Big 12: Chris Harris
2010 overall record: 3-9
2010 conference record: 1-7
Returning starters: Offense (8), Defense (6) P/K (0)
Top returners: RB James Sims, WR Daymond Patterson, QB Jordan Webb, LB Steven Johnson, OL Tanner Hawkinson, DB Isiah Barfield, LB Huldon Tharp
Key losses: CB Chris Harris, LB Justin Springer, DL Jake Laptad, LB Drew Dudley, S Olaitan Oguntodu, WR Johnathan Wilson
2010 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: James Sims* (742 yards)
Passing: Jordan Webb (1,195 yards)
Receiving: Daymond Patterson* (487 yards)
Tackles: Steven Johnson (95)
Sacks: Jake Laptad (4.5)
Interceptions: Tyler Patmon*, Isiah Barfield* (2)
Three spring answers
1. Sudden strength up front. Pat Lewandowski redshirted last season, and former running back Toben Opurum tried to learn the intricacies of the defensive line. This spring though? Both were standouts and could be impact players up front for a Jayhawks defense that needs it badly. Kansas may have a couple solid athletes who underwent position changes at the back of the defense, too. Former receivers Keeston Terry and Bradley McDougald look like the Jayhawks' starting safeties.
2. Lightning to Sims' thunder. Leading rusher Sims returns and figures to log plenty of carries, but freshman Darrian Miller showed a burst that no other Jayhawks running back had previously. He enrolled early and started making plays immediately, which should land him on the field next season.
3. Add another receiver to the mix. Kale Pick is another Jayhawks player who dealt with a position change last year. He had little impact as a receiver after making the switch from quarterback, but he showed great hands all spring and led the team in receptions at the spring game. He looks like he’s got a natural understanding of the position and is following in the footsteps of another Jayhawks great: Kerry Meier.
Three fall questions
1. Can they be competitive? No amount of scrimmaging will give Kansas the answer to this question. The Jayhawks were blown out often last year, losing five games by more than 20 points. Is the program back to being one that can at least flirt with more than three wins in 2011? Kansas must show progress.
2. Who’s the QB? Webb has the edge ahead of Quinn Mecham after the spring, but the wild card shows up to campus this fall. Brock Berglund, the top prospect in Colorado, enrolled early before heading back home before practice began. He plans to be back this fall and could throw a wrench into the quarterback competition if he grasps the offense quickly.
3. Is Tharp back to 100 percent? Linebacker Tharp showed the makings of an All-Big 12 talent as a freshman in 2009. A leg injury kept him off the field in 2010, and he was limited this spring. Once he’s back on the field next fall, can he continue his development and look at least like his old self?
- Dave Curtis at The Sporting News offers the priorities for each team in the Big 12 this spring.
- Here's what it's like to spend a practice with Missouri defensive coordinator Dave Steckel mic'd up, and you can do the same with offensive coordinator David Yost.
- Here's some more information on receiver Sterling Shepard, one of Oklahoma's top commitments for 2012.
- Former Longhorn Aaron Ross took some time out to chat during a recent visit to Austin.
- Kansas defensive back Chris Harris' winding career prepared him well for pro day in Lawrence, writes Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World.
- Two Big 12 players made the list of the greatest juco transfers of all-time.
- Iowa State's website previews the team's offensive line in advance of spring practice.
- A famous former Sooner died last week, one of the stars of Oklahoma's teams in the 1940s.
- Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson used an unfortunate choice of words to make a point about the current NFL labor situation.
Early on, that was about right. Kansas began its season with a loss to an FCS team, but followed it up with a win over the defending ACC champions. For the next month, though, it looked mostly inept.
The Jayhawks were outscored 159-24 in their first three league games, and the prospect of an 0-8 season in Big 12 play looked like a possibility. That was until they put together one of the Big 12's signature moments with a comeback that ranks among the best in college football history.
Trailing 45-17 to Colorado with just over 11 minutes to play, the Jayhawks rallied to win 52-45, a win that cost Buffaloes coach Dan Hawkins his job. Kansas took advantage of its best chance to win a Big 12 game, and looked competitive more often than not, which is a good sign for seasons to come under Gill.
Offensive MVP: James Sims, RB. Sims didn't play in the Jayhawks opener, but took over the starting job against Georgia Tech and kept it after Kansas pulled the upset. He had three 100-yard games in scored four touchdowns in the win over Colorado. Best of all, he's a true freshman.
Defensive MVP: Jake Laptad, DE. He's probably capable of better numbers if the talent around him were a bit better -- i.e., solid cover corners -- but Laptad managed 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles to earn the Jayhawks only All-Big 12 non-special teams selection. That includes honorable mention. By contrast, Texas A&M had 23 players earn all-Big 12 honors.
Turning point: The season opener. I wasn't sure if I should be shocked or not, but the Jayhawks 6-3 loss to North Dakota State prompted personnel changes on the field and made it obvious that the football fans in Lawrence were in for a stormy maiden voyage on the U.S.S. Gill.
