SportsbyFletch continues its preview of the college football season and we must pause for a moment as we look at the Coaches' preseason poll where OU is ranked in the top 10. Really? (OK, fine. I had the Sooners at #4.)
Seriously though? What was I thinking? Landry Jones got some reps, yes, but HOW MANY guys did they lose to the NFL draft? 3 of the first 4 picks for pete's sake! What? You say Stoops keeps the pantry stocked? OK Fine.
But honestly? Texas at No.3? (Wait, that was me again.) They lost McCoy sure, but Gilbert looked good enough in the BCSCG against Bama....when he wasn't throwing 4 INTs.
And as for the rest of the Big XII, where are you guys? (Wait, the same can be said of the SEC. Nevermind) You guys really need to consider bringing in TCU and SMU or Houston...somebody to keep 12 teams. Texas, you may not want to play in a championship game next season, but just wait until you go 12-0 then get jumped by a 13-0 Iowa, with a win over Nebraska in the Big11 CG to play Georgia in the national championship game. You'll want one then.
Let's get it going with a look at the Big XII South first.
1) Texas. The Longhorns lost some key players on offense, but the receivers are still good (no one really great) and the defensive secondary, led by Blake Gideon, might be the best in the country. The lines will be young but really talented, especially if freshman Jackson Jeffcoat gets some reps. he was one of the top players to sign last season. I expect Texas gives the season a real push, finishing likely 11-1.
2) Oklahoma. Landry Jones got a LOT of reps last year with Bradford missing most of the year. He should be comfortable back there, especially with an offensive line that has the potential to be better than it was last season, when it was still learning-well everyone except Trent Williams. The O-line returns some folks like Ben Habern at center, Stephen Good, and LSU-transfer Jarvis Jones. The wide receivers should also help LJones sleep at night with Ryan Broyles leading a pack of go-getters. OU receivers are always REALLY good in college, well good enough to be highly drafted, so they have that going for them. And the RB situation is headed by Demarco Murray, who is ONCE AGAIN back in Soonerland. The dline is anchored by McFarland, Alexander and Beal. Those guys are BIG.
3)Texas A&M. If you forget the beatdown that Georgia threw down on them in the Independence Bowl, you'll likely remember QB Jerrod Johnson, who passed for 3500 yards and a few decent tailbacks. He has a wideout target in Jeff Fuller, one of several WR to bring in 40 catches. On defense Von Miller will be good, but he is IT. Let's hope the new DCoor helps here.
4) Texas Tech. Tubs won at Auburn, so why should this be any different, especially when he has a few backs that he can maybe mold into Williams and Brown part2. The defense is switching to a 3-4 but the secondary returns three starters. Watch out for Detron Lewis
5) Okie State. Well, Mike Gundy is back and so is Kendall Hunter. Zac Robinson moved on and Dez Bryant is still an idiot. (You didn't know about rookie hazing? THAT'S GARBAGE, as your coach would say!) As for the defense, Joe Cox had ZERO trouble driving down the field on you that first drive. Bill Young....not impressed.
6) Baylor. What can we say about the Bears? Let's hope Robert Griffin is back at 100%. If so, Art Briles might be able to get something cooking. Otherwise, HELLO punter Derek Epperson!
BigXII North
1) Nebraska. Suh says that Jared Crick is better than he was. We'll see how the 6'6 junior does without Suh there to eat up the double-teams. RB Roy Helu can churn up yardage while Niles Paul will haul it in from whomever is tossing it up. The future Big11ers will easily cruise in this laugher of a division
2) Mizzou. Blaine Gabbert came on at the end of the season and he has a nice target in Jerrell Jackson. The Tigers rushing attack is led by Derrick Washington, but honestly, they just aren't as good as Nebraska. They play IN Lincoln this year: advantage Huskers. Mizzou has some good pieces on defense and a nice O-line, but the trip to Lincoln will cost them
3) Kansas. Easy schedule. About all you can say the Jayhawks have going for them Sorry Turner Gil, but Houston Nutt knew what was up by staying in Oxford. Yeah. that's about it.
4) Kansas State. Daniel Thomas was a 1000-yard rusher and the oline has four starters back. The defense actually might be OK....by BigXII standards.
5) Iowa State. QB Austen Arnaud is decent enough behind a line that blocked for a 1000-yard rusher. As for the defense (and remember, head coach Paul Rhodes was the Auburn DCoor before becoming head coach)....no pass rush and it cannot stop the run. NICE. But still better than.....
6) Colorado. Dan Hawkins is still there? Well, this should be an easy one for Georgia. I doubt the Buffs REALLY make a statement before heading off to the Pac-12. What happened to these guys? Besides a LONG time ago the coach's daughter getting knocked up by a player, then the guys getting into an uproar over a female kicker...then the other guys getting into some trouble with some other ladies on campus. Colorado is good at exactly ZERO things.
Tomorrow, the Big Easy!
No comments:
Post a Comment