TCU won't be joining the Big 12. Move on, Horned Frog fans. But with the recent announcement by the Big East that the conference will expand to at least 2 teams, talk in Ft. Worth has swirled regarding TCU moving to the home of West Virginia, Syracuse, Louisville, and the rest.
The move would be a mistake. Sure, the Big East has a guaranteed spot at the BCS bowl table. And their basketball league is second to none (though their is debate about whether or not expansion would include the basketball league - which is twice the size of the football conference teams). From a strictly football perspective, TCU has more to lose than gain in the current system by heading to the weakest conference in the BCS world.
Boise State is coming to the Mountain West next year, guaranteeing the conference a premier showdown each year between the current non-BCS darlings of the past few seasons: TCU and Boise State. It would surprise no one to find one of those two teams playing for the BCS title THIS season (assuming TCU can get by Utah this weekend, it seems more likely to expect celebration in Ft. Worth than Idaho).
Compare a potential MWC and Big East with the move by the Horned Frogs:
Starting in 2012
Mountain West: TCU, Air Force, Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, Wyoming, UNLV, San Diego State, Nevada, New Mexico
Big East: Louisville, West Virginia, Syracuse, TCU, Central Florida, South Florida, Cincinnatti, UCONN, Pittsburgh, Rutgers
Does the MWC really look that much worse than the Big East? Staying in the MWC gives a better shot of strength of schedule to TCU as they compete for national titles in football than leaving for the Big East does.
We all know it's not about the best thing for competitive nature or what makes sense on the field, but its all about the cash. And until the MWC gets a seat at the BCS table, they won't have the cash to keep up with even the likes of the mediocre Big East. Should they get the invite, I'm sure TCU will take it. Whether it produces better results on the football field is a question that remains up for debate.
As an aside - is there any way if BYU and Utah had stayed in the MWC that he BCS could have denied that conference an automatic bid?
Think about this conference: BYU, Utah, TCU, Air Force, Boise State, Fresno State, Colorado State, Wyoming, UNLV, San Diego State, Nevada, New Mexico. Tantalizing. And certainly better than the Big East. Perhaps on par with the watered down Big 12.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Who dressed up as Cliff Lee last night?
The Texas Rangers must have forgotten something in Arlington on their way to San Francisco to face the Giants last night in Game 1 of the World Series - Cliff Lee. Not sure who it was that trotted out there in Lee's #33 jersey, but it certainly wasn't the same guy who owned a 3-0 record with a 0.75 ERA in the 2010 post-season.
The Lee-imposter wasn't able to locate any of his off speed pitches, allowing the Giants to tee off on his first and second pitch fastballs. The pinpoint accuracy that allowed the real Cliff Lee to dominate Tampa and New York clearly wasn't there - the only pitch that got close to the strike zone was his fast ball. Lee's stuff isn't dominating enough if his accuracy is off, and it showed last night.
Luckily, Rangers fans are pretty sure whoever that was last night (I'm thinking perhaps a jealous Kevin Millwood dropped about 50 LBs and snuck into the game) wasn't the real CL33. It better not be, or this could be an epic fail for another Texas team in the World Series.
The Lee-imposter wasn't able to locate any of his off speed pitches, allowing the Giants to tee off on his first and second pitch fastballs. The pinpoint accuracy that allowed the real Cliff Lee to dominate Tampa and New York clearly wasn't there - the only pitch that got close to the strike zone was his fast ball. Lee's stuff isn't dominating enough if his accuracy is off, and it showed last night.
Luckily, Rangers fans are pretty sure whoever that was last night (I'm thinking perhaps a jealous Kevin Millwood dropped about 50 LBs and snuck into the game) wasn't the real CL33. It better not be, or this could be an epic fail for another Texas team in the World Series.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Big 12 Blog - Big 12 Power Rankings – Week 2
Big 12 Blog - Big 12 Power Rankings – Week 2: "Big 12 Blog - Big 12 Power Rankings – Week 2, Sept. 11"
Bush Gives up Heisman
Former USC running back Reggie Bush announced today that he will give up the 2005 Heisman Trophy. Former Texas QB, and runner up to Bush, Vince Young has openly stated that he would accept the trophy given should the Heisman trust decide to award it to VY.
