CFN Preview

[Collier11]

2007 CFN Big 12 Preview

Team Previews, Offenses, Defenses & Depth Charts
North Colorado | Iowa State | Kansas | Kansas State
Missouri | Nebraska

South Baylor | Oklahoma | Oklahoma State
Texas | Texas A&M | Texas Tech

- CFN All-Big 12 Team & Top 30 Players
- Big 12 Team-by-Team Capsules
- Big 12 Unit Rankings
- Big 12 Schedules & Predictions

By Pete Fiutak

The SEC East is the best division in all of college football. Vanderbilt and Kentucky are each bowl worthy to go along with Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina. The Big 12 South isn’t far behind.

Baylor screws things up with a rebuilding team (again) trying to find new pieces to fit into the Guy Morriss high-octane passing game (or at least an attempt at one), but the rest of the division is loaded with the potential for the best race since the Big 12 was formed.

As always, Texas and Oklahoma are the big dogs, but while their each going into the year as their usual national title contenders, they’re not quite jaw-dropping killers; each has various flaws. Texas Tech might be missing receiver experience, but the defense will be better and QB Graham Harrell has the time in the system to bomb away. Texas A&M gets almost all the key parts back from last year’s 9-4 team led by a tremendous backfield that’ll run on everyone. And then there’s Oklahoma State.

Always the second-fiddle in its state, the Cowboys are on the verge of having the type of team no one has any interest in playing. The offense could be the most balanced and explosive in the conference with a vast array of stars, while the defense is aggressive and athletic. As good as OSU might be, and it might be good enough to pull off a season-opening upset at Georgia, it still could turn out to be the South’s fifth best team.

The North isn’t the South, but it’s slowly bouncing back after years of mediocrity. Iowa State has major rebuilding to do under new head man Gene Chizik, but it still has one of the league’s best quarterbacks (Bret Meyer) to work around. Kansas was able to get to 6-6 with the nation’s worst pass defense, which should be a bit better, Kansas State’s young, young, young team has enough talent to beat anyone on any given day (just ask Texas), Colorado will be better, Missouri will be far better, and Nebraska appears to be just on the verge of being a national super-power again.

The league is finally back to being a killer again, even if it is, at best, number two behind the SEC. Whatever. It’ll be a week-in-and-week-out dogfight with plenty of wild games, upsets, and a fight to the last day for the spots in the title game.

Team That'll Surprise
Oklahoma State – QB Bobby Reid and WR Adarius Bowman will keep defensive coordinators up at night, while the 1-2 rushing punch of Dantrell Savage and Keith Toston will be among the fastest and most dangerous in America running behind a decent, veteran line. The defense, led by a potentially great linebacking corps, will be good enough to get by.

Team That'll Disappoint
Texas A&M – Dennis Franchione might have his best team yet, but the schedule is significantly more difficult than last season. How’s this for a road slate? Miami, Texas Tech, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Missouri. Getting Oklahoma State and Texas at home might not help the overall record.

Offensive Player of the Year
QB Colt McCoy, Soph. Texas – The Longhorns would’ve won the Big 12 title and possibly had a rematch with Ohio State had McCoy not gotten dinged up running for a touchdown early in the loss to Kansas State. He’s not going to be as dynamic as Iowa State’s Bret Meyer, Nebraska’s Sam Keller or Oklahoma State’s Bobby Reid, and Missouri’s Chase Daniel and Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell will be in the hunt for All-Big 12 honors, but if he can play like he did last year, and not get hurt, he’ll lead Texas to the title.

Defensive Player of the Year
DE Ian Campbell, Jr. Kansas State – From out of nowhere, Campbell turned into one of the Big 12’s most dangerous defenders and fearsome pass rushers. He’s a do-it-all end with a high motor and quick burst into the backfield.

5 Big-Time Players Who Deserve a Bigger Spotlight ...
1. CB Aqib Talib, Jr. Kansas
2. P Matt Fodge, Jr. Oklahoma State
3. DT James McClinton, Sr. Kansas
4. LB Joe Pawelek, Soph. Baylor
5. C Adam Spieker, Sr. Missouri

Coach on the Hot Seat
Dan Hawkins, Colorado – While Hawkins was amazing in the WAC, he put it best in his infamous outburst … THIS IS BIG 12 FOOTBALL. Of course he’s not going to be fired if there’s another disastrous season, but he’ll be on double-secret probation going into next season if there isn’t a healthy jump up in the win column.

