2010 CFBZ Prediction: Tie for 5th Place in Big 12 South
2010 Actual Finish: Tied for 1st Place in Big 12 South (11-2, 6-2)
Just about every pre-season publication had the Cowboys finishing at or near the bottom of the Big 12 South. They lost their leading rusher, their QB, Dez Bryant, their top 4 tacklers, and their top 5 interceptors. People didn't count on Brandon Wheedon stepping in and throwing for over 4000 yards (after only attempting 24 passes the previous year) and 34 TDs. They didn't expect Kendall Hunter to rush for over 1500 yards. They didn't know Justin Blackmon would step up and catch over 100 yards encompassing more than 1700 yards and scoring 20 TDs. The Oklahoma State offense was dynamic in 2010. They were the 2nd in the Nation in Passing Yards and 3rd in Points Scored. Oklahoma State capped off their 2010 season by breezing by Arizona in the Alamo Bowl to finish 11-2. We turned to Scott, our resident Oklahoma State "Friend of the Blog" and frequent message board contributor at GoPokes.com to find out more about the Cowboys 2010 season and get a brief glimpse into 2011.
Oklahoma State exceeded just about everybody's expectations this year by finishing 11-2. What were your favorite moments of the football season?
The come from behind victory over A&M. OSU has had a history of losing games like that. I think that was a huge win that made the 11 win season possible. Also being at the Alamo for the historic 11th win.
Which players were the biggest surprises of the season?
Has to be Justin Blackmon. To go from a relative unknown to the Biletnikoff award and setting the NCAA records. Michael Harrison will be a better player next year and could be a great #2 for Weeden. Also Shaun Lewis (true freshman Linebacker) he grew up quickly and made the game changing play against A&M. He will be a stud the next few years.
Which player are you most excited about for next season?
The easy answer would be Blackmon and I do believe he will come back. But for me I think Richetti Jones (DE), Nigel Nicholas (DT), Christian Littlehead (DT), and just the whole defense should be much improved next year and will determine if OSU is a contender for a BCS bowl game.
How big of a loss will Dana Holgerson be? How do you think Mike Gundy will replace him?
No doubt DH was a great hire and did a great job but I do feel Mike Gundy has shown the ability to hire great assistants. From Larry Fedora, to Bill Young, to Dana Holgerson, Gundy has shown that he is a very good evaluator of coaches. Oklahoma State is a place coaches want to be now. With the three year contracts we offer, the town of Stillwater, the facilities, and the success we are having it is no longer a secondary job, it is a place people will want to come.
What do the Cowboys need to do this off-season to shoot for back-to-back 10 win seasons and possibly a Big 12 (or whatever it will be called next year) Championship?
Stay humble and hungry. We lose two DT's but I honestly believe that the last three years we have had better talent coming on to campus. OSU has been recruiting player who were winners in high school. You can see they believe they believe they will win not just can win. I think the biggest question is whether Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon come back. If they do, OSU should be right there. I told friends this was the first time OSU has ever had the pressure of playing for a Big 12 South championship when OU came to Stillwater. OU on the other hand had been there many times. OSU learned what it takes this year. Next year, We will be ready!
Showing posts with label Big 12 South. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big 12 South. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The Final(?) Showdown
So it comes to this, does it?
The final showdown between two rivals, for the time being, and it is for all the Big 12 Marbles. It’s funny to think about in that context, but that is the reality of what we are facing on Saturday when Nebraska plays Oklahoma for a final time. I am not ruling out future meetings, but for all intents and purposes this should be treated as the last game of the rivalry. I am not going to break this down from a technical standpoint, but I am going to try and convey my emotions going into this game, and what I hope will happen.
On June 11th 2010 the Nebraska Cornhuskers were approved to make the jump to the Big 10 Conference and in all the madness that surrounded the move, the one thing that was never brought up was the end of two rivalries. I am not sure many of you can understand what it is like to know you have to make a new rival. It’s weird, I obviously have my intrapersonal rivalry with all my Ohio State supporting friends, I have a personal bitter rivalry with Michigan (1997 should still OUR National Championship), and the prospects of Nebraska/Iowa aka “FARMAGEDDON” The fact that remained was that we as Nebraska fans, lost our two biggest rivals in Colorado and Oklahoma. The Colorado rivalry was more prevalent since the two teams played every year, but to me, Oklahoma would always be the rivalry.
So what about the final game? What about the last game of a rivalry for the time being? I obviously hope Nebraska wins, but more than anything I want to beat our rival one more time on the (second) biggest stage of them all. I am not going to go overboard and want an absolute drubbing, but I do want to win, I want to win this game more than I wanted to win the Texas game, and that was the most hyped I have ever been for a Nebraska game. I don’t think many of you understand how great it would be to win this game; I am aware that many people have national titles, and conference titles, but you always come back the next year to defend and to repeat. This time there is no coming back; there is no repeating as champion, there is just THIS GAME. That’s it. I can’t think of anything that will be sweeter than having to watch Dan Beebe hand the Big 12 Title over to the Cornhuskers, and him knowing that, for the time being, we are the LAST Big 12 Championship Game winners. He already doesn’t want to give the Big 12 North Trophy over to the Huskers, and that’s fine, but he will HAVE to hand over the Big 12 Championship Trophy to Nebraska, and that will be even better. I wouldn’t even care if they won the Fiesta Bowl so long as I get to see that scene in Dallas on Saturday Night, and to take out your two main rivals in back to back weeks? That will be even sweeter. There will be none of me buying Tostitos, or scheduling out songs to play in the event of a win. There will only be a win...
...then we will play the songs, one last time!
Nebraska 20 – Oklahoma 17.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Oklahoma State Cowboys
2009 Record: 9-4 (6-2 in Big 12)
2009 Bowl: Cotton Bowl (lost to Ole Miss 21-7)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: received 40 pts putting them at #30
Head Coach: Mike Gundy (36-27 at Oklahoma State, 19-21 in Big 12 Conference games)
Non-Conference Schedule: Washington State (9/4), Troy (9/11), Tulsa (9/18), at Louisiana (10/8)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 28.4 points per game (7th in Big 12)
Rushing Yards/Game: 187 (1st in Big 12, 22nd in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 179 (10th in Big 12, 99th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 367 (7th in Big 12)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 21.7 points per game (4th in Big 12)
Rushing Yards/Game: 95 (4th in Big 12)
Passing Yards/Game: 236 (8th in Big 12)
Total Yards/Game: 332 (4th in Big 12)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: 0.00 per game (7th in Big 12)
Penalties: 63 yards per game (6th in Big 12)
Returning Starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 4
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Brandon Weeden, Jr (15 of 24 for 248 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT)
Rushing: RB Kendall Hunter, Sr (89 carries for 382 yds, 1 TD, 4.2 ypc, 47 ypg)
Receiving: WR Hubert Aniyam, Jr (42 rec, 515 yds, 3.2 rec/game)
Tackles: SS Markelle Martin, Jr (46)
Sacks: DE Ugo Chinasa, Sr (6.5)
Interceptions: CB Andrew McGee, Sr (1)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #46
Pre-Snap Read: #69
Sporting News: #64
2010 Pre-Season Big 12 North Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #5
Phil Steele: #6
Bowl Prediction:
Athlon Sports: Texas Bowl (vs. Northwestern)
Last year Oklahoma State opened up their season with a Dez Bryant led win over Georgia. The celebration was short lived as they dropped their next game to Houston and then shortly after that Dez Bryant was ruled ineligible. Despite losing their best player the Cowboys still managed to beat every other Big 12 opponent they played outside of Oklahoma and Texas. Oklahoma State accepted a bid to the Cotton Bowl but lost to Ole Miss in a disappointing outing 21-7. 2009 was supposed to be a coming out party for Oklahoma State but they finished just outside the Top 25 at 9-4 and now are wondering whether they can re-load or will have to re-build. Oklahoma State has the fewest returning starters in the Big 12 and lost 6 of their top 7 tacklers off of their defense. Like we did with our Auburn and Notre Dame previews we sought out a fans perspective on the Cowboys. We turned to a frequent Scout.com message board contributor at the Oklahoma State site GoPokes.com (Scott refers to himself as the "sunshine pumper" of GoPokes.com) to learn more about the 2010 Cowboys. Here is an intro from Scott, a run-down of the first part of the schedule and then some Q&A:
Intro
From my perspective. We have a lot of talent on offense and I think the new style of offense will be humming right along once conference season comes along. Biggest questions on offense are the Oline (replacing all but 1 starter) and receiver. Oklahoma State's biggest issue last year was our receivers getting off blocks. They struggled with that and without Dez drawing the double coverage it showed. That said we have depth at receiver, it is just young. But that gives guys an opportunity to step up.
Defensively, Im really excited about this years team. Yes we lost our linebackers but having Orie Lemon returning from his knee injury should give us good leadership at the linebacker position for the young studs we have signed. I look for our Dline to be improved in Bill Youngs second year as DC. Biggest question mark on defense is secondary where we are thin on depth. That is the one place we cant afford an injury.
Special Teams should be special again. Joe Deforest is a great Special teams coach and this is probably the most talent Oklahoma State has had on campus. It is just unproven.
I think the schedule sets up nicely for Oklahoma State to build momentum. With the lack of belief in OSU from the preseason magazines, as an OSU fan Im hoping opponents take us lightly too.
