((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...
Showing posts with label Iowa State University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iowa State University. Show all posts
Friday, September 9, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
TWTW: Iowa State Barely, Barely Beats Northern Iowa
So if the Big 12/10/9 goes away where will Iowa State end up?
The Cyclones barely defeated FCS Northern Iowa 20-19 Saturday night in Ames.
Not a very impressionable audition for another conference.
Here are the highlights. (Thanks ISU)
And some post-game sound for you Cyclone fans.
The Cyclones barely defeated FCS Northern Iowa 20-19 Saturday night in Ames.
Not a very impressionable audition for another conference.
Here are the highlights. (Thanks ISU)
And some post-game sound for you Cyclone fans.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Iowa State coach punches Moose in face: Why?
(ht: cbssports.com--eye on collegefootball))
To say this is bizarre would mean bizarre has some meaning.
Here's the supposed set-up: YouTube user ISUVideo came up with a skit for a video which involves Iowa State football coach Paul Rhodes, his wife and two of his players.
And they are spoofing the National Lampoon Vacation Movie. Why? Well, we really don't know. Nor do the folks at eyeoncollegefootball.blogs.com.
It's mildly amusing and well done and...well, see if you can figure out the reason for this--(aside from the hope that it goes viral and websites like us pick it up).
To say this is bizarre would mean bizarre has some meaning.
Here's the supposed set-up: YouTube user ISUVideo came up with a skit for a video which involves Iowa State football coach Paul Rhodes, his wife and two of his players.
And they are spoofing the National Lampoon Vacation Movie. Why? Well, we really don't know. Nor do the folks at eyeoncollegefootball.blogs.com.
It's mildly amusing and well done and...well, see if you can figure out the reason for this--(aside from the hope that it goes viral and websites like us pick it up).
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Broseph's Bits And The Wednesday Gospel
College basketball is a sport that is 40 minutes long with two halves of equal play. Over the span of a game there are always missed FT's and layups/dunks that were blown. The ironic thing about this is that when you gamble it is magnified 4000x. I had a brief moment of elation when I saw this...
:19.7 TCU - Layup by Ronnie Moss
The elation came from the moment I thought that I typed a total of 149 on here for the readers. Obviously, once I went to my post and noticed that it was actually 152, my elation disappeared. Let's analyze these two points a little closer. TCU didn't win with these two points nor did they even cover. Moss didn't hit any sort of performance bonus nor did he impress an NBA draft scout with that hoop. I didn't watch the game so I can't even say if it was pretty or not. It didn't bring forth any fireworks or any sort of bonus for fans in the stands. Some schools give out free hot dogs or tacos if their team scores a certain amount, but this wasn't even a basket by the home team. Now that I realize that my wager was a loss, I could turn to the multiple missed FT's in the last two minutes of the game. Once again, these shots didn't do anything for the BYU or TCU fans in this world, but it would have made me a winner and you the reader a winner as well.
The rational basketball fan would point to the 11 missed FT's that occurred during the whole 40 minutes or the 14 missed shots that the MVP candidate Jimmer Fredette missed. Unfortunately, the warped mind of the gambler only sees that last shot or that last minute's worth of action. People ask me why I gamble and where it came from. I don't actually remember what started the obsession, only that it happened in college. Isn't that where most of our troubles and odd pastimes started? I wasn't one of those kids who didn't get too intense with it until way later in my life. Well...actually it better not be way later because I'm not THAT far out of college. At first it was one or two games here or there and now I'm trying to make a career out of this.
I've heard people ask, what's your handicapping style and why do you pick the games I do. I hope it was people saying it or else I have some vivid and believable voices in my head. I'll admit it now, I'm not one to pour over the trends and statistics that range back to the early 90's. I just don't believe that players who may be on their retirement plans right now have any sort of effect on the outcome of this year's game. I like to look at boxscores and the report's from beat writers who cover the teams. I like to see who is hot and who is not. I lean to the home team a lot, mostly because betting on road teams a lot of times can make my hair turn whiter then it should at the age of 29. I like betting on the smaller conferences because I feel like they have patterns and the cream clearly moves ahead of the rest. Ultimately, I may become one of those guys who scream at you to buy my picks because I'm 76-5-9 against the spread on days ending in "Y." For now, I'm just a guy learning how to master this and I figure I can make some money for the readers as well. Good days and bad days happen in this field. It's how you prevent the bad days from happening back to back to back.
We move on to Wednesday's picks. I went over the card and found about 15-20 leans. These are the ones I feel the strongest about. Naturally I'll say that the ones I didn't post won and some may believe me. Those who don't...well they have a nice future as a human lie detector.
Iowa State/Oklahoma State Over 134.5 -- It's a Big 12 battle on Wednesday when Iowa State hits the road to take on Oklahoma State. The Cyclones are 14-4 this season, but only 1-2 in conference. They are averaging almost 77 points per game while giving up just over 60. Ironically, the team has played just four road games with three of them against slow paced, defensive squads. The one game against a team who didnt mind playing with a pace was Iowa and that turned out to be a 75-72 win. ISU has scored at least 70 points in 13 of their 18 games this season. They are one of a few teams in the country with five double digit scorers on their team. Diante Garrett (17.6 ppg), Scott Christopherson (14.4 ppg), Melvin Ejim (11.8 ppg), Jamie Vanderbeken (11.8 ppg) and Darion Anderson (11.2 ppg) form a good starting five. Oklahoma State meanwhile is 13-4, but also is only 1-2 in conference. They score 70.4 points per game while giving up 64. Marshall Moses (16.4 ppg), Keiton Page (13.9 ppg) and J.P. Olukemi (10.9 ppg) are OSU's main threats this season. They have scored at least 70 points in seven of their last 10 games. This team doesn't mind playing a game with a little pace and someone should be able to hit 70 points. This one is going to go over the total.
Creighton -10 -- It's been a real rough season for Bradley as they are still looking for their first conference victory. The Braves are 6-12, 0-7 in the Missouri Valley. One of the culprits for the struggles could be injuries to forward Taylor Brown and guard Sam Maniscalco. Bradley is on a seven game losing streak. They started out the season 4-0 too, but the injuries hurt their depth. During this losing streak they have scored more then 70 just once. Andrew Warren is charged with keeping the Braves afloat scoring 18.9 points per game while shooting 40.6% from the field. He gets a little help from Dodie Dunson who averages 10.6 points per contest. Creighton meanwhile is 12-7, 4-3 in the MVC. They have a problem scoring, but their defense and homecourt help make the difference. The Bluejays are led by Doug McDermott (13.4 ppg), Antoine Young (12.9 ppg) and Gregory Echenique (11.1 ppg). They'll have a frontcourt advantage with Echenique and Kenny Lawson Jr. who puts up 10.4 points per game. Creighton's been beaten up a bit in their last two games losing by 14 to Wichita State and by 2 at Indiana State. Before that, they won eight of nine games. The Braves shouldn't put up too much of a fight in this game so Creighton will get back on track.
