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Big 12 Preview
By Jeff Zell
Inspin.com Contributing Writer
Will the national champion come from the Big 12 for the second consecutive year. Odds are against it, but if so look for the two usual suspects.
Big 12 Predicted Order of Finish
1. Oklahoma: (2005: 8-4, 6-2)
Coach: Bob Stoops
Key Players Lost: Dusty Dvoracek (DT), Clint Ingram (LB)
2006 Key Players: Adrian Peterson (RB), Rhett Bomar (QB), Rufus Alexander (LB)
Key Games: @ Ore (9/16), vs. TX (10/7), @ Texas A&M (11/04)
Summary: The Sooners welcome back their leading passer (Bomar), rusher (Peterson), receiver (Malcolm Kelly), tackler (Alexander) and sacker (Calvin Thibodeaux) from a season ago that saw 20 first-year players see action. Bomar should have the tools to excel with preseason Heisman favorite Peterson looking to be 100 percent along with three experienced wideouts returning. On defense, Alexander, Thibodeaux along with 2005 Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year C.J. Ah You (DE) should stop most opponents' running attack. Cornerback D.J. Wolfe and safety convert Reggie Smith (CB) look to man the secondary.
Prediction (12-0): Peterson’s nickname is AD, meaning “all-day”. I’m going to add an ‘E’ and an ‘S’ onto the end of that nickname to stand for “All-Day-Every-Saturday.” Peterson will be instrumental in taking pressure off of Bomar, ultimately allowing him to throw to single coverage downfield. The defense has a year of experience under its belt from when it ranked No. 4 against the rush and No. 13 in total yards. The rematch of the 2005 Holiday Bowl in Week 3 will be a good indicator of how good this team is. It’s a good wager to see OU in a BCS game this year.
2. Texas: (2005: 13-0, 8-0)
Coach: Mack Brown
Key Players Lost: Vince Young (QB), Michael Huff (CB), Aaron Harris (LB)
2006 Key Players: Jamaal Charles (RB), Frank Okam (DT), Michael Griffin (S)
Key Games: @OSU (9/9), vs. OU (10/7), @ Nebraska (10/21)
Summary: The Longhorns look to defend their national title in 2006 with a quarterback controversy the size of Texas and thus the odds are against them. Neither quarterback battling for the starting job -- Colt McCoy or Jevan Snead -- has taken a collegiate snap. The success for the Longhorns will rely heavily on running back Charles, who will see the brunt of the carries after Ramonce Taylor was dismissed from the team in the spring. Texas returns receivers Limas Sweed and Billy Pittman and welcomes a sure-handed freak athlete in redshirt freshman TE Jermichael Finley. Texas lost three of their starting five on the offensive line but welcomes back senior Justin Blalock, who will anchor the boys up front. The Longhorns have four defensive players on the Bednarik Award (best defensive player) watch list -- Okam, Tim Crowder (DE), Griffin (S), Brian Robison (DE) -- and look to be one of the strongest units in the country. A big question will be finding replacement for the two senior DBs who are now in the NFL.
Prediction (10-2): Much of Mack Brown’s season rides on the showdown on Sept. 9 against Ohio State. If Texas can come out of that game alive, it should breed confidence for whichever QB wins the job. Two tough road games against Nebraska and Texas Tech and the annual Red River Shootout should prevent the Longhorns from repeating as national champions. However, if Texas can gain a lead in any certain game, it will be able to control the clock with one of the best running games in the nation.
