The Big XII Preview
-North-
1. Nebraska Corn Huskers: There are no real big names
on the roster for Bill Callahan’s club, and only thirteen starters
returning from last year’s club. New starting QB Sam Keller will
run Callahan’s system behind an experienced offensive line with
two senior wide receivers. On the other side of the ball there are some
quality linebackers, including Bo Ruud and Corey McKeon. The secondary
should be solid as well, but Nebraska could have major problems integrating
an all new offensive line and keeping consistent at running back, where
Marion Lucky is the new featured back.
2. Missouri Tigers: This could be the year that the
Tigers make a move, with a lot of veterans on the offense, including
RB Tony Temple and WRs Will Franklin, Tommy Saunders, and Danario Alexander.
The defense should have some stability, as there is plenty of talent
and experience at tackle, but a lack of depth at end and linebacker
could spell disaster. Someone will need to step forward to rush opposing
quarterbacks. Temple led the Big XII in rushing last season and should
have a quality follow-up.
3. Kansas State Wildcats: The key for the Wildcats
will be the performance of Sophomore QB Josh Freeman, who showed his
ability in ’06. There is talent at the skill positions around
him, but not a lot of experience. As usual, a lot will be dependent
on the offensive line. The defense seems to have some trouble against
the running game, with the 3-4 system they play in. Experience in the
secondary should further add to opponents’ tendency to run on
the Cats. Freeman is a future Heisman candidate.
4. Kansas Jayhawks: At a basketball school that almost
brings the football team to anonymity, the Jayhawks will be quite average
and anonymous again, a season after going 6-6 overall. Defending the
pass is a problem, especially with little experience in the secondary
a year after the team was the worst in the nation against the pass.
Featured RB Jon Cornish is gone this year, leaving a lack of a focal
point on the offense. Overall there are a lot of problems, especially
on defense, but Texas and Oklahoma are absent from the schedule.
5. Colorado Buffaloes: Colorado went just 2-10 overall
last season, but don’t have to face powerhouse Texas this season.
There are a load of positions with little or no experience, including
quarterback and offensive line. The defense was solid and prevented
big plays well in 2006, but lacks overall talent. It’s anything
but certain that they stay out of the basement.
6. Iowa State Cyclones: A 1-7 in-conference record
in 2006, followed up by a 2007 schedule that includes Iowa, as well
as back to back games at home against Texas and Oklahoma, will make
for more of the same for the Cyclones. Four year starting QB Bret Meyer
could be the only bright spot, but with an almost entirely new offensive
line, Meyer will have trouble finding open targets. There’s no
experience at running back, and the defense allowed a disgusting 72.5%
of opponents’ passes to be completed in ‘06.
-South-
1. Texas Longhorns: With a boat load of pre-season
Heisman candidates, Horns’ QB Colt McCoy could be captaining the
ship. RB Jamaal Charles is also a big playmaker and will get the full-time
job this season, and WR Limas Sweed is one of the best in the country.
The defense should be fantastic, but CB Aaron Ross is gone to the NFL.
There is some question about the solidity of the offensive line, but
Texas shouldn’t have much trouble wrapping up the conference.
2. Oklahoma Sooners: After going 11-3 last season the
Sooners were upset by Boise State in likely the greatest bowl game of
all time. This year the Sooners have a relatively easy schedule, but
have no Adrian Peterson. That’s okay, because they’re Oklahoma.
There’s a load of big recruits in the backfield, with an experienced
line clearing holes for them. Some questions will need to be answered
on defense including an entirely new linebacking crew and a lack of
established outside pass rusher. The huge issue for the Sooners is figuring
out who will play quarterback. Freshman Sam Bradford is the frontrunner,
but he’s a freshman.
3. Texas A&M: The Aggies have a high powered rushing
attack that helps them control the ball, and they don’t turn the
ball over very often. They’ll need to establish some consistency
on defense, where they’ll have five new starters. A&M went
9-4 last season and should have a better team, but have a tough schedule
ahead of them.
4. Texas Tech Red Raiders: As usual Tech will have
a high powered passing game, with QB Graham Harrell running the show.
There will be receivers all over the place, but there’s uncertainty
about the line’s experience. The biggest issue for the Red Raiders
will be in the box on defense, with only two returning starters and
no one of real note. The schedule is easy until they meet Oklahoma and
Texas in the final two weeks.
5. Oklahoma State Cowboys: The Cowboys’ offense
can score with the best of them, but the defense is very mediocre. Four
new defensive linemen will have to anchor the defense, but there is
experience at linebacker and in the secondary. WB Bobby Reid, RB Dantrell
Savage, and a more than capable receiving corps will have to put the
team on their shoulders and carry them to a respectable season.
6. Baylor Bears: As is the case at Vanderbilt, high
academic standards make for low athletic performance. Baylor went 3-5
in conference last season, good for last in the South, but still not
too shabby considering the possibilities. Improvement will be needed
from the offensive line, who allowed too many sacks last season, and
a new quarterback and running back will have trouble adjusting. The
conference as a whole is better this year so expect Baylor to get trampled.
-AB
Read up on the other conferences that Ace has previewed!
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