OSU Denying Any 12/10/9 Shenanigans

((HT: KWTX-TV Waco, Newsok.com))

Mike Sherman's Open Mike blog at Newsok.com has the newest angle in all of this eventual Texas A&M moving to the Ess-E-Cee despite protestations of a school (probably Baylor) and possibly the addition of other schools in some nebulous lawsuit that has no bearing and wouldn't hold up in any court of law...

Oklahoma State's Gary Schutt released the following statement... since they played Arizona and he knew everyone was going to ask...

"Speculative reports using unnamed sources implying Oklahoma State University would join others in a lawsuit against the SEC and Texas A&M were incorrect."


Here's team coverage on Baylor's blocking of the whole deal- it's all about looking out for number one, yo...


Jenni Carlson talks to Travis Haney about Oklahoma's angle in all this...

Big 12 vs. SEC--Legal action takes the lead

The impetus of Change

((aol.sportingnews.com))

This is getting uglier by the hour.

The tectonic shift of college football teams has been put on hold--because of the threat of legal action.

And while we aren't big fans of the potential "Mega-Conferences" that are expected to form when the shift does finally occur--and it will, the current battle between the SEC and the Big 12 over Texas A&M is just getting stupid.

By now, we all know the SEC agreed to offer A&M membership in their league, so long as nobody in the Big 12 would sue. Early yesterday, the only one who didn't agree to this was Baylor.

That changed.

You can now add Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Texas Tech, Missouri and Oklahoma State to that list.

Put simply, what you are seeing now is not so much a protest against the SEC or Texas A&M, you are seeing schools trying to cover their collective asses. Because if the A&M leaves, Oklahoma is right behind them. And if Oklahoma goes, OK State is right behind them...and suddenly you no longer have a Big 12 and all the above schools have to find a home.

And yeah, they have all said they would be willing to waive those claims if Oklahoma agrees to stay. Something the Sooners have "Said" they will decide in the next two weeks, but now could drag out as long as they feel like.

In the meantime, now Texas A&M is pissed at Big 12 commissioner Dan Beebe and most of their soon to be former conference mates. Though Beebe insists the conference won't do anything to stop A&M. The SEC isn't pissed at anyone (we think), they are just shaking their collective heads. And the rest of us are quickly tiring of all this.

In reality, there are no lawsuits that could be filed against anyone here that could hold up in a court. But that isn't the problem. It's all image right now. Nobody wants to be perceived as being the the bad guy and yet everyone involved really is. It's a shame to see the landscape of college football change like it is about to, but it is going to happen. Apparently it won't today, but it will happen and happen in the next couple of months.

It's become a battle for money and it is getting more and more competitive by the day. Everyone wants a piece of the ESPN pie, because truly, as Clay Travis has so eloquently put it in his OutKickTheCoverage.com blog, that is what now drives college football. It has nothing to do with what is best for the fans. It has nothing to do with what is best for the players and it has nothing to do with what is best for the alumni. It's all about the greenbacks and the only one's waving those things around right now (see Longhorn network--which is what started all this) is the folks in Bristol.

Baylor's Jones Suspended Just in Time For Big 12 Tourney

((HT: KWTX-TV Waco))

Baylor freshman Perry Jones was declared ineligible by the NCAA after an investigation took place about whether or not Jones or his family received preferential treatment or improper benefits from an AAU coach before enrolling in college.

Baylor immediately appealed to have Jones' eligibility reinstated.

"We are profoundly disappointed in the timing and determination in this matter," Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw said in a release from the school. "This outcome appears to be inconsistent with other recent, widely discussed NCAA decisions."

Baylor maintains Jones had no knowledge of three, 15-day loans between his mother and AAU coach that were provided while Jones was in high school. According to Baylor, those loans were repaid in a "timely manner."

Whatever that means...

According to Baylor, Jones' AAU coach also paid for the player's travel to a professional preseason football game in San Diego before getting to the school to play.

This activity will also confirm that he's probably Baylor's first one and done...

Here's the little ditty from Waco until we know more...

DEVELOPING: Baylor's Dunn Not Indicted

A grand jury has declined to indict Baylor guard LaceDarius Dunn in the assault case against him in McLennan County, Texas.

Abel Reyna, the new county DA who inherited the case, said additional evidence was presented to the grand jury. That new evidence led to the decision.

Dunn's attorney, Vik Deivanayagam, says his client has been exonerated.

