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2/19/2009, 12:51 PM
Part of the Big 12 Blog on ESPN ~~~~ In case you have Not seen it...??
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A look at Texas Tech's 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 3:45 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell will be gone from last season's record-tying Texas Tech team that claimed 11 wins and earned a share of the South Division championship for the first time in school history. It won't be nearly as easy this year with a tougher nonconference schedule and a customarily difficult Big 12 South schedule that starts much earlier than in most recent seasons.
Here's what I think the Red Raiders have to look forward too.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 North Dakota
Sept. 12 Rice
Sept. 26 At Houston
Oct. 3 New Mexico
Thoughts: The Red Raiders will face a more difficult schedule this season with only one FCS opponent in North Dakota, compared to two last season. Mike Leach's team also faces a pair of tests against old Southwest Conference foes who both made bowl trips last season. Rice won't be nearly as challenging considering that Chase Clement, Jarett Dillard and James Casey all are gone from last season. But the return of Houston quarterback Case Keenum, the nation's leader in total offense last season, will make the Cougars more of a struggle. New Mexico should be an easier test to finish nonconference play.
Conference schedule
Sept. 19 at Texas
Oct. 10 Kansas State
Oct. 17 at Nebraska
Oct. 24 Texas A&M
Oct. 31 Kansas
Nov. 14 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 21 Oklahoma
Nov. 28 at Baylor
Thoughts: The schedule change announced last week will pose a huge early test for new quarterback Taylor Potts, who travels to Austin for his first road game. The Kansas State game will give him a chance to build some confidence before a tough game at Nebraska. Texas A&M hasn't proved to be much of a test in Lubbock in recent years and the Red Raiders smoked Kansas in Lawrence last season. They get a late week off before a difficult finish against Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Baylor. It's likely not the kind of schedule meant to allow the Red Raiders to challenge for the South Division title for a second-straight season.
My best February guess: 7-5, 4-4 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Michael Crabtree, Graham Harrell, Mike Leach, Taylor Potts
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A look at Texas A&M's 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 2:45 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
A talented group of young players will be tested as Texas A&M attempts to contend through a typically rigorous South Division schedule. Coach Mike Sherman likes his the young players, but the group will have to make a big step forward after going 0-5 against South Division opponents last season for the first time in school history.
Here's how I think the Aggies' schedule will play out.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 New Mexico
Sept. 19 Utah State
Sept. 26 UAB
Oct. 3 Arkansas (at Arlington, Texas)
Thoughts: The Aggies will approach the nonconference schedule with more confidence with Jerrod Johnson starting his second season as a starter. Heralded freshman tailback Christine Michael likely will earn a starting position sooner rather than later in September. The Aggies shouldn't be challenged in their first three games, but the last nonconference game against Arkansas in the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium should be interesting. The two old rivals split their last 10 games, but haven't faced each other since 1991. It will be fun to see them playing again, particularly on a neutral field.
Conference schedule
Oct. 10 Oklahoma State
Oct. 17 at Kansas State
Oct. 24 at Texas Tech
Oct. 31 Iowa State
Nov. 7 at Colorado
Nov. 14 at Oklahoma
Nov. 21 Baylor
Nov. 26 Texas
Thoughts: If the Aggies have any hopes of returning to a bowl game for the first time since 2006, they need a strong start, likely needing at least a split of their first four conference games -- if not better. It may be doable considering the Aggies have dominated the series against Oklahoma State at Kyle Field, winning five of six games since the Big 12 was formed. The Aggies also shouldn't be intimidated at Kansas State, where they have won their last two games. Texas Tech has beaten the Aggies seven straight times in Lubbock, but Iowa State should be much easier.
Tough road games against Colorado and Oklahoma will be a challenge before home games against Baylor and Texas to finish the regular season. Considering the Aggies were outscored by a combined 90-30 score by those two foes last season, pride should be working for the Aggies even if a bowl berth isn't riding on the games.
My best February guess: 4-8, 1-7 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Texas A&M Aggies, Mike Sherman, Jerrod Johnson, Christine Michael
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A look at Texas' 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 1:45 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Texas came within one second of challenging for a national championship after losing on the final play from scrimmage at Texas Tech. If the Longhorns can cobble together a pass rush and find a running game, there's no reason to think they might not be in a similar position in 2009.