2 thoughts - first, the Heisman trust absolutely should decide to either call for a revote from Heisman voters for the 2005 award, or they should simply give it to the player who finished 2nd. The trust set a standard of rules which requires the Heisman to be awarded to an eligible NCAA athlete. Bush, clearly, didn't fit the mold. If championships can be taken away from USC for using ineligible players, then its not without reason to take away awards for the same violations. Assuming Bush wasn't eligible, voters would likely have picked Young for his monstorous 2005 campaign. Giving the award to the man who finished second in the voting who also meets the Heisman credentials doesn't cheapen the award. Leaving the statue un-awarded merely acknowledges the fact that the Heisman was awarded to Bush The Cheater, who vacated it for his indiscretions. What truly cheapens the award more?
There have been arguments made that stripping Bush and giving it to Young opens an interesting can of worms in regards to previous Heisman winners of questionable character. The most commonly compared example would be OJ Simpson - the argument goes if we're willing to take the Heisman away from Bush, then we have to look at all the past winners who have gone on and committed questionable actions on or off the field of play, like Simpson, and potentially strip these winners as well. Hogwash. Simpson, while a wife killer, did nothing during his tenure at USC to make him ineligible for the Heisman . Perhaps he's ineligible to be a role model or to get into Heaven, but there's no rules for Heisman trophy winners that you have to spend your life being a good citizen. Nor does it say you can't be someone who gets away with murder later down the line. It simply says you must be eligible by NCAA guidelines when you win the award. Simpson was. Bush wasn't. It's apples to oranges.
The good news, though, is even the Heisman trust votes (incorrectly) to leave the trophy vacant, there remains another trophy sitting in Austin that proves who the better player for 2005 really was. So while Bush's 500 plus yard game against Fresno State secured him a tainted Heisman trophy, VY saved his best game for the Rose Bowl. Perhaps now, the Heisman can finally right the original wrong from that fateful season. And if not? Well, Texas fans still have 41-38
2 thoughts - first, the Heisman trust absolutely should decide to either call for a revote from Heisman voters for the 2005 award, or they should simply give it to the player who finished 2nd. The trust set a standard of rules which requires the Heisman to be awarded to an eligible NCAA athlete. Bush, clearly, didn't fit the mold. If championships can be taken away from USC for using ineligible players, then its not without reason to take away awards for the same violations. Assuming Bush wasn't eligible, voters would likely have picked Young for his monstorous 2005 campaign. Giving the award to the man who finished second in the voting who also meets the Heisman credentials doesn't cheapen the award. Leaving the statue un-awarded merely acknowledges the fact that the Heisman was awarded to Bush The Cheater, who vacated it for his indiscretions. What truly cheapens the award more?
There have been arguments made that stripping Bush and giving it to Young opens an interesting can of worms in regards to previous Heisman winners of questionable character. The most commonly compared example would be OJ Simpson - the argument goes if we're willing to take the Heisman away from Bush, then we have to look at all the past winners who have gone on and committed questionable actions on or off the field of play, like Simpson, and potentially strip these winners as well. Hogwash. Simpson, while a wife killer, did nothing during his tenure at USC to make him ineligible for the Heisman . Perhaps he's ineligible to be a role model or to get into Heaven, but there's no rules for Heisman trophy winners that you have to spend your life being a good citizen. Nor does it say you can't be someone who gets away with murder later down the line. It simply says you must be eligible by NCAA guidelines when you win the award. Simpson was. Bush wasn't. It's apples to oranges.
The good news, though, is even the Heisman trust votes (incorrectly) to leave the trophy vacant, there remains another trophy sitting in Austin that proves who the better player for 2005 really was. So while Bush's 500 plus yard game against Fresno State secured him a tainted Heisman trophy, VY saved his best game for the Rose Bowl. Perhaps now, the Heisman can finally right the original wrong from that fateful season. And if not? Well, Texas fans still have 41-38
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Miles Austin extension?