Marshall +11 -- The Thundering Herd renew their rivalry with West Virginia in Charleston on Wednesday night. Marshall has lost five straight in this series, but this could be one of their best teams in awhile. They are 12-5 having won four of their last six games. Last time out, they gave up 77 points to Memphis allowing them to shoot over 50% from the field. Normally, that doesn't happen against this Marshall team. They allow only 65.4 points per contest. Marshall is led by Damier Pitts (15.4 ppg in 8 games), DeAndre Kane (15.1 ppg), Tirrell Baines (12.9 ppg) and Shaquille Johnson (10.4 ppg). They are a deep team with many weapons to throw at their opponents. West Virginia is coming off a nice win at home against Purdue. They are averaging 75.6 points per game. Casey Mitchell (16.7 ppg), Kevin Jones (14.1 ppg) and Darryl Bryant (12.3 ppg) are their main threats this season. Last year, Bryant scored 14 points in a 68-60 Mountaineer win over Marshall. A lot of WVU's wins this season have been close. They beat Vandy by three, DePaul by two, Georgetown by six and Purdue by four. This one is a rivalry game so I'll take the double digit underdog to keep it close.
Charlotte -4.5 -- The Minutemen cannot decide what type of team they are. UMass lost by 29 at Central Connecticut State and 29 at Xavier. In between those games, they defeated Dayton and La Salle at home by single digits. This squad started out the season 7-0, but has lost six of their last nine contests including a few to teams that they had no business losing to. Anthony Gurley is the team's leading scorer averaging almost 20 per game. After him though, the next highest scorer is Javorn Farrell at 9.1 ppg. The inconsistency on the offensive end has been the main reason for their struggles. Meanwhile, Charlotte has actually played better after kicking off their leading scorer Shamari Spears. Now they are a more balanced team with Derrio Green (13.7 ppg), Jamar Briscoe (13.2 ppg) and Chris Braswell (10.1 ppg) leading the way. The 49ers have held home court winning five straight there including a 10 point victory over Fordham last time out. Charlotte's been on the road in four of their last five games and will return to the road for their next two after this one against Duquesne and Temple. A victory here is important and they will get it against an inconsistent UMass squad.
:19.7 TCU - Layup by Ronnie Moss
The elation came from the moment I thought that I typed a total of 149 on here for the readers. Obviously, once I went to my post and noticed that it was actually 152, my elation disappeared. Let's analyze these two points a little closer. TCU didn't win with these two points nor did they even cover. Moss didn't hit any sort of performance bonus nor did he impress an NBA draft scout with that hoop. I didn't watch the game so I can't even say if it was pretty or not. It didn't bring forth any fireworks or any sort of bonus for fans in the stands. Some schools give out free hot dogs or tacos if their team scores a certain amount, but this wasn't even a basket by the home team. Now that I realize that my wager was a loss, I could turn to the multiple missed FT's in the last two minutes of the game. Once again, these shots didn't do anything for the BYU or TCU fans in this world, but it would have made me a winner and you the reader a winner as well.
The rational basketball fan would point to the 11 missed FT's that occurred during the whole 40 minutes or the 14 missed shots that the MVP candidate Jimmer Fredette missed. Unfortunately, the warped mind of the gambler only sees that last shot or that last minute's worth of action. People ask me why I gamble and where it came from. I don't actually remember what started the obsession, only that it happened in college. Isn't that where most of our troubles and odd pastimes started? I wasn't one of those kids who didn't get too intense with it until way later in my life. Well...actually it better not be way later because I'm not THAT far out of college. At first it was one or two games here or there and now I'm trying to make a career out of this.
I've heard people ask, what's your handicapping style and why do you pick the games I do. I hope it was people saying it or else I have some vivid and believable voices in my head. I'll admit it now, I'm not one to pour over the trends and statistics that range back to the early 90's. I just don't believe that players who may be on their retirement plans right now have any sort of effect on the outcome of this year's game. I like to look at boxscores and the report's from beat writers who cover the teams. I like to see who is hot and who is not. I lean to the home team a lot, mostly because betting on road teams a lot of times can make my hair turn whiter then it should at the age of 29. I like betting on the smaller conferences because I feel like they have patterns and the cream clearly moves ahead of the rest. Ultimately, I may become one of those guys who scream at you to buy my picks because I'm 76-5-9 against the spread on days ending in "Y." For now, I'm just a guy learning how to master this and I figure I can make some money for the readers as well. Good days and bad days happen in this field. It's how you prevent the bad days from happening back to back to back.
We move on to Wednesday's picks. I went over the card and found about 15-20 leans. These are the ones I feel the strongest about. Naturally I'll say that the ones I didn't post won and some may believe me. Those who don't...well they have a nice future as a human lie detector.
Iowa State/Oklahoma State Over 134.5 -- It's a Big 12 battle on Wednesday when Iowa State hits the road to take on Oklahoma State. The Cyclones are 14-4 this season, but only 1-2 in conference. They are averaging almost 77 points per game while giving up just over 60. Ironically, the team has played just four road games with three of them against slow paced, defensive squads. The one game against a team who didnt mind playing with a pace was Iowa and that turned out to be a 75-72 win. ISU has scored at least 70 points in 13 of their 18 games this season. They are one of a few teams in the country with five double digit scorers on their team. Diante Garrett (17.6 ppg), Scott Christopherson (14.4 ppg), Melvin Ejim (11.8 ppg), Jamie Vanderbeken (11.8 ppg) and Darion Anderson (11.2 ppg) form a good starting five. Oklahoma State meanwhile is 13-4, but also is only 1-2 in conference. They score 70.4 points per game while giving up 64. Marshall Moses (16.4 ppg), Keiton Page (13.9 ppg) and J.P. Olukemi (10.9 ppg) are OSU's main threats this season. They have scored at least 70 points in seven of their last 10 games. This team doesn't mind playing a game with a little pace and someone should be able to hit 70 points. This one is going to go over the total.