The interview with him, thanks to our friends at KWTX-TV in Waco, is hyah...

Dunn, Baylor's career leading scorer, missed the first three games after he was arrested and accused of breaking his girlfriend's jaw back in September. The woman, LaCharlesla Edwards, the mother of Dunn's young son, disagreed with police reports of the evening and had asked that charges be dropped.

The official term is that Dunn will be "no-billed."

Here's highlights of Dunn against OkeState- more like lowlights...
Dave Hunziker has the call...
((HT: OSUAthletics))

Broseph's Bits And The Monday Gospel

Kansas/Baylor Over 139.5 -- A stiff test for Kansas on Monday when they head into Texas to take on Baylor. The Jayhawks are 17-0 and are averaging 83.1 points per game. Kansas has shown that when a team wants to play at an uptempo pace, they will do so as well. KU has scored at least 80 points in 10 of their 17 games this season. Marcus Morris (16.7 ppg) and Markieff Morris (12.8 ppg) patrol the inside while Josh Selby (12.1 ppg in 8 games) and Tyrel Reed (9.3 ppg) take care of business on the outside. Baylor is no slouch. They are 12-4, 2-1 in the Big 12. The Bears score 73.4 points per game which is 56th overall. They are led by LaceDarius Dunn (22.3 ppg), Quincy Acy (13.6 ppg) and Perry Jones (13.1 ppg). Baylor has scored at least 70 points in 10 of their 16 games. Last year, Kansas won 81-75 at home on January 20th. Five of the last eight games in this series have gone over the total since 1997. Baylor is shooting nearly 50% at home this season where they are 10-1. Kansas is putting up an average of 81.6 points on the road. This one could be a shootout.

Idaho +5 -- The Vandals hit the road to take on Fresno State Monday night. Idaho has been a surprise this season going 11-6, 4-1 in the WAC. They have won five straight with three of them coming on the road. As a matter of fact, they have won four straight road games and five of their last six. Idaho can beat you in multiple ways. They have three players averaging over 10 points per game with two others chipping in at least nine. Fresno State meanwhile is 7-8 and scoring only 65.1 points per game. They have two players averaging at least 10 points per game with two others chipping in at least eight. Fresno has lost two straight and is coming off a game where they put in only 39 points at home. They are 5-3 at home losing also to Washington State and Pacific. Offensively this team is too inconsistent playing many games in the 50's and 60's. Idaho has won two straight at Fresno and four straight in the series. I like the Vandals to keep it close and potentially win this game outright.

UConn Knocked Off The Top Of The Women's Basketball Perch

Those of us in the OSG HQ are not that big of women's basketball fans because... well we're just not. Stanford defeating Connecticut and ending the Huskies 90 game winning streak got our attention. This did too, for the first time since February of 2008 UConn is not #1 in the AP women's college basketball poll.

The Baylor Bears have that honor this week. Below is the latest AP women's college basketball poll:

1. Baylor (23) 13-1 978
2. Connecticut (14) 12-1 967
3. Duke (1) 13-0 911
4. Stanford (2) 10-2 881
5. Tennessee 13-2 827
6. West Virginia 14-0 789
7. Texas A&M 11-1 778
8. North Carolina 13-0 703
9. Xavier 10-2 670
10. Kentucky 11-1 633
11. Michigan St. 13-1 598
12. UCLA 12-1 565
13. Notre Dame 12-3 486
14. Maryland 13-1 470
15. Georgetown 12-3 360
16. DePaul 13-2 300
17. Iowa St. 11-2 297
18. St. John's 12-2 287
19. Oklahoma 10-3 279
20. Ohio St. 9-4 191
21. Iowa 12-3 189
22. Texas 11-3 162
23. Syracuse 12-1 122
24. Florida St. 12-3 107
25. Arkansas 12-1 72

Illinois actually wins Texas Bowl...Yeah, there is such a game

QB Nathan Scheelhaase and RB Mikel Leshoure/Courtesy: Darrell Homeann-illinihq.com

If we come off sounding sarcastic or anything else about the plethora of strange and odd bowl games, it because of games like this.

Sure, it's a great capper to a rebound season for Illinois, from 3-9 in 2009 to a 7-6 record this season is a nice comeback and the Zooker and his Illini do have reason to be proud of that. That 7th win came Wednesday night when they pounded Baylor, 38-14 in the Texas Bowl.

Your MVP, Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure, who ran for 184 yards and scored 3 times.