Schedule Breakdown
Washington State should be improved. This is their 3rd year under their coach. We made great strides in Gundy's 3rd year. They are from the Pac 10 which is a good conference.
Troy is always a good team. They get a lot of talent and they beat us a few years ago.
Tulsa is a scary team. They weren't up to their standards last year because they were young but they are getting a lot of great pub and rightly so. Todd Graham is a very good coach and returns a lot of talent. Plus it's an instate game. Tulsa went into Norman a few years ago and scared a highly ranked Oklahoma team. They wont be scared coming into Stillwater.
Texas A&M is expected to be very good this year and some think could challenge OU and UT for the South. Im glad this game is in Stillwater and Im glad OSU has a week to prepare for it. A&M and OSU always play exciting games.
@ Louisiana This game scares me more than any game of the first five. OSU has seemed to lose one game each season the last few years they shouldnt. This is a Friday night game in Louisiana. KSU lost there last year and it's the first road game with this new team. Plus OSU could be coming off a huge win over a possibly ranked A&M team. This is a classic trap game.
Q&A
What team on the schedule do you want to beat the most?
I think it would have to be OU or Texas. And it is simply because those are the only two teams Gundy hasnt beaten as HC. I really feel OSU has put themselves in a position to be in 3rd behind those two for the future, especially with the new conference. I think we have passed A&M and I think Tech is going to miss Mike Leach more than they realize. The North lost it's strongest team (Nebraska) and I dont see any of those teams competing in the future.
@ Texas Tech would be a close third because OSU has not won in Lubbock since the inception of the Big 12.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Tough to say but I would guess it would be one of the young receivers who will flourish in the new offense. I cant give you one name because I think a lot of that will sort itself out during August. But look for a redshirt freshman to make a major statement at WR this year.
Who are the top newcomers that can make an impact this year?
Would have to be the linebackers. There is a strong possiblity that Shaun Lewis, Caleb Lavey, and Kris Catlin could all see significant time at LB this year. Also thind Devin Hedgepeth who came in January will have to play big at DB for OSU to be successful.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
It's all about the start. If this inexperienced team can gain some confidence, which I think they will, I think OSU will win 9 games this year. I think OSU beats OU or UT this year. And I feel like OSU has a legit shot at beating Tech in Lubbock. 8 wins would be success in my opinion. All of this barring injury.
Taking Oklahoma State out of the equation, who do you see winning the Big 12 this year?
Would have to go with the winner of the Red River Rivalry. Until someone beats OU or UT and wins a south championship they should be the favorites. I know a lot of people are big on A&M being a sleeper but I just dont think Sherman is the answer. If they lose their QB they are in trouble. OSU saw what losing key players can do to a season last year. Only UT and OU can sustain injuries and still win the title and not even OU could do that last year.
Previous Big 12 Previews:
Iowa State Cyclones
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas State Wildcats
Missouri Tigers
Oklahoma Sooners
Texas Longhorns
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Next Up: Washington State Cougars
Previous Pre-Season Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Cavaliers, Virginia Tech Hokies, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Syracuse Orange, UConn Huskies, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Army Black Knights, Navy Midshipmen, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, Stanford Cardinal, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky Wildcats, LSU Tigers, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- FIU Golden Panthers, North Texas Mean Green, Troy Trojans
WAC- Boise State Broncos, Fresno State Bulldogs, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, New Mexico State Aggies
2009 Bowl: Cotton Bowl (lost to Ole Miss 21-7)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: received 40 pts putting them at #30
Head Coach: Mike Gundy (36-27 at Oklahoma State, 19-21 in Big 12 Conference games)
Non-Conference Schedule: Washington State (9/4), Troy (9/11), Tulsa (9/18), at Louisiana (10/8)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 28.4 points per game (7th in Big 12)
Rushing Yards/Game: 187 (1st in Big 12, 22nd in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 179 (10th in Big 12, 99th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 367 (7th in Big 12)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 21.7 points per game (4th in Big 12)
Rushing Yards/Game: 95 (4th in Big 12)
Passing Yards/Game: 236 (8th in Big 12)
Total Yards/Game: 332 (4th in Big 12)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: 0.00 per game (7th in Big 12)
Penalties: 63 yards per game (6th in Big 12)
Returning Starters
Offense: 4
Defense: 4
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Brandon Weeden, Jr (15 of 24 for 248 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT)
Rushing: RB Kendall Hunter, Sr (89 carries for 382 yds, 1 TD, 4.2 ypc, 47 ypg)
Receiving: WR Hubert Aniyam, Jr (42 rec, 515 yds, 3.2 rec/game)
Tackles: SS Markelle Martin, Jr (46)
Sacks: DE Ugo Chinasa, Sr (6.5)
Interceptions: CB Andrew McGee, Sr (1)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #46
Pre-Snap Read: #69
Sporting News: #64
2010 Pre-Season Big 12 North Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #5
Phil Steele: #6
Bowl Prediction:
Athlon Sports: Texas Bowl (vs. Northwestern)
Last year Oklahoma State opened up their season with a Dez Bryant led win over Georgia. The celebration was short lived as they dropped their next game to Houston and then shortly after that Dez Bryant was ruled ineligible. Despite losing their best player the Cowboys still managed to beat every other Big 12 opponent they played outside of Oklahoma and Texas. Oklahoma State accepted a bid to the Cotton Bowl but lost to Ole Miss in a disappointing outing 21-7. 2009 was supposed to be a coming out party for Oklahoma State but they finished just outside the Top 25 at 9-4 and now are wondering whether they can re-load or will have to re-build. Oklahoma State has the fewest returning starters in the Big 12 and lost 6 of their top 7 tacklers off of their defense. Like we did with our Auburn and Notre Dame previews we sought out a fans perspective on the Cowboys. We turned to a frequent Scout.com message board contributor at the Oklahoma State site GoPokes.com (Scott refers to himself as the "sunshine pumper" of GoPokes.com) to learn more about the 2010 Cowboys. Here is an intro from Scott, a run-down of the first part of the schedule and then some Q&A:
Intro
From my perspective. We have a lot of talent on offense and I think the new style of offense will be humming right along once conference season comes along. Biggest questions on offense are the Oline (replacing all but 1 starter) and receiver. Oklahoma State's biggest issue last year was our receivers getting off blocks. They struggled with that and without Dez drawing the double coverage it showed. That said we have depth at receiver, it is just young. But that gives guys an opportunity to step up.
Defensively, Im really excited about this years team. Yes we lost our linebackers but having Orie Lemon returning from his knee injury should give us good leadership at the linebacker position for the young studs we have signed. I look for our Dline to be improved in Bill Youngs second year as DC. Biggest question mark on defense is secondary where we are thin on depth. That is the one place we cant afford an injury.
Special Teams should be special again. Joe Deforest is a great Special teams coach and this is probably the most talent Oklahoma State has had on campus. It is just unproven.
I think the schedule sets up nicely for Oklahoma State to build momentum. With the lack of belief in OSU from the preseason magazines, as an OSU fan Im hoping opponents take us lightly too.
Schedule Breakdown
Washington State should be improved. This is their 3rd year under their coach. We made great strides in Gundy's 3rd year. They are from the Pac 10 which is a good conference.
Troy is always a good team. They get a lot of talent and they beat us a few years ago.
Tulsa is a scary team. They weren't up to their standards last year because they were young but they are getting a lot of great pub and rightly so. Todd Graham is a very good coach and returns a lot of talent. Plus it's an instate game. Tulsa went into Norman a few years ago and scared a highly ranked Oklahoma team. They wont be scared coming into Stillwater.
Texas A&M is expected to be very good this year and some think could challenge OU and UT for the South. Im glad this game is in Stillwater and Im glad OSU has a week to prepare for it. A&M and OSU always play exciting games.
@ Louisiana This game scares me more than any game of the first five. OSU has seemed to lose one game each season the last few years they shouldnt. This is a Friday night game in Louisiana. KSU lost there last year and it's the first road game with this new team. Plus OSU could be coming off a huge win over a possibly ranked A&M team. This is a classic trap game.
Q&A
What team on the schedule do you want to beat the most?
I think it would have to be OU or Texas. And it is simply because those are the only two teams Gundy hasnt beaten as HC. I really feel OSU has put themselves in a position to be in 3rd behind those two for the future, especially with the new conference. I think we have passed A&M and I think Tech is going to miss Mike Leach more than they realize. The North lost it's strongest team (Nebraska) and I dont see any of those teams competing in the future.
@ Texas Tech would be a close third because OSU has not won in Lubbock since the inception of the Big 12.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Tough to say but I would guess it would be one of the young receivers who will flourish in the new offense. I cant give you one name because I think a lot of that will sort itself out during August. But look for a redshirt freshman to make a major statement at WR this year.
Who are the top newcomers that can make an impact this year?
Would have to be the linebackers. There is a strong possiblity that Shaun Lewis, Caleb Lavey, and Kris Catlin could all see significant time at LB this year. Also thind Devin Hedgepeth who came in January will have to play big at DB for OSU to be successful.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
It's all about the start. If this inexperienced team can gain some confidence, which I think they will, I think OSU will win 9 games this year. I think OSU beats OU or UT this year. And I feel like OSU has a legit shot at beating Tech in Lubbock. 8 wins would be success in my opinion. All of this barring injury.
Taking Oklahoma State out of the equation, who do you see winning the Big 12 this year?