Sure, he was great last year. And sure, Jerry Jones LOVES to overpay as many players as he possibly can. But word of the Cowboys camp is that wide receiver Miles Austin signed a long term, 6 year deal with Dallas. This coming off of his breakout 2009, where Miles caught 81 balls for 1320 yards, good enough for 6th all time in Dallas history. While the move makes some Cowboys fans happy, those in the know are more than a bit skeptical at the move.
Rewarding a player with a record breaking season is fine. But GM Jerry Jones already did that for MA. This past June, Austin received a one year deal worth over 3 million dollars for 2010. Why not have Miles honor that deal, and then pay the big bucks next summer if his production remains at the 2009 level? There is no guarantee that Austin will be as productive in 2010 as he was last year - his best season before last year was 2008. His total receptions? 13.
If he catches another 70 plus balls for over 1000 yards, then sure - pay the man. In fact, pay him a BUNCH, because you've established Tony Romo's go to guy for the next 5 - 7 years. But giving players long term deals based on the results of one season is a move that oftentimes backfires. Ask the Washington Redskins, who rewarded Albert Haynesworth for an All Pro year in 2008 by signing him to the biggest contract of the 08 offseason. Now they're looking to trade him, or outright cut him.
Here's hoping Austin makes Jones look like a genius, and leads the NFC in catches in 2010. He's a great guy, good with the community, and an inspiration for hard workers everywhere. I'm just not sure he's worth the cost that Jones is going to pay.
Although, when you're the guy who builds a 1,000,000,000 dollar stadium, a 6 year deal seems like a drop in the bucket.
CFN: 5 Things to Watch - UT vs. Wyoming
5 Things to Watch For: Texas vs. Wyoming
With a big matchup in Lubbock looming next week for the Texas Longhorns, head coach Mack Brown better be ready to show no mercy in preparing his team for Wyoming. Clearly, the offense looked inconsistent last week versus Rice, and if Greg Davis and the offensive units can’t get their stuff together, the Horns could be facing a season-defining loss against Texas Tech next week. Here’s five things to watch for as Texas prepares for Wyoming this Saturday.
1. Will Greg Davis let Garrett Gilbert be a quarterback this week?
Last week, Gilbert was nothing more than a bus driver. He wasn’t asked to make plays down the field. He wasn’t asked to audile based on coverage. He wasn’t asked to be the focal point of the offense. Basically, he wasn’t asked to do any of the things Texas asked him to do in the BCS title game after Colt McCoy’s injury. His play in that game indicated he could handle the pressure. So what does Texas do his first game as a starter? Focus on the run. On an ineffective run at that. GG should be utilizing his NFL caliber arm to get the ball downfield to some of the fastest WRs in the nation, instead of handing the ball off to the likes of Cody Johnson for a 3 yard gain. Davis needs to open up the offense. This is a kid who ran the spread to perfection in high school (he owns most Texas state passing records and 2 state titles), so why not let him show what he can do? This is the week to make Gilbert comfortable in an offense that certainly can’t be as bland as the game called against Rice – because if that is the game plan from Davis for the 2010 season, expect some disappointed Texas fans. And a disappointed QB.
2. Will the defense force turnovers?
Much has been made of the 2 INTs that were dropped by Aaron Williams and Chykie Brown against Rice. The Longhorns forced 2 turnovers against the Owls, but those two picks that were dropped played a major factor in Texas’s subpar victory. Add an easy 14 points from the INTs to the final, and there may be less talk about the ineffective Texas running game, and more talk about another dominate D from Will Muschamp. The difference between 2008 and 2009 on defense was turnovers – they didn’t force enough in ’08, but led the country last year. To help soften the load on the offensive unit, the Texas D needs to come up with more turnovers. Gimmes like the ones dropped by Williams and Brown may not cost Texas against teams like Wyoming or Rice – but they will certainly hinder them when they face Tech, OU, and Nebraska.
