters but lose A LOT. For starters they lose Reesing, and projected starter sophomore Kale Pick has very little playing experience. He loses two draft choices at Receiver in Kerry Meier (102rec! 985yds) and Dezmon Briscoe (84rec 1337yds 15.9avg 9td). It is nice that they return Wilson and McDougald but neither is going to have the season together that Meier and Briscoe had. Keep an ye on highly touted true frosh Keeston Terry. No matter who you start where they will probably not come close to the production that the Meier/Briscoe combe did (186rec 2322yds 17td). At RB they lose the underrated Jake Sharp (102att 429yds 4.2avg 4td) who was also active in the passing game (34rec 266yds 7.8avg 3td). Sharp seem to be their clutch guy, making big runs when they needed him too and always being in the right spot as a safety valve for Reesing. This season they do return leading rusher Toben Opurum but there isn't much experience behind him. The rushing numbers (112ypg 3.5ypc) were the Jayhawks worst rushing numbers in 5 seasons (94yds 2.7ypc '04). The Jayhawks do return 4 starters up front including 1st tm frosh AA LT Tanner Hawkinson. This should be the worst Jayhawks offense in awhile.

Defense (4-3)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #11 Scoring Def - 35.9 points per game
• #10 Rushing Def - 177.8 yards per game
• #9 Opp First Downs - 21.9 first downs per game
• #11 Opp 3rd Downs - 45.5% conversion
• #11 Takeaways - 10

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Drew Dudley (88tkl 8.5tfl 3sk), CB Chris Harris (84tkl 6.5tfl 1sk 9pbu)
• Sacks: DE Jake Laptad (49tkl 12tfl 6.5sk), OLB Drew Dudley
• Interceptions: CB Ryan Murphy (14tkl 2tfl 1sk 2pbu 2int), two tied at 1

Defensively the Jayhawks have struggled giving up 397ypg in '08 and 383ypg in '09. This season they only return 5 starters making this the least experienced defense Kansas has had in the last 4 seasons (3 ret starters '06). They do return 2 starters up front including 3rd tm All-Conf DE Jake Laptad and DT Richard Johnson (17tkl 3tfl). I expect Sr. DE Quintin Woods to have a solid senior season and this group may actually be pretty decent this season. At LB they only return 1 starter this season and they lose returning starter OLB Huldon Tharp to a broken foot. Outside of returning starter OLB Drew Dudley (#2 tackler last season), there really isn't much to get excited about, though MLB Justin Springer (25tkl 4.5tfl 1sk) did pretty solid in some backup time. This unit is less experienced than the previous season and I expect them to be down a skosh this year. In the secondary they return 2 starters including CB Chris Harris, who was pretty solid this past season, and sophomore SS Lubbock Smith (42tkl 1tfl). Both CB Ryan Murphy and FS Phillip Strozier (23tkl 1tfl) have played really well as backups and it should be interesting to see how this secondary does this season, and I actually expect slightly better play. This defense is less experienced but may not be as bad.

Conclusion

There is an interesting out of conference schedule for new Head Coach Turner Gill as they take on North Dakota St, Georgia Tech, @ Southern Miss, and New Mexico st. They should get at least two wins but Georgia Tech is going to be a big challenge, and so will the trip to Hattiesburg, MS. I expect a 2-2 record in the OOC. In conference they go @ Baylor, Kansas ST, Texas A&M, @ Iowa St, Colorado, @ Nebraska, Oklahoma St, and finally vs. Missouri (Kansas City). This is a rebuilding year for the Jayhawks but Turner Gill is a solid coach and I wouldn't be surprised to see Kansas pull off a few upsets this season.

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If you haven't already be sure to check out my other 2010 NCAA Conference previews

ACC

Pac-10

Big East

Non-BCS

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Thank you for reading,

Batteman