3. Nebraska: (2005: 8-4, 4-4)
Coach: Bill Callahan
Key Players Lost: Cory Ross (RB), Daniel Bullocks (S)
2006 Key Players: Zac Taylor (QB), Adam Carriker (DE), Matt Herian (TE)
Key Games: @ USC (9/16), vs. UT (10/21)
Summary: The Cornhuskers return 15 starters (eight offense, seven defense), including senior quarterback and Maxwell Award candidate Zac Taylor who set Nebraska’s single-season record for passing yards (2,486), completions (233) and attempts (399) in 2005. Taylor will utilize Callahan’s West Coast offense with receivers Terrence Nunn and Nate Swift, who combined for 88 receptions, 1,136 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Running backs Cody Glenn and Marlon Lucky looked good in spring practice running behind Outland and Rimington candidate Kurt Mann and will look to revitalize a Nebraska running game that averaged just 2.7 yards-per-carry. Herian looks to be a threat in 2006 after his recovery from a fractured leg that occurred in 2004. The Huskers return a defense that led the NCAA in sacks (50) in 2005. Both DEs, Carriker and Barry Turner, return with a combined 15.5 sacks between them. Three linebackers have recovered from season-ending injuries a year ago, and with Corey McKeon look to be one of the best units in the nation.
Prediction (9-3): Taylor felt more comfortable in the pocket at the end of last season with the Huskers holding onto a 32-28 victory over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl. Callahan travels to USC early in the season and could look to give USC its first regular season loss since 2003. Two tough roadies with Iowa State and Texas A&M followed with a home game against UT will determine the season. Nebraska is a good bet to win the Big 12 North and play for a shot at a BCS title game.
4. Texas A&M: (2005: 5-6, 3-5)
Coach: Dennis Franchione
Key Players Lost: Reggie McNeil (QB), Jaxson Appel (DB)
2006 Key Players: Stephen McGee (QB), Red Bryant (DT), Justin Warren (LB)
Key Games: vs. OU (11/4), vs. Neb (11/11), @ Texas (11/24)
Summary: The Aggies finally have a leader at quarterback in McGee. He had a breakout game in their final contest against Texas when he rushed for 108 yards. His supporting cast includes a quality trio of healthy receivers, four offensive linemen returning and running backs Courtney Lewis -- provided he meets academic requirements -- and Jorvorskie Lane. The Aggies have a new defensive coordinator, Gary Darnell, whose defensive schemes can only improve the nation’s worst passing defense (304.6 yards per game). Bryant and Warren are expected to make significant impacts at the defensive tackle and linebacker positions, respectively.
Prediction (8-4): The defense can only improve, and the offense will get much-needed leadership with McGee under center. The Aggies road schedule is as follows: Kansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Texas. If Franchione can use the “12th man” and win a tough home game against Texas Tech on Sept. 30, the Aggies could realistically be undefeated into November. I don’t mean to get the Aggies faithful excited, but this season could shock the nation.
5. Texas Tech: (2005: 8-4, 4-4)
Coach: Mike Leach
Key Players Lost: Taurean Henderson (RB), Cody Hodges (QB)
2006 Key Players: Keyunta Dawson (DE), Joel Filani (WR), Graham Harrell (QB)
Key Games: @ TCU (9/16), vs. UT (10/28), @ OU (11/11)
Summary: For the first time since the Kliff Kingsbury era, Leach will not start a senior or will he name a starter. Harrell, a sophomore, is the favorite for the job but freshman Chris Todd is on his heels. Shannon Woods will be replacing Henderson, but he doesn’t compare to the versatility Henderson had. The receivers are exactly what you’d expect from a team that has led the nation four consecutive years in total offense … fantastic. The defense has only four scholarship players ,led by Keyunta Dawson, who is on the Hendricks Award watch list (best defensive end). McKinner Dixon, Tech’s other promising DE, has academic issues that need to be solved before he can hit the field.
Prediction (7-5): The Red Raiders are tough at home, having won nine straight at Jones AT&T stadium, their longest streak since 1974. Having a quarterback under center that had not previously taken a snap hasn’t been a problem for Leach the last couple of years, but those quarterbacks had versatile running back Henderson. No such luck for Harrell, and he will struggle on the road. The offense will pack a punch like always, and it’s almost a lock that the Red Raiders will lead the Big 12 in offense for the seventh straight season.