Would have to go with the winner of the Red River Rivalry. Until someone beats OU or UT and wins a south championship they should be the favorites. I know a lot of people are big on A&M being a sleeper but I just dont think Sherman is the answer. If they lose their QB they are in trouble. OSU saw what losing key players can do to a season last year. Only UT and OU can sustain injuries and still win the title and not even OU could do that last year.
Previous Big 12 Previews:
Iowa State Cyclones
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas State Wildcats
Missouri Tigers
Oklahoma Sooners
Texas Longhorns
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Next Up: Washington State Cougars
Previous Pre-Season Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Cavaliers, Virginia Tech Hokies, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Syracuse Orange, UConn Huskies, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
Independent- Army Black Knights, Navy Midshipmen, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- BYU Cougars, Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, Stanford Cardinal, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs, Kentucky Wildcats, LSU Tigers, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- FIU Golden Panthers, North Texas Mean Green, Troy Trojans
WAC- Boise State Broncos, Fresno State Bulldogs, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, New Mexico State Aggies
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Oklahoma Sooners
2009 Record: 8-5 (5-3 in Big 12)
2009 Bowl: Sun Bowl (beat Stanford 31-27))
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked (received 90 pts which placed them 26th)
Head Coach: Bob Stoops (117-28 at Oklahoma)
Non-Conference Schedule: Utah State (9/4), Florida State (9/11), Air Force (9/18), at Cincinnati (9/25)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 31.1 points per game (4th in Big 12)
Rushing Yards/Game: 134 (7th in Big 12)
Passing Yards/Game: 289 (3rd in Big 12)
Total Yards/Game: 423 (3rd in Big 12)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 14.5 points per game (2nd in Big 12, 7th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 92 (3rd in Big 12, 9th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 179 (3rd in Big 12, 20th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 272 (3rd in Big 12, 8th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +0.31 per game (4th in Big 12)
Penalties: 82 yards per game (last in Big 12, 119th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 4
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Landry Jones, Soph (261 of 449 for 3198 yds, 26 TD, 14 INT, 246 ypg)
Rushing: RB Demarco Murray, Sr (164 carries for 680 yds, 8 TD, 4.1 ypc, 56 ypg)
Receiving: WR Ryan Broyles, Jr (89 rec, 1120 yds, 15 TD, 7.4 rec/game, 93 rec yds/game)
Tackles: LB Travis Lewis, Jr (108)
Sacks: DE Jeremy Beal, Sr (11)
Interceptions: FS Quinton Carter, Sr (4)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #5
Lindy's: #9
Mark Schlabach: #12
Phil Steele: #1
Rivals: #12
Scout: #6
Sporting News: #10
Sports Illustrated: #13
2010 Pre-Season Big 12 South Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #1
Phil Steele: #1
Bowl Prediction:
Athlon Sports: Fiesta Bowl (vs. Pittsburgh)
Phil Steele: BCS National Championship Game (vs. Ohio State)
Expectations were high for Oklahoma last year but the Sooners fell short and had their worst year under Bob Stoops since his debut season in 1999 when they went 7-5. Under Stoops the Sooners have won 10 games in 8 out of 11 season so conventional wisdom says the Sooners bounce back in a big way this year. Oklahoma returns their leading passer, rusher and receiver and espite losing a lot of starters the defensive returns a lot of talent and will once again be among the best in the Big 12 if not the Nation. We turned to the Oklahoma Sooners Blog Land Thieves to learn more about the 2010 Oklahoma Sooners.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Since I'm an accountant, let's start with the negatives. The biggest weaknesses this year are QB and the defensive secondary. Landry Jones is like Rex Grossman - there's Good Landry and WTF Landry. If he's consistently Good Landry, it could be a special year. If he continues to flip the switch from time to time to WTF Landry, we're gong to lose enough to keep us out of the title hunt. The defensive secondary is breaking in two new starters at the corners, and that concerns me. It may not be as big a deal in the Big 12 South this year with new QBs - or offensive philosophies - at all of our South foes save Baylor.
The strengths lie in the linebacking crew and the wide receivers. On the LB front, Ronnell Lewis played sparingly last year but is a special talent and had a game in the Sun Bowl. Travis Lewis is an all-time Sooner great already, and Tom Wort is expected to do big things. The WRs return everyone from last year with the exception of Hands of Stone Tonnell. Broyles is back, DeJuan Miller is back. I'm optisimtic that the receivering corp will help Good Landry keep WTF Landry in the closet.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
Our first major test will be on Sep 11 against Jimbo Fisher's Florida State Seminoles. Will they realize the talent they have and improve under Fisher vs Bowden? FSU always has speed, so it'll be interesting to see how we fare against a team with that sort of speed. It's our second game of the season, after hosting powerhouse Utah State, so it's quite a leap in quality of opponent. At least we're not playing Idaho State or Chattanooga this year. A close second to the Seminoles is the road game at Cincinnati on Sep 25. Even though they lost Mardy Gilyard, and Tony Pike completed his doctoral thesis, I don't think they'll drop off that much with Brian Kelly leaving, and they went 12-1 last year. Plus, the Sooners haven't played that well on the road of late. Factor in that Butch Jones will be pointing to this game as a statement game to his team and I believe it will be a battle.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Texas. They're always talented. While Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley were all time Longhorn greats, I still think the Horns can reload and will be a top 10 team.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Is it possible to not talk about anyone in today's internet crush of coverage? I would say Trent Ratterree. He's a starter that no one talks about, and had a great Sun Bowl.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
I'm going to have to give you two answers here.
1) WR Ryan Broyles is coming off of a big year, and we're looking forward to more great things from Ryan this year
2) RB DeMarco Murray. Murray's speed, strength and versatility make him a rare talent in college football. Injuries have hampered him his first three years, but when healthy, he's special.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Travis Lewis. He's been a tackling force his first two years, with 253 tackles in 2 years.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Offensively, I'm going to say Landry Jones. Were the mistakes last year because he was a freshman? Or because he's error prone? Every great team has a leader on the offensive and defensive side of the ball that steps up when adversity occurs. They say to the team, "This slide ends now." Great teams have those (Josh Heupel and Torrance Marshall on our national championship team, for example).Good Landry needs to be that guy on the offensive side of the ball.
Defensively, the Sooners lost a lot in terms of leadership when Gerald McCoy left. Who will step up on that side from a leadership perspective? I don't know. But I know that it will most likely be one of these players: a) Jeremy Beal, who's an absolute beast; b) free safety Quinton Carter, or c) LB Travis Lewis.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Hopefully no one. For a freshman to make an impact this year on the offensive side, it's going to be a surprise from a guy like Kenny Stills, a highly touted recruit from California whom Phil Steele believes will start, or a worst case scenario like QB Drew Allen, or O-linemen Bronson Irwin or Josh Aledanoye. The last three are likely only to play significant snaps if injuries wreck the team again, or if players in front of them underperform significantly.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
LB Tom Wort. Wort was climbing up the depth chart in the pre-season practices last year when a knee injury forced him to be redshirted. He's already pegged to be the starter this year.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
I see an 11-1 season. The loss will come from one of these four games: at Cincy; at Texas A&M; Texas; at Oklahoma State. A successful season is judged by the things Stoops preaches: Big 12 South title, Big 12 Conference title, and a National Championship. I think anything less than a Big 12 title is disappointing.
Do I think Phil Steele is nuts for ranking the Sooners #1?
Yes. While Phil's mag is the ONLY college preview mag I buy, I think Phil hit the cough syrup a little too hard while doing final editing this year. Here is a summary of my rebuttal a) I'm not sold on Landry Jones as a upper echelon college QB. Phil has the Stache as the #4 Heisman candidate. I think that says more about the Oklahoma brand, and college football in general for 2010, than it does about Landry; b) our offensive line has one year more of experience - at being bad. We'll have to see if experience begats excellence, or just more failure; c) the team lost a lot of leaders to graduation, particularly on defense. I'm anxious to see who will step up and take that mantle this year, and if it's effective. Nonetheless, i hope Phil's right and I'm wrong.
Make sure to visit the Oklahoma Sooners blog Land Thieves. You can also follow them on Twitter @HeadThief.