What's next: I've said it before, I'll say it again: What Turner Gill does over the next nine months before the 2011 season is infinitely more important than anything that happened on the field in the last three. Simply put, Kansas didn't have the talent to compete on a week-to-week basis in the Big 12, and if that's going to change, he's going to have to reel in a few recruits who can contribute immediately. Huldon Tharp will be back next year after missing the entire season with an injury, and James Sims looks like a solid four-year starter at running back, but Kansas never settled its issues at quarterback, and will be losing senior defensive leaders Chris Harris, Drew Dudley and Justin Springer. More pieces to build around like Tharp, Sims will have to show up and make themselves known in fall camp next year. Receiver Daymond Patterson and tight end Tim Biere should offer good complements on offense after making major contributions in 2010.
Lunch links: Assessing all 12 programs
- Nebraska coach Bo Pelini says Taylor Martinez played on a tender ankle last week so he could get valuable reps. "We didn't want to sit him for two weeks," he said.
- T. Boone Pickens' time has arrived, writes Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman.
- The element of surprise is gone for Colorado, writes Kyle Ringo of the Boulder Daily Camera.
- Iowa State quarterback Jerome Tiller won't be talking to the media this week, writes the Des Moines Register's Randy Peterson.
- Turner Gill is well aware of the challenge his defense faces against Oklahoma State on Saturday, writes Tully Corcoran of the Topeka Capital-Journal.
- Missouri used a few new offensive sets and plays in its win over Kansas State, writes Len Goldman of the Columbia Missourian.
- Oklahoma freshman receiver Kenny Stills faced the wrath of coach Bob Stoops after his celebration penalty against Texas Tech, writes Jake Trotter of The Oklahoman.
- Kansas State's final two games both come against interim coaches, writes Kellis Robinett of the Kansas City Star.
- Texas A&M running back Cyrus Gray is running for two people the rest of the year, writes Chuck Carlton of the Dallas Morning News.
- A link between Pelini and the scandal surrounding Cam Newton crossed into recklessness, writes Mitch Sherman of the Omaha World-Herald.
- Texas Tech running back Baron Batch says good bye to the Big 12 in his latest journal entry in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, offering his thoughts on all 12 programs.
- Kansas cornerback Chris Harris has been around for Kansas' recent decline, but he's learned from the struggles, writes Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star.
- After visiting Texas on Saturday, Florida Atlantic will be laughing all the way to the bank, writes Ken Herman of the Austin American-Statesman.
Kiper tags each school's top prospect
Draft guru Mel Kiper has released his list of the top prospects from each school in every conference, including the Big 12.
You'll need ESPN Insider to read his comments, but here's his selection for each school.
Baylor: Phil Taylor, DT
Colorado: Nate Solder, LT
Iowa State: Alexander Robinson, RB
Kansas: Chris Harris, CB
Kansas State: Daniel Thomas, RB
Missouri: Blaine Gabbert, QB
Nebraska: Prince Amukamara, CB
Oklahoma: Travis Lewis, LB
Oklahoma State: Kendall Hunter, RB
Texas: Aaron Williams, CB
Texas A&M: Jerrod Johnson, QB
Texas Tech: Detron Lewis, WR
No huge surprises in any of these selections, but I might have guessed Alex Torres over Lewis at Texas Tech. I also imagine the pick between Johnson and linebacker Von Miller at Texas A&M was close.
And as usual in a draft, college production isn't the sole indicator of stock. There will be plenty of guys like Johnson, Williams, Amukamara and Thomas, but plenty of other guys like Taylor with obvious talent and size (6-foot-4, 340 pounds) who haven't turned it into results on the field.
Nebraska's Niles Paul was probably another guy close to making this list, but Williams and Amukamara could be stars very quickly at the next level.
Austin in Houston asks: Unlike last year, Kansas is lacking in the star power this season. With the departures of Reesing, Meier, Briscoe and Stuckey, who has the potential to be a household name by the end of the season?
DU: Keep an eye out for cornerback Chris Harris or tight end Tim Biere. The talent level at the tight end position across the Big 12 is pretty weak, but Biere is going to get a lot of looks with a young quarteback. If he takes advantage of them, he could become one of the league's best by season's end.
Marcus in Topeka, Kan., asks: Since you are not so high on the Jayhawks this year, but Mangino left a good foundation, how long will it take for Coach Gill to have the Hawks competitive in conference?
DU: It's tough to say one certain year, but it's all going to depend on recruiting and development. We have no idea how good Gill will be at those things just yet. This isn't basketball, where one transcendent player can carry you to the Sweet 16 for a year. They've got some nice building blocks in Toben Opurum and offensive tackle Tanner Hawkinson. Huldon Tharp looked like another before the injury that will cost him the 2010 season. But starting next season, it's going to depend on who they surround them with.
Kansas has 15 commitments for its 2011 class, which is a nice number, but none of those guys look like game changers. They're going to need at least a few to be a major threat in the Big 12 by 2012 or 2013.
Gill did a great job rebuilding the Buffalo program, so he's faced steeper odds than he faces now, bringing up a program that won the Orange Bowl after the 2007 season. But it's not going to be easy, especially with a tougher, nine-game round-robin schedule that's probably going to kick in before the 2011 season.
