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...

BREAKING: Oklahoma Set To Hire Lon Kruger As Head Coach

[HT: The Daily Oklahoman]

FOSG Barry Tramel of the Daily Oklahoman cites multiple sources that UNLV head coach Lon Kruger is expected to be named head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners.

After Buzz Williams turned down OU's offer earlier this week and decided to remain at Marquette it appears Kruger was Plan B. Kruger is expected to make between $2.2 million and $2.3 million per year.

He will return to the Big 12/10 conference where he was an outstanding player at Kansas State and then went on the coach the Wildcats. Those of us at the OSG HQ wonder what kind of direction is the OU program going? Hiring a 58 year old coach whose career has been mediocre at best doesn't make sense. Sure Kruger coached Florida to the 1994 Final Four but that's about the only success he's had. Those of us in the ATL have already forgotten Kruger's brief tenure as the Atlanta Hawks head coach.

So many good young coaches out there (Shaka Smart, Brad Stevens, etc.) and Oklahoma settles on a retread.

Good Luck.

Newsok's Dave Morris tracks down Tramel


Photo Courtesy: AP

BREAKING: OU Cans Capel Sooner Rather Than Later

((HT: NewsOK.com/Tramel))

FOSG Berry Tramel is reporting that Jeff Capel's era is over in Norman...

Capel's buyout is expected to be between $2 million and $3 million.

"We just felt we couldn't afford to sit here and wait another season," a university source told Tramel.

Back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1967 will do that for you...

More when we know more...

Sooners Lower The Boom On UConn Huskies, OU Win Fiesta Bowl

Pardon the Oklahoma Sooner fans if they aren't big fans of the BCS bowls. OU had lost five BCS bowls in a row heading into Saturday's Fiesta Bowl against Connecticut.

This time the Sooners took the fight out of the dog.

Oklahoma took out those BCS frustrations on the Huskies with a 48-20 beat down.

OU quarterback Landry Jones picked apart the Connecticut secondary and sharing that wealth with a trio of Sooner receivers.

Cameron Kenney caught seven balls for 154 yards and a touchdown

Kenny Stills had eight catches for 73 yards

Ryan Broyles had himself and night with 13 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown.

Landry Jones' number were impressive. 34-49 for 429 yards and three touchdowns.

"Landry had a huge night." Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops said in the post game press conference. "Ryan always does. Jeez, that catch he made, he just every does something amazing every game."

"Great players just making plays out there." OU quarterback Landry Jones said in the post game press conference. "Ryan is one of our great players on the team."

"Coaches put us in great positions to make plays." OU wide receiver Ryan Broyles said after the game. "Landry is out there throwing the ball, putting it on spots. It is a whole team effort on offense and it definitely helps when the defense gets their offense on the field as well."

Damon Fontenot fills you in with highlights from Glendale, AZ. (Thanks NewsOK.com)



FOSG Barry Trammel and Jake Trotter of The Oklahoman add a post script to Oklahoma's win in the Fiesta Bowl. (Thanks NewsOK.com)



Photo Courtesy: Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

The Oklahoma Sooners Want Their Own Channel, And Might Get It.

[HT: Sports Business Journal]

The University of Texas are getting their own cable channel, Oklahoma wants one too.

Sports Business Journal is reporting that the University of Oklahoma is working with Learfield Sports, OU's multimedia rights holder, and an outside media adviser on the channel. OU has discussed this with Cox Communications, Fox Sports and ESPN about partnership deal.

Cox Communications, which is the dominant cable provider in Oklahoma, and Fox are considered the front runners according to SBJ.

“We are encouraged by the interest we have received and we’re making good progress,” said Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione told Sports Business Journal. “We’re being diligent so that we can develop a product that can be sustained for the long term.”