Creighton -10 -- It's been a real rough season for Bradley as they are still looking for their first conference victory. The Braves are 6-12, 0-7 in the Missouri Valley. One of the culprits for the struggles could be injuries to forward Taylor Brown and guard Sam Maniscalco. Bradley is on a seven game losing streak. They started out the season 4-0 too, but the injuries hurt their depth. During this losing streak they have scored more then 70 just once. Andrew Warren is charged with keeping the Braves afloat scoring 18.9 points per game while shooting 40.6% from the field. He gets a little help from Dodie Dunson who averages 10.6 points per contest. Creighton meanwhile is 12-7, 4-3 in the MVC. They have a problem scoring, but their defense and homecourt help make the difference. The Bluejays are led by Doug McDermott (13.4 ppg), Antoine Young (12.9 ppg) and Gregory Echenique (11.1 ppg). They'll have a frontcourt advantage with Echenique and Kenny Lawson Jr. who puts up 10.4 points per game. Creighton's been beaten up a bit in their last two games losing by 14 to Wichita State and by 2 at Indiana State. Before that, they won eight of nine games. The Braves shouldn't put up too much of a fight in this game so Creighton will get back on track.
Marshall +11 -- The Thundering Herd renew their rivalry with West Virginia in Charleston on Wednesday night. Marshall has lost five straight in this series, but this could be one of their best teams in awhile. They are 12-5 having won four of their last six games. Last time out, they gave up 77 points to Memphis allowing them to shoot over 50% from the field. Normally, that doesn't happen against this Marshall team. They allow only 65.4 points per contest. Marshall is led by Damier Pitts (15.4 ppg in 8 games), DeAndre Kane (15.1 ppg), Tirrell Baines (12.9 ppg) and Shaquille Johnson (10.4 ppg). They are a deep team with many weapons to throw at their opponents. West Virginia is coming off a nice win at home against Purdue. They are averaging 75.6 points per game. Casey Mitchell (16.7 ppg), Kevin Jones (14.1 ppg) and Darryl Bryant (12.3 ppg) are their main threats this season. Last year, Bryant scored 14 points in a 68-60 Mountaineer win over Marshall. A lot of WVU's wins this season have been close. They beat Vandy by three, DePaul by two, Georgetown by six and Purdue by four. This one is a rivalry game so I'll take the double digit underdog to keep it close.
Charlotte -4.5 -- The Minutemen cannot decide what type of team they are. UMass lost by 29 at Central Connecticut State and 29 at Xavier. In between those games, they defeated Dayton and La Salle at home by single digits. This squad started out the season 7-0, but has lost six of their last nine contests including a few to teams that they had no business losing to. Anthony Gurley is the team's leading scorer averaging almost 20 per game. After him though, the next highest scorer is Javorn Farrell at 9.1 ppg. The inconsistency on the offensive end has been the main reason for their struggles. Meanwhile, Charlotte has actually played better after kicking off their leading scorer Shamari Spears. Now they are a more balanced team with Derrio Green (13.7 ppg), Jamar Briscoe (13.2 ppg) and Chris Braswell (10.1 ppg) leading the way. The 49ers have held home court winning five straight there including a 10 point victory over Fordham last time out. Charlotte's been on the road in four of their last five games and will return to the road for their next two after this one against Duquesne and Temple. A victory here is important and they will get it against an inconsistent UMass squad.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
TWTW: Nebraska Survives Wild One At Iowa State
((HT: KOLN/KGIN-TV Lincoln/1011now.com))
This one was just plain odd...
Iowa State had the lead at the half. Quarterback injuries forced Nebraska to run an I-Back out of a shotgun formation. And the end was just ridiculous as Iowa State went for two and the fake to win the game at home in overtime.
Here's your extended highlights from 10/11...
Kevin Sjuts was indoors in front of a monitor for this one...
Nebraska put 31 points on the board despite only 314 yards of total offense and 15 first downs. Iowa State produced 360 total yards and 24 first downs, while running 16 more plays than the Huskers.
See...? Told you the game made no sense...
The Cornhuskers, now 8-1/4-1 Big 12 get Kansas next.
This one was just plain odd...
Iowa State had the lead at the half. Quarterback injuries forced Nebraska to run an I-Back out of a shotgun formation. And the end was just ridiculous as Iowa State went for two and the fake to win the game at home in overtime.
Here's your extended highlights from 10/11...
Kevin Sjuts was indoors in front of a monitor for this one...
Nebraska put 31 points on the board despite only 314 yards of total offense and 15 first downs. Iowa State produced 360 total yards and 24 first downs, while running 16 more plays than the Huskers.
See...? Told you the game made no sense...
The Cornhuskers, now 8-1/4-1 Big 12 get Kansas next.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
TWTW: Who Are These Longhorns...??? Losing To Iowa State In Austin...???
((HT: KVUE-TV Austin))
And what in the blue hell have they done with Will Muschamp's defense...???
More accurately, what in the blue hell has happened to the offense...???
What's eating Garrett Gilbert...???
Conspiracy theorists think the Georgia kid is bagging it so he can be first in line for the Georgia job if AD Dave McGarity is fed up with Mark Richt sooner rather than later...
Mike Barnes has the Cyclones winning in Austin, and no amount of TV magic can fix this one...
And what in the blue hell have they done with Will Muschamp's defense...???
More accurately, what in the blue hell has happened to the offense...???
What's eating Garrett Gilbert...???
Conspiracy theorists think the Georgia kid is bagging it so he can be first in line for the Georgia job if AD Dave McGarity is fed up with Mark Richt sooner rather than later...
Mike Barnes has the Cyclones winning in Austin, and no amount of TV magic can fix this one...
Friday, June 11, 2010
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))
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))
Friday, January 1, 2010
TWTW: Cyclone Hits Tempe, Iowa State Wins Insight Bowl
The Iowa State Cyclones won their first bowl game in 5 years as Iowa State defeated Minnesota 14-13 in the Insight Bowl.
Here's the highlights. Thanks WHO-TV.
Here's the highlights. Thanks WHO-TV.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Rhodes Is The Choice To Lead Cyclones
In the bizzaro world of the silly season of college football this one is right up there. Remember Gene Chizik abruptly left Iowa State to take the Auburn job. So ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard picks his next Cyclone head coach from... Auburn.Paul Rhods, who was Auburn's defensive coordinator last season, will become the new head coach of Iowa State. The University confirmed the hire this morning according to the Des Moines Register. Rhods will be introduced at the Iowa State basketball game tonight.
The hiring of Rhods pleases the boosters that write the big checks. Richard Stark, a prominent ISU booster was quoted in Saturday's Des Moines Register “I think this is one of those hires that will not raise a lot of eyebrows, but I think it’s a helluva hire,’’ Stark said. “He’s a smart guy, a charismatic guy, an Ankeny guy. I think he’s a helluva pick.’’
The Ankeny reference is because Rhods is from Ankeny, Iowa. He even coached a few years as an assistant at Iowa State.
