legelegel
08-13-2008, 05:17 PM
Here are the ones relating to the Big XII.
25. Is Texas Tech poised to become more than just an aerial circus?
It has taken time, but head coach Mike Leach has the Red Raiders in a position to vie for more than just the nation’s passing title. Tech will again post gaudy numbers through the air, with Graham Harrell having all day to find receivers behind a gigantic. The difference this season is that the defense has the ingredients to be more than just the undercard, adding top JUCO recruits McKinner Dixon and Brandon SeSay to bolster the defensive line. Don’t be floored if the Nov. 22 trip to Norman decides the South Division champion.
24. Was Kansas a one-hit wonder?
No, but that doesn’t mean the Jayhawks are locked and loaded for another 12-win season and BCS bowl victory, either. Mark Mangino has the program at a point where it could win eight or nine games and play in the postseason for at least the next few seasons. However, the early departures of LT Anthony Collins and CB Aqib Talib sting, and the 2008 schedule won’t be nearly as cushy. Last fall, Kansas missed Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech, and had a ridiculous non-conference slate. Now, the Sooners, ‘Horns, and Red Raiders are on the docket, and a Sept. 12 trip to South Florida will be its toughest non-league game this decade
21. Just how good is new Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp?
He’ll need to be really good to get the most out of a Longhorn defense that has struggled in pass defense over the last two seasons. Muschamp has been a winner everywhere he’s been, espousing a frenetic, aggressive style of defense that’s designed to create havoc, pressure, and turnovers. Texas wasn’t exceptional in any one of those areas a year ago, making the timing of the hire most opportune. The program is in danger of losing more ground to rival Oklahoma unless the running game quickly replaces Jamaal Charles and some newcomers step up in the receiving corps, but the defense is expected to be far better. Thank Muschamp for that.
19. What can Nebraska expect now that Bo Pelini is the new head coach?
At a minimum, the Huskers are going to be more intense and fundamentally sound on the defensive side of the ball. Pelini, one of the best defensive coaches in America, won’t have it any other way. He’s not a miracle worker, however, inheriting a defense that’s short on star power and reliable pass rushers. Figure Nebraska to take a step forward on defense, but still rely on a capable offense that’ll feature QB Joe Ganz, RB Marlon Lucky, and a Husker line that'll try to go old school and be strong for the ground game again.
12. Can Missouri reach a new level and win the Big 12?
After winning the North Division and 12 games for the first time in school history, Mizzou shows no signs of resting on its laurels. With QB Chase Daniel and many of his favorite weapons back in Columbia, the Tigers should have few problems duplicating last year’s top finish in scoring and total offense. The defense will be fine, provided a really good corps of linebackers can stay healthy throughout the season. The favorite to once again cop the North, Missouri has its sights set on so much more, such as a first league championship since 1969 and a crack at a national championship
5. Will Oklahoma finally win another BCS bowl game?
The Sooners have been so good under Bob Stoops that they’re now being judged on how they perform in January. Fair or not, consecutive BCS bowl losses to LSU, USC, Boise State, and West Virginia have overshadowed nearly a decade of dominance in the Big 12 that’s included five conference championships. Oklahoma is the favorite to win a sixth league title in 2008, but if it closes another season with a loss in January, that’s all anyone will want to talk about during the offseason. However, it's not a given OU will get there with a loaded Big 12 to deal with and contenders in Texas Tech and Texas in the South.
http://cfn.scout.com/2/778866.html
25. Is Texas Tech poised to become more than just an aerial circus?
It has taken time, but head coach Mike Leach has the Red Raiders in a position to vie for more than just the nation’s passing title. Tech will again post gaudy numbers through the air, with Graham Harrell having all day to find receivers behind a gigantic. The difference this season is that the defense has the ingredients to be more than just the undercard, adding top JUCO recruits McKinner Dixon and Brandon SeSay to bolster the defensive line. Don’t be floored if the Nov. 22 trip to Norman decides the South Division champion.
24. Was Kansas a one-hit wonder?
No, but that doesn’t mean the Jayhawks are locked and loaded for another 12-win season and BCS bowl victory, either. Mark Mangino has the program at a point where it could win eight or nine games and play in the postseason for at least the next few seasons. However, the early departures of LT Anthony Collins and CB Aqib Talib sting, and the 2008 schedule won’t be nearly as cushy. Last fall, Kansas missed Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech, and had a ridiculous non-conference slate. Now, the Sooners, ‘Horns, and Red Raiders are on the docket, and a Sept. 12 trip to South Florida will be its toughest non-league game this decade
21. Just how good is new Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp?
He’ll need to be really good to get the most out of a Longhorn defense that has struggled in pass defense over the last two seasons. Muschamp has been a winner everywhere he’s been, espousing a frenetic, aggressive style of defense that’s designed to create havoc, pressure, and turnovers. Texas wasn’t exceptional in any one of those areas a year ago, making the timing of the hire most opportune. The program is in danger of losing more ground to rival Oklahoma unless the running game quickly replaces Jamaal Charles and some newcomers step up in the receiving corps, but the defense is expected to be far better. Thank Muschamp for that.
19. What can Nebraska expect now that Bo Pelini is the new head coach?
At a minimum, the Huskers are going to be more intense and fundamentally sound on the defensive side of the ball. Pelini, one of the best defensive coaches in America, won’t have it any other way. He’s not a miracle worker, however, inheriting a defense that’s short on star power and reliable pass rushers. Figure Nebraska to take a step forward on defense, but still rely on a capable offense that’ll feature QB Joe Ganz, RB Marlon Lucky, and a Husker line that'll try to go old school and be strong for the ground game again.
12. Can Missouri reach a new level and win the Big 12?
After winning the North Division and 12 games for the first time in school history, Mizzou shows no signs of resting on its laurels. With QB Chase Daniel and many of his favorite weapons back in Columbia, the Tigers should have few problems duplicating last year’s top finish in scoring and total offense. The defense will be fine, provided a really good corps of linebackers can stay healthy throughout the season. The favorite to once again cop the North, Missouri has its sights set on so much more, such as a first league championship since 1969 and a crack at a national championship
5. Will Oklahoma finally win another BCS bowl game?
The Sooners have been so good under Bob Stoops that they’re now being judged on how they perform in January. Fair or not, consecutive BCS bowl losses to LSU, USC, Boise State, and West Virginia have overshadowed nearly a decade of dominance in the Big 12 that’s included five conference championships. Oklahoma is the favorite to win a sixth league title in 2008, but if it closes another season with a loss in January, that’s all anyone will want to talk about during the offseason. However, it's not a given OU will get there with a loaded Big 12 to deal with and contenders in Texas Tech and Texas in the South.
http://cfn.scout.com/2/778866.html