5 Non-Conference Games the Big 12 had better take, very, very seriously
1. TCU at Texas, Sept. 8
2. Illinois vs. Missouri, Sept. 1
3 Toledo at Kansas, Sept. 15
4. Oklahoma at Tulsa, Sept. 21
5. Kansas State at Fresno State, Nov. 24

5 Best Pro Prospects
1. WR Adarius Bowman, Sr. Oklahoma State
2. TE Martin Rucker, Sr. Missouri
3. WR Limas Sweed, Sr. Texas
4. TE Chase Coffman, Jr. Missouri
5. DT Frank Okam, Sr. Texas

5 Biggest Shoes to Fill
1. Jake Sherp or Brandon McAnderson for Jon Cornish, RB Kansas
2. Brandon Foster for Aaron Ross, CB Texas
3. Alonzo Barrett for Abraham Wright, DE Colorado
4. Sam Keller for Zac Taylor, QB Nebraska
5. Joey Halzle, Sam Bradford, or Keith Nichol for Paul Thompson, QB Oklahoma

5 Bold Predictions
1. Missouri will finally, finally, finally get over the hump. And if it doesn’t, Missouri fans will be ticked off at the coaching staff for not getting it done. The defense should be far better, the offense will be among the best in America led by QB Chase Daniel and his two star tight ends, Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman, and getting Nebraska at home will be enough to win the North berth in the Big 12 title game.
2. Oklahoma State will win at Georgia, but the league will take a hit after Kansas State loses at Auburn, Florida State beats Colorado, USC beats Nebraska, and Texas A&M loses at Miami.
3. Baylor will go back to being, well, Baylor. Guy Morriss might be one of the best head coaches in the league, but he doesn’t have the horses to handle the improved Big 12.
4. Colorado will be better, but it won’t come up with a winning record.
5. Sam Keller will be better than Zac Taylor. The Nebraska offense will explode, and old-school Nebraska fans will still want the old attack back when there’s yet another year without a Big 12 title.

What Will Happen
- Missouri will beat Nebraska in Columbia to win the North, Texas will beat Oklahoma to win the South (helped by the other teams in the division picking each other off), and Mack Brown will have his second Big 12 championship in three years …
- … and Brown still will get dogged for not being able to win a national title without Vince Young. The Longhorn fans will be a bit grouchy, despite winning the title, after losing two of the final three games of the year at Oklahoma State and Texas A&M.
- Texas A&M will beat both Oklahoma and Texas … and won’t win the South. The Aggies will lose its share of heartbreakers on the road at Texas Tech, Nebraska and Missouri, but it gets the Longhorns at home to close out in what should be one of the most emotional games of the Big 12 season after the battles the two have played over the last two seasons. There has to be upsets somewhere. The Aggies will make amends for last year’s classic loss to the Sooners, when head coach Bob Stoops went for it on fourth down to seal the game.
- Texas Tech will lose to Oklahoma State, Oklahoma State will lose to Texas A&M, and Texas A&M will lose to Texas Tech.
- Texas A&M will average well over 200 rushing yards per game again, and will still finish second in the league behind Oklahoma State in rushing.

[Collier11]

2007 Big 12 Preview

CFN All-Big 12 Team

Team Previews, Offenses, Defenses & Depth Charts
North Colorado | Iowa State | Kansas | Kansas State
Missouri | Nebraska

South Baylor | Oklahoma | Oklahoma State
Texas | Texas A&M | Texas Tech

- 2007 CFN Big 12 Preview
- Big 12 Team-by-Team Capsules
- Big 12 Unit Rankings
- Big 12 Schedules & Predictions

2007 Preseason All-Big 12 Offense

Offensive Player of the Year
QB Colt McCoy, Texas
Before last season began, no one would've believed that sophomore Colt McCoy would complete 68% of his passes for 2,570 yards and 29 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. There was a stretch during the middle of the year when he should've been considered for the Heisman with 19 touchdown passes and two interceptions over a six-game stretch, and then came the Kansas State game, when he got injured on an early touchdown run. Texas then found out how vital he was as it lost to the Wildcats, and lost two weeks later to Texas A&M when he was far less than 100%. While not a runner like Vince Young (who is?), he can certainly move and will get more carries and get on the move far more.

Top 30 Big 12 Players
1. QB Colt McCoy, Soph., Texas
2. WR Malcolm Kelly, Jr., Oklahoma
3. LB/DE Ian Campbell, Jr., Kansas St
4. DT Frank Okam, Sr., Texas
5. CB Aqib Talib, Jr., Kansas
6. TE Martin Rucker, Sr., Missouri
7. TE Chase Coffman, Jr., Missouri
8. DT James McClinton, Sr., Kansas
9. CB Reggie Smith, Jr., Oklahoma
10. QB Chase Daniel, Jr., Missouri
11. WR Limas Sweed, Sr., Texas
12. WR Adarius Bowman, Sr., Okla St
13. QB Graham Harrell, Jr., Texas Tech
14. C Adam Spieker, Sr., Missouri
15. OG George Robinson, Jr., Oklahoma
16. QB Bret Meyer, Sr., Iowa State
17. LB Alvin Bowen, Sr., Iowa State
18. LB Joe Pawelek, Soph., Baylor
19. CB Terrence Wheatley, Sr., Col.
20. QB Stephen McGee, Jr., Tex A&M
21. LB Bo Ruud, Sr., Nebraska
22. LB Jordon Dizon, Sr., Colorado
23. LB Chris Collins, Soph., Okla St
24. WR Todd Blythe, Sr., Iowa State
25. TE Martellus Bennett, Jr., Tex A&M
26. QB Bobby Reid, Jr., Texas A&M
27. SS Andre Sexton, Soph., Okla State
28. RB Dantrell Savage, Sr., Okla St
29. RB Jorvorskie Lane, Jr., Texas A&M
30. QB Sam Keller, Sr., Nebraska