Next Up: BYU Cougars
Previous Big 12 Previews
Kansas State Wildcats
Missouri Tigers
Texas Longhorns
Texas Tech Red Raiders
2010 Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
2009 Bowl: Sun Bowl (beat Stanford 31-27))
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked (received 90 pts which placed them 26th)
Head Coach: Bob Stoops (117-28 at Oklahoma)
Non-Conference Schedule: Utah State (9/4), Florida State (9/11), Air Force (9/18), at Cincinnati (9/25)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 31.1 points per game (4th in Big 12)
Rushing Yards/Game: 134 (7th in Big 12)
Passing Yards/Game: 289 (3rd in Big 12)
Total Yards/Game: 423 (3rd in Big 12)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 14.5 points per game (2nd in Big 12, 7th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 92 (3rd in Big 12, 9th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 179 (3rd in Big 12, 20th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 272 (3rd in Big 12, 8th in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +0.31 per game (4th in Big 12)
Penalties: 82 yards per game (last in Big 12, 119th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 9
Defense: 4
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Landry Jones, Soph (261 of 449 for 3198 yds, 26 TD, 14 INT, 246 ypg)
Rushing: RB Demarco Murray, Sr (164 carries for 680 yds, 8 TD, 4.1 ypc, 56 ypg)
Receiving: WR Ryan Broyles, Jr (89 rec, 1120 yds, 15 TD, 7.4 rec/game, 93 rec yds/game)
Tackles: LB Travis Lewis, Jr (108)
Sacks: DE Jeremy Beal, Sr (11)
Interceptions: FS Quinton Carter, Sr (4)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #5
Lindy's: #9
Mark Schlabach: #12
Phil Steele: #1
Rivals: #12
Scout: #6
Sporting News: #10
Sports Illustrated: #13
2010 Pre-Season Big 12 South Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #1
Phil Steele: #1
Bowl Prediction:
Athlon Sports: Fiesta Bowl (vs. Pittsburgh)
Phil Steele: BCS National Championship Game (vs. Ohio State)
Expectations were high for Oklahoma last year but the Sooners fell short and had their worst year under Bob Stoops since his debut season in 1999 when they went 7-5. Under Stoops the Sooners have won 10 games in 8 out of 11 season so conventional wisdom says the Sooners bounce back in a big way this year. Oklahoma returns their leading passer, rusher and receiver and espite losing a lot of starters the defensive returns a lot of talent and will once again be among the best in the Big 12 if not the Nation. We turned to the Oklahoma Sooners Blog Land Thieves to learn more about the 2010 Oklahoma Sooners.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Since I'm an accountant, let's start with the negatives. The biggest weaknesses this year are QB and the defensive secondary. Landry Jones is like Rex Grossman - there's Good Landry and WTF Landry. If he's consistently Good Landry, it could be a special year. If he continues to flip the switch from time to time to WTF Landry, we're gong to lose enough to keep us out of the title hunt. The defensive secondary is breaking in two new starters at the corners, and that concerns me. It may not be as big a deal in the Big 12 South this year with new QBs - or offensive philosophies - at all of our South foes save Baylor.
The strengths lie in the linebacking crew and the wide receivers. On the LB front, Ronnell Lewis played sparingly last year but is a special talent and had a game in the Sun Bowl. Travis Lewis is an all-time Sooner great already, and Tom Wort is expected to do big things. The WRs return everyone from last year with the exception of Hands of Stone Tonnell. Broyles is back, DeJuan Miller is back. I'm optisimtic that the receivering corp will help Good Landry keep WTF Landry in the closet.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
Our first major test will be on Sep 11 against Jimbo Fisher's Florida State Seminoles. Will they realize the talent they have and improve under Fisher vs Bowden? FSU always has speed, so it'll be interesting to see how we fare against a team with that sort of speed. It's our second game of the season, after hosting powerhouse Utah State, so it's quite a leap in quality of opponent. At least we're not playing Idaho State or Chattanooga this year. A close second to the Seminoles is the road game at Cincinnati on Sep 25. Even though they lost Mardy Gilyard, and Tony Pike completed his doctoral thesis, I don't think they'll drop off that much with Brian Kelly leaving, and they went 12-1 last year. Plus, the Sooners haven't played that well on the road of late. Factor in that Butch Jones will be pointing to this game as a statement game to his team and I believe it will be a battle.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Texas. They're always talented. While Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley were all time Longhorn greats, I still think the Horns can reload and will be a top 10 team.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Is it possible to not talk about anyone in today's internet crush of coverage? I would say Trent Ratterree. He's a starter that no one talks about, and had a great Sun Bowl.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
I'm going to have to give you two answers here.
1) WR Ryan Broyles is coming off of a big year, and we're looking forward to more great things from Ryan this year
2) RB DeMarco Murray. Murray's speed, strength and versatility make him a rare talent in college football. Injuries have hampered him his first three years, but when healthy, he's special.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Travis Lewis. He's been a tackling force his first two years, with 253 tackles in 2 years.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Offensively, I'm going to say Landry Jones. Were the mistakes last year because he was a freshman? Or because he's error prone? Every great team has a leader on the offensive and defensive side of the ball that steps up when adversity occurs. They say to the team, "This slide ends now." Great teams have those (Josh Heupel and Torrance Marshall on our national championship team, for example).Good Landry needs to be that guy on the offensive side of the ball.
Defensively, the Sooners lost a lot in terms of leadership when Gerald McCoy left. Who will step up on that side from a leadership perspective? I don't know. But I know that it will most likely be one of these players: a) Jeremy Beal, who's an absolute beast; b) free safety Quinton Carter, or c) LB Travis Lewis.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Hopefully no one. For a freshman to make an impact this year on the offensive side, it's going to be a surprise from a guy like Kenny Stills, a highly touted recruit from California whom Phil Steele believes will start, or a worst case scenario like QB Drew Allen, or O-linemen Bronson Irwin or Josh Aledanoye. The last three are likely only to play significant snaps if injuries wreck the team again, or if players in front of them underperform significantly.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
LB Tom Wort. Wort was climbing up the depth chart in the pre-season practices last year when a knee injury forced him to be redshirted. He's already pegged to be the starter this year.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
I see an 11-1 season. The loss will come from one of these four games: at Cincy; at Texas A&M; Texas; at Oklahoma State. A successful season is judged by the things Stoops preaches: Big 12 South title, Big 12 Conference title, and a National Championship. I think anything less than a Big 12 title is disappointing.
Do I think Phil Steele is nuts for ranking the Sooners #1?
Yes. While Phil's mag is the ONLY college preview mag I buy, I think Phil hit the cough syrup a little too hard while doing final editing this year. Here is a summary of my rebuttal a) I'm not sold on Landry Jones as a upper echelon college QB. Phil has the Stache as the #4 Heisman candidate. I think that says more about the Oklahoma brand, and college football in general for 2010, than it does about Landry; b) our offensive line has one year more of experience - at being bad. We'll have to see if experience begats excellence, or just more failure; c) the team lost a lot of leaders to graduation, particularly on defense. I'm anxious to see who will step up and take that mantle this year, and if it's effective. Nonetheless, i hope Phil's right and I'm wrong.
Make sure to visit the Oklahoma Sooners blog Land Thieves. You can also follow them on Twitter @HeadThief.
Next Up: BYU Cougars
Previous Big 12 Previews
Kansas State Wildcats
Missouri Tigers
Texas Longhorns
Texas Tech Red Raiders
2010 Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
Monday, July 5, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Texas Longhorns
2009 Record: 13-1 (8-0 in Big 12)
2009 Bowl: BCS Championship Game (lost to Alabama 37-21)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #2
Head Coach: Mack Brown (128-27 at Texas, 214-101-1 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: at Rice (9/4), Wyoming (9/11), UCLA (9/25), Florida Atlantic (11/20)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 39.3 points per game (1st in Big 12, 3rd in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 147 (5th in Big 12)
Passing Yards/Game: 273 (6th in Big 12)
Total Yards/Game: 421 (5th in Big 12)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 16.7 points per game (3rd in Big 12, 12th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 72 (1st in Big 12, 1st in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 179 (2nd in Big 12, 19th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 251 (1st in Big 12, 3rd in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +0.64 per game (1st in Big 12, 15th in Nation)
Penalties: 58 yards per game (4th in Big 12)
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter: 1
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Garrett Gilbert, Soph (30 of 66 for 310 yds, 2 TD, 4 INT)
Rushing: RB Tre' Newton, Soph (116 carries for 577 yds, 6 TD, 4.8 ypc, 39 ypg)
Receiving: WR James Kirkendall, Sr (48 rec, 461 yds, 6 TD, 3.4 rec/game)
Receiving: WR Malcolm Williams, Jr (39 rec, 550 yds, 2 TD, 2.8 rec/game, 14.1 ypc)
Tackles: LB Keenan Robinson, Jr (74)
Sacks: DT Sam Acho, Sr (10)
Interceptions: FS Blake Gideon, Jr (6)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #8
Lindy's: #4
Mark Schlabach: #5
Rivals: #8
Scout: #3
Sporting News: #9
Sports Illustrated: #4
2010 Pre-Season Big 12 South Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #2
Phil Steele: #2
Bowl Prediction:
Athlon Sports: Cotton Bowl (vs. Arkansas)
Phil Steele: Cotton Bowl (vs. Arkansas)
Since taking over at Texas Mack Brown has led the Longhorns to a bowl game every year and has won at least 10 games in each of the past 9 years. Brown has never finished lower than 2nd in the Big 12 South. Last year Texas had close calls against Oklahoma and Nebraska but went into the National Championship game against Alabama unbeaten. This year the Longhorns must replace long-time QB and holder of many Texas records Colt McCoy. Defensively, the Longhorns should be the best in the Big 12. Most of the questions will come with the offense. We caught up with Wescott Eberts, an Editor and Recruiting Coverage Coordinator for SB Nation's Burnt Orange Nation, to get caught up on the 2010 Texas Longhorns.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The biggest strengths will both be on the defensive side of the ball -- at defensive end and in the secondary. At defensive end, senior Sam Acho and Eddie Jones will lead the way. Acho led the team in sacks last year with 10 and consistently created and recovered fumbles -- he's primed for a big-time senior season. Jones may not start, but will play a large role defensively as the third defensive end in the rotation. A former five-star recruit, Jones suffered through numerous injuries during his first several seasons and was healthy last season for the first time in his career -- he's a testament to hard work and perseverance.