Rhods said in a statement “It has been a professional goal of mine to become a head coach since my dad introduced me to the game as a kid and I could not have found a more perfect place than Iowa State, I know how special Ames and ISU were to me during my first tenure and having the chance to return and lead this program reads like a Hollywood script."
Photo Courtesy:Des Moines Register File Photo
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday Afternoon Dis And Dat...
Late last night, the Boston Red Sox thought they were out of the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes...
At least that's what they said publicly...
SI's Jon Heyman calls shenanigans and posturing...
Braves General Overseer John Schuerholz is somewhat angry over the whole Rafael Furcal "he's here now he's not" deal...
PGA Tour Commish Tim Finchem wants the number of unexcused absences from his players to decrease severely... What...? He doesn't like the current field at the Reno-Tahoe Open...?
Both Phillip Fulmer and Terry Bowden are interested in the Iowa State job...
Why...? Just flat-out why...? We ask and beseech for an answer...?????
While UGA is welcoming Jeff Owens for another year in 2009, they may lose Stacey Searles to Auburn. Searles is in talks with The Chizik about a possible upgrade from his offensive line position on Mark Richt's staff...
At least that's what they said publicly...
SI's Jon Heyman calls shenanigans and posturing...
Braves General Overseer John Schuerholz is somewhat angry over the whole Rafael Furcal "he's here now he's not" deal...
The choice paragraph from Jeff Schultz's piece is below...
Yeah, we know... it's two paragraphs...
“Having been in this business for 40-some years, I’ve never seen anybody treated like that,” Schuerholz said. “The Atlanta Braves will no longer do business with that company — ever. I told [agent] Arn Tellem that we can’t trust them to be honest and forthright. I told him that in all my years, I’ve never seen any [agency] act in such a despicable manner.
“It was disgusting and unprofessional. We’re a proud organization, and we won’t allow ourselves to be treated that way. I advised Arn Tellem that whatever players he represents, just scratch us off the list. Take the name of the Atlanta Braves off their speed dial. They can deal with the other 29 clubs, and we’ll deal with the other hundred agents.”
PGA Tour Commish Tim Finchem wants the number of unexcused absences from his players to decrease severely... What...? He doesn't like the current field at the Reno-Tahoe Open...?
Both Phillip Fulmer and Terry Bowden are interested in the Iowa State job...
Why...? Just flat-out why...? We ask and beseech for an answer...?????
While UGA is welcoming Jeff Owens for another year in 2009, they may lose Stacey Searles to Auburn. Searles is in talks with The Chizik about a possible upgrade from his offensive line position on Mark Richt's staff...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Great Opportunity For Iowa State
OK Cyclone fans, let it go. Your football program deserves better than Gene Chizik. The Iowa State job is a tough one but one that can be overcome. You have a patient fan base who wants to win and an athletic director in Jamie Pollard that will give you a reasonable amount of time to get the job done.Think of this as a great opportunity to bring a coach in that is committed and can calm an enraged fan base. Forget Gene Chizik, he's Auburn's coach now.
Now go after Turner Gill. He's a Big 12 North guy coming from Nebraska. Gill knows the territory and has the demeanor to endear himself to the Iowa State family. Most importantly he has proven to be a winner. What Gill has accomplished at the University of Buffalo is remarkable. In 1996, Gill took over a program that had won 7 conference games since joining the MAC in 1999. 2 years later the Bulls are MAC Champions and going to a bowl game.
Becoming the head football coach at Iowa State might be the perfect long term marriage for both Gill and the Cyclones.
If that doesn't work out let me throw another name at you. Bobby Houck at Montana. As a young TV sportscaster working in Flagstaff, Arizona I got to know Houck when he coached
linebackers at Northern Arizona University. Our paths haven't crossed since however, Houck has build a solid resume.In 6 seasons at his alma mater, Houck's Montana teams have won the Big Sky championship every year. This year Houck has led Montana to the Football Championship Subdivision national championship game against Richmond. It might be time for Houck to make the move to the big show of college football and Iowa State might be the right place.
Turner Gill Photo Courtesy: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Bobby Houck Photo Courtesy: Todd Goodrich and Tess McEnroe/Montana
Grizzlies.com
Monday, December 15, 2008
A Pissed Off Jamie Pollard
That's probably being too kind where this whole thing with Gene Chizik is concerned...But here's Pollard, the jilted one ((pictured thanks, Rodney White/Des Moines Register)) telling anyone and everyone what Iowa State University's mood is at present...
And it ain't pretty...
From Andrew Logue at the Des Moines Register newspaper...
Pollard learned of Chizik’s candidacy for the Auburn vacancy after receiving a call from Tigers’ athletic director Jay Jacobs.It came while Pollard was watching the Cyclone volleyball team play Northern Iowa on Dec. 5 in Minneapolis.
“I knew he wasn’t calling me to go play golf,” Pollard said.
Chizik interviewed on Thursday, then left a voice mail with Pollard that evening, saying he was not taking the job.When they spoke on Friday, Chizik told Pollard he would call Auburn and withdraw his name.
Pollard tried to contact Chizik a few hours later, but the coach was unavailable.
“He told me on Friday night they had offered him the job,” Pollard said. “Saturday, late afternoon, I got the phone call saying he accepted the job.”
((HT: Des Moines Register))
Chizik Told Pollard Twice He's Staying...
So much for that idea...
In a press conference today in Ames, Iowa on the ISU campus, Cyclones AD Jamie Pollard told the media that he was informed twice by Gene Chizik he was not leaving.
We know what happened...
Pollard says he hired Chizik in large part because of his character and values. He also says he's having a hard time reconciling Chizik's recent actions with the character he had shown the past two years.
Pollard says Chizik interviewed at Auburn last Thursday and told him afterward that he wouldn't take the job.
Chizik called Pollard on Saturday to tell him he was leaving.
Neat...
Our coverage from our friends at WOI-TV and myabc5.com continues with the standard fan piece expressing the standard amount of wonder and displeasure...
Hillary Mintz has the honors...
Followed by the full interview Dave Wazilinski had with Chizik before he bolted...
In a press conference today in Ames, Iowa on the ISU campus, Cyclones AD Jamie Pollard told the media that he was informed twice by Gene Chizik he was not leaving.
We know what happened...
Pollard says he hired Chizik in large part because of his character and values. He also says he's having a hard time reconciling Chizik's recent actions with the character he had shown the past two years.
Pollard says Chizik interviewed at Auburn last Thursday and told him afterward that he wouldn't take the job.
Chizik called Pollard on Saturday to tell him he was leaving.
Neat...