3. Will the special teams be special? Or will they ride the special bus again?
The weak link against Rice was clearly the play of the special teams. They missed two field goals (one was blocked) and muffed a punt inside the Rice 20 yard line that set up the Owls last score. If Texas wants to compete for a Big 12 crown, they will have to be much better in the special teams game. Think of 2008 – Jordan Shipley turned the game against OU around by taking a kickoff back 96 yards when Texas trailed by 11 and seemed to be overmatched. Last year, Nebraska made a huge special teams gaffe when they kicked off to Texas with under 2 minutes to go in the Big 12 title game – the kick went out of bounds, giving the Longhorns the ball on their own 40 yard line. Texas won both games, and the play of the special teams was instrumental in each victory. The Longhorns have been one of the best in the country on special teams for the past decade (they lead the country in blocked kicks since 2000) – in 2009 they returned 2 KOs for touchdowns, one of which saved the game against Texas A&M. Shipley was a master at turning games around with his nose for the endzone on punt returns. Hunter Lawrence was the most accurate place kicker in Longhorn history. Texas will need to find a way to replace these points and production if they are going to win the close games in 2010, and nothing about the Rice game gave UT fans confidence these holes have been filled.
4. Can the running game get going?
The magic question for 2010. Tre Newton will get the start ahead of Cody Johnson. Newton, Fozzy Whitaker, and Johnson will split carries again. The 3 headed monster racked up 179 yards against Rice, but there were no break away runs. Basically, Texas pounded the ball, and pounded the ball, and pounded the ball until finally they had racked up enough yards to look respectable. The longest play from scrimmage running the ball was 18 yards. This won’t get it done. Texas needs to find a way to have more explosive plays on offense with the running game, or else teams will be able to clamp down on the offense Greg Davis seems intent on running in 2010. There can be no legitimate NFL style offense, with play action and deep passes, if safeties and defenses don’t respect the home run threat out of the backfield. Nothing any of the Texas players did against Rice shows the Horns have this threat, either based on the running of the backs, or the blocking of the line and receivers downfield. If they are insistent on running the ball in 2010, the Texas coaches better be insistent on finding a scheme and the players to do it effectively.
5. What is the intensity level of the Texas Longhorns?
Look, Texas doesn’t need a team of Rah-Rah cheerleaders. The Pom Squad, Cheerleaders, HellRaisers, and all the other Texas spirit groups will take care of that. But both Mack Brown and Greg Davis commented this week that the Texas sideline wasn’t enthusiastic enough for their taste. The emotion seemed to be lacking. Perhaps it was playing an inferior opponent, and guys just can’t get excited for games they’ll win on talent alone. Attitudes like this will result in losses when Conference play starts. And it will certainly cost them next week at Texas Tech. Let’s see if there is fire on the Texas sideline this Saturday.
With a big matchup in Lubbock looming next week for the Texas Longhorns, head coach Mack Brown better be ready to show no mercy in preparing his team for Wyoming. Clearly, the offense looked inconsistent last week versus Rice, and if Greg Davis and the offensive units can’t get their stuff together, the Horns could be facing a season-defining loss against Texas Tech next week. Here’s five things to watch for as Texas prepares for Wyoming this Saturday.
1. Will Greg Davis let Garrett Gilbert be a quarterback this week?
Last week, Gilbert was nothing more than a bus driver. He wasn’t asked to make plays down the field. He wasn’t asked to audile based on coverage. He wasn’t asked to be the focal point of the offense. Basically, he wasn’t asked to do any of the things Texas asked him to do in the BCS title game after Colt McCoy’s injury. His play in that game indicated he could handle the pressure. So what does Texas do his first game as a starter? Focus on the run. On an ineffective run at that. GG should be utilizing his NFL caliber arm to get the ball downfield to some of the fastest WRs in the nation, instead of handing the ball off to the likes of Cody Johnson for a 3 yard gain. Davis needs to open up the offense. This is a kid who ran the spread to perfection in high school (he owns most Texas state passing records and 2 state titles), so why not let him show what he can do? This is the week to make Gilbert comfortable in an offense that certainly can’t be as bland as the game called against Rice – because if that is the game plan from Davis for the 2010 season, expect some disappointed Texas fans. And a disappointed QB.
