Collier11
7/25/2006, 04:01 PM
2006 Big 12 Preview
2006 Big 12 Preview
Team Previews Baylor Coming | Colorado | Iowa State | Kansas | Kansas State | Missouri | Nebraska
Oklahoma | Oklahoma State | Texas | Texas A&M | Texas Tech
North Division
Predicted Big 12 Championship
Oklahoma over Nebraska
CONFERENCE OUTLOOK
Expect a big bounceback year from a league that had Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and a bunch of other teams over the past two seasons. The North is appreciably better with the emergence of Nebraska back to national prominence and Iowa State with one of its strongest teams ever. Texas Tech will still be a thorn in everyone’s side, while Texas A&M should rebound after struggling so far in the Dennis Franchione era. Colorado will be an X factor with Dan Hawkins taking over adding more offensive firepower to the already explosive conference. Of course, it will be all about the Sooners and Longhorns, at least early on, with both powerhouses among the handful of national title favorites. Are those two going to roll? Not likely. This should be the strongest the league has been from top-to-bottom since it was formed in 1996.
3 THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
1. Texas and Oklahoma will each lose a conference game outside of the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns have to play back-to-back road games at Nebraska and Texas while OU could get tagged at either Missouri or Texas A&M.
2. Expect the quarterback play to be mediocre early on. You don’t immediately replace Vince Young, Brad Smith, Reggie McNeal, Cody Hodges and Joel Klatt without going through some growing pains.
3. Keep an eye on how effective Oklahoma star RB Adrian Peterson is late in the year. Watch for a crankier-than-usual Bob Stoops if he has to answer questions about Peterson’s health if the star has 200 carries under his belt by the time the Missouri game rolls around.
GAME OF THE YEAR
October 7, Oklahoma vs. Texas.
Last year's 45-12 Longhorn drubbing of OU can be chalked up to a hurt Adrian Peterson, a not-ready-yet Rhett Bomar, and the magical Longhorn season. Two straight losses would mean the hex Bob Stoops once held over Mack Brown would officially be over, but a win would mean last year might have just been a fluky convergence of everything right happening for the orange side of the field.
1. Nebraska
Predicted record: 9-3 Conf. record: 6-2
Best Player: DE Adam Carriker, Sr.
Offense - The West Coast offense should finally blow up with the pieces in place to run it the way head coach Bill Callahan wants to. It all starts up front with an improved offensive line that should be more athletic and, eventually, more consistent. There are more than enough star prospects at receiver and running back to put up some huge numbers as long as quarterback Zac Taylor makes the jump in production he's expected to. The return of tight end Matt Herian from a broken leg should mean big things for Taylor.
Defense - All the press seems to be about the offense, but it's the defense that will carry the Huskers to a big season. The front seven is loaded with talent, depth, and NFL prospects led by ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore. Nebraska led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, and should be among the best in the nation with all the great players up front and so many fantastic linebackers that the D might use a little 3-4. The question is the secondary that has speed, but needs to be more productive after starting to come on over the second half of last year.
This season will be a success if … the Huskers win the Big 12 North. While many will set the sights on winning the league championship, this isn't as good a team as Oklahoma or Texas. Just getting to the title game for the first time since 1999 would be a fantastic step forward.
2. Colorado
Predicted record: 8-4 Conf. record: 6-2
Best Player: PK Mason Crosby, Sr.
Offense - Call the new offense under Dan Hawkins a work in progress. It's not going to be the fun 'n' gun like many will make it out to be with an emphasis on balance and a strong running game. However, the pieces aren't quite in place considering there's a three way battle to figure out who the quarterback will be, there's no depth on the offensive line, and the receiving corps, while talented, hasn't lived up to its potential. On the plus side, there's a decent backfield and a great starting five on the line. Of course, there's also Hawkins, who'll be as inventive and creative as any coach in the Big 12.
Defense - The college football world mostly remembers the defensive meltdowns against Nebraska and Texas at the end of the regular season, but outside of two games against the eventual national champions as a few quarters here and there, this was one of the nation's better defenses. Now it should be even better. The overall team speed is average, but there are several all-star playmakers to get excited about from the 1-2 linebacking punch of Thaddaeus Washington and Jordon Dizon to talented defensive backs Terrence Wheatley and J.J. Billingsley. Defensive tackle will be the big concern early on with the search for a steady second corner also a pressing need.
This season will be a success if … the Buffs finish second in the Big 12 North. The schedule is too brutal and the rest of the division has improved too much to reasonably expect a fifth Big 12 title appearance in six years.
3. Iowa State
Predicted record: 7-5 Conf. record: 4-4
Best Player: WR Todd Blythe, Jr.