Shawn in Muskogee, Okla., asks: What do you think of the Jayhawks running game, and do you think Rell Lewis will get an chance to produce this season?
DU: It sounds like a mess. When your top runner is a sixth-year senior who played linebacker last year, that's not a good sign. Not to discount Angus Quigley, but they've got to figure out who they can count on during camp. Surely, Lewis will get his chances, but so will last year's leading rusher, Opurum, and incoming freshman Brandon Bourbon. The same goes for redshirt freshman DeShaun Sands. Kansas has some guys -- the ones I just listed -- who look like they might have some talent, but one or more of them has to produce for me to really feel good about the Jayhawks moving into conference play.
Brennan in GC, Kan., asks: Now with Huldon Tharp injured and out for the season who do you see stepping in and filling his role?
DU: Good question, and I'm not sure it has an answer just yet. Freshman Josh Richardson was listed behind Tharp on the depth chart, but it's probably more likely that Drew Dudley retakes his spot in the middle, and the Jayhawks move senior Justin Springer to the weak side, opposite junior Steven Johnson. That's really just a hunch, and practice will decide exactly what they do, but they've got too much depth at the other linebacking spots not to move guys around.
Buddha in OP, Kan., asks: Would the Jayhawks look better in the Big East if things deteriorate with the B12?
DU: Well, it'd be easier for them. That obviously won't happen for awhile, but the Big East was discussing bringing in the four North teams that would have been left behind had a 16-team Pac-10 become a reality. There would definitely be an upside to replacing Texas and Oklahoma with Pitt and Cincinnati. The biggest beneficiary would probably be Turner Gill's career record. But for now, they're in the soon-to-be-10-team Big 12, so they better figure out a way to beat Texas, OU and all the other teams they've got to go up against every year.
- Nebraska isn't focusing on its impending move to the Big Ten, Brian Cristopherson writes in the Lincoln Journal-Star.
- Will Muschamp must continue the waiting game for the top job at Texas, Berry Tramel writes in The Oklahoman.
- Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is a big Colt McCoy fan. Fan of Texas? Not so much, Tramel writes.
- Oklahoma State's recent recruiting suggests a hybrid position (think Percy Harvin) is on the horizon, Brandon Chatmon writes in The Oklahoman. Former Cowboys standout Bob Fenimore passes away.
- Five things to like and dislike about Texas Tech in 2010, Paul Myerberg writes.
- A Q&A with Kansas head coach Turner Gill. Jayhawks senior cornerback Chris Harris has done it all in his career, Matt Tait writes in the Lawrence Journal-World.
- Kansas State and Kansas need some entertainment value, Austin Meek writes in The Topeka Capital-Journal.
- Some Big 12 media days leftovers from the Columbia Daily Tribune's Dave Matter.
- Iowa State player David Sims has pleaded not guilty in his credit card case.
- Former Colorado quarterback Charles Johnson will no longer work the sidelines on the team's radio broadcasts, Kyle Ringo writes in the Daily Camera.
Here's today's schedule, and once again, the proceedings will be carried live from Big12Sports.com: (all times ET)
10:00 Kansas: Coach Turner Gill, DE Jake Laptad, CB Chris Harris, OL Brad Thorson.
10:45 Oklahoma: Coach Bob Stoops, DE Jeremy Beal, LB Travis Lewis, WR Ryan Broyles, RB DeMarco Murray
11:30 Colorado: Coach Dan Hawkins, CB Jalil Brown, WR Scotty McKnight, OL Nate Solder.
12:15 Texas: Coach Mack Brown, QB Garrett Gilbert, OT Kyle Hix, DE Sam Acho, DT Kheeston Randall.
- All of Kansas' star power has left Lawrence, but if the Jayhawks make it to Dallas this week, I think we can all agree Kansas isn't literally under the radar. Two linemen and a cornerback don't exactly move the meter (Kansas and Baylor were the only schools to bring no offensive skill players), but if Kansas is going to win this year, they'll have to do it up front with guys like Jake Laptad and Brad Thorson. And Kansas' real main attraction, new coach Turner Gill will get his first real time in front of a massive group of media, and situations like this are where he excels, so look for the first-year coach to earn some big points early in the day.
- Oklahoma will hear plenty about its string of injuries and the recent shift of power to Austin in the Red River Rivalry, after the Longhorns have taken four of the past five matchups. Bob Stoops didn't bring his quarterback, but he'll still hear plenty of questions about Landry Jones' progression and his first chance to truly grasp the starting quarterback position full-time.
- The waiting-to-be-finalized exit date for the Buffaloes will probably be discussed at some point, as well as general thoughts about the exit to the recently renamed "Pac-12." The big question for the Buffaloes' likely last season in the Big 12 is simple, even though coach Dan Hawkins hasn't talked as big of a game as he did before last season: Why will this season be different than the first four in Hawkins' time in Boulder? How well they can answer that -- and then deliver -- will decide how the Buffaloes fare in 2010.