1st team offense
QB - Colt McCoy, Soph. Texas
RB - Mike Goodson, Soph. Texas A&M
RB – Dantrell Savage, Sr. Oklahoma State
WR – Malcolm Kelly, Jr. Oklahoma
WR - Limas Sweed, Sr. Texas
TE – Martin Rucker, Sr. Missouri
OL – Kirk Elder, Sr. Texas A&M
OL – George Robinson, Jr. Oklahoma
OL – Adam Spieker, Sr. Missouri
OL – Louis Vasquez, Jr. Texas Tech
OL – Tony Hills, Sr. Texas
PK – Garrett Hartley, Sr. Oklahoma
KR – Kerry Franks, Sr. Texas A&M

2007 Preseason All-Big 12 Defense

Defensive Player of the Year
LB/DE Ian Campbell, Kansas State
fter a stunning breakout season with 67 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks at an end, junior Ian Campbell will move to an outside linebacker in the new scheme. In reality, he'll likely play a hybrid of end and linebacker to do whatever is needed, but wherever he lines up, he'll be one of the Big 12's most dangerous defenders who'll need to be accounted for on every play. At 6-5 and 232 pounds, he has decent size, to go along with far too much speed for most tackles. The former walk-on was surprisingly strong against the run and could be devastating in all areas with more room to move.

1st team defense
DL – James McClinton, Sr. Kansas
DL - Frank Okam, Sr., Texas
DL – Lorenzo Williams, Sr. Missouri
DL/LB Ian Campbell, Jr. Kansas State
LB – Alvin Bowen, Sr. Iowa State
LB - Joe Pawelek, Soph. Baylor
LB – Bo Ruud, Sr. Nebraska
DB – Nic Harris, Jr., Oklahoma
DB - Reggie Smith, Jr. Oklahoma
DB - Aqib Talib, Jr. Kansas
DB – Terrence Wheatley, Sr. Colorado
P – Matt Fodge, Jr. Oklahoma State
PR – Perrish Cox, Soph. Oklahoma State

ALL-BIG 12 SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB - Chase Daniel, Jr., Missouri
RB – Jamaal Charles, Jr. Texas
RB - Jorvorskie Lane, Jr. A&M
WR - Todd Blythe, Sr. Iowa State
WR - Adarius Bowman, Sr. Oklahoma State
TE - Chase Coffman, Jr. Missouri
OL - Anthony Collins, Jr. Kansas
OL - Kirk Elder, Sr. Texas A&M
OL - Tyler Luellen, Sr. Missouri
OL – Jason Smith, Jr. Baylor
OL – Cody Wallace, Sr. Texas A&M
PK – Jeff Wolfert, Jr. Missouri
KR – Reggie Smith, Jr. Oklahoma

ALL-BIG 12 SECOND TEAM DEFENSE.
DL - Red Bryant, Sr. Texas A&M
DL – Chris Harrington, Sr., Texas A&M
DL – George Hypolite, Jr., Colorado
DL – Ndamukong Suh, Sr., Nebraska
LB - Rashad Bobino, Jr., Texas
LB - Chris Collins, Soph. Oklahoma State
LB - Jordon Dizon, Sr. Colorado
DB - Nic Harris, Jr., Oklahoma
DB – Andre Sexton, Soph. Oklahoma State
DB - Marcus Walker, Sr. Oklahoma
DB – Marcus Watts, Sr. Kansas State
P – Justin Brantly, Jr. Texas A&M
PR - Danny Amendola, Sr. Texas Tech

[Collier11]

2007 CFN Big 12 Preview

Predictions & Quick Team Previews

Team Previews, Offenses, Defenses & Depth Charts
North Colorado | Iowa State | Kansas | Kansas State
Missouri | Nebraska

South Baylor | Oklahoma | Oklahoma State
Texas | Texas A&M | Texas Tech

- 2007 CFN Big 12 Preview
- CFN All-Big 12 Team & Top 30 Players
- Big 12 Team-by-Team Capsules
- Big 12 Unit Rankings
- Big 12 Schedules & Predictions

Big 12 Championship Prediction: Texas over Missouri

Big 12 North

T1. Missouri (wins North)
Predicted record: 10-2 Conf. record: 6-2
Best Offensive Player: TE Martin Rucker, Sr. & TE Chase Coffman, Jr.
Best Defensive Player: DT Lorenzo Williams, Sr.
Offense: If all the parts are working as expected, this should be one of the nation's five most productive offenses with an embarrassment of riches to work with. Junior QB Chase Daniel is growing into a star leader with more than enough weapons to choose from. The tight end combination of Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman is the best in the nation, Will Franklin can fly on the outside, and Tony Temple leads a small, quick backfield that'll rip through the holes created by a talented, experienced line. The problems? Consistency and proven play in crunch time. The numbers are going to be there, but they have to come against the top teams in the big games.
Defense: The whole will be greater than the sum of the parts. A pass rush will emerge eventually from the outside linebackers as well as end Stryker Sulak, while Brock Christopher has the makings of an All-Big 12 performer at middle linebacker. The secondary will be fine thanks to the return of starting corners Darnell Terrell and Hardy Ricks, but replacing safeties David Overstreet and Brandon Massey won't be easy. There's tremendous speed and athleticism in the back seven, several good young players to get excited about among the backups, and an excellent tackle pair in Evander Hood and Lorenzo Williams to anchor things up front. Now the D has to prove it can come through on a consistent basis against the top teams.