2. Will the defense force turnovers?
Much has been made of the 2 INTs that were dropped by Aaron Williams and Chykie Brown against Rice. The Longhorns forced 2 turnovers against the Owls, but those two picks that were dropped played a major factor in Texas’s subpar victory. Add an easy 14 points from the INTs to the final, and there may be less talk about the ineffective Texas running game, and more talk about another dominate D from Will Muschamp. The difference between 2008 and 2009 on defense was turnovers – they didn’t force enough in ’08, but led the country last year. To help soften the load on the offensive unit, the Texas D needs to come up with more turnovers. Gimmes like the ones dropped by Williams and Brown may not cost Texas against teams like Wyoming or Rice – but they will certainly hinder them when they face Tech, OU, and Nebraska.
3. Will the special teams be special? Or will they ride the special bus again?
The weak link against Rice was clearly the play of the special teams. They missed two field goals (one was blocked) and muffed a punt inside the Rice 20 yard line that set up the Owls last score. If Texas wants to compete for a Big 12 crown, they will have to be much better in the special teams game. Think of 2008 – Jordan Shipley turned the game against OU around by taking a kickoff back 96 yards when Texas trailed by 11 and seemed to be overmatched. Last year, Nebraska made a huge special teams gaffe when they kicked off to Texas with under 2 minutes to go in the Big 12 title game – the kick went out of bounds, giving the Longhorns the ball on their own 40 yard line. Texas won both games, and the play of the special teams was instrumental in each victory. The Longhorns have been one of the best in the country on special teams for the past decade (they lead the country in blocked kicks since 2000) – in 2009 they returned 2 KOs for touchdowns, one of which saved the game against Texas A&M. Shipley was a master at turning games around with his nose for the endzone on punt returns. Hunter Lawrence was the most accurate place kicker in Longhorn history. Texas will need to find a way to replace these points and production if they are going to win the close games in 2010, and nothing about the Rice game gave UT fans confidence these holes have been filled.
4. Can the running game get going?
The magic question for 2010. Tre Newton will get the start ahead of Cody Johnson. Newton, Fozzy Whitaker, and Johnson will split carries again. The 3 headed monster racked up 179 yards against Rice, but there were no break away runs. Basically, Texas pounded the ball, and pounded the ball, and pounded the ball until finally they had racked up enough yards to look respectable. The longest play from scrimmage running the ball was 18 yards. This won’t get it done. Texas needs to find a way to have more explosive plays on offense with the running game, or else teams will be able to clamp down on the offense Greg Davis seems intent on running in 2010. There can be no legitimate NFL style offense, with play action and deep passes, if safeties and defenses don’t respect the home run threat out of the backfield. Nothing any of the Texas players did against Rice shows the Horns have this threat, either based on the running of the backs, or the blocking of the line and receivers downfield. If they are insistent on running the ball in 2010, the Texas coaches better be insistent on finding a scheme and the players to do it effectively.
5. What is the intensity level of the Texas Longhorns?
Look, Texas doesn’t need a team of Rah-Rah cheerleaders. The Pom Squad, Cheerleaders, HellRaisers, and all the other Texas spirit groups will take care of that. But both Mack Brown and Greg Davis commented this week that the Texas sideline wasn’t enthusiastic enough for their taste. The emotion seemed to be lacking. Perhaps it was playing an inferior opponent, and guys just can’t get excited for games they’ll win on talent alone. Attitudes like this will result in losses when Conference play starts. And it will certainly cost them next week at Texas Tech. Let’s see if there is fire on the Texas sideline this Saturday.
CFN Big 12 Week 2 Game Picks
Big 12 WEEK 2 Picks
Oklahoma vs Florida State
The game of the week in the Big 12 brings the Seminoles into Normal for a rematch of the 2000 BCS National Championship. Oklahoma showed they have work to do in the secondary last week. If they haven’t shored up the mistakes from the Utah State, OU will struggle with FSU’s Christian Ponder and a tough, experienced offensive line. OU hasn’t lost in Norman in 31 games. The Seminoles change this in a shoot-out, 35-31.
Nebraska vs Idaho
Taylor Martinez will start his second game for Nebraska. Idaho can score in bunches, but this is still expected to be one of the top defenses in the country. The secondary should have a good test against the Vandals, who passed for over 300 yards a game in 2009. Still, the Cornhuskers come away with a resounding win, 42-7.