More on the game from Illinihq.com RIGHT HERE

If you actually stayed up Wednesday night and watched this game, good for you. You are either a hardcore, football alum from one of these schools or a crazed football addict with nothing better to do. We aren't trying to be haters, but think about it.

Anyway, yeah, sorry we are being grouchy about this, but we...or at least I don't think there should be 836 Bowl games every year. Sorry, I just don't. But hey, if it makes you happy, then great, congrats on a good win Illinois and as for Baylor...we thought you were better than that.

Here's your look at the game, thanks to our friends at the Big Ten Network...
((HT: BTN/Youtube))

TWTW: Oklahoma Sweeps Saturday Over Baylor And Kansas

((HT: newsok.com))

And quite honestly, they should have...

OU has never lost to Baylor in Waco- or any place else for that matter.

They still can say that after the 53-24 win Saturday on the road...

Through three quarters against the Sooners, Baylor had more possessions, 11, than points- 10.

The Sooners scored on eight of their first 12 possessions.

A windy Berry Tramel discusses with Jake Trotter...


OSU had early problems with Kansas, but stuck it to Turner Gill 48-14 by the time it was over with...

It was the first time the program has notched a 10-win season as they head to Bedlam.

Here's your look at the Cowboys-Jayhawks game...
A bundled-up, pen-toting Jenni Carlson and Brandon Chatmon discuss...

TWTW: A&M Over Baylor, Both Still Bowl Eligible Before Texas

((HT: KBTX-TV Waco))

Whoda thought Mike Sherman would have saved his job this year in College Station...?

The HQ surely didn't see that one coming...

We knew Jarrod Johnson can be an amazing talent at QB, but at the same time, he can be completely erratic and off the radar. Robert Griffin III, or simply RG3 in Waco, is one of those guys who is the same way.

These two squared off and 72 points happened...

And Baylor is still ahead of Texas in bowl eligibility.
Sorry, we just enjoy saying that...

Cody Coil gets credit for one of the best names of the weekend...

TWTW: Oklahoma Splits Saturday, State Slows Baylor While OU Loses To A&M

((HT: newsok.com))

Saturday was a weird day for OKlahoma-based football...

First, OSU can win the Big 12/11/10 South Division. They can win the Big 12/11/10 title, and they can go to a BCS bowl.

The Cowboys defense held Robert Griffin to only 267 passing yards. Brandon Weeden lit up Baylor for 435. The team put up a school-record 725 yards. Weeden broke two school records with 34 completions and his passing yardage.

Justin Blackmon, back after a one-game suspension for his DUI coming home from the Cowboys game, had 173 yards receiving, 69 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Jenni Carlson and Brandon Chatmon analyze the good...


For Oklahoma, they once again started another week by giving up points and an early lead. The HQ was trying to figure out where this particular Texas A&M team came from- scoring 19 unanswered points behind QB Ryan Tannehill's fairly flawless first half.

But, then in the second half, Tannehill became human and the Sooners closed the gap to 19-17. OU tried a fake field goal for the lead, but the pass was dropped in the endzone.

A&M then went down the field to score and put the game out of reach.
Does Bob Stoops realize he, probably, saved Mike Sherman's job for another season...?

Berry Tramel and Jake Trotter analyze the bad...

The Eyes Of Texas Have Been Blackened By The Baylor Bears

Art Briles has revived the Baylor football program from the dead. The Bears pulse became officially strong Saturday when Baylor defeated the Texas Longhorns in Austin 30-22. Baylor hadn't won at Austin since 1991 when both were in the long departed Southwest Conference.

"I am really proud of our football team, our players, our staff, our fans because it has been a while since we have given any proof to believe and people have really taken to it and supported in a tremendous fashion." Baylor head coach Art Briles said. "As a part of the football team, hats off to the people who are supporting us and to our players. I think they are a resilient bunch and have great leadership in general and great senior leadership, and the guys always believe something good is going to happen."

Robert Griffin III was his spectacular self against the Horns. Griffin threw for 219yards and 2 touchdowns. He also rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown. Beating Texas was a big deal for the Bears but Griffin took it in stride, their's bigger goals to accomplish.

"Not until the end of the game guys were talking about how we haven't beat Texas in a while." Griffin said. "For us, it was another win. The tide has changed this year. We are the team to beat and we are just going to keep rolling with that."

Texas is in a total free fall. The Longhorns have lost four of their last 5 games.