T1. Nebraska
Predicted record: 9-3 Conf. record: 6-2
Best Offensive Player: QB Sam Keller, Sr.
Best Defensive Player: LB Bo Ruud, Sr.
Offense: From possibly losing star receiver Maurice Purify for being a knucklehead off the field, to losing leading rusher Brandon Jackson to the NFL, promising runner Kenny Wilson to a broken leg while moving a TV, and starting guard Matt Huff to a blown out Achilles (though he might be back), it's been a rough off-season for the offense. Even with all the problems, the offense will roll if, and it's a screaming if, the once-promising tackle prospects come through and the starting 11 stays healthy. Top back Marlon Lucky can't be counted on for a full season, while backup Cody Glenn is already hobbling with a foot problem. There's no one of note behind them. The line had to do some shuffling after a variety of injuries, meaning the ground game could struggle at times. Fortunately, former Arizona State mad bomber Sam Keller is at the helm with a speedy, veteran receiving corps to work with. Don't be shocked if the attack becomes one-dimensional at some point this year. That might not be a bad thing.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove is about throwing different looks at offenses over the last few years, and while he loses all four starters off a great front four, he has more talent and depth to work with. The strength is in the linebacking corps, where Bo Ruud, Corey McKeon, Steve Octavien and Lance Brandenburgh will control the defense. There's speed to burn in the secondary, but the defensive backs haven't played up to their potential or athleticism over the last few years. This will be one of the Big 12's better defenses, but it still might not be close to the killer of some of the great Husker teams of the past.

3. Colorado
Predicted record: 6-6 Conf. record: 4-4
Best Offensive Player: RB Hugh Charles, Sr.
Best Defensive Player: LB Jordon Dizon, Sr.
Offense: Call this a stepping-stone season for the offense before it explodes in 2008. The overall production can't help but be better after averaging a Big 12-worst 291 yards and 16 points per game. There are too many ifs. If a backup can emerge behind top running back Hugh Charles, and if all the problems this spring finding healthy offensive linemen go away, and if the veteran receiving corps can prove that it's better than last season showed, and if Cody Hawkins and/or Nick Nelson can shine right away at quarterback, the Buffs should start to have the offense that Buff fans expected when Dan Hawkins was hired.
Defense: The defense was better than it every got credit for considering the offense provided no help whatsoever. The starting 11, in whatever configuration that turns out to be, should be excellent as long as a pass rush is found from the ends. The linebacking corps will be the strength with tackling-machine Jordon Dizon leading the way. George Hypolite and Brandon Nicolas form an excellent tackle tandem to work around, while Terrence Wheatley is an All-Big 12 corner to handle everyone's number one. Now there needs to be more from the secondary, and the run defense has to be as strong as it was last year despite losing key linemen Abraham Wright and Walter Boye-Doe.

4. Kansas State
Predicted record: 6-6 Conf. record: 3-5
Best Offensive Player: QB Josh Freeman, Soph.
Best Defensive Player: LB/DE Ian Campbell, Jr.
Offense: Call this another stepping stone season. The offensive line is ridiculously deep, but without much appreciable talent. The receiving corps has a slew of good prospects coming in, and four good tight ends, but can only count on deep threat Jordy Nelson to deliver. The 1-2 rushing punch of Leon Patton and James Johnson is scary-good, but there's absolutely no one behind them. And then there's the quarterback situation, which was a plus going into last year with several good players in a battle, but now is Josh Freeman and no safety net. Freeman has the talent to be a superstar, but hasn't been remotely consistent. When he's not on, it's over. It's not all doom and gloom. There's a ton of athleticism, and Freeman, Patton, Johnson and Nelson will have games when they're unstoppable, just not enough of them.
Defense: Raheem Morris lasted one year as defensive coordinator before moving on to the NFL. Tim Tibesar will take over and put in a 3-4 scheme, which might, at times, appear to be more of a 4-3 with star Ian Campbell playing outside linebacker and the occasional end. There's a ton of overall experience and depth, even with just six returning starters, with the strength to likely be in the secondary, where safety Marcus Watts leads a veteran cast. While the D likely won't be sixth in the nation in sacks and 18th in tackles for loss, there will be plenty of big plays made in the backfield with all the speed and athleticism across the positions. The overall net result should be better than last year, when KSU gave up 346 yards and 24 points per game.

