degenerate_gambler
07-11-2006, 01:51 PM
Lawrence: Big 12 preview
June 26, 2006
Marc Lawrence
VegasInsider.com
From one defending national champion to possibly another, the BIG TWELVE is finding its way back atop the pecking order in the world of college football’s power conferences. They are doing their best to erase the bitter memories of the old Sure We Cheat (SWC) league of yesteryear.
Here is my take on the BIG TWELVE for 2006. Coming up next: the BIG 12 Conference. Enjoy…
BAYLOR
Since Guy Morriss’ arrival three years ago, continued signs of improvement proliferate this program. Last year they snapped a 24-game road losing streak with three road victories, en route to their first five-win season this decade. And for the 2nd year in a row both the offense and the defense improved their numbers. And they’ve done it against the big boys as 21 of their 34 games under Morriss have been against bowlers. For it all Morriss has decided to install a new spread formation offense in 2006. “I think especially early (in 2006) the defense is going to have to carry us,” proclaims Morriss. Luckily they play four of their first five games at home.
PLAY ON: vs. Texas (10/14)
COLORADO
It’s not often a team that has won its division four of the last five years replaces its head coach. The again, this is Colorado we’re talking about. Amid a program filled with scandal, Gary Barnett has been relieved of his duties and replaced with the winningest active coach in Division 1-A football, Dan Hawkins. Particularly appealing is the fact that he inherits a defense that improved solidly last season. Hawkins, 53-11 in five seasons at Boise State, is labeled a ‘high-risk’ coach. “I really believe in attacking teams and getting after them… we won’t be a static team,” promises Hawkins. Sic ‘em.
PLAY ON: vs. Nebraska - *KEY as dog – (11/24)
IOWA STATE
Talk about a daunting schedule, here’s what head coach Dan McCarney had to say after sniffing smelling salts immediately after perusing his team’s 2006 itinerary: “It’s a season of opportunity and a schedule of opportunity. Nine bowl teams, six bowl champions, the NCAA Division 1-A National Champion and the NCAA Division 1-AA runner-up… what an opportunity.” More like the ‘suicide diaries’. But to his credit, McCarney is opting to spin the obvious by accentuating the positive. It’s understandable when your team has missed out on the Big 12 title game two years in a row with season-ending losses in each game. Besides, it’s easy to act like you been there before – when you have.
PLAY ON: vs. Missouri (11/18)
KANSAS
The Mighty Mangino was at his best once again last year and during the off-season when, for the first time since 1989, the Jayhawks out-recruited both of their biggest rivals (Kansas State and Missouri). That was icing on the cake following a 7-win bowl season in 2005. As a result ‘Rock-Chalk-Jayhawk’ is spoke in two languages (foots and baskets) around campus these days. Senior Adam Barmann is the only quarterback on the roster with Big 12 experience and will be counted upon heavily. He’ll be aided by an offensive line, running back and wide receiver corps that is the strength of this team. If Barmann meshes the Mighty One will be one big happy camper.
PLAY ON: vs. Kansas State - *KEY as dog - (11/18)
KANSAS STATE
After 17 years of structuring a winning tradition, Bill Snyder has handed the blueprints over to a Prince. Ron Prince, that is. The former offensive coordinator at Virginia becomes one of only five Afro-American coaches in Division 1-A football. The 2nd youngest coach in his fraternity inherits an experienced squad that returns 100% of its passing production for the 2nd straight season. Also back are four starters from an offensive line that were lost with multiple injuries last season. The combination of having the luxury of playing a cushy non-conference schedule (surprise), and nine games within the state of Kansas (eight in Manhattan), just might find Prince partying like it’s 1999.