With Texas talking exclusively in partnering their cable channel with ESPN and now Oklahoma pursuing the same channel negotiating the next Big 12 TV deal is going to be very interesting. Those of us at the OSG HQ think Texas and Oklahoma holds all the cards in that negotiation, the other eight will be seen but not heard.

TWTW: Oklahoma Saves Big 12/11/10 From A Departing Champ, Beats Nebraska

((HT: newsok.com))

The Huskers made sure the Big 12/11/10 Championship Game would be remembered. They jumped out to a 17-0 lead, dominating the first quarter-plus on both sides of the ball.

And if you believe in numbers, for the Sooners, an OU team hadn’t come back from a three-score deficit since 1983.

“I told them to just keep playin’ ball,” Sooner coach Bob Stoops said.

They did, getting pressure on any Nebraska indivudual who lined up at quarterback-winning 23-20...

Looks like they'll get UConn now in the Fiesta...

Damon Fontenot discusses...

TWTW: Sooners Survive Bedlam Over OSU

((HT: Newsok.com/Carlson))

Let's face it...

The last four minutes of the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State game were the exact personification of the entire series...

No one can stop the other- even if they damn well tried. And when you thought everything was under control, it wasn't.

40 points were scored in the final 15 minutes- including a stretch where 20 points were scored in a minute and thirty-two seconds.

As a result, it means that there's a three-way tie for the Big 12/11/10 South title. When the Bee-Cee-Ess comes out this afternoon, the highest-rated team wins the tiebreaker. In all probability, it means that OU faces Nebraska in the title game in a conference that Nebraska wants nothing to do with after this year.

We once again are showing a bundled-up Jenni Carlson and Jake Trotter to analyze...

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: Oke State And Sooners Take Out Texas And Tech

((HT: NewsOk.com))

Remember the thoughts we had below about the Big 12/11/10 South...???

Here's your proof...

Who in the blue hell are these Texas Longhorns...??? Garrett Gilbert is having to run for his life- and do it on a weekly basis. There's no offensive firepower and the defense under DC/CIW Will Muschamp is having to rebuild on the fly...

OSU QB Brandon Weeden threw for 409 yards, OSU tailback Kendall Hunter ran for 116 and the Cowboys totaled 532 yards, virtually double what Texas had been allowing in conference play.

The Cowboys win for the first time in Austin since 1944 and hadn't beaten them, in general, since 1997.

You know Baylor is still bowl eligible before Texas is at 4-6...

Berry Tramel and Brandon Chatmon discuss...


Dana Holgorsen had them guessing all day...

Flip side now...

Ryan Broyles caught three of Landry Jones' five TD passes leading the 19th-ranked Sooners to a 45-7 victory against Texas Tech.

Broyles caught eight passes for 119 yards and broke Mark Clayton's career records for receptions and touchdown catches at Oklahoma- now 8-2/4-2 in the Big 12/11/10. He broke his own mark for catches in a season and now holds, pretty much, every receiving record at the school.

Texas Tech, now 5-5/3-5, scored on Detron Lewis' touchdown pass to Darrin Moore out of the "wildcat" formation but then gave up 38 straight.

Jones surpassed 300 yards passing for the seventh time this season, completing 22 of 29 passes for 317 yards.

Jenni Carlson and Jake Trotter discuss...
Look at what was spelled out over their heads...

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...

TWTW: Oklahoma Does What Everyone Else Should Do To Colorado

((HT: newsok.com))

It took Oklahoma a little while to warm up in their home game against Colorado, only leading 3-0 after one quarter.

But after that it was all Sooners...

Ryan Broyles caught three TD's giving ninth-ranked OU a 43-10 victory at Owen Field.

On nine catches, Broyles finished with 208 yards, breaking the school record for receiving yards in a game. Manny Johnson had the previous mark with 206 receiving yards against TCU in 2008.

Broyles 81-yarder for a score is now a school record in the Stoops era. He is now only three touchdown receptions away from breaking Mark Clayton's record of 31 career touchdown catches.