Offense - Ten starters return to an offense that has the potential to be the most explosive in the Big 12 North. The offensive line struggled last year in all phases, but it's experienced and very, very big with an emphasis this year on being more physical for a running game that averaged a mere 111 yards per game. Getting RB Stevie Hicks back at 100% from a groin injury should help make the Cyclones a power running team again, but it'll be hard not to throw it and throw it some more with Todd Blythe leading a dangerous receiving corps. Bret Meyer is back for his third year as the starting quarterback and should be one of the North's total offense leaders.
Defense - The defense made a ton of big plays last year with a high-risk, high-reward style that led the way to a strong run defense and 35 takeaways. Expect more of the same with plenty of blitzing from the back seven. There are more good athletes than the Cyclones have had under head coach Dan McCarney, but there are also some major holes to be filled on the line and secondary with several good-looking young prospects needing to quickly become playmakers. There are great building blocks to work around with Brent Curvey and Shawn Moorehead on the line and corner DeAndre Jackson all sure to be in line for Big 12 honors.
This season will be a success if … the Cyclones win the Big 12 North. After the last few seasons and with ten returning starters on offense, anything less than a 14 game season will be a tremendous disappointment.
4. Missouri
Predicted record: 7-5 Conf. record: 3-5
Best Player: DE Brian Smith, Sr.
Offense - Everything is in place for a better all-around year on offense even though quarterback Brad Smith is no longer running the show. As crazy as this might sound, the attack might be better and more effective since it can't rely on just one player to do everything. New starting quarterback Chase Daniel is a strong talent who'll spread the ball around well while bringing his toughness and attitude to the offense. The 1-2 tight end punch of Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman is one of the best in the nation, the receiving corps is big and fast, the running back corps is little and fast with four interchangeable parts led by Marcus Woods, and the line will be among the best in the Big 12 as long as there aren't any major injuries to the starting five.
Defense - The defense had to overcome big-time growing pains on the front seven last year, but it should all pay off with a huge 2006 led by a deep and talented line that should be among the best in the Big 12. Brian Smith is a superior pass rusher to go along with a quick group of prospects at the other spots. Dedrick Harrington and Marcus Bacon form a nice 1-2 linebacking punch with Van Alexander ready to break out on the weakside. There might be problems in the secondary if new starting corners Domonique Johnson and Darnell Terrell get off to rocky starts, but safety David Overstreet provides a good, veteran presence who'll keep the overall production from sliding.
This season will be a success if … the Tigers win the Big 12 North. It’s going to take plenty of upsets, but the team is too experienced to shoot for anything less.
5. Kansas
Predicted record: 6-6 Conf. record: 2-6
Best Player: C David Ochoa, Sr.
Offense - This won't be an offense built for shootouts, but there's enough talent to hope for decent production against average defenses and enough upside to provide plenty of hope for the future. The strength is on the line with the deepest and most talented group the program has had in years. The receiving corps is shaky losing top two targets Mark Simmons and Charles Gordon, while the quarterback situation is even more unstable with redshirt freshman Kerry Meier the most viable option. The ground game will be the focus on with Jon Cornish and a slew of fast, young backups carrying the attack.
Defense - The defense carried the team last year with a phenomenal linebacking corps and a surprising, active line. Wholesale changes will be made at linebacker, while all of the pass rushing talent up front is gone. The secondary will be the strength early on with corner Aqib Talib and safety Jerome Kemp on the verge of being among the best in the league. This is an athletic enough defense to be aggressive and come up with some big plays, but it's woefully short on overall experience, much less developed depth.
This season will be a success if … KU wins seven regular season games and goes back to a bowl game. If it can take advantage of the relatively soft schedule and the offense can come together, then it'll be the first time in the school's history it’ll go to back-to-back bowls..
6. Kansas State
Predicted record: 4-8 Conf. record: 1-7
Best Player: LB Brandon Archer, Sr.
Offense - Gone are the days of the old Wildcat offense that was quarterback run, running back run, quarterback run. There's not going to be a true spread attack, but there should be some hybrid of styles that opens things up a bit more for the passing game. There are four decent quarterback options, but no one stands out. The receiving corps, one of the fastest in the Big 12, should shine with more passes their way, while the backfield has interesting but uncertain options. The key to the season will be the performance of a line that suffered from major inconsistencies and injuries last season.
Defense - New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will employ some cover 2 and cover 3 schemes putting the pressure on the safeties to make smart plays and asking the outside linebackers to be explosive in all areas. Fortunately, the Wildcats have a great free safety in Marcus Watts to be the quarterback of the secondary, while Brandon Archer, Maurice Mack, and Reggie Walker are disruptive linebackers who'll crank out some huge stats. The line has decent talent against the run as long as tackle Quintin Echols can get into shape, but it has to figure out how to get into the backfield.
This season will be a success if … KSU gets back to a bowl game. There are plenty of problems and too much young talent to count on for a big season, but the schedule is breezy enough to fall into a few wins by simply showing up.