5. Kansas
Predicted record: 6-6 Conf. record: 2-6
Best Offensive Player: QB Kerry Meier, Soph.
Best Defensive Player: CB Aqib Talib, Jr.
Offense: After spending last year running the ball, new offensive coordinator Ed Warinner will try to stretch the field more with a big, experienced group of receivers. The big question will be who the quarterback will be throwing to them. Sophomores Kerry Meier and Todd Reesing are talented, mobile passers who can do a little of everything well, but they'll be in a battle for the starting job up until the opener. The other big question mark is at running back, where Jon Cornish and his 1,457 yards and eight scores will be replaced by Jake Sharp (fast) and Brandon McAnderson (powerful). The line is nothing special, but the tackles are experienced and solid.
Defense: The defense had to go through a little bit of a rebuilding phase last season, and while the overall results weren't terrific, and too many yards were allowed, it wasn't as bad as it might have appeared. The secondary gave up more yards than anyone in America, but it gets Aqib Talib back at corner to go along with an upgrade in speed at the other three spots. The linebacking corps, by design, is small on the outside with a slew of safety-sized defenders designed to fly to the ball. They have to hold up better when they're getting pounded on. James McClinton is a star at tackle who should set the tone for the front seven.

6. Iowa State
Predicted record: 4-8 Conf. record: 1-7
Best Offensive Player: QB Bret Meyer, Sr.
Best Defensive Player: LB Alvin Bowen, Sr.
Offense: Bret Meyer might be the Big 12's best quarterback, Todd Blythe is an All-America caliber receiver leading a good corps, and in time, Jason Scales and JUCO transfer J.J. Bass will be strong runners. None of it will matter if the line doesn't go from abysmal to at least mediocre. That might be a problem with four starters gone and no developed depth whatsoever. The team will rely on a slew of JUCO transfer and career benchwarmers to patch together a front five that will try to allow fewer than the 38 sacks given up last year. Expect Meyer to be everything for the offense with the passing game front and center early on. Because of the concerns on the line, Meyer will use his mobility to try to buy time and get the ball out of his hands quicker while on the move.
Defense: A complete and total disaster last season, defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt has his work cut out for him with a mediocre collection of talents and few obvious stars to build around other than outside linebackers Alvin Bowen and Jon Banks. The defensive front should be more aggressive and better at getting into the backfield, but will the lack of size cost them in the running game? For a while, yes. The secondary is the bigger concern after giving up yards in bunches and without a true number one cover-corner to count on. Linebacker is the strength to build around, and it could be even better if Adam Carper returns ready to go from a knee injury.

[Collier11]

Big 12 South

T1. Texas (wins South)
Predicted record: 10-2 Conf. record: 6-2
Best Offensive Player: QB Colt McCoy, Soph.
Best Defensive Player: DT Frank Okam, Sr.
Offense: This might be the best offense yet under head coach Mack Brown, with one bump in the road: the line. The starting five will be fine, but there's absolutely no depth at tackle. While that's the concern, the skill players will be fantastic with a deep, talented receiving corps that welcomes back the top four targets, Jamaal Charles and a speedy backfield, and Colt McCoy to lead the show. Now a seasoned veteran, McCoy will run more than last year while making more plays on the move. Expect plenty of scoring, plenty of explosiveness, and a top five finish in total offense ... as long as the line holds up.
Defense: Duane Akina goes from co-defensive coordinator to the head man in charge, and there will be changes. Last year's defense was all about stopping the run, and the talented secondary got torched. This year's D will focus on doing everything, with an eye towards being more aggressive and generating more pressure. The strength is at tackle and in the linebacking corps, with NFL caliber talent that should keep the Longhorns among the nation's leaders against the run. The ends will be fine, in time, and they'll get to pin their ears back and go to the quarterback. All the pressure should help out a secondary in transition, with only one starter returning from a group that loses Thorpe Award winner Aaron Ross and All-American Michael Griffin.

T1. Oklahoma
Predicted record: 10-2 Conf. record: 6-2
Best Offensive Player: WR Malcolm Kelly, Jr.
Best Defensive Player: CB Reggie Smith, Jr.
Offense: If a quarterback comes through and shines, this could be the nation's most effective offense. If the offensive line isn't the best in college football, it's number two, the running backs are very fast and very talented, and the receiving corps, led by top pro prospect Malcolm Kelly, is very big and very fast. It all comes down to the quarterback battle between junior Joey Halzle and redshirt freshman Sam Bradford. Whichever one can be steady will get the plum gig with a chance to lead the loaded attack in a national title chase.
Defense: It'll be an interesting defense that has the potential to be a killer, but has some major concerns. The secondary should be among the best in America with enough size, speed, and talent to keep the NFL scouts buzzing. DeMarcus Granger is a rising superstar tackle who should combine with Gerald McCoy, Cory Bennett and Steven Coleman to stuff up everything on the inside. If the unknown ends come though with a halfway decent season, and the untested linebacking corps is nearly as good as last year's, look out.

T3. Oklahoma State
Predicted record: 9-3 Conf. record: 5-3
Best Offensive Player: WR Adarius Bowman, Sr.
Best Defensive Player: LB Chris Collins, Soph.
Offense: The potential is there for the nation's 16th best offense and seventh best scoring attack to be even better. Quarterback Bobby Reid lived up to the hype last season and proved he could be a star. While he loses a great target in D'Juan Woods, he gets Adarius Bowman back to go along with a slew of speedy but unproven receivers to stretch the field. The 1-2 rushing punch of Dantrell Savage and Keith Toston is among the fastest and most dangerous in America running behind a decent line that has experience, but will be a work in progress to find the right starting combination.
Defense: If nothing else, the defense was certainly interesting with an aggressive style that produced a ton of sacks, plenty of tackles for loss, and gave up too many big plays. New defensive coordinator Tim Beckman will tone things down a little bit while still taking the fight to the offense. The back seven will be terrific with a fantastic linebacking corps, even with top middle man Rodrick Johnson playing end and star Chris Collins trying to get through knee and off-the-field problems, while the secondary will strong as long as injuries don't hit the safeties. Experience on the line, especially at tackle, will be an issue early on, but the starting ends, Marque Fountain and Nathan Peterson, will be all-stars.