- With media covering the other 11 teams in the conference, Texas might end up being grilled about the perception -- real or otherwise -- that after this summer's realignment, it's more powerful than ever before, and able to get whatever it wants. If that happens, I've got no idea what the Longhorns response would be, other than to suggest that none of that affects the game on the field. I'll be shocked if three questions pass before the words "national championship" or "Alabama" come up in a question, either about the defense or Brown's new quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, who made the trip to Dallas.
First thing I noticed: Nebraska (first) and Texas (last) are as far away as possible. Though I don't think the week is going to be as conducive to fireworks as some believe, it should still be plenty entertaining.
Media Days run July 26-28, and here's when to look for who on your team. (all times ET)
Monday, July 26
2:00 Nebraska: Coach Bo Pelini, WR Niles Paul, DE Pierre Allen, CB Prince Amukamara
2:45 Baylor: Coach Art Briles, LB Antonio Johnson, OT Danny Watkins
3:30 Iowa State: Coach Paul Rhoads, QB Austen Arnaud, RB Alexander Robinson, DE Rashawn Parker
4:15 Texas A&M: Coach Mike Sherman, QB Jerrod Johnson, LB Von Miller, DT Lucas Patterson
Tuesday, July 27
10:00 Missouri: Coach Gary Pinkel, QB Blaine Gabbert, RB Derrick Washington, CB Kevin Rutland
10:45 Oklahoma State: Coach Mike Gundy, QB Brandon Weeden, LB Orie Lemon, DE Jamie Blatnick
11:30 Kansas State: Coach Bill Snyder, RB Daniel Thomas, S Tysyn Hartman, OL Zach Kendall
12:15 Texas Tech: Coach Tommy Tuberville, QB Taylor Potts, QB Steven Sheffield, DL Colby Whitlock
Wednesday, July 28
10:00 Kansas: Coach Turner Gill, DE Jake Laptad, CB Chris Harris, OL Brad Thorson
10:45 Oklahoma: Coach Bob Stoops, DE Jeremy Beal, LB Travis Lewis, WR Ryan Broyles
11:30 Colorado: Coach Dan Hawkins, CB Jalil Brown, WR Scotty McKnight, OL Nate Solder
12:15 Texas: Coach Mack Brown, QB Garrett Gilbert, OT Kyle Hix, DE Sam Acho, DT Kheeston Randall
A few quick thoughts:
- Definitely surprised that Texas' Garrett Gilbert will be making the trip. I saw firsthand how well-spoken he was this spring on my visit to Austin, but I'm still surprised Brown would trot out his first-year starting quarterback for the media horde outside Dallas. Although his presence guarantees there should be plenty to talk about with the Longhorns.
- Tommy Tuberville probably had to bring two or none of his quarterbacks, lest he tip his undecided hand at his starter and get people talking about a nonexistent decision. He chose the former. Interesting to note that Colorado's Dan Hawkins went with the latter.
- Not sure why DE Jamie Blatnick will be one of Oklahoma's State's representatives instead of DE Ugo Chinasa or S Markelle Martin. Chinasa is a senior two-year starter heading into his third, while Blatnick is a junior who started only part-time last season. Martin is one of the conference's rising stars.
- Baylor is the only team in the league bringing just a three-man contingent, and in Waco, they're the closest team to Media Days. A little surprised that Robert Griffin III won't be making the short drive, but at least that forces everyone to ask questions not about Griffin's knee. For that, I thank you, Art. But throwing WR Kendall Wright in the car at the last minute wouldn't be a terrible idea.
- Meanwhile, Texas is the only team with a five-man crew. Everything's bigger.
- Pretty good representation elsewhere, no real complaints. What do you think?
Here's a look at what immediate recruiting needs each North Division team must address first.
Colorado
Running back: With the departure of Darrell Scott and Demetrius Sumler, Dan Hawkins needs to find some talent at running back. With only three scholarship backs on the roster, an immediate talent infusion is needed. Tony Jones is the only commitment and the Buffaloes could use size from a bigger back.
Tight end/H-back: All of the positions are important in Kent Riddle’s offense, and six players graduated from those positions in December. The only player who will return with experience includes junior tight end Ryan Deehan, so Hawkins needs players at the position who can help immediately.
Quarterback: With Tyler Hansen set at quarterback and Cody Hawkins set to graduate after next season, the Buffaloes still would like to add some depth at the position. Nick Hirschman has enrolled early to get a head start on his development, and Josh Moten appears ready to enroll after failing to make his grades before last season.
Iowa State
Across the board talent infusion: The Cyclones already have added 24 commitments for the upcoming season. Junior college players like massive offensive lineman Jon Caspers, defensive end Rony Nelson, wide receiver Anthony Young and tight end Ricky Howard should provide an immediate lift. And look for coach Paul Rhoads to add a couple of more to capitalize on the late momentum from the Insight Bowl victory.
Running back: Preparing for the future will be important as Alexander Robinson will be entering his senior season. Freshmen Beau Blankenship still has some developing to do and Jeremiah Schwartz has left the program. The Cyclones have added depth with the addition of Duran Hollis and Shontrelle Johnson. Don’t be surprised if Hollis moves positions once he comes to college if Johnson develops as expected.