Damon Fontenot has your rundown...

"Boomer Sooner" Were Last Words Of Dying Inmate

((HT: Newsok.com- Myers, Davenport))

By all definitions, Jeffrey Landrigan was a bad man...

He had been on death row since in the state of Arizona since his 1990 conviction for a murder that prosecutors said was part of a robbery.

It was the first execution in the state since 2007...

Here's the story of the execution, thanks to our friends at KTVK/AZ3...


It's not what Landrigan did that gets the attention after his passing, but what was said before his passing...

Landrigan's last words, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections:

"Well, I'd like to say thank you to my family for being here and all my friends, and Boomer Sooner," he said.

And you thought college football was only a pasttime on Saturdays...
Only in America...

TWTW: Does Anyone Want To Be Number One...? OU Falls In Columbia

((HT: Newsok.com))

That seems to be the question around these, or any other, part of the country since the evil early January-college football standings came out last week...

For the third week in a row, the team on top got knocked off by someone motivated.

And, really, it seemed like nothing went right for Oklahoma against Missouri.
Sho' nuff...

The Sooners couldn't do anything on special teams on the opening kickoff, couldn't play catch-up when down by 15, and couldn't keep from turning the ball over.

Blaine Gabbert solidified himself as one of the quality QB's in the country in the 36-27 win, and the Missouri fans solidified themselves as a group that doesn't listen to public address announcements when it comes to storming the field...

Berry Trammel and Jake Trotter discuss since they're the only ones left in Columbia on the football field... and they're trying to get back inside before the rain...

TWTW: Red River Recap, OU Wins 28-20

((HT: Newsok.com))

So, the golden cowboy hat goes to Norman for the first time in a long time...

Sooners head coach Bob Stoops had lost four of five to the Longhorns, but Texas had too many penalties at too many key times to keep Oklahoma drives alive.

"Game-changers," said Texas head coach Mack Brown. "Just absolute killers."

Yeah, they were...

That and a late fumble on special teams when the Longhorns had their chance to come down for a possible game-tying score...

Hey, but 5-0 is 5-0, right...???

Damon Fontenot has the microphone first...

OU/Texas: The Red River Rivalry Kicks Off Saturday

The Red River Rivalry between Oklahoma and Texas has to be the biggest sporting event in the DFW metroplex not played in Jerry World.

This great game still takes place in the old Cotton Bowl stadium which has been expanded to over 90,000 just to keep this game in that venue.

The Sooners and Horns tangle again Saturday. We will let KJRH's "Big" Al Jerkins and Jason Shackleford do the honors. (Thanks KJRH-TV Tulsa, Oklahoma)



Here's the Texas angle as KTBC's Dave Cody talks to former Longhorn quarterback Peter Gardere about the Red River Rivalry which includes some classic David McWilliams video from 21 years ago. (Thanks KTBC-TV)

Add Jaz Reynolds of Oklahoma to the list of stupid Tweeters

Jaz Reynolds/Courtesy:operationsports.com

Why do guys do stuff like this? Do they not think that other people will read them? Yes, while we are on Twitter, we mostly use it to monitor others. We don't pretend to totally understand it. Nor do we really like it. But...it seems to be providing a certain amount of reporting material.

Apparently, on Tuesday, the day a gunman opened fire on the University of Texas campus and then killed himself, Oklahoma sophomore receiver Jaz Reynolds took the opportunity to opine about it...just days before Oklahoma and Texas face-off in the "Red River Rivalry".

Reynolds Tweeted about it several times, the first one saying "Hi everyone in Austin, tx...kill yourself". He later tried to tell people to disregard the 1st Tweet, but, he either didn't want to or didn't know how to remove it.

More from the local newspaper, The Norman Transcript RIGHT HERE

This, was beyond stupid and if for no other reason, Reynolds should be suspended for just that. Thankfully Sooner Head Coach Bob Stoops reacted quickly and suspended Reynolds. Supposedly, his Twitter account no longer exists either.