PLAY ON: as dog vs. Nebraska (10/14)
MISSOURI
Four-year starting QB Brad Smith has completed his career with most of Missouri’s passing records now etched in his name. Smith started 47 games in row for the Tigers while concluding his career with a startling comeback, upset win over South Carolina in last year’s Independence Bowl (thanks, Brad). Now the onus falls squarely on head coach Gary Pinkel, who is just 29-30 in his five year tenure since coming over from Toledo. To make matters worse they’ll close out the ’06 season against four fellow bowlers with a defense that slipped 67 YPG last season. It’s been nice knowing ya, Gary.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Nebraska (11/4)
NEBRASKA
Like Navy, Nebraska also encountered a handful of ‘firsts’ last season. A loss to Oklahoma marked the ‘first’ time the Cornhuskers were defeated in back-to-back home games since 1968. Heading into that same game it also marked the ‘first’ time since 1961 that neither team was ranked. On the opposite side of the coin, last year’s win over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl marked Bill Callahan’s ‘first’ bowl victory. Looking to build on that winning note, Nebraska returns 54 lettermen and 15 starters, lead by record-setting QB Zac Taylor. To top it off, Oklahoma is not on their schedule for the ‘first’ time in memory. Unfortunately, six other bowlers are.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Iowa State (10/7)
OKLAHOMA
If you like well balanced teams, the last year’s Sooners had to be your cup of tea. It doesn’t get any closer than passing for 2,131 yards and rushing for 2,130. And speaking of balance, 22 Juniors and 22 Sophomores are back from a team that tackled the nation’s most difficult schedule last season (opponent’s were 92-39 - .702). In fact they faced seven bowlers, six of whom won their bowl game. Confidence and momentum abound as Bob Stoops’ troops won six of its final seven games to conclude the season last year. With their leading QB, RB, WR, Tackler and Sacker all back, we’ve labeled the Sooners a proportionate powerhouse in 2006.
PLAY ON: as dog vs. Texas (10/7)
OKLAHOMA STATE
A 3-0 start out of the gate had Mike Gundy and Cowboys backers everywhere feely giddy about their chances last season. It all ended quickly when they entered conference play when their opponents uni’s weren’t stitched with the names of Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic and Montana State. Expectedly, OSU bottomed out going 1-7 thereafter. After the dust had settles the Cowboys witnessed slippage on both sides of the ball. They’ll open the 2006 campaign against a similar set of suspects before tackling nine remaining foes that were all 5-6 or better last season. Gundy might be wise to reserve a table in the cellar for a second straight year.
PLAY ON: as double-digit dog vs. Oklahoma (11/25)
TEXAS
It’s not often you’ll find a seven-point bowl underdog that had scored 40 or more points in all but one game during the regular the season. They proceeded to score 41 in the BCS title game and now carry the honor of defending national champions into the 2006 season ahead. They’ve also been ranked in the AP Top Twenty-Five 92 straight weeks, 2nd only to Miami. Nice job by Mack Brown who carries a 20-game win streak into this campaign. The biggest loss is QB Vince Young, the 3rd pick in this year’s NFL draft, who was 30-2 as a starter. The bullseye has been fixed firmly.
PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite vs. Ohio State (9/9)
TEXAS A&M
It’s becoming painfully evident the college football world has either caught up with, or is in the process of exposing, Dennis Franchione. Check out the numbers: in stops at New Mexico, TCU and Alabama his teams went 75-55 (.577). Since he’s left the program they are 109-84 (.565). A negligible drop off. In three years at A&M his Aggies are an underwhelming 16-19 (with a 420-yard defense), which pales in comparison to the 123-47-2 record of his predecessor, R.C. Slocum. Once again he’ll be put to the test down the stretch, where he’s 1-7 SU L3 games season with A&M, as he closes out against three bowl teams that were 29-8 last season. It’s getting hot in here.
PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Oklahoma (11/4)
TEXAS TECH
For the 4th year in a row head coach Mike Leach will feature a new starting quarterback. Only this time it’s won’t be a senior. Cody Hodges, the nation’s passing leader in 2005, is gone. It’s no coincidence that in each of the last five years the Red Raiders have featured the No. 1 passing leader in the nation under Leach. This year’s leading candidate appears to be Soph QB Graham Harrell, tops on the depth chart at the start of spring camp this year. Harrell, 41-3 as a starter in high school, was Player of the Year in Texas in 2003 so it appears the program is once again well armed.