"I told the kids in the dressing room if they played this hard against Iowa State and UCLA, they'd have won both games." Texas head coach Mack Brown said. "That's kind of the sad thing about where we are."

Brown added, "We played this hard at Nebraska. We played this way at Tech. We played the second half of Oklahoma this way. The rest of the year we haven't played this hard. Hopefully they can build on that. That will help them at least finish strong."

Those of us in the OSG HQ are beginning to think that Nebraska win was a fluke.

By the way, Texas retired the jersey of Colt McCoy during the Baylor game. Timing is everything.

Click on the link for the highlights of the game. (Thanks Bears All Access)

http://www.baylorbears.com/allaccess/?media=205483

Photos Courtesy: Harry Cabluck /AP

TWTW: Baylor Bowl Eligible, Cracks Top 25

((HT: KWTX-TV Waco, Texas))

After defeating Kansas State to become bowl eligible for the first time since 1994, Baylor was ranked 25th in new AP poll, the school’s first ranking since September 5th, 1993 when the Bears were 24th...

For a week...

And how's this for odd... or abnormal... whichever you choose...

Big 12 South

Baylor 3-1
Oklahoma 2-1
Oklahoma State 2-1
Texas 2-2
Texas Tech 2-3
Texas A&M 1-2

Oh, the game...
Jay Finley rushed for a school-record 250 yards, Robert Griffin threw for a career-high 404 yards and four touchdowns as Baylor beat Kansas State 47-42...

Baylor (6-2, 3-1) has not played in a bowl game since 1994, when the Bears were part of the old Southwest Conference.

The offense gained 683 yards breaking a school record that was set three weeks ago.

Brett Denham delivers the good news indoors...

DEVELOPING: Baylor's Dunn Indefinitely Suspended After Assault Arrest

((HT: KXXV-TV Waco))

Baylor guard LaceDarius Dunn turned himself in to local police Tuesday for allegedly breaking his girlfriend's jaw last week.

Waco police say Dunn punched his girlfriend, 21-year-old Lacharlesia Edwards, in the face during an argument on September 27th. Edwards was taken to a local hospital.

According to the arrest affidavit, she was spitting blood and couldn't move her mouth. Emergency surgery was performed and two metal plates were inserted to stabilize her jaw.

The basketball star is charged with Aggravated Assault, Family Violence.
His bond has been set at $12,500.

Baylor Basketball Head Coach Scott Drew says Dunn has been indefinitely suspended from all team activities as the university tries to gather more information on the whole matter.

More when we know more...

So What About The Five Left In The 12...???

((HT: WHO-TV Des Moines))

There would be five schools who would be absolutely screwed if 6 schools jumped to what is now-called the Pac-10 and Nebraska bolts to the Ten Friday.

Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, K-State, and Missouri are the soon-to-be homeless, and you see why Mountain West Commish Craig Thompson was more than happy to lay in the weeds when Boise State's name came up...???

Iowa State's Jamie Pollard is really keeping an eye on things...

Elizabeth Kling was in the newsroom with some soundbites...
 

Does anyone really care what Senator Tom Harkin thinks in the first place...?

The University of Missouri Chancellor, Brady Deaton, is concerned, too...
At a Board of Curators meeting Thursday, he was seen telling other board members about the day's events...

Aaron Heintzelman was in Columbia...
((HT: KSHB-TV Kansas City))

Baylor Thinks They're In The New Pac-10... Maybe, Probably...

Baylor and its administration remain cautiously optimistic about their inclusion on any merger and acquisition plans with the Big 12 and the Pac-10 to form the Big West ((Or whatever in the hell they plan on calling it when this goes down))...

Here's your new evidence from the school their ownselves...

Mark Wiggins got to do a live shot on campus...
((HT: KXXV-TV Waco, Texas))

TWTW: Sooners Take Out Baylor 33-7, Bradford Doesn't Miss A Beat

((HT: Newsok.com/Trotter))

After sitting the last five weeks with a shoulder injury, Bradford finally returned to the field Saturday to lead the Sooners to a 33-7 victory over Baylor at Owen Field.

Oklahoma's Heisman quarterback looked like his old self, completing 27 of 49 passes for 389 yards and a touchdown as the Sooners improved to 3-2.

"It's just exciting to be back," he said.