Like we said earlier, "Do they realize people actually read the stuff they post?". Yeah, we know that instant social commentary is a part of life, we get that. And we participate our ownselves. But, we also know that other people read it, people who may attach some significance to what you might be commenting on or about. So you need to be careful. Be measured. Put some thought into it.

If you are creative enough you can make your point. However, in this instance, young Mr. Reynolds was just stupid. You don't say that. Period. Anywhere. End of statement.

TWTW: Why Did OU Travel To Cincinnati Again...?

((HT: Newsok.com))

Going in... the OSG North office ((and the other satellites, for that matter)) didn't give the Bearcats much of a puncher's chance against Oklahoma. But, the idea that the Sooners were looking ahead to their game with Texas may have crept into a few minds here...

It took the late recovery of an onside kick to seal a 31-29 win against Cincinnati.

OU's Landry Jones had 370 yards passing and 2TD's. But the visitors racked up 13 penalties for 113 yards, and they were outgained by the Bearcats 461-452. If you do some quick subtraction, it means they only ran for 82 yards on the road...

Yeah, they weren't thinking Red River at all...

FOSG Berry Tramel and Jake Trotter analyze the idea that OU should never take another roadie east of the Mississippi ever again...

OU's Bob Barry, Senior Retiring After This Season

((HT: KFOR-TV Oklahoma City))

Long time KFOR-TV/Oklahoma play-by-play maestro Bob Barry announced this will be his final season as the radio play-by-play voice of OU football and basketball. He has called University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State games every season since 1961. OU head coach Bud Wilkinson hand-picked Barry to call the Sooners games after hearing Bob broadcast games for Bud's sons when they played at Norman High School.

Bob served as the "Voice of the Sooners" from 1961-1972 until taking over at OSU from 1973-90. He returned to OU for the 1991 season and has been in the Sooners booth ever since.

He even served as the radio voice of Tulsa University basketball in the 1973-1974 season to complete the "Oklahoma Trifecta" of calling games for each of our state's "big three" Universities.

Simply, he felt it was time to step down.

He's won the Oklahoma "Sportscaster of the Year" award a record 15 times, he's been inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

The HQ hopes this class act enjoys both seasons one more time...

Here's Linda Cavanaugh with the details...
 

Oklahoma Struggles With Utah State 31-24

Oklahooma needed an interception by Jammel Flemming to save a 7-point victory over a Utah State team that had won only five games in the last four years.

Landry Jones threw two interceptions. DeMarco Murray ran for 218 yards with two touchdowns.

The defense struggled with all of its new secondary pieces, and Utah State turned a 21-3 deficit into a real ball game.

Save for Flemming's save at the end...

We don't have highlights, but the HQ has the next best thing...

Jenni Carlson and Jake Trotter analyze before Florida State hits town next week...
((HT: Newsok.com/The Oklahoman))


Basically, head coach Bob Stoops turned this game into one, big "meh."

Big 12 Conference Preview

The Big 12 Conference:

The Big 12 Conference is still in business even though the conferences survival looked dire a few months ago. Nothing has changed for 2010 but it’s going be business unusual for the 12. It’s a lame duck year for Nebraska and Colorado. Texas A&M took charity from the desperate teams in the North to ensure their livelihood. There are some bitter feelings among the schools which might make for some interesting games in the league.

Big 12 fans, sit back and enjoy. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.

Big 12 North

Nebraska Cornhuskers
1009 Record: 10-4

Things To Like About Nebraska: The Cornhuskers are poised to make their final season in the Big 12 memorable. Even though Ndamukong Suh moved on to the Detroit Lions, the Nebraska defense will be stout. DT Jared Crick should be the star of the Husker defense this year. The offense should be much better returning 9 starters including the running back duo of Roy Helu and Rex Burkhead. Hey it’s Nebraska, you know the offensive line will have five earth movers mowing down defensive lines. The entire offensive line returns for the Big Red.