T3. Texas A&M
Predicted record: 8-4 Conf. record: 5-3
Best Offensive Player: RB Mike Goodson, Soph.
Best Defensive Player: DT Red Bryant, Sr.
Offense: Run, run, and run some more. The Aggies finished last year eighth in the nation in rushing, and now the line should be even better with four legitimate All-Big 12 candidates paving the way for the devastating rushing tandem of Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson. QB Stephen McGee was better than anyone could've hoped for last year taking over for Reggie McNeal, and while he might not throw only two interceptions again, he'll be one of the league's best all-around quarterbacks. The tight end tandem of Martellus Bennett and Joey Thomas would get all the conference attention if it wasn't for Missouri's tremendous pair, but the receivers are suspect and could be the Achilles heel if there Earvin Taylor doesn't have a huge season.
Defense: First of all, realize what amazing strides the defense made under defensive coordinator Gary Darnell. The pass defense was the worst in the nation in 2005 and became more than just respectable last season in a 4-2-5 alignment that led to a solid year until the Holiday Bowl meltdown against Cal. There wasn't enough of a pass rush outside of Chris Harrington, but that could change if tackle Red Bryant is healthy again and occupies two blockers on the inside. There aren't any all-stars in the back seven, but it's a good, sound group that will do just enough to get by.

5. Texas Tech
Predicted record: 8-4 Conf. record: 4-4
Best Offensive Player: QB Graham Harrell, Jr.
Best Defensive Player: SS Joe Garcia, Sr.
Offense: On the surface, there might appear to be a world of problems. The quarterback situation is allegedly up for grabs, the star running back practiced like he was too secure and got booted to third string, almost all the top receivers are gone, and four starters have to be replaced on the line. Don't shed too many tears. Graham Harrell had a great spring and will be the staring quarterback once again, Shannon Woods will get back in everyone's good graces this fall and be a top back, and Michael Crabtree might be the best receiver the program has had in several years. Of course, it all goes kaput if the line doesn't come together quickly, but Mike Leach and his coaching staff have dealt with worse. There might be question marks, but there's also a whole bunch of talented prospects. This will be one of the nation's five best passing offenses once again, but it might not be consistent.
Defense: This D will be a major part in several shootouts, and not in a good way. The secondary will be the strength, and it's not even close, with a pair of all-star safeties in Darcel McBath and Joe Garcia, along with star corner Chris Parker. The front seven is a major problem, especially the defensive line, with no depth and only one starter returning. The linebacking corps isn't all that big, but it's fast and should be good in time. Expect good running teams to be able to rumble at will.

6. Baylor
Predicted record: 3-9 Conf. record: 0-8
Best Offensive Player: OT Jason Smith, Jr.
Best Defensive Player: LB Joe Pawelek, Soph.
Offense: After making the change to a Texas Tech-like passing attack, the Bears threw well, but did absolutely nothing for the running game, finishing dead last in the nation averaging just 40.17 yards per game. There will be more emphasis on running the ball, but this will still be a passing attack. First, BU has to find someone to throw, and someone to catch. It'll be a three-way battle for the starting quarterback job, with former Kent State Golden Flash Michael Machen the leader in the race, while the two star receivers of last season are gone. Several young players have to turn into reliable targets, while Brandon Whitaker has to try to provide some semblance of a rushing attack behind a line that should be a bit better.
Defense: Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush. Baylor didn't come up with any last year, and it affected the entire defense. With only 11 sacks and 51 tackles for loss, BU let opposing quarterbacks spend all day to throw, and the secondary struggled. Worse yet, the run defense was awful. Now, there's hope for improvement in the 4-2-5 alignment with promising tackles in Vincent Rhodes and Trey Bryant, along with tackling machine Joe Pawelek at linebacker. The secondary has more raw talent than last year, but not a lot of experience, so it'll be up to veteran ends Jason Lamb and Geoff Nelson to finally produce some sort of pressure on the quarterback.

[Collier11]

2007 CFN Big 12 Preview

Unit Rankings

Team Previews, Offenses, Defenses & Depth Charts
North Colorado | Iowa State | Kansas | Kansas State
Missouri | Nebraska

South Baylor | Oklahoma | Oklahoma State
Texas | Texas A&M | Texas Tech

- CFN All-Big 12 Team & Top 30 Players
- Big 12 Team-by-Team Capsules
- Big 12 Unit Rankings
- Big 12 Schedules & Predictions

Offenses
1. Oklahoma
If a quarterback comes through and shines, this could be the nation's most effective offense. If the offensive line isn't the best in college football, it's number two, the running backs are very fast and very talented, and the receiving corps, led by top pro prospect Malcolm Kelly, is very big and very fast. It all comes down to the quarterback battle between junior Joey Halzle and redshirt freshman Sam Bradford. Whichever one can be steady will get the plum gig with a chance to lead the loaded attack in a national title chase.