2006 Big 12 Preview
Team Previews Baylor Coming | Colorado | Iowa State | Kansas | Kansas State | Missouri | Nebraska
Oklahoma | Oklahoma State | Texas | Texas A&M | Texas Tech
North Division
Predicted Big 12 Championship
Oklahoma over Nebraska
CONFERENCE OUTLOOK
Expect a big bounceback year from a league that had Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, and a bunch of other teams over the past two seasons. The North is appreciably better with the emergence of Nebraska back to national prominence and Iowa State with one of its strongest teams ever. Texas Tech will still be a thorn in everyone’s side, while Texas A&M should rebound after struggling so far in the Dennis Franchione era. Colorado will be an X factor with Dan Hawkins taking over adding more offensive firepower to the already explosive conference. Of course, it will be all about the Sooners and Longhorns, at least early on, with both powerhouses among the handful of national title favorites. Are those two going to roll? Not likely. This should be the strongest the league has been from top-to-bottom since it was formed in 1996.
3 THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
1. Texas and Oklahoma will each lose a conference game outside of the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns have to play back-to-back road games at Nebraska and Texas while OU could get tagged at either Missouri or Texas A&M.
2. Expect the quarterback play to be mediocre early on. You don’t immediately replace Vince Young, Brad Smith, Reggie McNeal, Cody Hodges and Joel Klatt without going through some growing pains.
3. Keep an eye on how effective Oklahoma star RB Adrian Peterson is late in the year. Watch for a crankier-than-usual Bob Stoops if he has to answer questions about Peterson’s health if the star has 200 carries under his belt by the time the Missouri game rolls around.
GAME OF THE YEAR
October 7, Oklahoma vs. Texas.
Last year's 45-12 Longhorn drubbing of OU can be chalked up to a hurt Adrian Peterson, a not-ready-yet Rhett Bomar, and the magical Longhorn season. Two straight losses would mean the hex Bob Stoops once held over Mack Brown would officially be over, but a win would mean last year might have just been a fluky convergence of everything right happening for the orange side of the field.
1. Nebraska
Predicted record: 9-3 Conf. record: 6-2
Best Player: DE Adam Carriker, Sr.
Offense - The West Coast offense should finally blow up with the pieces in place to run it the way head coach Bill Callahan wants to. It all starts up front with an improved offensive line that should be more athletic and, eventually, more consistent. There are more than enough star prospects at receiver and running back to put up some huge numbers as long as quarterback Zac Taylor makes the jump in production he's expected to. The return of tight end Matt Herian from a broken leg should mean big things for Taylor.
Defense - All the press seems to be about the offense, but it's the defense that will carry the Huskers to a big season. The front seven is loaded with talent, depth, and NFL prospects led by ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore. Nebraska led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, and should be among the best in the nation with all the great players up front and so many fantastic linebackers that the D might use a little 3-4. The question is the secondary that has speed, but needs to be more productive after starting to come on over the second half of last year.
This season will be a success if … the Huskers win the Big 12 North. While many will set the sights on winning the league championship, this isn't as good a team as Oklahoma or Texas. Just getting to the title game for the first time since 1999 would be a fantastic step forward.
2. Colorado
Predicted record: 8-4 Conf. record: 6-2
Best Player: PK Mason Crosby, Sr.
Offense - Call the new offense under Dan Hawkins a work in progress. It's not going to be the fun 'n' gun like many will make it out to be with an emphasis on balance and a strong running game. However, the pieces aren't quite in place considering there's a three way battle to figure out who the quarterback will be, there's no depth on the offensive line, and the receiving corps, while talented, hasn't lived up to its potential. On the plus side, there's a decent backfield and a great starting five on the line. Of course, there's also Hawkins, who'll be as inventive and creative as any coach in the Big 12.
Defense - The college football world mostly remembers the defensive meltdowns against Nebraska and Texas at the end of the regular season, but outside of two games against the eventual national champions as a few quarters here and there, this was one of the nation's better defenses. Now it should be even better. The overall team speed is average, but there are several all-star playmakers to get excited about from the 1-2 linebacking punch of Thaddaeus Washington and Jordon Dizon to talented defensive backs Terrence Wheatley and J.J. Billingsley. Defensive tackle will be the big concern early on with the search for a steady second corner also a pressing need.
This season will be a success if … the Buffs finish second in the Big 12 North. The schedule is too brutal and the rest of the division has improved too much to reasonably expect a fifth Big 12 title appearance in six years.
3. Iowa State
Predicted record: 7-5 Conf. record: 4-4
Best Player: WR Todd Blythe, Jr.