Things To Not Like About Nebraska: It’s never good to be unsettled at quarterback heading into fall camp but that’s what the Huskers are looking at. It’s a three man race between senior Zac Lee, sophomore Cody Green and true freshman Taylor Martinez. Green and Martinez took all the snaps during spring practice while Lee missed spring ball with a shoulder injury. This is a huge decision for offensive coordinator Shawn Watson.

OSG’s Take: The schedule sets up perfect for Nebraska to make a national championship run. Texas must come to Lincoln (appointment TV alert) and Oklahoma is not on the schedule. Nebraska better be ready for everyone’s “A” game though in the conference because the other schools will want to take their shots at the Cornhuskers for bolting to the Big Ten conference.

Wilkie: As a fan of the old Big 8 I’m really disappointed that OU-Nebraska won’t happen this year and perhaps never again. With that said it would be great to see these old rivals play at the end of the year in the title game. I’m going to say 11-1 this year for Nebraska and in the BCS Championship Game hunt.

Phil: Nebraska will never be the Nebraska of the 70's, but this is the best team they've had in a while. They have a shot because Texas and Oklahoma won't be as good. 10-2 Good Bowl game.

Nelson: To settle this one, I have to say that Wilkie has lost his mind. While it's said that defenses win championships, Bo Pelini needs a settled offense to get within sniffing distance. It won't happen... a BCS bowl, but not the one most in Lincoln want.

Missouri Tigers
2009 Record: 8-5

Things To Like About Missouri: With Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford in the NFL, Blake Gabbert now takes the reigns as the best quarterback in the Big 12. Gabbert is poised for a great year. With that said the Mizzou offense can’t ignore Derrick Washington who is a big time back in that offense. The Tigers will put points on the board. On defense Aldon Smith will create havoc for the opposition, he’s that good.

Things To Not Like About Missouri: The secondary gave up way too many big plays last year. For Mizzou to be successful that unit will need to make more plays. Mizzou’s Big 12 schedule is as rough as you can get with Oklahoma and Nebraska back to back. Thank god Texas is off the docket.

OSG’s Take: Mizzou has a reputation for some head scratching losses. This year the Tigers must win the games they are suppose to win. Mizzou found out during the lastest round of conference swapping that their football program, while on the rise, isn’t close to being the brand name Nebraska is for the Big Ten. The Tigers want to prove that wrong and they have the team and most importantly, the coach in place to change attitudes toward their football program. Mizzou will be a focused team this year.

Wilkie: I really think Missouri will win the Big 12 North and beat Nebraska at Lincoln. There I’m on the record. I’m just very nervous about their schedule.

Phil: Wilkie, did you just contradict what you said in the Nebraska summary? Good but not great team here. Unless they play "D", write down 8-4 and take it to a bowl.

Nelson: I'm with Phil again... can someone check the tape...? I like another shot in the Texas Bowl to get beat by Navy again. You see the ballpark I'm in here. Gabbert will have to create more than he wants, which will force some losses that may not look that way when you look at the schedule.

Colorado Buffalos
2009: 3-9

Things To Like About Colorado: Another year older and wiser. The Buffalos return 10 starters on offense including dynamic running back Rodney Stewart who has had a hard time staying healthy and on the field the last two years. Tyler Hansen has stabilized the quarterback position. On defense the linebacker corps looks to be improved led by B.J. Beatty.

Things Not To Like About Colorado: The defense didn’t make the big stop last year plus creating turnovers was a big issue last season. It would help to for the Buffalos to have some kind of pass rush too.

OSG’s Take: Colorado head coach Dan Hawkins is the luckiest man in college football. The Buffalos were expected to contend in 2009 but the season went to hell from opening kick-off yet Hawkins kept his job. So with a new lease on his coaching life and 10 returning starters on offense and seven on defense, this is the year to produce a winner in Boulder. If not the temptation to start fresh went the Buffs join the Pac-10 might be too much for Colorado to pass up and Dan Hawkins will be coaching intramurals.