Colorado at California
Colorado gets a preview of life in the Pac-10. They won’t like it anymore than life in the Big 12. Last week was a fluke against an embarrassing Colorado State team. We’ll find out that CU will be no better off in the Pac-10 than they are in the Big 12. California wins easily, 35-10.
Iowa State at Iowa
Iowa State was impressive in handling a very good Northern Illinois team last week. This week marks the first of numerous tests for the Cyclones. Paul Rhoads remains one of the most underrated coaches in the Big 12, and will have his team in the game against a Big 10 contender in Iowa. Rivalry games are weird (see Texas and Texas A&M from 2009), and anything can happen. If Iowa sticks to a Big 10 gameplan (run the ball and put me to sleep), then ISU has a chance if they can keep in close. Iowa pulls out the victory, but it will be closer than people think, 27-17.
Missouri State at Kansas State
FCS opponents vs Kansas State – seems about right. The Wildcats live on these opponents, and it cost them a bowl appearance last year. KSU wins easily – no analysis is warranted when you play teams from the FCS: 38-10.
Georgia Tech at Kansas
Turner Gil has been speaking about the positives following last week’s 6-3 loss. Instead of welcoming an easy win into Lawrence, his Jayhawks will face the triple wishbone offense of Georgia Tech, the ACC Champion of 2009. The Yellow Jackets should run all over a weak Jayhawks defense. Assuming Kansas’s offense hasn’t improved in 7 days, this could get ugly quickly. KU’s only hope is Georgia Tech fails to wake up for an early morning start…don’t bet on it. Georgia Tech hands Gil his 2nd loss in as many games, 28-3.
McNeese State at Missouri
Mizzou playing an FCS team? Fine. They’ll win – 52-10.
Buffalo at Baylor
Baylor needs this win to establish some winning credentials as they shoot for a bowl game in 2010. Unlike last year, they don’t need Robert Griffin III to go down with injury early in the season. Because of this, Briles will pull RG3 early, and Buffalo will make the score appear closer than it really is. Baylor wins, 31-20.
Troy at Oklahoma State
Kendall Hunter wowed folks last week with 257 yards rushing in the new OSU spread. It seems Mike Gundy’s play calling replacement knew what strings to pull. OSU will continue to impress on their way to a September 25 showdown with Texas A&M. Hunter couldn’t be stopped by WSU, he won’t be slowed up by Troy. KH runs for over 150 yards, and Okie State wins easily, 42-14.
Wyoming at Texas
They’ll need to establish a consistent running game and find out what Garrett Gilbert can do passing the ball before heading to Texas Tech next week, so don’t expect Texas to go easy on Wyoming, even after learning of the death of one of the Cowboys’ players this week. A subpar performance versus Rice had UT coaches making some running back changes and questioning the fire of their players – those questions will be answered Saturday. GG tosses over for over 225 yards and 2 TD’s, while the running game breaks out with Tre Newton topping 100 yards this week. The defense will be stout, and may well pitch a shutout. Texas wins before Lubbock, 55-10.
La Tech at Texas A&M
The Aggies welcome the 2nd weak opponent of the season, but at least LaTech is an FBS school. Jerrod Johnson and Christian Michael appeared to pick up where they left off in 2009 last week against SFA, piling up 49 points. It will be impossible to gauge the strides made on the defensive side of the ball until that OSU game, but beating up on weaker opponents is a good way to build confidence in a unit that sorely needed it after the 2009 defensive debacle. Aggies win 42-9.
Texas Tech at New Mexico
TTU almost blew it against SMU. Don’t expect the same thing against a New Mexico team that gave up 59 points last week. In the first half. Taylor Potts may throw for 300 yards before halftime, giving us a chance to see backup Sticks Sheffield this week. Tech will build confidence as they prepare to welcome Texas next week. TTU 66-10.
Oklahoma vs Florida State
The game of the week in the Big 12 brings the Seminoles into Normal for a rematch of the 2000 BCS National Championship. Oklahoma showed they have work to do in the secondary last week. If they haven’t shored up the mistakes from the Utah State, OU will struggle with FSU’s Christian Ponder and a tough, experienced offensive line. OU hasn’t lost in Norman in 31 games. The Seminoles change this in a shoot-out, 35-31.