Sophomore Alex Okafor was a five-star recruit in the 2009 class and should play a bigger role in 2010 with the departure of Sergio Kindle. An incredible physical specimen, Okafor has all the tools to become a dominant force along the line of scrimmage. The Longhorns also have several talented defensive ends who will be freshmen in the fall, including five-star recruit Jackson Jeffcoat, ESPNU's second-rated player nationally and a remarkable technician for someone his age. Reggie Wilson just barely missed his fifth star by Rivals and has better athleticism than Jeffcoat, but lags behind slightly in technique. Both could have an impact on pass-rushing downs.
The secondary is the greatest strength of the team and the defensive unit, which should rank among the best in the country again this season. Junior nickel corner Aaron Williams didn't make a lot of pre-season All-American teams, but is considered a potential top-10 pick next April if he decides to forgo his senior season of eligibility. A form tackler with the strength to fight off blockers and the speed to blanket slot receivers, Williams is everything that Will Muschamp could want from a cornerback.
The other two cornerbacks will probably also play on Sundays. Senior Curtis Brown was another five-star recruit several years and has struggled at times being physical enough as a tackler, but has elite speed and made the game-changing play against Oklahoma State last year, jumping a route and taking the interception to the house. He's known as "Cat" to his teammates because of his incredible balance.
Another senior, Chykie Brown has NFL potential, but has to cut down on his mental mistakes in his final season in Austin. Junior Blake Gideon is the steadying influence in the secondary and although he struggles taking good angles and with his lateral quickness, he finished plays much better last year by pulling down six interceptions. At the other safety position, junior Christian Scott should start after spending last season on the sidelines because he was academically ineligible. He has all the tools at 6-1, 215 pounds, but needs reign in his aggressiveness to avoid falling for play-action fakes. Sophomore Kenny Vaccaro is another hard hitter at safety who needs to work on his discipline, but has the ability to erase mistakes by erasing opponents from the contest with his vicious strikes.
As far as weaknesses, both of the starting tackles are relatively unproven -- senior Kyle Hix moved from right tackle to left tackle and the new right tackle, senior Britt Mitchell, is a converted tight end (some time ago now though) and hasn't started yet in his career. Texas will also replace the starting center and left guard. Overall, the offensive line needs to improve in their physicality at the point of attack, while also weening themselves of the consistent mental mistakes and trying to avoid in 2010 the whippings by gap-penetrating defensive tackles meted out by Gerald McCoy, Ndamukong Suh, and Marcel Dareus in 2009. Basically, they need to get nasty and develop some pride.
Depth at defensive tackle is also a concern for the third year in the row. Over the last two years, the coaching staff has spun down two defensive ends to defensive tackle -- Aaron Lewis and Lamarr Houston. The third player in that line will be Sam Acho this season. The coaches seem serious about playing the standout senior inside on pass-rushing downs, but make no mistake -- the move was motivated in large part by a desire to light a fire under players like redshirt freshmen Calvin Howell and Derek Johnson, as well as other defensive ends who could spent some time inside like Tevin Mims and Kyle Kriegel, a sophomore and redshirt freshman, respectively.
Mack Brown has also made it a point to say that he expects one or two of the three incoming defensive tackles to contribute early. De'Aires Cotton is the most raw of the three and will probably redshirt, placing a great deal of pressure on Under Armour All-Americans Taylor Bible and Ashtn Dorsey. Bible was the more highly regarded of the two throughout most of the recruiting process, but a shoulder injury affected his conditioning as a senior, leaving the formerly lightning-quick DT looking sluggish on the field. Unless he can get himself into top shape, which he did not appear particularly close to at the spring game, Dorsey will be counted on to provide some snaps.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
The Longhorns travel to Texas Tech for the third game of the season and strange things always happen on the South Plains, particularly at night, so it's going to be a challenge. Throw in the Airraid offense, which will persevere after the departure of Mike Leach and what will likely be an increased emphasis on the running game with talented backs like Baron Batch, Eric Stephens, and Harrison Jeffers, and you have the potential for another upset. Fortunately for Texas, they only seem to lose in Lubbock every other trip. Don't count on Texas to suffer any hangovers from the trauma of The Catch -- this team has moved on from that, particularly Blake Gideon.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Over the years, I've developed a deep fear of playing Tech in Lubbock, even though they won't be the best team on the schedule this year. It's not really rational at this point.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
I think that has to be Aaron Williams. Teams rarely targeted him last year, to the extent that he revealed during a press conference some time during the season that he prays for quarterbacks to throw at him. Even when they don't, he can still make plays, as evidenced by his spectacular leaping interception against Oklahoma on a pass Landry Jones was trying to throw out of bounds. Not only is the kid the protoype for a cornerback -- and especially a nickel back -- but he also maximizes that talent.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
He hasn't started a game yet for the Longhorns, but Garrett Gilbert is already clearly the leader of the team and the best player on offense. Once he settled into a rhythm in the national championship game, he flashed his ability and sparkled through most of the spring game.
During the second open practice back in March, Gilbert not only made several NFL-quality throws, and perhaps more importantly, took control of the team by leading the celebrations afterward -- somewhat out of character for the normally soft-spoken sophomore, but evidence of his growing leadership. He has poise beyond his years and his teammates pick up on that and the way that he practices has a lot to do with it. Gilbert goes about his businss with the same type of intensity and purpose as you would expect Peyton Manning to show practicing or preparing.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Due to his ability to get to the quarterback and force/recover fumbles, Sam Acho should be the most impactful player on the defensive side of the ball and could present a major challenge to opposing guards in passing situations, as well as continue making plays from his defensive end. As a senior, it's his first opportunity to play full-time and there's no doubt that he's ready for it. And if you want to know what type of person Acho is, just check out this unprompted, random, user-generated story from BON about he and his brother, junior linebacker Emmanuel.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
I don't think there's any question that the offensive line needs to step up this season. The spring was spent mostly focusing on improving the running game by consistently using not only a tight end (the fabled Extra Blocking Surface) and an H-back, but it will be up to the offensive line to open up holes for the running backs. The Longhorns also lost their left tackle, Adam Ulatoski, who was a four-year starter at the position and excelled in pass protection. Kyle Hix, the starter last season at right tackle, moves to the other side of the line and needs to step up in pass protection or Gilbert will have trouble delivering the ball downfield.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
The most likely freshman to have a major impact offensively is wide receiver Mike Davis. An excellent route-runner from talent-laden Dallas Skyline, Davis has the chance to make big plays in the passing game on the double moves from the slot that made Jordan Shipley such a dangerous threat throughout his career in burnt orange. He'll have a chance to play early because few receivers enter the college game with as much polish as does Davis and that's a way to quickly earn the trust of a quarter like Gilbert, who somehow established a strong connection with sophomore speedster Marquis Goodwin in a matter of weeks last fall.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
As mentioned above, Jeffcoat could see some time in pass-rushing situations, but another highly-touted, five-star recruit may have a greater impact due to the depth chart at his position and his ability to contribute on special teams. That's Ohio linebacker Jordan Hicks, the Butkus award winner as the best linebacker in the country and one of the best recruits to every come out of the state. He's a Will Muschamp type of linebacker because he has it all -- size, speed, and aggressiveness. The fact that his high school team ran the same scheme as the Longhorns will only ease his transition. During the Under Armour game last year, it was Hicks delivering a good block downfield that helped spring fellow Texas commit Darius White for a punt return touchdown. It says something about how strongly Texas finished in the 2010 class that neither of those players were committed to Texas during that game in January, though White would don a Texas hat moments later.
Will Muschamp is one of the top Assistants in all of college football and is also the coach in waiting at Texas. Do you see Mack Brown retiring in a year or two and if not do you see Muschamp moving on if he gets a good job offer (presumably one better than the Tennessee offer he got last year)?
I think Mack Brown sticks around for a while. He's seemingly more at ease right now than he ever has been at Texas -- notable because it took him a few years to adjust to the culture and high expectations at the school. The staff around him is excellent and he's hauling in nearly every recruit he targets, so it's hard to see him stepping down in the middle of this run of success. Why would he want to? It's not a secret that Brown doesn't want to coach into his old age like Joe Paterno, but he's just too happy right now and in too strong of a position to want to leave yet. He still has a significant portion of his legacy to write at Texas.
The only two jobs that I could see Muschamp leaving for are Georgia and LSU. Muschamp spent some time at LSU under Nick Saban and Les Miles will surely be on the hot seat this season, so it's the other job that is a bigger concern. Mark Richt is another season of mediocrity away from his seat heating up and if there is one school that could really appeal to Muschamp, it's his alma mater, Georgia.
However, Muschamp doesn't seem to be in a hurry to be a head coach and his wife reportedly loves Austin, so those two factors combined with Texas perhaps being arguably the best job in the country will hopefully keep Coach Boom rooming the Texas sidelines indefinitely.
If he's as smart as I think he is, he understands that he can learn a lot from Mack Brown about how to run a program and at times he might even be happy that he doesn't have all the politcal/social obligations of being a head coach. Muschamp would much rather be breaking down film than glad-handing or dealing with the media, areas in which Brown excels. It's exremely believable that Muschamp truly is willing to be patient. And frankly, he just doesn't seem like the mercenary sort. Can't blame me for that belief as a Texas fan, right?
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
Judging by the success of the last few seasons, it seems like a safe bet to pencil in 10 wins and I'm just having a hard time picking out any guaranteed losses because the defense should keep the offense in most games. I don't see more than two losses. The standard at Texas is high and if the team isn't competing for at least a BCS game at the end of the season, it would be a major failure because that's the worst position the program has been in throughout most of the last decade. Three losses in the regular season would be treated by the Texas fanbase as a major catastrophe, in large part because Texas will be favored in virtually every game this season with the possible exception of Oklahoma.