Offense - Ten starters return to an offense that has the potential to be the most explosive in the Big 12 North. The offensive line struggled last year in all phases, but it's experienced and very, very big with an emphasis this year on being more physical for a running game that averaged a mere 111 yards per game. Getting RB Stevie Hicks back at 100% from a groin injury should help make the Cyclones a power running team again, but it'll be hard not to throw it and throw it some more with Todd Blythe leading a dangerous receiving corps. Bret Meyer is back for his third year as the starting quarterback and should be one of the North's total offense leaders.
Defense - The defense made a ton of big plays last year with a high-risk, high-reward style that led the way to a strong run defense and 35 takeaways. Expect more of the same with plenty of blitzing from the back seven. There are more good athletes than the Cyclones have had under head coach Dan McCarney, but there are also some major holes to be filled on the line and secondary with several good-looking young prospects needing to quickly become playmakers. There are great building blocks to work around with Brent Curvey and Shawn Moorehead on the line and corner DeAndre Jackson all sure to be in line for Big 12 honors.
This season will be a success if … the Cyclones win the Big 12 North. After the last few seasons and with ten returning starters on offense, anything less than a 14 game season will be a tremendous disappointment.
4. Missouri
Predicted record: 7-5 Conf. record: 3-5
Best Player: DE Brian Smith, Sr.
Offense - Everything is in place for a better all-around year on offense even though quarterback Brad Smith is no longer running the show. As crazy as this might sound, the attack might be better and more effective since it can't rely on just one player to do everything. New starting quarterback Chase Daniel is a strong talent who'll spread the ball around well while bringing his toughness and attitude to the offense. The 1-2 tight end punch of Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman is one of the best in the nation, the receiving corps is big and fast, the running back corps is little and fast with four interchangeable parts led by Marcus Woods, and the line will be among the best in the Big 12 as long as there aren't any major injuries to the starting five.
Defense - The defense had to overcome big-time growing pains on the front seven last year, but it should all pay off with a huge 2006 led by a deep and talented line that should be among the best in the Big 12. Brian Smith is a superior pass rusher to go along with a quick group of prospects at the other spots. Dedrick Harrington and Marcus Bacon form a nice 1-2 linebacking punch with Van Alexander ready to break out on the weakside. There might be problems in the secondary if new starting corners Domonique Johnson and Darnell Terrell get off to rocky starts, but safety David Overstreet provides a good, veteran presence who'll keep the overall production from sliding.
This season will be a success if … the Tigers win the Big 12 North. It’s going to take plenty of upsets, but the team is too experienced to shoot for anything less.
5. Kansas
Predicted record: 6-6 Conf. record: 2-6
Best Player: C David Ochoa, Sr.
Offense - This won't be an offense built for shootouts, but there's enough talent to hope for decent production against average defenses and enough upside to provide plenty of hope for the future. The strength is on the line with the deepest and most talented group the program has had in years. The receiving corps is shaky losing top two targets Mark Simmons and Charles Gordon, while the quarterback situation is even more unstable with redshirt freshman Kerry Meier the most viable option. The ground game will be the focus on with Jon Cornish and a slew of fast, young backups carrying the attack.
Defense - The defense carried the team last year with a phenomenal linebacking corps and a surprising, active line. Wholesale changes will be made at linebacker, while all of the pass rushing talent up front is gone. The secondary will be the strength early on with corner Aqib Talib and safety Jerome Kemp on the verge of being among the best in the league. This is an athletic enough defense to be aggressive and come up with some big plays, but it's woefully short on overall experience, much less developed depth.
This season will be a success if … KU wins seven regular season games and goes back to a bowl game. If it can take advantage of the relatively soft schedule and the offense can come together, then it'll be the first time in the school's history it’ll go to back-to-back bowls..
6. Kansas State
Predicted record: 4-8 Conf. record: 1-7
Best Player: LB Brandon Archer, Sr.
Offense - Gone are the days of the old Wildcat offense that was quarterback run, running back run, quarterback run. There's not going to be a true spread attack, but there should be some hybrid of styles that opens things up a bit more for the passing game. There are four decent quarterback options, but no one stands out. The receiving corps, one of the fastest in the Big 12, should shine with more passes their way, while the backfield has interesting but uncertain options. The key to the season will be the performance of a line that suffered from major inconsistencies and injuries last season.
Defense - New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will employ some cover 2 and cover 3 schemes putting the pressure on the safeties to make smart plays and asking the outside linebackers to be explosive in all areas. Fortunately, the Wildcats have a great free safety in Marcus Watts to be the quarterback of the secondary, while Brandon Archer, Maurice Mack, and Reggie Walker are disruptive linebackers who'll crank out some huge stats. The line has decent talent against the run as long as tackle Quintin Echols can get into shape, but it has to figure out how to get into the backfield.
This season will be a success if … KSU gets back to a bowl game. There are plenty of problems and too much young talent to count on for a big season, but the schedule is breezy enough to fall into a few wins by simply showing up.