PLAY ON: vs. Oklahoma State (11/18)
June 26, 2006
Marc Lawrence
VegasInsider.com
From one defending national champion to possibly another, the BIG TWELVE is finding its way back atop the pecking order in the world of college football’s power conferences. They are doing their best to erase the bitter memories of the old Sure We Cheat (SWC) league of yesteryear.
Here is my take on the BIG TWELVE for 2006. Coming up next: the BIG 12 Conference. Enjoy…
BAYLOR
Since Guy Morriss’ arrival three years ago, continued signs of improvement proliferate this program. Last year they snapped a 24-game road losing streak with three road victories, en route to their first five-win season this decade. And for the 2nd year in a row both the offense and the defense improved their numbers. And they’ve done it against the big boys as 21 of their 34 games under Morriss have been against bowlers. For it all Morriss has decided to install a new spread formation offense in 2006. “I think especially early (in 2006) the defense is going to have to carry us,” proclaims Morriss. Luckily they play four of their first five games at home.
PLAY ON: vs. Texas (10/14)
COLORADO
It’s not often a team that has won its division four of the last five years replaces its head coach. The again, this is Colorado we’re talking about. Amid a program filled with scandal, Gary Barnett has been relieved of his duties and replaced with the winningest active coach in Division 1-A football, Dan Hawkins. Particularly appealing is the fact that he inherits a defense that improved solidly last season. Hawkins, 53-11 in five seasons at Boise State, is labeled a ‘high-risk’ coach. “I really believe in attacking teams and getting after them… we won’t be a static team,” promises Hawkins. Sic ‘em.
PLAY ON: vs. Nebraska - *KEY as dog – (11/24)
IOWA STATE
Talk about a daunting schedule, here’s what head coach Dan McCarney had to say after sniffing smelling salts immediately after perusing his team’s 2006 itinerary: “It’s a season of opportunity and a schedule of opportunity. Nine bowl teams, six bowl champions, the NCAA Division 1-A National Champion and the NCAA Division 1-AA runner-up… what an opportunity.” More like the ‘suicide diaries’. But to his credit, McCarney is opting to spin the obvious by accentuating the positive. It’s understandable when your team has missed out on the Big 12 title game two years in a row with season-ending losses in each game. Besides, it’s easy to act like you been there before – when you have.
PLAY ON: vs. Missouri (11/18)
KANSAS
The Mighty Mangino was at his best once again last year and during the off-season when, for the first time since 1989, the Jayhawks out-recruited both of their biggest rivals (Kansas State and Missouri). That was icing on the cake following a 7-win bowl season in 2005. As a result ‘Rock-Chalk-Jayhawk’ is spoke in two languages (foots and baskets) around campus these days. Senior Adam Barmann is the only quarterback on the roster with Big 12 experience and will be counted upon heavily. He’ll be aided by an offensive line, running back and wide receiver corps that is the strength of this team. If Barmann meshes the Mighty One will be one big happy camper.
PLAY ON: vs. Kansas State - *KEY as dog - (11/18)
KANSAS STATE
After 17 years of structuring a winning tradition, Bill Snyder has handed the blueprints over to a Prince. Ron Prince, that is. The former offensive coordinator at Virginia becomes one of only five Afro-American coaches in Division 1-A football. The 2nd youngest coach in his fraternity inherits an experienced squad that returns 100% of its passing production for the 2nd straight season. Also back are four starters from an offensive line that were lost with multiple injuries last season. The combination of having the luxury of playing a cushy non-conference schedule (surprise), and nine games within the state of Kansas (eight in Manhattan), just might find Prince partying like it’s 1999.