Check out Burnt Orange Nation to get your fill on Texas and Big 12 football. You can follow Burnt Orange Nation on twitter @PB_at_BON and you can follow Wescott Eberts on Twitter @GhostofBigRoy.
Next Up: Oklahoma Sooners
Previous Big 12 Previews
Kansas State Wildcats
Missouri Tigers
Texas Tech Red Raiders
2010 Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
2009 Bowl: BCS Championship Game (lost to Alabama 37-21)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #2
Head Coach: Mack Brown (128-27 at Texas, 214-101-1 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: at Rice (9/4), Wyoming (9/11), UCLA (9/25), Florida Atlantic (11/20)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 39.3 points per game (1st in Big 12, 3rd in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 147 (5th in Big 12)
Passing Yards/Game: 273 (6th in Big 12)
Total Yards/Game: 421 (5th in Big 12)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 16.7 points per game (3rd in Big 12, 12th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 72 (1st in Big 12, 1st in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 179 (2nd in Big 12, 19th in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 251 (1st in Big 12, 3rd in Nation)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: +0.64 per game (1st in Big 12, 15th in Nation)
Penalties: 58 yards per game (4th in Big 12)
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Kicker/Punter: 1
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Garrett Gilbert, Soph (30 of 66 for 310 yds, 2 TD, 4 INT)
Rushing: RB Tre' Newton, Soph (116 carries for 577 yds, 6 TD, 4.8 ypc, 39 ypg)
Receiving: WR James Kirkendall, Sr (48 rec, 461 yds, 6 TD, 3.4 rec/game)
Receiving: WR Malcolm Williams, Jr (39 rec, 550 yds, 2 TD, 2.8 rec/game, 14.1 ypc)
Tackles: LB Keenan Robinson, Jr (74)
Sacks: DT Sam Acho, Sr (10)
Interceptions: FS Blake Gideon, Jr (6)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #8
Lindy's: #4
Mark Schlabach: #5
Rivals: #8
Scout: #3
Sporting News: #9
Sports Illustrated: #4
2010 Pre-Season Big 12 South Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #2
Phil Steele: #2
Bowl Prediction:
Athlon Sports: Cotton Bowl (vs. Arkansas)
Phil Steele: Cotton Bowl (vs. Arkansas)
Since taking over at Texas Mack Brown has led the Longhorns to a bowl game every year and has won at least 10 games in each of the past 9 years. Brown has never finished lower than 2nd in the Big 12 South. Last year Texas had close calls against Oklahoma and Nebraska but went into the National Championship game against Alabama unbeaten. This year the Longhorns must replace long-time QB and holder of many Texas records Colt McCoy. Defensively, the Longhorns should be the best in the Big 12. Most of the questions will come with the offense. We caught up with Wescott Eberts, an Editor and Recruiting Coverage Coordinator for SB Nation's Burnt Orange Nation, to get caught up on the 2010 Texas Longhorns.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The biggest strengths will both be on the defensive side of the ball -- at defensive end and in the secondary. At defensive end, senior Sam Acho and Eddie Jones will lead the way. Acho led the team in sacks last year with 10 and consistently created and recovered fumbles -- he's primed for a big-time senior season. Jones may not start, but will play a large role defensively as the third defensive end in the rotation. A former five-star recruit, Jones suffered through numerous injuries during his first several seasons and was healthy last season for the first time in his career -- he's a testament to hard work and perseverance.
Sophomore Alex Okafor was a five-star recruit in the 2009 class and should play a bigger role in 2010 with the departure of Sergio Kindle. An incredible physical specimen, Okafor has all the tools to become a dominant force along the line of scrimmage. The Longhorns also have several talented defensive ends who will be freshmen in the fall, including five-star recruit Jackson Jeffcoat, ESPNU's second-rated player nationally and a remarkable technician for someone his age. Reggie Wilson just barely missed his fifth star by Rivals and has better athleticism than Jeffcoat, but lags behind slightly in technique. Both could have an impact on pass-rushing downs.
The secondary is the greatest strength of the team and the defensive unit, which should rank among the best in the country again this season. Junior nickel corner Aaron Williams didn't make a lot of pre-season All-American teams, but is considered a potential top-10 pick next April if he decides to forgo his senior season of eligibility. A form tackler with the strength to fight off blockers and the speed to blanket slot receivers, Williams is everything that Will Muschamp could want from a cornerback.
The other two cornerbacks will probably also play on Sundays. Senior Curtis Brown was another five-star recruit several years and has struggled at times being physical enough as a tackler, but has elite speed and made the game-changing play against Oklahoma State last year, jumping a route and taking the interception to the house. He's known as "Cat" to his teammates because of his incredible balance.
Another senior, Chykie Brown has NFL potential, but has to cut down on his mental mistakes in his final season in Austin. Junior Blake Gideon is the steadying influence in the secondary and although he struggles taking good angles and with his lateral quickness, he finished plays much better last year by pulling down six interceptions. At the other safety position, junior Christian Scott should start after spending last season on the sidelines because he was academically ineligible. He has all the tools at 6-1, 215 pounds, but needs reign in his aggressiveness to avoid falling for play-action fakes. Sophomore Kenny Vaccaro is another hard hitter at safety who needs to work on his discipline, but has the ability to erase mistakes by erasing opponents from the contest with his vicious strikes.
As far as weaknesses, both of the starting tackles are relatively unproven -- senior Kyle Hix moved from right tackle to left tackle and the new right tackle, senior Britt Mitchell, is a converted tight end (some time ago now though) and hasn't started yet in his career. Texas will also replace the starting center and left guard. Overall, the offensive line needs to improve in their physicality at the point of attack, while also weening themselves of the consistent mental mistakes and trying to avoid in 2010 the whippings by gap-penetrating defensive tackles meted out by Gerald McCoy, Ndamukong Suh, and Marcel Dareus in 2009. Basically, they need to get nasty and develop some pride.
Depth at defensive tackle is also a concern for the third year in the row. Over the last two years, the coaching staff has spun down two defensive ends to defensive tackle -- Aaron Lewis and Lamarr Houston. The third player in that line will be Sam Acho this season. The coaches seem serious about playing the standout senior inside on pass-rushing downs, but make no mistake -- the move was motivated in large part by a desire to light a fire under players like redshirt freshmen Calvin Howell and Derek Johnson, as well as other defensive ends who could spent some time inside like Tevin Mims and Kyle Kriegel, a sophomore and redshirt freshman, respectively.
Mack Brown has also made it a point to say that he expects one or two of the three incoming defensive tackles to contribute early. De'Aires Cotton is the most raw of the three and will probably redshirt, placing a great deal of pressure on Under Armour All-Americans Taylor Bible and Ashtn Dorsey. Bible was the more highly regarded of the two throughout most of the recruiting process, but a shoulder injury affected his conditioning as a senior, leaving the formerly lightning-quick DT looking sluggish on the field. Unless he can get himself into top shape, which he did not appear particularly close to at the spring game, Dorsey will be counted on to provide some snaps.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
The Longhorns travel to Texas Tech for the third game of the season and strange things always happen on the South Plains, particularly at night, so it's going to be a challenge. Throw in the Airraid offense, which will persevere after the departure of Mike Leach and what will likely be an increased emphasis on the running game with talented backs like Baron Batch, Eric Stephens, and Harrison Jeffers, and you have the potential for another upset. Fortunately for Texas, they only seem to lose in Lubbock every other trip. Don't count on Texas to suffer any hangovers from the trauma of The Catch -- this team has moved on from that, particularly Blake Gideon.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Over the years, I've developed a deep fear of playing Tech in Lubbock, even though they won't be the best team on the schedule this year. It's not really rational at this point.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
I think that has to be Aaron Williams. Teams rarely targeted him last year, to the extent that he revealed during a press conference some time during the season that he prays for quarterbacks to throw at him. Even when they don't, he can still make plays, as evidenced by his spectacular leaping interception against Oklahoma on a pass Landry Jones was trying to throw out of bounds. Not only is the kid the protoype for a cornerback -- and especially a nickel back -- but he also maximizes that talent.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
He hasn't started a game yet for the Longhorns, but Garrett Gilbert is already clearly the leader of the team and the best player on offense. Once he settled into a rhythm in the national championship game, he flashed his ability and sparkled through most of the spring game.