Nebraska vs Idaho
Taylor Martinez will start his second game for Nebraska. Idaho can score in bunches, but this is still expected to be one of the top defenses in the country. The secondary should have a good test against the Vandals, who passed for over 300 yards a game in 2009. Still, the Cornhuskers come away with a resounding win, 42-7.
Colorado at California
Colorado gets a preview of life in the Pac-10. They won’t like it anymore than life in the Big 12. Last week was a fluke against an embarrassing Colorado State team. We’ll find out that CU will be no better off in the Pac-10 than they are in the Big 12. California wins easily, 35-10.
Iowa State at Iowa
Iowa State was impressive in handling a very good Northern Illinois team last week. This week marks the first of numerous tests for the Cyclones. Paul Rhoads remains one of the most underrated coaches in the Big 12, and will have his team in the game against a Big 10 contender in Iowa. Rivalry games are weird (see Texas and Texas A&M from 2009), and anything can happen. If Iowa sticks to a Big 10 gameplan (run the ball and put me to sleep), then ISU has a chance if they can keep in close. Iowa pulls out the victory, but it will be closer than people think, 27-17.
Missouri State at Kansas State
FCS opponents vs Kansas State – seems about right. The Wildcats live on these opponents, and it cost them a bowl appearance last year. KSU wins easily – no analysis is warranted when you play teams from the FCS: 38-10.
Georgia Tech at Kansas
Turner Gil has been speaking about the positives following last week’s 6-3 loss. Instead of welcoming an easy win into Lawrence, his Jayhawks will face the triple wishbone offense of Georgia Tech, the ACC Champion of 2009. The Yellow Jackets should run all over a weak Jayhawks defense. Assuming Kansas’s offense hasn’t improved in 7 days, this could get ugly quickly. KU’s only hope is Georgia Tech fails to wake up for an early morning start…don’t bet on it. Georgia Tech hands Gil his 2nd loss in as many games, 28-3.
McNeese State at Missouri
Mizzou playing an FCS team? Fine. They’ll win – 52-10.
Buffalo at Baylor
Baylor needs this win to establish some winning credentials as they shoot for a bowl game in 2010. Unlike last year, they don’t need Robert Griffin III to go down with injury early in the season. Because of this, Briles will pull RG3 early, and Buffalo will make the score appear closer than it really is. Baylor wins, 31-20.
Troy at Oklahoma State
Kendall Hunter wowed folks last week with 257 yards rushing in the new OSU spread. It seems Mike Gundy’s play calling replacement knew what strings to pull. OSU will continue to impress on their way to a September 25 showdown with Texas A&M. Hunter couldn’t be stopped by WSU, he won’t be slowed up by Troy. KH runs for over 150 yards, and Okie State wins easily, 42-14.
Wyoming at Texas
They’ll need to establish a consistent running game and find out what Garrett Gilbert can do passing the ball before heading to Texas Tech next week, so don’t expect Texas to go easy on Wyoming, even after learning of the death of one of the Cowboys’ players this week. A subpar performance versus Rice had UT coaches making some running back changes and questioning the fire of their players – those questions will be answered Saturday. GG tosses over for over 225 yards and 2 TD’s, while the running game breaks out with Tre Newton topping 100 yards this week. The defense will be stout, and may well pitch a shutout. Texas wins before Lubbock, 55-10.
La Tech at Texas A&M
The Aggies welcome the 2nd weak opponent of the season, but at least LaTech is an FBS school. Jerrod Johnson and Christian Michael appeared to pick up where they left off in 2009 last week against SFA, piling up 49 points. It will be impossible to gauge the strides made on the defensive side of the ball until that OSU game, but beating up on weaker opponents is a good way to build confidence in a unit that sorely needed it after the 2009 defensive debacle. Aggies win 42-9.
Texas Tech at New Mexico
TTU almost blew it against SMU. Don’t expect the same thing against a New Mexico team that gave up 59 points last week. In the first half. Taylor Potts may throw for 300 yards before halftime, giving us a chance to see backup Sticks Sheffield this week. Tech will build confidence as they prepare to welcome Texas next week. TTU 66-10.
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