Here's how I think their schedule sets up.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 Louisiana-Monroe
Sept. 12 at Wyoming
Sept. 26 UTEP
Nov. 7 UCF
Thoughts: The Longhorns shouldn't be challenged too much in a nonconference schedule with four opponents that combined for a 17-31 record last season with no bowl appearances.
Louisiana-Monroe returns nine defensive starters, but doesn't have the offensive firepower to match up with Texas in the opener. Texas travels to Wyoming to face former Missouri assistant coach Dave Christensen in another easy game. And it will be a huge surprise if Colt McCoy is playing too deeply in the second half in either of the Longhorns' alphabet soup games against UCF and UTEP.
This really isn't the kind of schedule that will give Texas much BCS bounce and the game against UCF won't resonate with pollsters if they should lose earlier in the season. Mack Brown has to be thankful for the strength of the rest of the Big 12.
Conference schedule
Sept. 19 Texas Tech
Oct. 10 Colorado
Oct. 17 Oklahoma (at Dallas)
Oct. 24 at Missouri
Oct. 31 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 14 at Baylor
Nov. 21 Kansas
Nov. 26 at Texas A&M
Thoughts: The Longhorns will face some challenges in their conference schedule, but it should be manageable if McCoy and Co. play to expectations. Switching the Texas Tech game earlier in the season is a positive for the Longhorns, who now will play Taylor Potts in his first road game.
As always, their Big 12 South and national championship hopes will likely hinge on the Oklahoma game. The Longhorns also will have a trip to Missouri that shouldn't be as daunting as in previous years and a visit the next week to Oklahoma State that could be a potential hornet's nest. The trip to Baylor won't be too taxing and the Longhorns have averaged 56.7 points per game against Kansas during their last three visits to Austin.
The Longhorns have a rare short week of preparation in the week before the Texas A&M game, but should have much riding on that game and some inspiration after their loss there in 2007.
My best February guess: 12-0, 8-0 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Texas Longhorns, Colt McCoy, Mack Brown
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A look at Oklahoma State's 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 11:45 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Oklahoma State will have more preseason buzz surrounding them than any Cowboys team in recent memory. Many preseason prognosticators already have pegged them as a team that could break the top 10.
To do that, veteran defensive coordinator Bill Young will have to conjure up some magic with his new unit and the offensive starpower keyed by quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter and wide receiver/kick returner Dez Bryant will have to play up to some rather heady expectations.
If the Cowboys have any hope to claim their first South Division title, they will have to navigate their way through a difficult schedule without many breathers. Mike Gundy probably wouldn't have it any other way.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 Georgia
Sept. 12 Houston
Sept. 19 Rice
Sept. 26 Grambling
Thoughts: This might be one of the best nonconference schedules in Oklahoma State history. The Cowboys open by attracting Georgia for arguably the biggest nonconference home game in history at Boone Pickens Stadium. Houston and Rice were both solid bowl teams last year. And Grambling might have the best visiting band and as much tradition as any FCS opponent around. With Robinson, Hunter and Bryant back, the Cowboys should be able to outscore all of the teams. And they are catching Georgia at exactly the right time, as Mark Richt attempts to break in a new starting quarterback in his first game.
Conference schedule
Oct. 10 at Texas A&M
Oct. 17 Missouri
Oct. 24 at Baylor
Oct. 31 Texas
Nov. 7 at Iowa State
Nov. 14 Texas Tech
Nov. 19 Colorado
Nov. 28 at Oklahoma
Thoughts: If the Cowboys are to make the jump into a BCS contender, they are going to earn it. They will be breaking in a new defensive coordinator and a retooled coaching staff against a typically tough South Division schedule. The Cowboys' North Division opponents will include games against a Missouri team still seething from its loss to the Cowboys in Columbia last season. The Cowboys will be playing Colorado on a couple of days of less practice after the game was switched for a Thursday night national broadcast.
The Cowboys' Big 12 South title hopes will hinge on snapping an 11-game losing streak against Texas and playing better at Oklahoma, where they have never allowed fewer than 42 points since Gundy became the coach. It's a tall task -- even with all of the offensive weapons the Cowboys will have next season.
My best February guess: 10-2, 6-2 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Bill Young, Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter, Dez Bryant, Mike Gundy
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A look at Oklahoma's 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 10:45 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Bob Stoops and the Sooners will be gunning for an unprecedented fourth-straight Big 12 title this season. They could be in an unaccustomed role of an underdog as they prepare for their title run, even with key players like Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham and Gerald McCoy coming back for another season.