2. Texas
3. Texas A&M
4. Missouri
5. Oklahoma State
6. Texas Tech
7. Nebraska
8. Colorado
9. Kansas
10. Iowa State
11. Kansas State
12. Baylor

Quarterbacks
1. Texas
After all the weeping and gnashing of teeth, would UT fans trade Colt McCoy for Ryan Perrilloux? A better player than he ever got credit for last year, McCoy has the ability to use all the weapons around him to make the offense explode. He'll spread it out, make better decisions, and come up with an All-America caliber season. In a perfect world, John Chiles doesn't see the field until next year, and Sherrod Harris is brought along for a series or two.

2. Texas Tech
3. Missouri
4. Texas A&M
5. Oklahoma State
6. Nebraska
7. Iowa State
8. Kansas
9. Kansas State
10. Oklahoma
11. Colorado
12. Baylor

Running Backs
1. Texas A&M
The formula should work again with Mike Goodson setting them up and Jorvorskie Lane knocking them down. In a perfect world, the Aggies run like they did against Missouri (despite only gaining 180 yards) when the ground game dominated the second half and Lane turned into a closer. The backs will lead the way to another top ten finish in rushing offense.

2. Oklahoma State
3. Oklahoma
4. Texas
5. Missouri
6. Texas Tech
7. Colorado
8. Nebraska
9. Kansas State
10. Iowa State
11. Kansas
12. Baylor

Receivers
1. Texas
The receiving corps is loaded with veterans, and several, like Quan Cosby, Jermichael Finley and Jordan Shipley, will be back next year. The coaching staff is understandably excited about this group that should make the offense fly. Now everyone has to play up to potential and talent level and take the overall production to another level.

2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
4. Texas Tech
5. Nebraska
6. Colorado
7. Oklahoma State
8. Iowa State
9. Kansas
10. Texas A&M
11. Baylor
12. Kansas State

Offensive Line
1. Oklahoma
A major concern going into last year eventually turned into a phenomenal strength. Even with injuries and a little bit of shuffling, the line was killing defenses over the second half of last year. Now it's even better with what might be the best line in the Bob Stoops era. Obviously, he's had some decent ones over the years.

2. Texas A&M
3. Missouri
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma State
6. Nebraska
7. Texas Tech
8. Colorado
9. Kansas
10. Iowa State
11. Kansas State
12. Baylor

Defenses
1. Texas
Duane Akina goes from co-defensive coordinator to the head man in charge, and there will be changes. Last year's defense was all about stopping the run, and the talented secondary got torched. This year's D will focus on doing everything, with an eye towards being more aggressive and generating more pressure. The strength is at tackle and in the linebacking corps, with NFL caliber talent that should keep the Longhorns among the nation's leaders against the run. The ends will be fine, in time, and they'll get to pin their ears back and go to the quarterback. All the pressure should help out a secondary in transition, with only one starter returning from a group that loses Thorpe Award winner Aaron Ross and All-American Michael Griffin.

2. Oklahoma
3. Nebraska
4. Colorado
5. Kansas State
6. Missouri
7. Oklahoma State
8. Texas A&M
9. Texas Tech
10. Kansas
11. Baylor
12. Iowa State

Defensive Lines
1. Texas
It's not all doom and gloom after losing 16 sacks and 96 tackles from Brian Robison and Tim Crowder. The tackles will make up for any problems on the outside early on, and eventually, there will be an excellent rotation of active defenders at the end. The line has reloaded and will be dominant at times.

2. Oklahoma
3. Nebraska
4. Kansas State
5. Texas A&M
6. Missouri
7. Colorado
8. Oklahoma State
9. Kansas
10. Texas Tech
11. Baylor
12. Iowa State

Linebackers
1. Texas
The receiving corps might be the strength of the offense, but the linebackers are the strength of the team. The possible second teamers, whoever they might become, will all get big looks in NFL camps and could start almost anywhere else in the Big 12. This group will dominate at times in the more aggressive defensive system. an the coaching staff find the right rotation? Sure, it's complaining about the Porsche for not having enough cup holders, but it could be a problem to develop the right chemistry considering all the star defenders need time.

2. Nebraska
3. Oklahoma State
4. Colorado
5. Oklahoma
6. Kansas State
7. Baylor
8. Missouri
9. Texas A&M
10. Kansas
11. Iowa State
12. Texas Tech

Defensive Backs
1. Oklahoma
Loaded, loaded, loaded. There are ten players with appreciable experience and at least four all-star candidates, probably six. With all the movement, the hope will be for an even better year against the run and when plays are there to be made in the open field. After allowing 11 touchdown passes before the Fiesta Bowl, this group will make amends.

