Oklahoma Sooners
2007 Record – 11-3 (Lost to West Virginia 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl)
Since Bob Stoops came to OU the Sooners are back to acting like the Oklahoma teams I grew up with, the baddest team in the league with a little swagger. While the past few years have been better than the dark ages of the 90’s, Sooner fans have ended their season with a very bad taste in their mouths (Boise State, West Virginia come to mind).
Things To Like About Oklahoma:
Sam Bradford: He put up some gaudy numbers last year, over 3,000 yards passing, 36 touchdowns and the highest passing effiency in the country. OU messing with a no huddle offense this season to increase tempo and Bradford was uncomfortable. Leave the kid alone he can win you gams.
Offensive Line: Everyone is back and this unit is special. This is the best O-line in college football and the margin isn’t even close. They have 5 potential All-Americans. Sam Bradford should feel secure in the pocket.
Receivers: They will catch passes because Sam Bradford will have plenty of time to pass. Malcom Kelly may be gone but he won’t be missed. Juauin Iglesias and the rest of the Sooners snatchers will have a big year.
Things Not To Like About Oklahoma:
Linebackers: Ryan Reynolds is only returning starter and he has had injury problems. There are athletes there but they will have to make plays.
Defense in General: The Sooner “D” made plays last year but this year is full of if’s. There is enough big time talent if given time, the defense could get by.
Sooner Stuff: The schedule is strong enough to put Oklahoma in the national championship picture. Don’t worry about the trip to Seattle September 13 vs Washington. U-Dub is all bark and no bite. Cincinnati and TCU come to Norman and could challenge but probably a few levels below talent wise. The only gotcha game could be the trip to Manhattan, Kansas in late October vs K-State.
Oklahoma will win the Big 12 South Division and the Big 12 Championship this year. I just hope OU goes to the BCS Championship Game. Going to the Fiesta Bowl has not been a pleasant experience for the Sooners. Bob Stoops will never vacation in Phoenix again. Strange things happen there for Oklahoma.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
2007 record 9-4(defeated Virginia 31-28 in the Gator Bowl)
Texas Tech is poised to make a run at the Big 12 South title. All the pieces are in place to get it done
Things To Like About Texas Tech:
Graham Harrel: Texas Tech will throw the ball until his arm falls off, and then Harrell will sling it with the other arm. Harrel is a system quarterback but he’s a perfect fit. Oh by the way, Harrel has a plethora of receivers to throw to. How many passes will Michael Crabtree catch.
The Red Raider offense: It’s close to un-stoppable for example, last year Texas Tech averaged 470 yards per game. With 10 starters offensive starters returning, Texas Tech will improve on that. Can anyone stop the Red Raider express?
Defense, Defense, Defense: Hold on partner, there’s more. Texas Tech has a defense that has the potential for big plays, sacks and tackles for loss. My god can the Red Raiders be just as good on defense as they are on offense?
Things Not To Like About Texas Tech:
The Running Game: The Red Raiders ranked dead last in the country running the football. Not that it’s needed but once in a blue moon Texas Tech will need to control clock.
Red Raider Reviews: If Texas Tech is ever going to win the Big 12 South this is the year. The planets are aligned just right and the perfect storm is brewing in Lubbock. If Texas Tech is undefeated for its November 1st game with Texas at home it will be the biggest showdown in West Texas since the Alamo. The real road test will come November 22nd at Oklahoma and the Red Raiders haven’t won in Norman in 12 years. That could be the biggest game in double T history.
I’m rooting for Texas Tech but they have to prove it to me on the field before I can believe in them.
Texas Longhorns
2007 record 10-3 (Defeated Arizona State 52-34 in the Holiday Bowl)
Texas has always had plenty of talent to collect more than just one national championship during the Mack Brown era in Austin, the Horns just haven’t had the nasty streak to get it done. Something changed in San Diego last December, the Horns kicked the hell out of the Arizona State Sun Devils in Holiday Bowl and showed the stones to squeeze the life out of their opponent.
Things To Like About Texas:
Will Muschamp: Now that new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is on board, there’s going to be slobber and snot coming out of the Texas Defense. Muschamp’s style is in your face and kicking your butt continuously. For the 11 guys doing the tackling for Texas it’s no more Mr. Nice Guy, you are going to have to deal with the Horns.