Can the Sooners claim another title? We'll see as the schedule plays out. Here's how I see their schedule.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 BYU (at Arlington, Texas)
Sept. 12 Idaho State
Sept. 19 Tulsa
Oct. 3 at Miami
Thoughts: The Sooners will be facing early tests from three 2008 bowl teams -- most notably the first college game to be played in the new Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in Arlington against BYU. The game came together because neither team was willing to give up a home game to make the game happen. So they'll play in a national spotlight in an NFL stadium to perhaps even more acclaim by taking that scheduling route.
Idaho State shouldn't pose too much of a problem, considering the Bengals went 1-11 last season and ranked as the nation's worst FCS team in total defense and pass efficiency defense, next-to-last in scoring defense and had the FCS's sixth-worst rushing defense. Tulsa and Miami both went to bowl games last season, but the Sooners should be ready for both. The returning players should be ready, making it doubtful the Sooners will drop a regular-season nonconference game for the first time since the controversial loss at Oregon in 2006.
Conference schedule
Oct. 10 Baylor
Oct. 17 Texas (at Dallas)
Oct. 24 at Kansas
Oct. 31 Kansas State
Nov. 7 at Nebraska
Nov. 14 Texas A&M
Nov. 21 at Texas Tech
Nov. 28 Oklahoma State
Thoughts: The Sooners get the benefit of four home games this season with the Texas game counting as a road contest. They still will face significant challenges in all three road games against potential North Division title challengers Kansas and Nebraska and a trip to Texas Tech, where they lost in 2007. The home schedule should be a little easier with Baylor, Kansas State and Texas A&M before a tough finishing game against Oklahoma State. It's a schedule that might give the Sooners a chance to challenge for the national championship, especially with Bradford's return. But the South Division title and a likely spot in the Big 12 title game will be riding against Texas -- as always.
My best February guess: 11-1, 7-1 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Oklahoma Sooners, Bob Stoops, Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham, Gerald McCoy
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OU at the bottom on thread...~~~ :)
A look at Texas Tech's 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 3:45 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell will be gone from last season's record-tying Texas Tech team that claimed 11 wins and earned a share of the South Division championship for the first time in school history. It won't be nearly as easy this year with a tougher nonconference schedule and a customarily difficult Big 12 South schedule that starts much earlier than in most recent seasons.
Here's what I think the Red Raiders have to look forward too.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 North Dakota
Sept. 12 Rice
Sept. 26 At Houston
Oct. 3 New Mexico
Thoughts: The Red Raiders will face a more difficult schedule this season with only one FCS opponent in North Dakota, compared to two last season. Mike Leach's team also faces a pair of tests against old Southwest Conference foes who both made bowl trips last season. Rice won't be nearly as challenging considering that Chase Clement, Jarett Dillard and James Casey all are gone from last season. But the return of Houston quarterback Case Keenum, the nation's leader in total offense last season, will make the Cougars more of a struggle. New Mexico should be an easier test to finish nonconference play.
Conference schedule
Sept. 19 at Texas
Oct. 10 Kansas State
Oct. 17 at Nebraska
Oct. 24 Texas A&M
Oct. 31 Kansas
Nov. 14 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 21 Oklahoma
Nov. 28 at Baylor
Thoughts: The schedule change announced last week will pose a huge early test for new quarterback Taylor Potts, who travels to Austin for his first road game. The Kansas State game will give him a chance to build some confidence before a tough game at Nebraska. Texas A&M hasn't proved to be much of a test in Lubbock in recent years and the Red Raiders smoked Kansas in Lawrence last season. They get a late week off before a difficult finish against Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Baylor. It's likely not the kind of schedule meant to allow the Red Raiders to challenge for the South Division title for a second-straight season.
My best February guess: 7-5, 4-4 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Michael Crabtree, Graham Harrell, Mike Leach, Taylor Potts
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A look at Texas A&M's 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 2:45 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
A talented group of young players will be tested as Texas A&M attempts to contend through a typically rigorous South Division schedule. Coach Mike Sherman likes his the young players, but the group will have to make a big step forward after going 0-5 against South Division opponents last season for the first time in school history.