By Jeff Zell
Inspin.com Contributing Writer
Will the national champion come from the Big 12 for the second consecutive year. Odds are against it, but if so look for the two usual suspects.
Big 12 Predicted Order of Finish
1. Oklahoma: (2005: 8-4, 6-2)
Coach: Bob Stoops
Key Players Lost: Dusty Dvoracek (DT), Clint Ingram (LB)
2006 Key Players: Adrian Peterson (RB), Rhett Bomar (QB), Rufus Alexander (LB)
Key Games: @ Ore (9/16), vs. TX (10/7), @ Texas A&M (11/04)
Summary: The Sooners welcome back their leading passer (Bomar), rusher (Peterson), receiver (Malcolm Kelly), tackler (Alexander) and sacker (Calvin Thibodeaux) from a season ago that saw 20 first-year players see action. Bomar should have the tools to excel with preseason Heisman favorite Peterson looking to be 100 percent along with three experienced wideouts returning. On defense, Alexander, Thibodeaux along with 2005 Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year C.J. Ah You (DE) should stop most opponents' running attack. Cornerback D.J. Wolfe and safety convert Reggie Smith (CB) look to man the secondary.
Prediction (12-0): Peterson’s nickname is AD, meaning “all-day”. I’m going to add an ‘E’ and an ‘S’ onto the end of that nickname to stand for “All-Day-Every-Saturday.” Peterson will be instrumental in taking pressure off of Bomar, ultimately allowing him to throw to single coverage downfield. The defense has a year of experience under its belt from when it ranked No. 4 against the rush and No. 13 in total yards. The rematch of the 2005 Holiday Bowl in Week 3 will be a good indicator of how good this team is. It’s a good wager to see OU in a BCS game this year.
2. Texas: (2005: 13-0, 8-0)
Coach: Mack Brown
Key Players Lost: Vince Young (QB), Michael Huff (CB), Aaron Harris (LB)
2006 Key Players: Jamaal Charles (RB), Frank Okam (DT), Michael Griffin (S)
Key Games: @OSU (9/9), vs. OU (10/7), @ Nebraska (10/21)
Summary: The Longhorns look to defend their national title in 2006 with a quarterback controversy the size of Texas and thus the odds are against them. Neither quarterback battling for the starting job -- Colt McCoy or Jevan Snead -- has taken a collegiate snap. The success for the Longhorns will rely heavily on running back Charles, who will see the brunt of the carries after Ramonce Taylor was dismissed from the team in the spring. Texas returns receivers Limas Sweed and Billy Pittman and welcomes a sure-handed freak athlete in redshirt freshman TE Jermichael Finley. Texas lost three of their starting five on the offensive line but welcomes back senior Justin Blalock, who will anchor the boys up front. The Longhorns have four defensive players on the Bednarik Award (best defensive player) watch list -- Okam, Tim Crowder (DE), Griffin (S), Brian Robison (DE) -- and look to be one of the strongest units in the country. A big question will be finding replacement for the two senior DBs who are now in the NFL.
Prediction (10-2): Much of Mack Brown’s season rides on the showdown on Sept. 9 against Ohio State. If Texas can come out of that game alive, it should breed confidence for whichever QB wins the job. Two tough road games against Nebraska and Texas Tech and the annual Red River Shootout should prevent the Longhorns from repeating as national champions. However, if Texas can gain a lead in any certain game, it will be able to control the clock with one of the best running games in the nation.