Wilkie: I’m willing to bet the season hinges on the opening game against Colorado State. With Georgia coming to Folsom Field and conference road games at Missouri, at Oklahoma and at Nebraska, 5-7 is about the max.

Phil: Say goodbye Dan Hawkins. Man, how quickly did his career crash? Colorado hasn't been the same in years. They may be marginally better, but 4-8 or 5-7 if they catch a break is it.

Nelson: This ain't intramurals, brother. This season will prove that saying to Dan Hawkins once and for all. He never should have left Boise. See what coulda been in Division One Football...? Not even .500

Kansas Jayhawks
2009 Record: 5-7

Things To Like About Kansas: If Turner Gill can turn the University of Buffalo into a winner just think what he do in Lawrence. There is offensive talent with Toben Opurum in the backfield and a solid offensive line. On defense the line has some players who can get to the quarterback and get in the backfield.

Things To Not Like About Kansas: There is no more Todd Reesing so quarterback is an issue. Kale Pick and Jordan Webb are competing for the job. The secondary loses two of its best players. KU’s defensive backs didn’t pick off many passes last year either.

OSG’s Take: With Turner Gill in charge there is a different vibe in Lawrence. The offense should be efficient and there’s enough defense to stay in games. Kansas won’t be a factor in the Big 12 North but they will determine who wins it and go bowling this season.

Wilkie: The Turner Gill era begins with a bowl game. 7-5 for the Jayhawks


Phil: Gill will be more successful than Mangino the Hut...and he wasn't bad. 6-6 this year, better days ahead.

Nelson: I like the idea of Gill leading the Jayhawks to a bowlgame- even without Reesing. If the people in Lawrence will be patient, you'll have long-term success. Just take it slowly...

Kansas State Wildcats
2009 Record: 6-6

Things To Like About Kansas State: Bill Snyder coming back as head coach proved to be a good move last year. Snyder will maximize his resources every year. Daniel Thomas returns after leading the Big 12 in rushing a year ago. The defensive line should be solid with the infusion of JUCO talent, especially against the run.

Things To Not Like About Kansas State: K-State needs consistent quarterback play from Carson Coffman. The Wildcats were dead last in the Big 12 in passing and that needs to improve. There was a significant talent drain at linebacker and that unit will need to be solidified quickly.

OSG’s Take: K-State will play hard and will be no push over but there are some deficiencies in some key areas. Snyder can get the maximum out of his talent but unfortunately that won’t be enough this year especially with the schedule. UCLA, Nebraska and Texas are on the docket and then closing the season with three straight road games will be tough.

Wilkie: Here’s a bold prediction for you. K-State will upset Texas on November 6th. You don’t want to play the Wildcats at the Little Apple in November. I love the heart of this team and think K-State will win six games and go to a bowl.

Phil: Not feeling the love here. There is no depth or experience here. Yeah, Snyder is a good coach, but smoke and mirrors will only get you so far. 4-8

Nelson: Wilkie, what did you eat before you started working on this...? I'm with Phil again... The schedule will catch up with them at the end, and I like Kansas in the Apple Cup.

Iowa State Cyclones
2009 Record: 7-6

Things To Like About Iowa State: Paul Rhodes was the perfect hire for Iowa State and is a perfect fit for this program. The offense has a go to back in Alexander Robinson. An offense line that’s strength is pass protection and a pretty good quarterback in Austen Arnaud.

Things To Not Like About Iowa State: The defense. The Cyclones haven’t sniffed the quarterback lately and with a defensive line that lacks size a consistent pass rush will be tough. Three new starters at linebacker doesn’t bode will either.