Here's how I think the Aggies' schedule will play out.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 New Mexico
Sept. 19 Utah State
Sept. 26 UAB
Oct. 3 Arkansas (at Arlington, Texas)
Thoughts: The Aggies will approach the nonconference schedule with more confidence with Jerrod Johnson starting his second season as a starter. Heralded freshman tailback Christine Michael likely will earn a starting position sooner rather than later in September. The Aggies shouldn't be challenged in their first three games, but the last nonconference game against Arkansas in the Dallas Cowboys' new stadium should be interesting. The two old rivals split their last 10 games, but haven't faced each other since 1991. It will be fun to see them playing again, particularly on a neutral field.
Conference schedule
Oct. 10 Oklahoma State
Oct. 17 at Kansas State
Oct. 24 at Texas Tech
Oct. 31 Iowa State
Nov. 7 at Colorado
Nov. 14 at Oklahoma
Nov. 21 Baylor
Nov. 26 Texas
Thoughts: If the Aggies have any hopes of returning to a bowl game for the first time since 2006, they need a strong start, likely needing at least a split of their first four conference games -- if not better. It may be doable considering the Aggies have dominated the series against Oklahoma State at Kyle Field, winning five of six games since the Big 12 was formed. The Aggies also shouldn't be intimidated at Kansas State, where they have won their last two games. Texas Tech has beaten the Aggies seven straight times in Lubbock, but Iowa State should be much easier.
Tough road games against Colorado and Oklahoma will be a challenge before home games against Baylor and Texas to finish the regular season. Considering the Aggies were outscored by a combined 90-30 score by those two foes last season, pride should be working for the Aggies even if a bowl berth isn't riding on the games.
My best February guess: 4-8, 1-7 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Texas A&M Aggies, Mike Sherman, Jerrod Johnson, Christine Michael
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A look at Texas' 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 1:45 PM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Texas came within one second of challenging for a national championship after losing on the final play from scrimmage at Texas Tech. If the Longhorns can cobble together a pass rush and find a running game, there's no reason to think they might not be in a similar position in 2009.
Here's how I think their schedule sets up.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 Louisiana-Monroe
Sept. 12 at Wyoming
Sept. 26 UTEP
Nov. 7 UCF
Thoughts: The Longhorns shouldn't be challenged too much in a nonconference schedule with four opponents that combined for a 17-31 record last season with no bowl appearances.
Louisiana-Monroe returns nine defensive starters, but doesn't have the offensive firepower to match up with Texas in the opener. Texas travels to Wyoming to face former Missouri assistant coach Dave Christensen in another easy game. And it will be a huge surprise if Colt McCoy is playing too deeply in the second half in either of the Longhorns' alphabet soup games against UCF and UTEP.
This really isn't the kind of schedule that will give Texas much BCS bounce and the game against UCF won't resonate with pollsters if they should lose earlier in the season. Mack Brown has to be thankful for the strength of the rest of the Big 12.
Conference schedule
Sept. 19 Texas Tech
Oct. 10 Colorado
Oct. 17 Oklahoma (at Dallas)
Oct. 24 at Missouri
Oct. 31 at Oklahoma State
Nov. 14 at Baylor
Nov. 21 Kansas
Nov. 26 at Texas A&M
Thoughts: The Longhorns will face some challenges in their conference schedule, but it should be manageable if McCoy and Co. play to expectations. Switching the Texas Tech game earlier in the season is a positive for the Longhorns, who now will play Taylor Potts in his first road game.
As always, their Big 12 South and national championship hopes will likely hinge on the Oklahoma game. The Longhorns also will have a trip to Missouri that shouldn't be as daunting as in previous years and a visit the next week to Oklahoma State that could be a potential hornet's nest. The trip to Baylor won't be too taxing and the Longhorns have averaged 56.7 points per game against Kansas during their last three visits to Austin.
The Longhorns have a rare short week of preparation in the week before the Texas A&M game, but should have much riding on that game and some inspiration after their loss there in 2007.
My best February guess: 12-0, 8-0 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Texas Longhorns, Colt McCoy, Mack Brown
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A look at Oklahoma State's 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 11:45 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Oklahoma State will have more preseason buzz surrounding them than any Cowboys team in recent memory. Many preseason prognosticators already have pegged them as a team that could break the top 10.
To do that, veteran defensive coordinator Bill Young will have to conjure up some magic with his new unit and the offensive starpower keyed by quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter and wide receiver/kick returner Dez Bryant will have to play up to some rather heady expectations.