PLAY ON: as dog vs. Nebraska (10/14)
MISSOURI
Four-year starting QB Brad Smith has completed his career with most of Missouri’s passing records now etched in his name. Smith started 47 games in row for the Tigers while concluding his career with a startling comeback, upset win over South Carolina in last year’s Independence Bowl (thanks, Brad). Now the onus falls squarely on head coach Gary Pinkel, who is just 29-30 in his five year tenure since coming over from Toledo. To make matters worse they’ll close out the ’06 season against four fellow bowlers with a defense that slipped 67 YPG last season. It’s been nice knowing ya, Gary.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Nebraska (11/4)
NEBRASKA
Like Navy, Nebraska also encountered a handful of ‘firsts’ last season. A loss to Oklahoma marked the ‘first’ time the Cornhuskers were defeated in back-to-back home games since 1968. Heading into that same game it also marked the ‘first’ time since 1961 that neither team was ranked. On the opposite side of the coin, last year’s win over Michigan in the Alamo Bowl marked Bill Callahan’s ‘first’ bowl victory. Looking to build on that winning note, Nebraska returns 54 lettermen and 15 starters, lead by record-setting QB Zac Taylor. To top it off, Oklahoma is not on their schedule for the ‘first’ time in memory. Unfortunately, six other bowlers are.
PLAY AGAINST: vs. Iowa State (10/7)
OKLAHOMA
If you like well balanced teams, the last year’s Sooners had to be your cup of tea. It doesn’t get any closer than passing for 2,131 yards and rushing for 2,130. And speaking of balance, 22 Juniors and 22 Sophomores are back from a team that tackled the nation’s most difficult schedule last season (opponent’s were 92-39 - .702). In fact they faced seven bowlers, six of whom won their bowl game. Confidence and momentum abound as Bob Stoops’ troops won six of its final seven games to conclude the season last year. With their leading QB, RB, WR, Tackler and Sacker all back, we’ve labeled the Sooners a proportionate powerhouse in 2006.
PLAY ON: as dog vs. Texas (10/7)
OKLAHOMA STATE
A 3-0 start out of the gate had Mike Gundy and Cowboys backers everywhere feely giddy about their chances last season. It all ended quickly when they entered conference play when their opponents uni’s weren’t stitched with the names of Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic and Montana State. Expectedly, OSU bottomed out going 1-7 thereafter. After the dust had settles the Cowboys witnessed slippage on both sides of the ball. They’ll open the 2006 campaign against a similar set of suspects before tackling nine remaining foes that were all 5-6 or better last season. Gundy might be wise to reserve a table in the cellar for a second straight year.
PLAY ON: as double-digit dog vs. Oklahoma (11/25)
TEXAS
It’s not often you’ll find a seven-point bowl underdog that had scored 40 or more points in all but one game during the regular the season. They proceeded to score 41 in the BCS title game and now carry the honor of defending national champions into the 2006 season ahead. They’ve also been ranked in the AP Top Twenty-Five 92 straight weeks, 2nd only to Miami. Nice job by Mack Brown who carries a 20-game win streak into this campaign. The biggest loss is QB Vince Young, the 3rd pick in this year’s NFL draft, who was 30-2 as a starter. The bullseye has been fixed firmly.
PLAY AGAINST: as a favorite vs. Ohio State (9/9)
TEXAS A&M
It’s becoming painfully evident the college football world has either caught up with, or is in the process of exposing, Dennis Franchione. Check out the numbers: in stops at New Mexico, TCU and Alabama his teams went 75-55 (.577). Since he’s left the program they are 109-84 (.565). A negligible drop off. In three years at A&M his Aggies are an underwhelming 16-19 (with a 420-yard defense), which pales in comparison to the 123-47-2 record of his predecessor, R.C. Slocum. Once again he’ll be put to the test down the stretch, where he’s 1-7 SU L3 games season with A&M, as he closes out against three bowl teams that were 29-8 last season. It’s getting hot in here.
PLAY ON: as a dog vs. Oklahoma (11/4)
TEXAS TECH
For the 4th year in a row head coach Mike Leach will feature a new starting quarterback. Only this time it’s won’t be a senior. Cody Hodges, the nation’s passing leader in 2005, is gone. It’s no coincidence that in each of the last five years the Red Raiders have featured the No. 1 passing leader in the nation under Leach. This year’s leading candidate appears to be Soph QB Graham Harrell, tops on the depth chart at the start of spring camp this year. Harrell, 41-3 as a starter in high school, was Player of the Year in Texas in 2003 so it appears the program is once again well armed.
PLAY ON: vs. Oklahoma State (11/18)