Wide receiver: The Cyclones had trouble making big plays and could use a talent boost at the position. Leading 2009 receiver Marquis Hamilton has graduated and Jake Williams will be a senior next season. Recruits Jarvis West and Chris Young appear to have addressed those needs.
Kansas
Defensive end: The Jayhawks could use a talent upgrade here with occasional starters Jeff Wheeler and Maxwell Onyegbule graduated, and Jake Laptad and Quintin Woods entering their senior seasons in 2010. It became more of a need after Oklahoma beat out the Jayhawks for top defensive end prospect Geneo Grissom earlier this week.
Quarterback: With unproven Kale Pick set to take over for Todd Reesing, the Jayhawks have added junior college transfer Quinn Mecham of Snow Junior College to immediately contend for playing time. Meacham threw for 3,091 yards and 40 touchdowns last season and has already captured the attention of new offensive coordinator Chuck Long because of his experience in the spread offense.
Secondary: New coach Turner Gill also needs help in the secondary where starters Darrell Stuckey and Justin Thornton were seniors and Philip Strozier, Chris Harris and Calvin Rubles will be seniors next season.
Kansas State
Adjust time-held notions to recruiting: Bill Snyder said recruiting seemed “out of kilter” in his first season back because of how teams now are in a hurry to link up with rising juniors. This strategy has caused Snyder to change his recruiting strategy, looking into signing more players earlier than in his previous coaching strategy.
Junior-college additions again will be critical in the trenches: Snyder has attacked the junior colleges with his traditional fervor as he attempts to unearth a couple of under-recruited gems in the offensive line and defensive lines -- the Wildcats’ two primary needs. Also, the Wildcats need some immediate help from the junior colleges after a recruiting imbalance during the last two seasons under Ron Prince that has left them with a need for immediate contributors. Snyder has estimated that up to 13 players will enroll at the semester break to contend immediately for playing time.
Quarterback: Even with a crowded group of potential contenders at the position, Snyder is still considering another quarterback. Carson Coffman, Sammuel Lamur, Collin Klein and Oregon transfer Chris Harper all are in the mix at the position heading into spring practice.
Missouri
Wide receiver: The Tigers have a lot of talent returning, but still will lose leading 2009 receiver Danario Alexander and Jared Perry. The opportunity for eventual playing time will be there for new arrivals, although Jerrell Jackson, Brandon Gerau, T.J. Moe and Wes Kemp will be back.
Nose tackle: The graduation of Jaron Baston and Bart Coslet’s senior-to-be status opens up a position for a contribution in the trenches for the Tigers.
Secondary: All four of Missouri’s projected starters next season -- cornerbacks Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland and safety Jarrell Harrison and Jasper Simmons -- will be seniors. The Tigers need to restock depth at the position and perhaps move it forward from this class.
Nebraska
Defensive end: The Cornhuskers could use an additional player with Barry Turner graduating and Pierre Allen set to enter his senior season in 2010. They are in the hunt with Oregon for Owamagbe Odighizuwa, a heralded speed rusher from Portland, Ore., who would be the crown jewel in the Cornhuskers’ incoming class if he commits.
Wide receivers: Many players are back, although the Cornhuskers could use an infusion of speed at the position. Niles Paul will be a senior and more talent is needed to make the Cornhuskers competitive with the athletic teams in the South Division like Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech.
Safety: Starters Matt O’Hanlon and Larry Asante both will be graduating and Eric Hagg will be a senior in 2010. The Cornhuskers will need some help to join with youngsters Courtney Osborne, Austin Cassidy and P.J. Smith at the position.
Big 12 internal affairs: Reasons why Tech's run game is struggling
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Here are some of the topics that people are talking about inside the Big 12 after the first two weeks of the season.
- Texas Tech’s running game has regressed this season, down from 119 yards per game last year to just 46 yards per game and 2.8 yards per carry after two games. The major reason for the decline has been the defensive philosophy of opponents North Dakota State and Rice. But another factor has been that Graham Harrell was comfortable with the running game and frequently checked into those plays at the line of scrimmage in the past. New quarterback Taylor Potts isn’t nearly as proficient at that part of the Red Raiders’ offense – yet.
- Kansas is intent on developing its secondary and that retooled unit helped key the Jayhawks’ victory against UTEP. Kansas coaches weren’t happy with sophomore Anthony Davis and moved nickelback Chris Harris into the starting lineup in his place. Phillip Strozier made his first start at safety and the Jayhawks responded by limiting the Miners to 204 passing yards -- their lowest production since early last season.
- Despite struggling with the Big 12’s worst kicking game after two games, Bill Snyder isn’t turning away from starting kicker Josh Cherry. Against Louisiana-Lafayette, the Wildcats missed two field-goal attempts, struggled with another and saw an extra point glance off the left upright. Snyder still is working to build Cherry's confidence and will have him in the lineup Saturday against UCLA.