3. Nebraska: (2005: 8-4, 4-4)
Coach: Bill Callahan
Key Players Lost: Cory Ross (RB), Daniel Bullocks (S)
2006 Key Players: Zac Taylor (QB), Adam Carriker (DE), Matt Herian (TE)
Key Games: @ USC (9/16), vs. UT (10/21)
Summary: The Cornhuskers return 15 starters (eight offense, seven defense), including senior quarterback and Maxwell Award candidate Zac Taylor who set Nebraska’s single-season record for passing yards (2,486), completions (233) and attempts (399) in 2005. Taylor will utilize Callahan’s West Coast offense with receivers Terrence Nunn and Nate Swift, who combined for 88 receptions, 1,136 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Running backs Cody Glenn and Marlon Lucky looked good in spring practice running behind Outland and Rimington candidate Kurt Mann and will look to revitalize a Nebraska running game that averaged just 2.7 yards-per-carry. Herian looks to be a threat in 2006 after his recovery from a fractured leg that occurred in 2004. The Huskers return a defense that led the NCAA in sacks (50) in 2005. Both DEs, Carriker and Barry Turner, return with a combined 15.5 sacks between them. Three linebackers have recovered from season-ending injuries a year ago, and with Corey McKeon look to be one of the best units in the nation.
Prediction (9-3): Taylor felt more comfortable in the pocket at the end of last season with the Huskers holding onto a 32-28 victory over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl. Callahan travels to USC early in the season and could look to give USC its first regular season loss since 2003. Two tough roadies with Iowa State and Texas A&M followed with a home game against UT will determine the season. Nebraska is a good bet to win the Big 12 North and play for a shot at a BCS title game.
4. Texas A&M: (2005: 5-6, 3-5)
Coach: Dennis Franchione
Key Players Lost: Reggie McNeil (QB), Jaxson Appel (DB)
2006 Key Players: Stephen McGee (QB), Red Bryant (DT), Justin Warren (LB)
Key Games: vs. OU (11/4), vs. Neb (11/11), @ Texas (11/24)
Summary: The Aggies finally have a leader at quarterback in McGee. He had a breakout game in their final contest against Texas when he rushed for 108 yards. His supporting cast includes a quality trio of healthy receivers, four offensive linemen returning and running backs Courtney Lewis -- provided he meets academic requirements -- and Jorvorskie Lane. The Aggies have a new defensive coordinator, Gary Darnell, whose defensive schemes can only improve the nation’s worst passing defense (304.6 yards per game). Bryant and Warren are expected to make significant impacts at the defensive tackle and linebacker positions, respectively.
Prediction (8-4): The defense can only improve, and the offense will get much-needed leadership with McGee under center. The Aggies road schedule is as follows: Kansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor and Texas. If Franchione can use the “12th man” and win a tough home game against Texas Tech on Sept. 30, the Aggies could realistically be undefeated into November. I don’t mean to get the Aggies faithful excited, but this season could shock the nation.
5. Texas Tech: (2005: 8-4, 4-4)
Coach: Mike Leach
Key Players Lost: Taurean Henderson (RB), Cody Hodges (QB)
2006 Key Players: Keyunta Dawson (DE), Joel Filani (WR), Graham Harrell (QB)
Key Games: @ TCU (9/16), vs. UT (10/28), @ OU (11/11)
Summary: For the first time since the Kliff Kingsbury era, Leach will not start a senior or will he name a starter. Harrell, a sophomore, is the favorite for the job but freshman Chris Todd is on his heels. Shannon Woods will be replacing Henderson, but he doesn’t compare to the versatility Henderson had. The receivers are exactly what you’d expect from a team that has led the nation four consecutive years in total offense … fantastic. The defense has only four scholarship players ,led by Keyunta Dawson, who is on the Hendricks Award watch list (best defensive end). McKinner Dixon, Tech’s other promising DE, has academic issues that need to be solved before he can hit the field.
Prediction (7-5): The Red Raiders are tough at home, having won nine straight at Jones AT&T stadium, their longest streak since 1974. Having a quarterback under center that had not previously taken a snap hasn’t been a problem for Leach the last couple of years, but those quarterbacks had versatile running back Henderson. No such luck for Harrell, and he will struggle on the road. The offense will pack a punch like always, and it’s almost a lock that the Red Raiders will lead the Big 12 in offense for the seventh straight season.
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