During the second open practice back in March, Gilbert not only made several NFL-quality throws, and perhaps more importantly, took control of the team by leading the celebrations afterward -- somewhat out of character for the normally soft-spoken sophomore, but evidence of his growing leadership. He has poise beyond his years and his teammates pick up on that and the way that he practices has a lot to do with it. Gilbert goes about his businss with the same type of intensity and purpose as you would expect Peyton Manning to show practicing or preparing.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Due to his ability to get to the quarterback and force/recover fumbles, Sam Acho should be the most impactful player on the defensive side of the ball and could present a major challenge to opposing guards in passing situations, as well as continue making plays from his defensive end. As a senior, it's his first opportunity to play full-time and there's no doubt that he's ready for it. And if you want to know what type of person Acho is, just check out this unprompted, random, user-generated story from BON about he and his brother, junior linebacker Emmanuel.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
I don't think there's any question that the offensive line needs to step up this season. The spring was spent mostly focusing on improving the running game by consistently using not only a tight end (the fabled Extra Blocking Surface) and an H-back, but it will be up to the offensive line to open up holes for the running backs. The Longhorns also lost their left tackle, Adam Ulatoski, who was a four-year starter at the position and excelled in pass protection. Kyle Hix, the starter last season at right tackle, moves to the other side of the line and needs to step up in pass protection or Gilbert will have trouble delivering the ball downfield.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
The most likely freshman to have a major impact offensively is wide receiver Mike Davis. An excellent route-runner from talent-laden Dallas Skyline, Davis has the chance to make big plays in the passing game on the double moves from the slot that made Jordan Shipley such a dangerous threat throughout his career in burnt orange. He'll have a chance to play early because few receivers enter the college game with as much polish as does Davis and that's a way to quickly earn the trust of a quarter like Gilbert, who somehow established a strong connection with sophomore speedster Marquis Goodwin in a matter of weeks last fall.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
As mentioned above, Jeffcoat could see some time in pass-rushing situations, but another highly-touted, five-star recruit may have a greater impact due to the depth chart at his position and his ability to contribute on special teams. That's Ohio linebacker Jordan Hicks, the Butkus award winner as the best linebacker in the country and one of the best recruits to every come out of the state. He's a Will Muschamp type of linebacker because he has it all -- size, speed, and aggressiveness. The fact that his high school team ran the same scheme as the Longhorns will only ease his transition. During the Under Armour game last year, it was Hicks delivering a good block downfield that helped spring fellow Texas commit Darius White for a punt return touchdown. It says something about how strongly Texas finished in the 2010 class that neither of those players were committed to Texas during that game in January, though White would don a Texas hat moments later.
Will Muschamp is one of the top Assistants in all of college football and is also the coach in waiting at Texas. Do you see Mack Brown retiring in a year or two and if not do you see Muschamp moving on if he gets a good job offer (presumably one better than the Tennessee offer he got last year)?
I think Mack Brown sticks around for a while. He's seemingly more at ease right now than he ever has been at Texas -- notable because it took him a few years to adjust to the culture and high expectations at the school. The staff around him is excellent and he's hauling in nearly every recruit he targets, so it's hard to see him stepping down in the middle of this run of success. Why would he want to? It's not a secret that Brown doesn't want to coach into his old age like Joe Paterno, but he's just too happy right now and in too strong of a position to want to leave yet. He still has a significant portion of his legacy to write at Texas.
The only two jobs that I could see Muschamp leaving for are Georgia and LSU. Muschamp spent some time at LSU under Nick Saban and Les Miles will surely be on the hot seat this season, so it's the other job that is a bigger concern. Mark Richt is another season of mediocrity away from his seat heating up and if there is one school that could really appeal to Muschamp, it's his alma mater, Georgia.
However, Muschamp doesn't seem to be in a hurry to be a head coach and his wife reportedly loves Austin, so those two factors combined with Texas perhaps being arguably the best job in the country will hopefully keep Coach Boom rooming the Texas sidelines indefinitely.
If he's as smart as I think he is, he understands that he can learn a lot from Mack Brown about how to run a program and at times he might even be happy that he doesn't have all the politcal/social obligations of being a head coach. Muschamp would much rather be breaking down film than glad-handing or dealing with the media, areas in which Brown excels. It's exremely believable that Muschamp truly is willing to be patient. And frankly, he just doesn't seem like the mercenary sort. Can't blame me for that belief as a Texas fan, right?
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
Judging by the success of the last few seasons, it seems like a safe bet to pencil in 10 wins and I'm just having a hard time picking out any guaranteed losses because the defense should keep the offense in most games. I don't see more than two losses. The standard at Texas is high and if the team isn't competing for at least a BCS game at the end of the season, it would be a major failure because that's the worst position the program has been in throughout most of the last decade. Three losses in the regular season would be treated by the Texas fanbase as a major catastrophe, in large part because Texas will be favored in virtually every game this season with the possible exception of Oklahoma.
Check out Burnt Orange Nation to get your fill on Texas and Big 12 football. You can follow Burnt Orange Nation on twitter @PB_at_BON and you can follow Wescott Eberts on Twitter @GhostofBigRoy.
Next Up: Oklahoma Sooners
Previous Big 12 Previews
Kansas State Wildcats
Missouri Tigers
Texas Tech Red Raiders
2010 Previews
ACC- Boston College Eagles, Duke Blue Devils, Florida State Seminoles, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Maryland Terrapins, Virginia Tech Hokies
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USF Bulls, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Illinois Fighting Illini, Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
C-USA- Houston Cougars, SMU Mustangs, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Ball State Cardinals, Bowling Green Falcons, Buffalo Bulls, Central Michigan Chippewas, Temple Owls, Toledo Rockets
MWC- Colorado State Rams, UNLV Rebels, Utah Utes
Pac-10- Arizona State Sun Devils, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
SEC- Auburn Tigers, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi Rebels, South Carolina Gamecocks, Vanderbilt Commodores
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Pre-Season Preview: Texas Tech Red Raiders
2009 Record: 9-4 (5-3 in Big 12)
2009 Bowl: Alamo Bowl (beat Michigan State 41-31)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #21
Head Coach: Tommy Tuberville (1st year at Texas Tech, 110-60 all-time)
Non-Conference Schedule: SMU (9/5), at New Mexico (9/11), Weber State (11/20), Houston (11/27)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 37.0 points per game (2nd in Big 12, 7th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 84 (last in Big 12, 115th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 386 (1st in Big 12, 2nd in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 470 (1st in Big 12, 4th in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 22.5 points per game (6th in Big 12)
Rushing Yards/Game: 126 (7th in Big 12)
Passing Yards/Game: 225 (5th in Big 12)
Total Yards/Game: 352 (6th in Big 12)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.46 per game (11th in Big 12)
Penalties: 78 yards per game (11th in Big 12, 118th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kicker/Punter: 2
Phil Steele All-Big 12 Pre-Season
LB Brian Duncan (First Team)
WR Alexander Torres (Second Team)
DT Colby Whitlock (Second Team)
S Cody Davis (Second Team)
RB Baron Batch (Third Team)
LB Bront Bird (Third Team)
KR Eric Stephens (Third Team)
WR Detron Lewis (Fourth Team)
K Matthew Williams (Fourth Team)
PR Austin Zouzalik (Fourth Team)
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Taylor Potts, Sr (309 of 470 for 3440 yds, 22 TD, 13 INT, 312 ypg)
Passing: QB Steven Sheffield, Sr (101 of 136 for 1219 yds, 14 TD, 4 INT, 174 ypg)
Rushing: RB Baron Batch, Sr (168 carries for 884 yds, 14 TD, 5.2 ypc, 68 ypg)
Receiving: WR Detron Lewis, Sr (65 rec, 844 yds, 6 TD, 5.0 rec/game)
Receiving: WR Alexander Torres, Sr (67 rec, 806 yds, 6 TD, 5.2 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Brandon Duncan, Sr (87)
Sacks: DT Colby Whitlock, Sr (3.5)
Interceptions: S Franklin Mitchem, Sr (2); DB LaRon Moore, Sr (2)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #37
Lindy's: Not Ranked
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: Not Ranked
Sporting News: #36
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
2010 Pre-Season Big 12 South Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #4
Phil Steele: #4
Bowl Prediction:
Athlon Sports: Holiday Bowl (vs. Oregon State)
Phil Steele: Holiday Bowl (vs. Arizona)
Last year Texas Tech had an ugly divorce with Mike Leach. They are still in court trying to figure out who gets the house and who gets the dog. In the meantime Texas Tech has tied the knot with Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville inherits some good talent at the skill positions and some senior leaders on defense. It will be very interesting to see how Tuberville and OC Neal Brown break in the new offense. With so many seniors returning at key positions Texas Tech has a chance to surprise some people this year. Of course, they also play in the Big 12 South so they have Texas and Oklahoma to contend with. We sought out Seth from the SB Nation site Double-T Nation to find out his thoughts on Texas Tech's chances in 2010.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Offensively, the biggest strength is the quality and depth at the skill positions. The running back position is absolutely stacked with Baron Batch, Harrison Jeffers and Eric Stephens, while the receiving corps is a deep unit. Detron Lewis, Alexander Torres and Tramain Swindall lead a relatively young group of receivers. The biggest unknown on offense is whether either quarterback, Steven Sheffield and Taylor Potts, can stay healthy and how the right side of the offensive line will shake out. Defensively, three of four starters return in the secondary and three of four starters return at linebacker. Safeties Cody Davis, Franklin Mitchem return, as does cornerback LaRon Moore. Although the defense is for the most part switching to a 3-4, linebackers Brian Duncan, Bront Bird and Julius Howard (I'm considering Howard to be a starter as he was the team's nickel back) all return and played major parts last year. The defensive line is the biggest question mark for this team. DT Colby Whitlock returns and is as solid a defensive tackle prospect that you'll find, but there's lots of questions at the other defensive line spots, including who steps up at the defensive end positions.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
The Texas Longhorns, the third week of the season in Lubbock will be the first big test of the season. The game was moved up to be on television and I expect both the Longhorns and the Red Raiders to play fairly vanilla schemes until this game.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Probably going to Norman where I would expect the Sooners will be looking to exact a bit of revenge after last year's 41-13 win. Nothing really went right for Oklahoma that Saturday afternoon and this of course was on the heels of OU absolutely waylaying Texas Tech in 2008, 21-65.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Seemingly, I think that the best player that no one knows about is LG Lonnie Edwards. Edwards is incredibly strong, an absolute mauler along the offensive line and does a really good job of protecting the quarterback's blindside.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
RB Baron Batch is my favorite player to watch, although I think that you could pick from a handful of receivers. Batch is explosive and because this version of the offense is going to get the ball to the running back a handful more times during the game, I think that it could certainly have an affect on Batch's numbers. As a player, Batch is explosive, is bigger than most a lot of people think (5-11/205), isn't afraid of contact and can certainly run over a defender or two.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
DT Colby Whitlock is probably the best defensive player on the team. Whitlock was recently rated at the #54 best NFL prospect by the National Football Post and although his name isn't mentioned all that much, he's an all-conference type of player.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Inside LB Brian Duncan is being switched to an outside LB role this year and I think that his progress, as being a player that has the ability to stop the run, hold off an offensive tackle, and rush the passer is going to be a big part of how quickly this defense assimilates to Tuberville's 3-4 scheme. It sounds as if Tuberville is going to only play a 3-4, maybe 50% of the time, but this is a completely different look for a player like Duncan.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
WR Eric Ward, a former 4-star receiver, who redshirted last year is expected to make an absolutely huge impact. Ward will force his way onto the field this year, he's too talented (think the size of a running back, but very soft hands).