- One concern coming out of the Texas game at Wyoming was the Longhorns’ early inability to protect Colt McCoy from various blitz packages. That pressure helped contribute to McCoy’s early struggles until Wyoming got tired and didn’t have the personnel to stick with the Longhorns into the second half. That won’t be the case when Oklahoma and maybe even Texas Tech play against Texas. It will be interesting to see if future Texas opponents saw anything in the game films at Laramie that could affect McCoy later his season.
- One interesting thing about Missouri’s play-calling when down last week against Bowling Green was how new offensive coordinator David Yost didn’t abandon his running game. Obviously having backs like Derrick Washington and Kendial Lawrence has to help that confidence. But it was noticeable that Yost isn’t afraid to stick with the run where former Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen believed in a pass-first, everything-else-later mentality in those times of desperation.
- Robert Griffin uncorked a 59-yard quick kick in Baylor’s first game and mentioned he is extremely comfortable in the role as a punter. Griffin said the kick was his first in game since his freshman season in high school -- when he served as his team’s kicker and punter.
- While he’s careful to say it’s not a quarterback battle, look for backup Jerome Tiller to get an early series for Iowa State when the Cyclones visit Kent State. Coach Paul Rhoads said it's nothing against Austen Arnaud, but he always believes in two quarterbacks getting early work in a game. The idea is to have both quarterbacks fresh and ready to contribute in case of an emergency, Rhoads said.
Emptying out the notebook on a Friday
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Here are a few tidbits, notes and quotes from around the conference that I've collected over the past week. Enjoy them.
WHO'S HOT AND NOT
Sizzling:
Oklahoma running back Chris Brown, who is averaging 108.6 yards per game and 7.95 yards per carry in his last three games. And he's doing it while splitting time with DeMarco Murray in the Sooners' backfield platoon.
Hot:
Texas wide receiver Malcolm Williams, who produced 182 yards on four receptions in his most substantial playing time last week against Texas Tech. Williams also downed a punt at the Texas Tech 1 and contributed two special-teams tackles.
Not:
Texas Tech's offensive line, which allowed only one sack combined in the first seven games of the season, but two sacks in each of its last two games.
Hot:
Colorado's pass rush, which notched four sacks on 31 Texas A&M passing attempts last week. The Buffaloes had produced four sacks in their previous three games, a span of 115 passing attempts.
Not:
Colorado's sputtering offense. The Buffaloes have scored 31 points in five Big 12 games.
Hot:
Nebraska linebacker Tyler Wortman, who produced 11 tackles against Oklahoma. Wortman had seven tackles combined in the first eight games of the season.
Not:
Kansas cornerback Chris Harris, a key performer last season for the Jayhawks. He's been beaten out by Justin Thornton and converted wide receiver Daymond Patterson for the starting cornerback positions. Harris is listed as a backup free safety behind starter Phillip Strozier.
Hot:
Kansas State walk-on linebacker Alex Hrebec, who notched a team-high nine tackles after drawing a start against the Jayhawks.
Not:
Kansas State kick returner/wide receiver Deon Murphy, who vowed to "take one to the crib" for a touchdown against Kansas. He didn't come close, producing only 60 all-purpose yards against the Jayhawks.
Hot:
Missouri DE Brian Coulter, who produced six tackles and 1 ˝ sacks for theTigers vs. Baylor in his first career start.
Not:
Kansas WR Kerry Meier, who produced a season-low three receptions last week against Kansas State.
Hot:
Missouri WR Tommy Saunders, who produced seven receptions for a career-best 109 yards against Baylor last week.
Not:
Texas starting wide receivers Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley, who combined for eight catches for 45 yards against Texas Tech, an average of 5.6 yards per catch.
Frigid:
Texas Tech's special teams. The Red Raiders have had nine kicks blocked this season - five extra points, three field goals and a punt. That total is the most of any team in the country.
JAWJACKING
Here are a few quotes that kept reporters titillated across the Big 12 this week.
"Oklahoma State is now the biggest game in the history of this year," Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, describing his team's approach to the Cowboys after beating No. 1 Texas last week.
"I don't believe in moral victories, but we showed that we come to play every day," Baylor freshman quarterback Robert Griffin told the Waco Tribune-Herald after the Bears' near-miss against Missouri last week.
"I'm 47, I still haven't made man," Leach on Mike Gundy's infamous "I'm a man. I'm 40" tirade.
"No, I don't wish I didn't say it. I mean, I'm confident. I'm that dude. That's just me. If anybody doesn't like it . . . oh, well." Kansas State wide receiver Deon Murphy told the Topeka Capital-Journal after his pre-game comments backfired after calling out Kansas before last week's game.
"Crab made an unbelievable catch, and not only did he make an unbelievable catch, he made an unbelievable run after that and got into the zone and got us a win." Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell, on Michael Crabtree's game-winning catch against Texas.
"That's crazy that they would drop. It surprises me, but all they can do is take care of their business," Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, after seeing Oklahoma drop from fourth to sixth in the BCS standings despite beating his Cornhusker team by 34 points last week.