2. Texas Tech
3. Missouri
4. Kansas State
5. Nebraska
6. Texas A&M
7. Colorado
8. Texas
9. Oklahoma State
10. Kansas
11. Baylor
12. Iowa State

Special Teams
1. Oklahoma State
If the coverage units improve just a little bit, OSU might have the nation's best all-around special teams. A little more help for Perrish Cox in the return game would be nice, but that's nitpicking.

2. Oklahoma
3. Texas
4. Kansas
5. Iowa State
6. Colorado
7. Kansas State
8. Texas A&M
9. Missouri
10. Texas Tech
11. Nebraska
12. Baylor

[Collier11]

The only thing that doesnt make sense to me is that they have Malcolm Kelly as the #2 player in the league but not one of the top pro-prospects...other than that I cant really disagree with too much other than the fact that they dont mention that Texas Sucks!

[Straz1999]

Well, I certainly disagree with the notion that we lose to A&M at home. That SURE isn't going to happen.

Also, neither Texas or Oklahoma will lose more than one game.

[OKC-SLC]

I'm not sure about the assertion that OU's offense "could be the nation's most effective offense" if we get QB play that "shines". Don't get me wrong, I think we've got some good things going on (RB comes to mind). But I guess I'm not sold yet on the following:

1) Why is this O-line getting all this pub? Yeah, they played well down the stretch in some games (first half against aTm comes to mind), but I remember AD struggling against BSU mightily. And I don't think I saw them play well for a full game once last year.
2) WR is a strength for us, that's for sure. But those not named Malcolm dropped a fair number of well thrown passes throughout last year.
3) We could have Skeletor playing tight end for us, but it doesn't matter if we don't effing throw him the ball.

[OKC-SLC]

By the way, thanks for posting Collier.

[Collier11]

No Prob! I think the fact that we have so many soph and juniors who are returning starters on the O-Line is why it is getting so much pub, they also dominated Texas for a good part of that game, we just kept turning the ball over!

[CU Sooner]

Nic Harris is so good he is on 1st and 2nd team defense.:rolleyes:

[TexasEx4OU]

Nic Harris makes 1st AND 2nd team defense. What a stud. :confused:

[NormanPride]

It will be interesting to see how the Texas offense fares this year. Good passing game, no running game, and a questionable offensive line is not a good recipe for offense, unless you're Tech.

[illinisooner]

Nic Harris is so good, he's on the first and second defensive teams

[illinisooner]

Nic Harris is so good he is on 1st and 2nd team defense.:rolleyes:

Whoops, didn't reload the page after I read :cool:

[colleyvillesooner]

woah! You guys see this?!?! Look at Nic Harris! He's on 1st team and 2nd team!

;)

[The Maestro]

I find it interesting that Allen Patrick is not on the first or second team list as a running back. I also think that the lack of knowledge or respect for our linebackers, listed as fifth best, will get higher as the season progresses. I think we can actually be BETTER at that position than we were last year.

That's fine with me on the predictions...not sure why anyone would pick us to lose a home game...that's been such a regular occurence under Stoops...I mean, one conference home loss since he has been the coach, right?

And how can Nebraska get better at QB but lose to Missouri? Just cause of that nasty home field advantage in Columbia? Yeah, right.

And who knew Missouri was "Tight End U."? Better than Malcolm Kelly, huh?

[NormanPride]

I think there must be a new Nic Harris recruit, because he's on the 1st and 2nd team defense. What gives, CFN?

[sooner518]

5 Big-Time Players Who Deserve a Bigger Spotlight ...
2. P Matt Fodge, Jr. Oklahoma State

a punter as a big-time player???

and Nic Harris on 1st and 2nd team?!?!?! wtf!!!!!!

;)

[Ash]

Holy Double Duty Batman!!! Nic Harris is on the first and second team!!!

I bet nobody's noticed that until now!!!

[CU Sooner]

How does Texas become a better defensive team when they lose their starting secondary that sucked and replace them with players who must have sucked even worse since they were not starting?

[OSUAggie]

They predict OSU will have a better running offense than Texas A&M in the written preview, then they say A&M will be a better offense than OSU. I guess A&M's airing it out this year?

[SoonerBOI]

Did someone ever compared their 2006 prediction to the real outcome? Anyway, thanks Collier!

[The Maestro]

This is what I don't get...

Texas A&M
CFN Prediction: 8-4

Sept. 1
Montana State

Sept. 8
Fresno State

Sept. 15
UL Monroe

Sept. 20
at Miami

Sept. 29
Baylor

Oct. 6
Oklahoma State

Oct. 13
at Texas Tech

Oct. 20
at Nebraska

Oct. 27
Kansas

Nov. 3
at Oklahoma

Nov. 10
at Missouri

Nov. 23
Texas

So Texas A&M is going to lose AT Nebraska, AT Texas Tech and AT Missouri, but win AT Oklahoma. Yeah...that makes sense. About like the Einstein that picked us to lose AT Colorado.

Picking names out of a hat must be great fun!

[Spray]

They did mention that upsets happen and they think an A&M at OU would be just that- an upset. They obviously believe we have a better team, they're just trying to make a "realistic" prediction of the entire season, including the possible upsets.

CFN has always given us (and the entire Big XII for that matter) the benefit of the doubt. They generally tend to overrate/favor the conference a little more than they should.