Our coverage from our friends at WOI-TV and myabc5.com continues with the standard fan piece expressing the standard amount of wonder and displeasure...
Hillary Mintz has the honors...
Followed by the full interview Dave Wazilinski had with Chizik before he bolted...
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Chizik Speaks!!!
After now not being liked by two separate fan bases in two time zones, new Auburn University Head Football Coach and Verbal Punching Bag Gene Chizik caught up with WOI-TV's Dave Zawilinski...
Do you believe this man???
Well, do ya, punk...???
The one player saying it "sucks" just before they get to finals rings accurate...
Do you believe this man???
Well, do ya, punk...???
The one player saying it "sucks" just before they get to finals rings accurate...
Chizik To Auburn, Iowa State Stunned
Auburn has a new head football coach, Gene Chizik. Iowa State is looking for one.Chizik came out of nowhere. There were many names confirmed to have interviewed for the Auburn job and others rumored to be under consideration. Most had a more impressive resume that Chizik. Yet Chizik got the gig.
On the surface this looks like a bone head move by Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs. Chizik is coming off a 2-10 season with Iowa State losing the last 10 games in the 2008 season. In 2 years Chizik was 5-19 with the Cyclones. Even Auburn commitments and those recruits that have the Tigers on their short list are un-impressed.
To Chizik's defense, he was one of the nations top defensive coordinator. For 3 seasons are Auburn's D.C. the Tiger defense was outstanding including a nation's low 11.3 points per game in the perfect season 2004. Than Chizik was off to Texas were he won a national championship the next season. Chizik's stock was high so he took the Iowa State head coaching job. His stock has gone south since.
One good thing Chizik has going for him is that high school football coaches in Alabama think highly of him.
Hoover (Ala) High School head football coach Josh Niblitt told The Huntsville Times, "Gene Chizik is an excellent coach and an excellent man. He brings a lot of high energy to the game. He's a good leader and a good man."
While Auburn now has their man, Iowa State is not thrilled to see a coach they thought could turn the program around bolt after 2 seasons.
"I understand that (Auburn) is a dream job for him," Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said in a statement Saturday, "but the timing and the way it played out has been hurtful and disappointing."
Iowa State will now look at the same cast of characters that have surfaced for every opening during the silly season. Expect Turner Gill, Todd Graham and Brady Hoke to get a call. I'm just wondering if Florida defensive line coach Dan McCarney a call. He spent 12 seasons as the Cyclones head coach and had some success. Well, he got ISU into bowl games.
McCarney told the Des Moines Register "I don't even want to get into that."
Coverage of the Chizik hiring from WOI-TV and myabc5.com is below...
Chizik To Auburn... WTF!!!
Those of you who use those infernal text messages these days understand where we're coming from... this is nothing but one of those all-time head scratchers...We're talking Hall of Fame Head Scratchers...
Let's see... Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs, who by now should have an unlisted number and police protection, decided to "accept the resignation" of Tommy Tuberville and go after the guy who people thought was nuts when he left the Plains and took the Head Coach position in...
Wait for it...
AMES, IOWA...???
Two years and a handful of wins later, we return you to your previously scheduled Defensive Coordinator- Gene Chizik... as the new Auburn Head Coach... ((pictured, thanks kcci.com))
Right... we understand... completely...
Even television stations in Iowa ((translation: KCCI-TV)) are running question and answer session under the following title... "Is Auburn crazy...?"
Think we all know the answer to that one...
There is a team meeting scheduled for Sunday.
It is not know whether or not Chizik will be there to attend.
The carousel now heads to Ames and the following names: Northern Iowa's Mark Farley, Buffalo's Turner Gill, TCU's Gary Patterson, and Brady Hoke of Ball State.
The Birmingham News reports Chizik's salary wil go from $1.1-million to around $2-million.
You know something...? That comes out to $400,000 per win for Chizik in the Big 12.
Nice work if you can get it...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
College Football: My Big 10 Predictions
Big 10 ConferenceOhio State Buckeyes
2007 record 11-2 (Lost to LSU 38-24 in the BCS Championship Game)
The Buckeyes weren’t supposed to go the BCS Championship Game last year but they were there and once again became sacrificial lambs to the SEC.
Things To Like About Ohio State:
They are good, damn good, BCS Championship Game good: 20 starters return from last season. James Laurinatis and Malcom Jenkins decided to skip the NFL for a year and return to Ohio State for their senior seasons. Make that off the charts good.
Defense: The Buckeyes lead the country in defense last season and only lost 2 starters. The Ohio State “D” is full of playmakers and guys that will bring you down and bring you down hard.
Offense: The Buckeyes have the best running back in the Big 10, Chris Wells, the best receivers is the conference in Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. Ohio State even snagged the best high school quarterback last season, Terrell Pryor but its Todd Boeckman that will lead the Bucks.
Things Not To Like About Ohio State:
At USC September 13: Big test for Ohio State. That’s about the only thing I don’t like.
Dotting The “I”: Ohio State should win every game this year and play Michigan at the Horseshoe. On paper they are clearly the best team in the country and should be playing in the BCS Championship Game again. The question will be will the 3rd time be the charm? Bonus points for beating an SEC team.
Wisconsin Badgers
2007 record 9-4 (Lost to Tennessee 21-17 in the Outback Bowl)
Things To Like About Wisconsin:
Great Backfield: The Badgers have a deep backfield on offense. P.J. Hill is a stud and will be the workhouse but Wisconsin will have plenty of fresh legs to come in so Hill doesn’t take a pounding. Zach Brown and Lance Smith can help keep Hill from getting worn down.
Tight Ends: The Badgers love to throw to the Tight End and they have a couple of good ones. Travis Beckum is one of the best in the country. He’s not big (223 pounds) and not that great of blocker but he is a great target with great hands. His backup Garrett Graham could start elsewhere.
Things Not To Like About Wisconsin:
Quarterback: It’s a battle between Allan Evridge and Dustin Sherer and both are inexperienced.
Offensive Line: Not a good unit last year and will have to prove themselves this year especially with inexperience QB’s
Badger Beat: Wisconsin is due to go to a BCS Bowl Game and this could be the year. Ohio State comes to Camp Randall Stadium October 4th and it’s been over 10 years since the Buckeye have beaten Wisconsin back to back. Other than that the schedule is in the favor. The Big 10 title may not happen but an at large BCS Bowl Berth can happen. Should be a special year in Madison.
Illinois Fighting Illini
2007 record 9-4 (Lost to USC 49-14 in the Rose Bowl)
Illinois had a breakout year last year going to the Rose Bowl. Ron Zook is proving that you can win in a hurry when you recruit the right way.