"At least when they come crying wondering why they're not playing, they'll know why. It's pretty simple to see." - Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops to the Lincoln Journal-Star after his reserve defense has allowed late touchdowns against Kansas, Kansas State and Nebraska in its last three games.
"The snowball started rolling on us, and we didn't do anything to get it stopped," Pelini, after Oklahoma jumped to an early 35-0 lead over his team last week.
"That's going to teach him as a running back, you're never, ever going to be healthy. And once he realizes that, he'll be fine. He'll realize it this weekend." Colorado assistant coach Darian Hagan, who told the Rocky Mountain News that freshman Darrell Scott will have to adjust to the physical nature of college football.
"All we did was score too quickly. And then, two great players made a great play at the end," Texas coach Mack Brown, on Texas Tech's wild comeback last week.
THE NUMBER
254 - Yards needed by Nebraska wide receiver Nate Swift to break Johnny Rodgers' career receiving yardage record of 2,479.
THE BIG 12 - IN FACTOIDS
- Baylor has lost 17 straight games in which they trailed at the half.
- Each of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops' four previous games against Texas A&M have been decided by seven points or less.
- Oklahoma State will become only the second team in history to face three top-three teams in true road games in one season. The Cowboys beat No. 3 Missouri and then lost to No. 1 Texas before playing No. 3 Texas Tech on Saturday. The only other team to face such a gauntlet was the 1969 TCU team, which lost games at No. 1 Ohio State, No. 3 Arkansas and No.
2 Texas.The Horned Frogs lost those games by a combined 155-13 margin. - Robert Griffin is the first player in Baylor history to rush for 10 TDs and pass for 10 TDs in same season.
- Nebraska free safety Ricky Thenarse's interception snapped an interception drought that had stretched nearly six complete games for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers failed to produce an interception during a stretch of 142 opposing pass attempts - a period of 357 minutes, 42 seconds.
- Kansas State has allowed two of its last three opponents to post season-high rushing totals - Colorado (247) and Kansas (280). And Oklahoma's 275-yard effort missed beating the Sooners' best mark by only one yard.
- Texas Tech is off to a 5-0 start in conference play for the first time since 1953, when the Red Raiders were members of the Border Conference.
- Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant needs three more touchdown receptions to match OSU's single-season TD reception record of 17 set by Rashaun Woods in 2002.
- Baylor went 4-for-4 on fourth downs last week against Missouri. The Bears were 5-for-13 on third-down conversions.
- Kansas State has allowed at least 50 points in a game three times this season - most since 1988.
- Iowa State has forced three punts in the last two games. The Cyclones have forced four punts or fewer in four of their last five games and in six of nine games this season.
- Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman has created 13 turnovers in his three games against Kansas.
- Missouri tailback Derrick Washington failed to score a touchdown in last week's game for the first time this season.
BY THE NUMBERS, PART I
Kansas quarterback Todd Reesing has struggled in recent games after a hot start. He's averaging only 158 yards passing in his last two games, compared to an average of 331.7 yards per game in his first seven categories.
Here's an indication of how Reesing's production has dropped during the last two games.
Att. Comp. Int. Yds TD Pass Eff. rating W-L
First seven games 280 195 5 2322 17 155.77 5-2
Last two games 49 30 4 316 3 119.27 1-1
BY THE NUMBERS, PART II
Texas Tech will be facing a huge challenge of facing a top-10 team the week after beating the No. 1 team in the country. Only once since 1965 has a team been able to beat a No. 1 team and then beat a top-10 team the following week.
That team was the 1984 Oklahoma team, which was coached by Barry Switzer and featured current Texas coach Mack Brown as its offensive coordinator.
Here's a look at how teams fared the following week against a top-10 foe after beating a No. 1 team in their previous game (since 1965).
Team No. 1 team Score Next week (opponent/rank) Score
1993 Boston College @Notre Dame 41-39 West Virginia (No. 5) L, 14-17
1990 Michigan State @Michigan 28-27 @Illinois (No. 8) L, 13-15
1984 Oklahoma @Nebraska 17-7 Oklahoma State (No. 3) W, 24-14
1982 Notre Dame @Pittsburgh 31-16 Penn State (No. 5) L, 14-24
1981 Wisconsin Michigan 21-14 UCLA (No. 9) L, 13-31
Source: ESPN Stats & Information Department
BY THE NUMBERS, PART III
Michael Crabtree's dramatic game-winning touchdown pass did more than merely keep Texas Tech's BCS national title hopes alive. It also extended Crabtree's string of consecutive games with a touchdown reception to 12 games - with barely a second to spare.
Here's a list of the top consecutive touchdown reception streaks in college football history.
Years Player School Consecutive TD catch games
2002-03 Larry Fitzgerald Pittsburgh 18
2005-06 Jarett Dillard Rice 15
2001-02 Charles Rogers Michigan State 14
1990-91 Desmond Howard Michigan 13
1997 Randy Moss Marshall 13
2007-08 Michael Crabtree Texas Tech 12
1990-91 Aaron Turner Pacific 12
Source: ESPN Stats & Information Department
Big 12 internal affairs: Kansas secondary readies for big test
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Here are a few tidbits from across the conference heading into this week's games.