Colt McCoy: Colt McCoy disappeared last season from the national scene last year and I don’t know why. McCoy threw for over 3,000 yards and 22 touchdowns and this was called a sophomore slump? Colt should fire on target this year.
Things Not To Like About Texas:
Secondary: The unit has been a nagging problem the last few years. Only one starter returns in the defensive backfield.
Texas Tidbits: With the exception of Arkansas, the non-conference schedule is soft, soft, soft. In October the Horns have a hell stretch at Colorado then the Red River Shootout vs Oklahoma, then hosting Missouri. Texas also goes to Texas Tech on November 1st. Rack up the wins in September while you can.
I could be wrong but this won’t be the year Texas tops the South. They might find themselves back in San Diego which is not a bad trip and with Will Muschamp in the mix, a wee bit nastier team.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
2007 record – 7-6 (Defeated Indiana 49-33 in Insight Bowl)
Oklahoma State is on the rise thanks to the deep pockets of T. Boone Pickens whose writing some big time checks to OSU. But money doesn’t buy championships (though it did in the Southwest Conference) and the Pokes still have work to do.
Things To Like About Oklahoma State:
Zac Robinson: Check out Robinson’s numbers from last year and he is up there with Sam Bradford, Graham Harrel and Colt McCoy. Robinson also shoulders some of the rushing burden for the Pokes.
Offensive Line: The best unit in OSU history. There’s no superstar talent there but this line is solid and rarely gives up a sack.
T. Boone Pickens’ Money: Cash is king, it’s a no brainer.
Things Not To Like About Oklahoma State:
Defense: The Pokes gave up way to many yards last season and Defensive Coordinator Tim Beckman will feel the heat if OSU’s defense falters.
Back Up QB: Zac Robinson has to stay healthy. Not much there should he go down.
Cowboy Up: The scoop in Stillwater is that OSU fans are excited about this season. They should be, OSU keeps making the necessary steps to put this program on the level with OU and Texas. It’s going to take a lot of time and patience. This year the Pokes will have a good season, go to a minor bowl and keep building.
Texas A&M Aggies
2007 record: 7-6 (Lost to Penn State 24-17 in the Alamo Bowl)
There is a new man leading the Aggies of Texas A&M, Mike Sherman and he’s got College Station buzzing bringing in his new pro style offense. Sherman’s mission is to get A&M up to superpower status.
Things To Like About Texas A&M:
Jovorski Lane: This super talent wasn’t used much last year. Maybe that’s why Dennis Franchione was no longer coaching. Lane will be used by Coach Sherman and should punish defenders and have a nice year.
Mike Goodson: While Lane brings the wood, Goodson just runs by you. Texas A&M might develop one of the best backfields in the country.
Joe Kines: Best hire Mike Sherman made is bringing Coach Kines and his fire and brimstone to College Station. The defense will get better and more aggressive
Things Not To Like About Texas A&M:
Offensive Line: The Aggies lost 4 of 5 starters on the O-Line.
Receivers: Not much experience so the young people will be called upon to make plays on offense.
Talent level on defense: It’s not very high and Texas A&M’s front 7 had heavy losses. Except for the secondary, Joe Kines will have his work cut out for him.
Aggie Almanac: Texas A&M has a few landmines on the non-conference schedule. A road trip to New Mexico and hosting the Miami Hurricanes. The Aggies must also go to Oklahoma State and rap up the season in Austin vs. Texas. They might be able to get 6 wins and make a bowl but that’s about all to expect in Aggieland in 2008.
Baylor Bears
2007 record: 3-9
While it will be another long year in Waco, the Baylor Bears have hope with Art Briles as head coach. If he can take a woeful University of Houston program and not only make it competitive but leads them to bowl games, why not do it at Baylor.
Things To Like About Baylor:
Offensive Line: The unit is solid, a huge bright spot for the offense.
Enthusiastic new coaching staff:
Things Not To Like About Baylor:
Defense: Can they stop anyone in a offensively loaded Big 12 South.
Schedule: With the exemption of Northwestern State, it’s a tough one. The Bears get Nebraska and Missouri from the Big 12 North.
Bear Tracks: Baylor is in a tough spot. Even if they do improve on the field it won’t show on the won/loss record. The Big 12 South is loaded. The key is to be competitive and continue to improve.
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