If the Cowboys have any hope to claim their first South Division title, they will have to navigate their way through a difficult schedule without many breathers. Mike Gundy probably wouldn't have it any other way.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 Georgia
Sept. 12 Houston
Sept. 19 Rice
Sept. 26 Grambling
Thoughts: This might be one of the best nonconference schedules in Oklahoma State history. The Cowboys open by attracting Georgia for arguably the biggest nonconference home game in history at Boone Pickens Stadium. Houston and Rice were both solid bowl teams last year. And Grambling might have the best visiting band and as much tradition as any FCS opponent around. With Robinson, Hunter and Bryant back, the Cowboys should be able to outscore all of the teams. And they are catching Georgia at exactly the right time, as Mark Richt attempts to break in a new starting quarterback in his first game.
Conference schedule
Oct. 10 at Texas A&M
Oct. 17 Missouri
Oct. 24 at Baylor
Oct. 31 Texas
Nov. 7 at Iowa State
Nov. 14 Texas Tech
Nov. 19 Colorado
Nov. 28 at Oklahoma
Thoughts: If the Cowboys are to make the jump into a BCS contender, they are going to earn it. They will be breaking in a new defensive coordinator and a retooled coaching staff against a typically tough South Division schedule. The Cowboys' North Division opponents will include games against a Missouri team still seething from its loss to the Cowboys in Columbia last season. The Cowboys will be playing Colorado on a couple of days of less practice after the game was switched for a Thursday night national broadcast.
The Cowboys' Big 12 South title hopes will hinge on snapping an 11-game losing streak against Texas and playing better at Oklahoma, where they have never allowed fewer than 42 points since Gundy became the coach. It's a tall task -- even with all of the offensive weapons the Cowboys will have next season.
My best February guess: 10-2, 6-2 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Bill Young, Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter, Dez Bryant, Mike Gundy
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A look at Oklahoma's 2009 schedule
February 17, 2009 10:45 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Bob Stoops and the Sooners will be gunning for an unprecedented fourth-straight Big 12 title this season. They could be in an unaccustomed role of an underdog as they prepare for their title run, even with key players like Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham and Gerald McCoy coming back for another season.
Can the Sooners claim another title? We'll see as the schedule plays out. Here's how I see their schedule.
Nonconference schedule
Sept. 5 BYU (at Arlington, Texas)
Sept. 12 Idaho State
Sept. 19 Tulsa
Oct. 3 at Miami
Thoughts: The Sooners will be facing early tests from three 2008 bowl teams -- most notably the first college game to be played in the new Dallas Cowboys' Stadium in Arlington against BYU. The game came together because neither team was willing to give up a home game to make the game happen. So they'll play in a national spotlight in an NFL stadium to perhaps even more acclaim by taking that scheduling route.
Idaho State shouldn't pose too much of a problem, considering the Bengals went 1-11 last season and ranked as the nation's worst FCS team in total defense and pass efficiency defense, next-to-last in scoring defense and had the FCS's sixth-worst rushing defense. Tulsa and Miami both went to bowl games last season, but the Sooners should be ready for both. The returning players should be ready, making it doubtful the Sooners will drop a regular-season nonconference game for the first time since the controversial loss at Oregon in 2006.
Conference schedule
Oct. 10 Baylor
Oct. 17 Texas (at Dallas)
Oct. 24 at Kansas
Oct. 31 Kansas State
Nov. 7 at Nebraska
Nov. 14 Texas A&M
Nov. 21 at Texas Tech
Nov. 28 Oklahoma State
Thoughts: The Sooners get the benefit of four home games this season with the Texas game counting as a road contest. They still will face significant challenges in all three road games against potential North Division title challengers Kansas and Nebraska and a trip to Texas Tech, where they lost in 2007. The home schedule should be a little easier with Baylor, Kansas State and Texas A&M before a tough finishing game against Oklahoma State. It's a schedule that might give the Sooners a chance to challenge for the national championship, especially with Bradford's return. But the South Division title and a likely spot in the Big 12 title game will be riding against Texas -- as always.
My best February guess: 11-1, 7-1 in Big 12 play.
Big 12 schedule analysis, Oklahoma Sooners, Bob Stoops, Sam Bradford, Jermaine Gresham, Gerald McCoy
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