Things To Like About Illinois:
Juice Williams: He will be asked to handle most of the offensive load with Rashard Mendenhall gone. Williams’ passing has improved greatly and should be able to handle the load.
Vontae Davis: He’s a special talent. Davis is a shutdown corner and tremendous tackler. He’s a game changer on defense.
Young Talent: Ron Zook’s great recruiting classes from the past few years are ready to bust out. Their time has come.
Things Not To Like About Illinois:
Running Back: Rashard Mendenhall’s decision to go the NFL creates a big hole at running back. Daniel Dufrene gets the call now and he can flat out run but being the workhouse back like Mendenhall remains to be scene.
Illini Insider: The talent and athleticism that Ron Zook has accumulated in Champaign is remarkable. I really like Illinois’ long term future. If you expect a drop off from the Illini don’t bet on it. They may have an outside shot of the Big 10 Championship.
Iowa Hawkeyes
2007 record 6-6
They were the Iowa Blackeyes last year. A ton of injuries, off the field issues and then capping off a crappy year by losing to Western Michigan at Kinnick Stadium, not even former Head Coach Hayden Fry could see anything positive through those rose colored glasses of his.
Things To Like About Iowa:
It’s 2008, a new year.
Easy Schedule: No Ohio State or Michigan for the Hawkeyes. Penn State and Wisconsin come to Iowa City. Only tough Big 10 game is at Illinois.
Receivers: Iowa has a great corps. Andy Brodell is a big play guy the Hawkeyes missed last year after ripping his hamstring. Brodell is back and ready to make big plays.
Things Not To Like About Iowa:
No get out of jail cards: Is their really nothing to do in Iowa City? Is life there really that boring? Why else would 14 players get in trouble with the law. Has Head Coach Kirk Ferentz totally lost control?
Running Backs: The Hawkeyes need help there. They went the JUCO route with Nate Guillory to carry the ball. Paki O’Meara impressed during the spring but can he be the workhouse back.
Hawkeye Hotline: Iowa isn’t great but is good. With everyone healthy and if they can stay out of jail, the Hawkeyes could win 10 games with their cake schedule.
Michigan State Spartans
2007 record 7-6 (Lost to Boston College 24-21 in the Champs Bowl)
Michigan State made big steps last year in moving up the Big 10 food chain.
Things To Like About Michigan State:
Jevon Ringer: Michigan State has a go-to running back in Ringer. He could be one of the best backs in the country. Has the perfect blend of size, power & speed>
Offensive Line: Veteran unit that has open holes for Ringer in the past.
Defense: It has the potential to be special. The Spartan “D” is very fast and looks fundamentally sound.
Things Not To Like About Michigan State:
Go To Receiver: Mark Dell needs to become the #1 receiver. If that happens you can move that up to the column above.
Special Teams: Michigan State’s kicking game is decent and will need to be more consistent. Punt returns were a problem to. The longest punt return last year by the Spartans was 18 yards.
Spartan Specifics: You have to love the job Mark Dantonio is doing in East Lansing. He is changing the attitude and culture at Michigan State. The Spartans have had a reputation of curling up in the fetal position when facing adversity. Dantonio didn’t let that happen last year when MSU lost 5 of 6 in mid-season. The Spartans and close to becoming one to the elite programs in the Big 10 it just won’t happen this year.
Penn State Nittany Lions
2007 record 9-4 (Defeated Texas A&M 24-17 in the Alamo Bowl)
Penn State slipped a little last year but the Nittany Lions were still very respectable. Winning a bowl game in Texas A&M’s back yard was huge.
Things To Like About Penn State:
Offensive Line: All 5 starters return. They seem to be the best O-line in the Big 10. They are great at pass protection and can open holes for the running backs.
Defensive Line: They are not real big up front but they are damn good. The Penn State D-Line can control tempo and dominant the game. Yes, they are that good.
Things Not To Like About Penn State:
Settle on a quarterback: Daryll Clark is a senior that has waited his turn, the type of player Joe Paterno usually goes with. Sophomore Pat Devlin will push Clark.
Linebackers: Yes I know, how can I say that about Linebacker “U” without Jack Ham, Shane Conlan & Paul Posluszny kicking my back side but it is an issue this year. That corps is in rebuilding mode and will depend on a former walk-on, Josh Hull
Nittany Nuggets: Joe Paterno may be 81 but he can still coach. Yes he is old and crusty and probably should be enjoying the good life but if Paterno still wants to coach at Penn State, what’s the issue. Paterno’s teams haven’t been that bad. Penn State hasn’t dropped into the abyss of mediocrity like other dinosaur programs like Nebraska, Florida State and Miami.
This Penn State team has the talent to win 10 games and challenge for the Big 10 title but the big 10 schedule doesn’t do the Nittany Lions any favors. Penn State has road games at Ohio State, at Wisconsin and at Iowa. That’s asking a lot.
Michigan Wolverines
2007 record 9-4 (Defeated Florida 41-35 in the Capital One Bowl)
2007 may have started crappy for Lloyd Carr in his final season as head coach of Michigan but he and the Wolverines got the tell the college football world to kiss my a&# by defeating Florida in the Capital One Bowl.
Things To Like About Michigan:
Rich Rodriquez: It was a bold move by Michigan to hire outside the box and bring in Rich Rod and his innovative yet highly successful offense to Ann Arbor. It remains to be seen whether it works in the Big 10 however, you can say Michigan football has arrived in the 21st century. Embrace Rich Rodriquez because he is a terrific coach.
Defensive Line: Some outstanding talent there. Terrence Taylor is a big fella that can stop the run and occupy blockers. All 4 starters return and could jell into the best unit in the Big 10.
Things Not To Like About Michigan:
Change of philosophy on offense: Can Michigan grasp the new offense with Lloyd Carr’s recruits?
Offensive Line: Only 1 returning starter on the O-Line and if this unit can get it down, the offense will sputter. It’s a make or break area for Michigan.
Life At the Big House: Michigan won’t be god awful because of all the big time recruits on the roster but it’s hard to gage the Wolverines. If everything falls into place and the offense performs better than expected, then Michigan will be, well… Michigan. The Wolverines will be tested early hosting Utah and even if it’s a 6 win year at Ann Arbor, if one of those wins is over Ohio State than Rich Rod will be a hero.
Purdue Boilermakers
2007 record 8-5 (Defeated Central Michigan 51-48 in the Motor City Bowl)
Things To Like About Purdue:
Curtis Painter: He could be the Matt Ryan of this year, strong armed veteran quarterback that can make an average team great. Painter could play his way into a first day NFL draft pick and Purdue will need that.