Jake Trotter and Berry Tramel analyze the return of Bradford
Thanks to our friends at newsok.com

Baylor's Griffin Out For Season

((HT: CBSSports))

An MRI done Sunday revealed that Baylor Sophomore QB Robert Griffin has "an isolated tear" in his ACL. He sustained the injury in the first half of the Bears' 68-13 victory over Northwestern State on Saturday night.

The Bears also lost senior defensive back and return specialist Mikail Baker to a knee injury. An MRI revealed an ACL tear and tears to his medial and lateral meniscus after he was hurt on special teams.

Griffin was injured when his leg bent awkwardly while being stopped for no gain on a fourth-down play the opening series of the game. He remained on the ground for several minutes, the silence broken only when Baylor students started chanting his name before he walked gingerly to the sideline.

Northwestern drove for a touchdown while Griffin was being tended to. He had his knee heavily wrapped. But he didn't miss a snap before halftime, coming back to lead the Bears to a 41-10 halftime lead.

Here's post-game from the game, thanks to our friends at KWTX-TV10 in Waco
Dan Ingham got to do a live shot in the dark for his report...

College Basketball: Big 12 Predictions

Time to check out the big conferences and let's begin with the Big 12. Kansas won the NCAA Championship last year but only return 4 scholarship players needless to say the Jayhawks are in full rebuilding mode. It won't be gloom or even doom though in Lawrence as Bill Self has reloaded with some JUCO and high school talent. KU will be down for a short time but will never be out.

Best Team In The Big 12: This is a tough choice because Oklahoma and Texas are deep and talented but I'm going with the Baylor Bears. Scott Drew put the paddles and resuscitated the Baylor program a few years ago. Now the Bears are to the point of expecting a deep NCAA Tournament run. Why do I like Baylor? Because to win big in college basketball, you must have versatile guards and have depth at that position. The Bears have that. This group can score, distribute and most importantly is experienced. 3 of Baylor's guards average double figures lat year. Guard Curtis Jerrells led the team last year in scoring at 15.3 points per game mostly by driving to the hoop but is working on improving his 3 point shooting. Henry Duget is lightening quick and LaceDarius Dunn is money off the bench. If Baylor makes a few stops on defense, the Bears were last in defense in the Big 12 last season, they will cut down the nets and collect the championship hardware.

Best Player In The Big 12: Blake Griffin - Oklahoma

I love to watch Griffin play. He has a soft shooting touch and is a commanding presence grabbing rebounds plus he adds toughness to the Sooners. He finished the 07-08 season with 10 double-doubles, the last 7 against NCAA Tournament teams. Griffin should get plenty of attention for national player of the year honors.

Team That Could Surprise - Texas Tech Red Raiders

Pat Knight isn't his dad yet but this team isn't bad. Texas Tech was picked 10th in the Big 12 preseason poll but the Red Raiders have some players and play as a team. I wouldn't be surprised if Texas Tech puts together a middle of the road year and win 1 or 2 game in the Big 12 Tournament, enough to earn the final bid to the dance from the league.

Who Goes Dancing: Baylor, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

Who Plays For Number 66: Oklahoma State, Missouri, Nebraska

Big 12 Predictions

1. Baylor

2. Oklahoma

3. Texas

4. Kansas

5. Texas A&M

6. Texas Tech

7. Missouri

8. Oklahoma State

9. Nebraska

10. Kansas State

11. Colorado

12. Iowa State

Photo Courtesy: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

College Football: My Big 12 South Predictions

Big 12 South:

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.

Bears With No Claws

There are those schools that are constant homecoming opponents in the conference. They are always the punching bags that have very little chance of a winning season much less a league championship. Duke comes to mind in the ACC, Vanderbilt in the SEC and Northwestern in the Big 10.

Then you have the Baylor Bears. Baylor has been the league patsy since joining the Big 12 conference in 1996. The Bears have won 11 Big 12 games. It’s been a struggle for B.U. but there appears to be hope in Waco. Art Briles takes over as the new head football coach at Baylor and aims to restore the roar in Waco. Briles has a reputation of a program changer. He took over a University of Houston program that was flat lined and brought the Cougars back to life. Briles is hoping to do just that at Baylor.

It can be done. When Grant Teaff was head coach in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Baylor was very competitive winning the Southwest Conference title in 1974 and 1980. That 1980 team featured a great linebacker Mike Singletary. Baylor’s last conference championship was an SWC title in 1994.

Art Briles intends to bring back the excitement to Floyd Casey Stadium. You can read more from Saturday’s Tulsa World from Jimmie Tramel’s column

--John Wilkerson