OSG’s Take: Iowa State was the feel good story in the Big 12 last year with a winning season including an Insight.com bowl win. The offense will get it done. The defense will be the issue for the Cyclones. With road games at Oklahoma, at Texas and at in state rival Iowa plus Nebraska and Utah on the docket, its going to be tough to match last years success.

Wilkie: It’s going to be a long year in Ames this year. 4-8 for the Cyclones.

Phil: Again solid, but unspectacular. Defense will bite them in the ass. 6-6

Nelson: Gotta go with Wilkie here for a change. I don't see a lot of wins here... at all... although I like Rhodes and what he's doing in the long-term if Ames will put up with him.

Big 12 South

Oklahoma Sooners
2009 Record: 8-5

Things To Like About Oklahoma: Landry Jones comes back as an experienced quarterback. Say what you want about Sam Bradford going down last year but Jones was thrown into the fire and performed pretty well. The Sooners offense if full of playmakers and the defense is outstanding.

Things To Not Like About Oklahoma: If OU has any weakness is a proven playmaker at corner but that’s really, really being picky.

OSG’s Take: OU will be awesome this year, enough said.

Wilkie: The Sooners will be 12-0 and will go to the BCS Championship Game.

Phil: They will be good, but not as good as the last couple of years. But good enough to go 11-1

Nelson: I just don't see Landry Jones getting past the Red River Shootout in one piece. Jones has made, and will continue to make, strides-and-a-half as starting QB. Just not enough to get them past Texas.
A big New Year's Bowl is in their future, but not big enough.

Texas Longhorns
2009 Record: 13-1

Things To Like About Texas: The defense will be tremendous this year. The Longhorn “D” will be almost impossible to run against. Sam Acho will get to the quarterback. The secondary is full of players that will play on Sunday. Yes Colt McCoy is gone but Garrett Gilbert is a QB Horns’ fans can hang the hat on. You know what Gilbert almost accomplished in the BCS Title Game against Alabama after being thrown into the fire.

Things To Not Like About Texas: While the offensive line is OK and there is depth issues at linebacker, and that’s being very, very picky, there’s not much to be concerned with.

OSG’s Take: Texas will be well, Texas again. The Big 12 South will be determined at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas October 2nd. Going to Nebraska this year with all the circumstances involved will be a huge test.


Wilkie: The defense might carry this team and its hard for me to see this team beating Oklahoma and Nebraska this year. I say 10-2.

Phil: Again, good, not great. This, while a great defensive team, will struggle on offense. They'll miss Jordan Shipley more than Colt McCoy. 11-1

Nelson: I think that Nebraska, OU, and Texas will all beat up on each other during the season- more than once. But when it counts, I gotta go with Mack Brown.

Texas A&M Aggies
2009 Record: 6-7

Things To Like About Texas A&M: The Aggie offense is explosive. Jarrod Johnson is a special quarterback with a live arm and tremendous size at 6-5, 243 pounds. With receivers like Jeff Fuller, Ryan Tannehill and budding superstar Uzoma Nwachukwu the Aggies passing game could be off the charts.

Things Not To Like About Texas A&M: The Aggies finished dead last in total defense in the Big 12 last year. While A&M’s defense has speed its not very physical.

OSG’s Take: Texas A&M could pose a challenge to the gang of two (Oklahoma & Texas) in the South if the defense improves. The offense will score points it’s whether the defense can stop someone from scoring points.

Wilkie: Its about time good things happened in College Station, in my book one of the best if not the best college football atmosphere’s. 9-3 but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Aggies pulled off 10 wins.

Phil: Prototypical 12 team. Light it up and hope you get a stop. They got screwed in the realignment thing, but that's there own fault. They'll score enough to be dangerous. 8-4

Nelson: Tremendous offensive talent plus mediocre defense equals 6-6. I'm just not all that impressed.