Things Not To Like About Purdue:
Schedule: Who did Purdue tick off at the Big 10 office because the schedule is brutal. At Notre Dame, at Ohio State, at Michigan and hosting Oregon. Ouch!
Serve me up a Boilermaker: It’s Joe Tiller’s final year at Purdue and the Boilermakers want to send Tiller out with a bang. Tiller’s final Purdue team is solid with no major issues and will be focused on a great year for their coach. 7 to 8 wins and a bowl game would be a great retirement gift for Tiller.
Northwestern Wildcats
2007 record 6-6
Had Northwestern not lost to Duke at home, the Wildcats would have gone to a bowl game.
Things To Like About Northwestern:
Mick McCall: He’s Northwestern’s new offensive coordinator and he was a great QB coach at Bowling Green. McCall wants an up tempo offense and the ball in the hands of his playmakers quickly. The Wildcats do have some of those. They should be exciting and tough to stop.
Offense: The Wildcats lead the Big 10 in passing offense and with running back Tyrell Sutton back at full strength, Northwestern will rack up yards and score points.
Things Not To Like About Northwestern:
Must improve defensive pressure: Northwestern failed to generate much of a pass rush last year. The secondary become shell shocked because the opposing quarterback literally had all day to throw the ball. New defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz wants his defense to attack the quarterback. We will see what happens.
Go Northwestern young man: Pat Fitzgerald is building a nice program at Northwestern. One he expects to compete for a Big 10 title every year. 7 wins and a bowl game is realistic for the purple this year.
Indiana Hoosiers
2007 record 7-6 (Lost to Oklahoma State 49-33 in the Insight Bowl)
The best feel good story of 2007. Indiana wanted a bowl game after their head coach Terry Hoeppner passed away from a brain tumor. They did it and it was a great end to Inidana’s season.
Things To Like About Indiana:
Special Teams: Kicker Marcus Starr has shined bright for Indiana. He’s very consistent and can hit the pressure kicks. Starr is one of the best toes in the nation.
Kellen Lewis: Emerged last season as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 10. Leiws is a duel threat that has the burden of IU’s offense on his shoulders this year. If Lewis can get it down than Indiana has a shot of going bowling again.
Things Not To Like About Indiana:
Stopping the run: The Hoosiers defensive line was manhandled last year in the trenches therefore IU couldn’t stop the run. Good running teams would have big games against Indiana. That has to improve this year.
Hoosier Hype: Can Indiana match 2007’s win total? Well the Hoosiers have 8 home games and can get off to a great start with 3 very winnable games to open the season. Things have to fall their way to match 07.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
2007 record 1-10
Things To Like About Minnesota:
An infusion of JUCO talent: Head Coach Tim Brewster brought in some top junior college talent to upgrade the Gophers now and it should pay off.
Things No To Like About Minnesota:
Defense: Former Duke Head Coach Ted Roof in the new defensive coordinator and he inherits the worst defense in the Big 10. The JUCO talent will help but the Gophers will have to prove they can stop someone.
Gopher Notes: It’s going to be another long year up in Minnesota. The Gophers will win more than one game this year, maybe 3 or 4. Tim Brewster is a great recruiter so the long term prognosis is good and Gopher fans should be encouraged with all the JUCO talent that will be wearing the colors this year. Things will look up for Minnesota.
2007 record 8-5 (Defeated Central Michigan 51-48 in the Motor City Bowl)
Things To Like About Purdue:
Curtis Painter: He could be the Matt Ryan of this year, strong armed veteran quarterback that can make an average team great. Painter could play his way into a first day NFL draft pick and Purdue will need that.
Things Not To Like About Purdue:
Schedule: Who did Purdue tick off at the Big 10 office because the schedule is brutal. At Notre Dame, at Ohio State, at Michigan and hosting Oregon. Ouch!
Serve me up a Boilermaker: It’s Joe Tiller’s final year at Purdue and the Boilermakers want to send Tiller out with a bang. Tiller’s final Purdue team is solid with no major issues and will be focused on a great year for their coach. 7 to 8 wins and a bowl game would be a great retirement gift for Tiller.
Northwestern Wildcats
2007 record 6-6
Had Northwestern not lost to Duke at home, the Wildcats would have gone to a bowl game.
Things To Like About Northwestern:
Mick McCall: He’s Northwestern’s new offensive coordinator and he was a great QB coach at Bowling Green. McCall wants an up tempo offense and the ball in the hands of his playmakers quickly. The Wildcats do have some of those. They should be exciting and tough to stop.
Offense: The Wildcats lead the Big 10 in passing offense and with running back Tyrell Sutton back at full strength, Northwestern will rack up yards and score points.
Things Not To Like About Northwestern:
Must improve defensive pressure: Northwestern failed to generate much of a pass rush last year. The secondary become shell shocked because the opposing quarterback literally had all day to throw the ball. New defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz wants his defense to attack the quarterback. We will see what happens.
Go Northwestern young man: Pat Fitzgerald is building a nice program at Northwestern. One he expects to compete for a Big 10 title every year. 7 wins and a bowl game is realistic for the purple this year.
Indiana Hoosiers
2007 record 7-6 (Lost to Oklahoma State 49-33 in the Insight Bowl)
The best feel good story of 2007. Indiana wanted a bowl game after their head coach Terry Hoeppner passed away from a brain tumor. They did it and it was a great end to Inidana’s season.
Things To Like About Indiana:
Special Teams: Kicker Marcus Starr has shined bright for Indiana. He’s very consistent and can hit the pressure kicks. Starr is one of the best toes in the nation.
Kellen Lewis: Emerged last season as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 10. Leiws is a duel threat that has the burden of IU’s offense on his shoulders this year. If Lewis can get it down than Indiana has a shot of going bowling again.
Things Not To Like About Indiana:
Stopping the run: The Hoosiers defensive line was manhandled last year in the trenches therefore IU couldn’t stop the run. Good running teams would have big games against Indiana. That has to improve this year.
Hoosier Hype: Can Indiana match 2007’s win total? Well the Hoosiers have 8 home games and can get off to a great start with 3 very winnable games to open the season. Things have to fall their way to match 07.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
2007 record 1-10
Things To Like About Minnesota:
An infusion of JUCO talent: Head Coach Tim Brewster brought in some top junior college talent to upgrade the Gophers now and it should pay off.
Things No To Like About Minnesota:
Defense: Former Duke Head Coach Ted Roof in the new defensive coordinator and he inherits the worst defense in the Big 10. The JUCO talent will help but the Gophers will have to prove they can stop someone.