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
JUCO DE Scott Smith, who was the 4th best JUCO player in the 2010 Recruiting Class. Texas Tech graduated their three top pass-rushers last year, Brandon Sharpe, Daniel Howard and Rajon Henley, and there's going to have to be someone who steps up to play defensive end start rushing the passer.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
If this team can get nine wins this year, I think I'll be pretty happy. With everything that's happened since December, complete program overhaul, terminating a head coach, etc., it's been a whirlwind. Anything over and above nine wins would be gravy and I think that generally, that's about where most Texas Tech fans are at this point.
Thanks again to Seth and Double-T Nation. Follow them on Twitter @doubletnation for all of your Texas Tech needs.
Next Up: Bowling Green Falcons
2010 Previews
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
Conference USA- Houston Cougars, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Buffalo Bulls, Temple Owls
Mountain West- Utah Utes
Pac-10- Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
2009 Bowl: Alamo Bowl (beat Michigan State 41-31)
Final 2009 AP Ranking: #21
Head Coach: Tommy Tuberville (1st year at Texas Tech, 110-60 all-time)
Non-Conference Schedule: SMU (9/5), at New Mexico (9/11), Weber State (11/20), Houston (11/27)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 37.0 points per game (2nd in Big 12, 7th in Nation)
Rushing Yards/Game: 84 (last in Big 12, 115th in Nation)
Passing Yards/Game: 386 (1st in Big 12, 2nd in Nation)
Total Yards/Game: 470 (1st in Big 12, 4th in Nation)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 22.5 points per game (6th in Big 12)
Rushing Yards/Game: 126 (7th in Big 12)
Passing Yards/Game: 225 (5th in Big 12)
Total Yards/Game: 352 (6th in Big 12)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.46 per game (11th in Big 12)
Penalties: 78 yards per game (11th in Big 12, 118th in Nation)
Returning Starters
Offense: 7
Defense: 6
Kicker/Punter: 2
Phil Steele All-Big 12 Pre-Season
LB Brian Duncan (First Team)
WR Alexander Torres (Second Team)
DT Colby Whitlock (Second Team)
S Cody Davis (Second Team)
RB Baron Batch (Third Team)
LB Bront Bird (Third Team)
KR Eric Stephens (Third Team)
WR Detron Lewis (Fourth Team)
K Matthew Williams (Fourth Team)
PR Austin Zouzalik (Fourth Team)
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Taylor Potts, Sr (309 of 470 for 3440 yds, 22 TD, 13 INT, 312 ypg)
Passing: QB Steven Sheffield, Sr (101 of 136 for 1219 yds, 14 TD, 4 INT, 174 ypg)
Rushing: RB Baron Batch, Sr (168 carries for 884 yds, 14 TD, 5.2 ypc, 68 ypg)
Receiving: WR Detron Lewis, Sr (65 rec, 844 yds, 6 TD, 5.0 rec/game)
Receiving: WR Alexander Torres, Sr (67 rec, 806 yds, 6 TD, 5.2 rec/game)
Tackles: LB Brandon Duncan, Sr (87)
Sacks: DT Colby Whitlock, Sr (3.5)
Interceptions: S Franklin Mitchem, Sr (2); DB LaRon Moore, Sr (2)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Athlon Sports: #37
Lindy's: Not Ranked
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: Not Ranked
Sporting News: #36
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
2010 Pre-Season Big 12 South Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #4
Phil Steele: #4
Bowl Prediction:
Athlon Sports: Holiday Bowl (vs. Oregon State)
Phil Steele: Holiday Bowl (vs. Arizona)
Last year Texas Tech had an ugly divorce with Mike Leach. They are still in court trying to figure out who gets the house and who gets the dog. In the meantime Texas Tech has tied the knot with Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville inherits some good talent at the skill positions and some senior leaders on defense. It will be very interesting to see how Tuberville and OC Neal Brown break in the new offense. With so many seniors returning at key positions Texas Tech has a chance to surprise some people this year. Of course, they also play in the Big 12 South so they have Texas and Oklahoma to contend with. We sought out Seth from the SB Nation site Double-T Nation to find out his thoughts on Texas Tech's chances in 2010.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
Offensively, the biggest strength is the quality and depth at the skill positions. The running back position is absolutely stacked with Baron Batch, Harrison Jeffers and Eric Stephens, while the receiving corps is a deep unit. Detron Lewis, Alexander Torres and Tramain Swindall lead a relatively young group of receivers. The biggest unknown on offense is whether either quarterback, Steven Sheffield and Taylor Potts, can stay healthy and how the right side of the offensive line will shake out. Defensively, three of four starters return in the secondary and three of four starters return at linebacker. Safeties Cody Davis, Franklin Mitchem return, as does cornerback LaRon Moore. Although the defense is for the most part switching to a 3-4, linebackers Brian Duncan, Bront Bird and Julius Howard (I'm considering Howard to be a starter as he was the team's nickel back) all return and played major parts last year. The defensive line is the biggest question mark for this team. DT Colby Whitlock returns and is as solid a defensive tackle prospect that you'll find, but there's lots of questions at the other defensive line spots, including who steps up at the defensive end positions.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test?
The Texas Longhorns, the third week of the season in Lubbock will be the first big test of the season. The game was moved up to be on television and I expect both the Longhorns and the Red Raiders to play fairly vanilla schemes until this game.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Probably going to Norman where I would expect the Sooners will be looking to exact a bit of revenge after last year's 41-13 win. Nothing really went right for Oklahoma that Saturday afternoon and this of course was on the heels of OU absolutely waylaying Texas Tech in 2008, 21-65.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Seemingly, I think that the best player that no one knows about is LG Lonnie Edwards. Edwards is incredibly strong, an absolute mauler along the offensive line and does a really good job of protecting the quarterback's blindside.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
RB Baron Batch is my favorite player to watch, although I think that you could pick from a handful of receivers. Batch is explosive and because this version of the offense is going to get the ball to the running back a handful more times during the game, I think that it could certainly have an affect on Batch's numbers. As a player, Batch is explosive, is bigger than most a lot of people think (5-11/205), isn't afraid of contact and can certainly run over a defender or two.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
DT Colby Whitlock is probably the best defensive player on the team. Whitlock was recently rated at the #54 best NFL prospect by the National Football Post and although his name isn't mentioned all that much, he's an all-conference type of player.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Inside LB Brian Duncan is being switched to an outside LB role this year and I think that his progress, as being a player that has the ability to stop the run, hold off an offensive tackle, and rush the passer is going to be a big part of how quickly this defense assimilates to Tuberville's 3-4 scheme. It sounds as if Tuberville is going to only play a 3-4, maybe 50% of the time, but this is a completely different look for a player like Duncan.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
WR Eric Ward, a former 4-star receiver, who redshirted last year is expected to make an absolutely huge impact. Ward will force his way onto the field this year, he's too talented (think the size of a running back, but very soft hands).
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
JUCO DE Scott Smith, who was the 4th best JUCO player in the 2010 Recruiting Class. Texas Tech graduated their three top pass-rushers last year, Brandon Sharpe, Daniel Howard and Rajon Henley, and there's going to have to be someone who steps up to play defensive end start rushing the passer.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
If this team can get nine wins this year, I think I'll be pretty happy. With everything that's happened since December, complete program overhaul, terminating a head coach, etc., it's been a whirlwind. Anything over and above nine wins would be gravy and I think that generally, that's about where most Texas Tech fans are at this point.
Thanks again to Seth and Double-T Nation. Follow them on Twitter @doubletnation for all of your Texas Tech needs.
Next Up: Bowling Green Falcons
2010 Previews
Big 12- Kansas State Wildcats, Missouri Tigers
Big East- Cincinnati Bearcats, Pittsburgh Panthers, West Virginia Mountaineers
Big Ten- Michigan Wolverines, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats, Purdue Boilermakers
Conference USA- Houston Cougars, Tulane Green Wave, UTEP Miners
MAC- Buffalo Bulls, Temple Owls
Mountain West- Utah Utes
Pac-10- Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans, Washington Huskies
Sun Belt- Troy Trojans
WAC- New Mexico State Aggies
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