Texas Tech Red Raiders
2009 Season: 9-4

Things To Like About Texas Tech: The OSG HQ really likes the Tommy Tuberville hire at Texas Tech. Mike Leach put the program on the radar screen but how many championships did Leach win in Lubbock? Tuberville has been there, done that in the SEC. There is plenty of talent this year including Red Raider quarterbacks Taylor Potts and Steven Sheffield. The skill players are outstanding and the receivers will be a major weapon. The linebackers are the strength of the Red Raider defense.

Things Not To Like About Texas Tech: There is very little depth on defense and the secondary may get burned a few times. Only 2 starters return from an offensive line that wasn’t very good last year. With a new coaching staff it’s going to take some time to get that group to gel.

OSG’s Take: Bringing Neal Brown into Lubbock from Troy as offensive coordinator to keep the up tempo offense could be a brilliant move by Tuberville. There won’t be much disruption on that side of the ball. The Red Raiders catch a break with the Longhorns making the trip to West Texas this year (Upset alert!). The schedule sets up nice for a highly successful first season for the Tuberville era in Lubbock.

Wilkie: Texas Tech wins 9 games, perhaps 10 and upsets Texas or Oklahoma.

Phil: Without D, it doesn't matter how much you score. Tommy will pull some hair out this season, though better seasons are ahead. 8-4

Nelson: See A&M... but just the other way around. There's usually a year or so of transition when you're bringing in new coaches with old systems. If Neal Brown can equal the Evil Genius, then you've got something. Just not yet...

Baylor Bears
2009 Record: 4-8

Things To Like About Baylor: Robert Griffin returns healthy after blowing out his knee last year. Griffin flat out makes Baylor a bowl contender. The Baylor offense is loaded with speed especially at receiver.

Things To Not Like About Baylor: The Bear defense must be more consistent against the run and have some kind of pass rush which would take pressure off the defensive backs in the pass happy Big 12. The offensive line has had issues blocking the last two years but might get by with the ultra mobile Griffin under center.

OSG’s Take: Art Briles is one of the best coaches flying under the radar. Briles’ staff has stocked the program with some talented players that should begin to come into their own this season. With Robert Griffin healthy all year the Bears should go to their first bowl game in 16 years.

Wilkie: It’s going to be fun watching Baylor play this year. The Bears win six and go bowling.

Phil: As Robert Griffin goes, so goes Baylor. Dangerous team to play. 7-5

Nelson: Bowling, maybe New Mexico or Dallas... for the DFC- calm down...

Oklahoma State Cowboys
2009 Record: 9-4

Things To Like About Oklahoma State: There are athletes all over the field but that’s how they do things in Stillwater. Kendall Hunter is one of the best running backs in the Big 12 and should go over 1,000 yards. The defensive line may not be beefy but they are athletic and make plays.

Things Not To Like About Oklahoma State: The star power is gone and the Pokes lost a ton of talent. The offensive line only returns one starter and it will take time for this unit to gel.

OSG’s Take: Yes the Pokes had a significant talent drain but don’t write off the Fightin’ Gundys. Things will be just fine in Stillwater. Its tough when your homecoming game is Nebraska, you must make a trip to Texas and the annual Bedlam Series with OU though the Sooners must come to Boone Pickens Stadium. There are way too many athletes on the roster for a drop off in the win column.

Wilkie: The Pokes will win 8 games this year.

Phil: Last year was their shot at glory. Didn't happen. A somewhat undisciplined team that will never be more than what they are. 7-5

Nelson: Average team with an average bowl in their future... meh...

Big 12 Champion

Wilkie: Oklahoma
Phil: Oklahoma
Nelson: Texas

Big 12 Offensive Player Of The Year:

Wilkie: Robert Griffin – Baylor
Phil: Griffin (If healthy)
Nelson: And a triple... Griffin...

Big 12 Defensive Player Of The Year

Wilkie: Jared Crick - Nebraska
Phil: Crick (I hate making the same pick)
Nelson:This was easy... Crick...