Gopher Notes: It’s going to be another long year up in Minnesota. The Gophers will win more than one game this year, maybe 3 or 4. Tim Brewster is a great recruiter so the long term prognosis is good and Gopher fans should be encouraged with all the JUCO talent that will be wearing the colors this year. Things will look up for Minnesota.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
College Football: My Big 12 North Predictions
Big 12 NorthMissouri Tigers
2007 record 10-2 (Defeated Arkansas 38-7 in the Cotton Bowl)
Mizzou took giant steps last year including a #1 ranking during the season. Though the lost the Big 12 Championship Game to Oklahoma, the Tigers ended the season on a high note beating the heck out of Arkansas at the Cotton Bowl.
Things To Like About Mizzou:
Chase Daniel: Daniel and Florida’s Tim Tebow will be the favorites for the Heisman Trophy. Daniel is one of the most efficient and effective quarterbacks I’ve ever seen on the college level. He becomes a special player this year and is my pre-season pick to strike the heisman pose in New York this December.
Receivers: One of the most talented corps in the country. Jeremy Maclin is the playmaker. Chase Coffman is an explosive downfield threat from the tight end position and will drive defensive coordinators crazy going through mis-match hell.
Things Not To Like About Mizzou:
Secondary: The corners are OK but that might not bode well in the pass happy Big 12.
October 4th at Nebraska: I put this here because the Tigers always seem to soil the drawers in Lincoln. It’s the Big 12 opener for both teams and will be a big hurdle for Mizzou to clear. 1978 was the last time the Tigers won in Lincoln.
Mizzou Rah: Mizzou fans, this could be the year we have dreamed about. A talented team among the nation’s elite and more than a chance to win the Big 12 title. Should the Tigers have the kind of year expected, this will make up for all the curses of Mizzou football in my lifetime,(the Woody Widenhofer era, Tony Van Zant blowing out his knee at a high school all star game, there are many others.)
Mizzou opens against Illinois in the Busch Braggin’ Rights game in St. Louis which will be tough yet entertaining. Get by that and win a Nebraska and an undefeated season is in the cards. Dare I dream?
Kansas Jayhawks
2007 record 12-1 (Defeated Virginia Tech 24-21 in the Orange Bowl
Last year the nation realized they do play football in Lawrence, Kansas. The Kansas Jayhawks went to a BCS bowl last year, yes Kansas. But even in a year when KU broke through in football, men’s basketball still overshadowed the football team winning the NCAA Championship. KU football can’t catch a break even on campus.
Things To Like About Kansas:
Todd Reesing: Reesing doesn’t make mistakes and he makes plays. Pretty good combination at QB.
Linebackers: The Jayhawk defense should be great. Joe Mortensen, Mike Rivera and James Holt are the best linebacker corps in the Big 12 and maybe the country
Things Not To Like About Kansas:
Offensive Line: The anchors of the 2007 line are gone. Those holes will need to be filled.
Find a running back: Jocques Crawford will need to be the workhouse for KU out of the backfield.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk: KU’s schedule is no cupcake this year. The Jayhawks have a road date with South Florida and have trips to Oklahoma and Nebraska on the docket. They may not have the horses to overtake Missouri but Kansas will be a factor and has an outside chance to go to a good bowl game.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
2007 record 5-7
There is much rejoicing in Lincoln, Nebraska because the dark ages of Cornhusker football is over. Bill Callahan is gone, Tom Osbourne is back on campus and handed the keys to Bo Pelini,
Things To Like About Nebraska:
Nebraska has a quarterback: Joe Ganz was impressive toward the end of the season and in spring ball.
Marlon Lucky: He’s a heck of a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s a big offense threat for the Cornhuskers.
Things Not To Like About Nebraska:
Defense: The Cornhusker “D” was god awful last year. Last in the Big 12 and 112th in the nation, they will be better with Pelini in charge.
Shucking Corn: Nebraska isn’t at the level it was back in the Bob Davaney – Tom Osbourne – Frank Solich years but the Cornhuskers will return to what many Nebraskans felt was an entitlement, a bowl game. Bo Pelini will have get that accomplished.
Kansas State Wildcats
2007 record 5-7
Kansas State took some steps back last year in but K-State has a plan to bounce back.
Things To Like About Kansas State:
Win right now attitude: Head Coach Ron Prince brought in a bunch of JUCO transfers to fill in the holes. He wants to give K-State the chance to win right now.
Offensive Line: It’s the bright spot of the offense and is a solid unit.
Things Not To Like About Kansas State:
Receivers: Jordy Nelson is playing in the NFL and leaves a big hole at that position. Someone will have to step up and be a playmaker for QB Josh Freeman to be successful
Defense: Only 5 starters return on defense that gave up a ton of points toward the end of the season.
Here Kitty Kitty Kitty: The JUCO transfers will help some of the talent drain from a year ago. If the defense improves from last year’s number, the Wildcats will go bowling again.
Colorado Buffaloes
2007 record 6-7 (Lost to Alabama 30-24 in the Independence Bowl)
Other than upsetting Oklahoma last year at Folsom Field, the Buffs didn’t do anything spectacular last year. Colorado did just enough to earn a trip to Shreveport, an appropriate destination for a 6-6 team.
Things To Like About Colorado:
Strong defense inside: The Buff tackles and safeties are rock solid
Cody Hawkins: He is the key on offense and if he cuts down on his erratic play should put up some big time numbers.
Things Not To Like About Colorado:
Pass rush: The outside of the defense is a question mark. Last season the Buffs were 95th in the nation in QB sacks. That must change with the quality of quarterbacks in the Big 12
Schedule: It is a bear. First Colorado opens against cross state rival Colorado State plus West Virginia and Florida State are on the non-conference schedule. Texas comes to Boulder and Colorado plays at Kansas, at Missouri and at Nebraska
Buff Stuff: It’s going to be tough for Colorado to improve on 6 wins with the schedule they play. Dan Hawkins has a reputation as a miracle worker and he did a great job last year but Hawkins will have to work his magic to go bowling this year.
Iowa State Cyclones
2007 record 3-9
It’s tough to win games at Iowa State. But Gene Chizik may have a group of young talent that could make strides this year
Things To Like About Iowa State:
Running Backs: Alexander Robinson and J.J. Bass are a couple of good running backs that can spark the offense. Robinson emerged as the feature back late last year.
Things Not To Like About Iowa State:
Quarterback: Who’s going to emerge as the starter, Austin Arnaud or Phillip Bates. Expect both to play on a QB rotation
Cyclone Winds: The best way to describe Iowa State is pesky. They won’t be fun to play against and will win a few games they shouldn’t but a bowl game will be a long shot this year. But watch this program grow because there is a commitment to Coach Chizik and football at Iowa State.
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