1. A transformed Kansas secondary has been readied for the Jayhawks' late push for the North Division title. Kansas coach Mark Mangino has gradually broken in new cornerbacks Daymond Patterson and Justin Thornton and moved up former backup Darrell Stuckey to the starting job at free safety. Those moves have left early-season starting cornerbacks Kendrick Harper and Chris Harris buried in Mangino's playing rotation. The change is being made to boost Kansas' athleticism before huge tests against the horde of playmaking wide receivers the Jayhawks will be facing against Texas and Missouri in upcoming weeks.
2. Oft-injured playmaking Oklahoma defensive end Auston English will be missed during the rest of the regular season, although Sooner coaches privately aren't disappointed that redshirt freshman Frank Alexander will be the player replacing him. Alexander's comeback from an early-season stabbing injury has been strong and he's shown some noticeable instinctive defensive moves. There will be a drop-off from English to Alexander, but not as much as might be expected.
3. One of the major reasons for Texas Tech's recent defensive success has been the simplification of schemes since Ruffin McNeill took over as defensive coordinator midway through last season. Two players who have particularly thrived up front have been defensive ends Brandon Williams and McKinner Dixon, who have combined for 17 sacks this season. And Tech's starting safeties, Darcel McBath and Daniel Charbonnet, merely are playing like the best pair at their position in the conference since the change.
4. Kansas State coach Ron Prince took over the play-calling responsibilities in the second half of the Wildcats' 52-21 loss last week at Kansas, helping spark a late offensive charge after the Wildcats had fallen into an early 31-0 hole at the half. While Prince was careful to say he hasn't lost confidence in offensive coordinator Dave Brock's calls from the press box, he wanted to provide his team immediate feedback from the sideline by taking a more active play-calling role.
5. Missouri tight end Chase Coffman has been listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Kansas State because of a sprained toe. But Coffman has a little extra inspiration to return to the lineup quicker. It's not only his final home game at Missouri, but he'll be playing against the old college team of his father, former NFL tight end Paul Coffman. And his little brother, Carson, is a backup quarterback for the Wildcats. If Chase Coffman can't go, freshman Andrew Jones would get the start, but expect him to at least to try to play early in the game.
Big 12 all-conference team dotted by playmakers
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
The Big 12 featured its top collection of talent last season with eight conference players selected to consensus All-America teams. It might be even more pronounced this season with another strong cast back.
Here's my list for all-conference players before the season:
OFFENSE
QB: Chase Daniel, Missouri
RB: Marlon Lucky, Nebraska
RB: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
WR: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
WR: Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
TE: Chase Coffman, Missouri
T: Phil Loadholt, Oklahoma
T: Ryan Miller, Colorado
G: Duke Robinson, Oklahoma
G: Louis Vasquez, Texas Tech
C: Jon Cooper, Oklahoma
K: Jeff Wolfert, Missouri
KR: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
DEFENSE
DE: Auston English, Oklahoma
DT: George Hypolite, Colorado
DT: Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
DE: Ian Campbell, Kansas State
LB: Mike Rivera, Kansas
LB: Joe Mortensen, Kansas
LB: Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri
CB: Chris Harris, Kansas
CB: Jamar Wall, Texas Tech
S: William Moore, Missouri
S: Nic Harris, Oklahoma
P: Justin Brantly, Texas A&M
PR: Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Big 12 links: Videos from across the conference
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
Video may have killed the radio star, according to the old English new wave band the Buggles. But expanding mediums are providing additional opportunities for reporters to share their insights with consumers in the rapidly expanding marketplace.
The Big 12 is no different, stocked with a boatload of good weekly vlogs. And work has started early, even before the season starts, at many newspapers.
The spirited competition between the Lincoln Journal-Star and the Omaha World-Herald in the coverage of all things concerning Nebraska football has spilled over into a video war of sorts.
Omaha World-Herald beat writers Mitch Sherman and Rich Kaipust talk about the need for increasing sacks and turnovers in their most recent video chat. And Lincoln Journal Star columnist Steve Sipple and beat writer Brian Christopherson discuss freshmen who will play for the Cornhuskers this season. It will continue for both papers throughout the season.
But the most effective use of video by a newspaper that I've seen so far is what the Oklahoman has done for its stellar series on Bob Stoops. A group of Oklahoman reporters provide analysis of Stoops' leadership, done with tight videography in a style much like ESPN Classic has used in its Sports Century documentaries. Despite the lack of live action footage, the use of some memorable still pictures of Stoops and Sooners was still very effective.
More newspapers are going to this synergy using different formats. I'll try to include some of the more notable ones in my upcoming posts.
But the written word still remains supreme in my mind. And here are some scrumptuous morsels for a Friday morning links collection.
- Baylor coach Art Briles said that freshman QB Robert Griffin will see action in the Bears' opener against Wake Forest and that TB Jay Finley will average 16 to 21 carries per game this season.
- Denver Post reporter Tom Kensler profiles Colorado long snapper Austin Bisnow, a budding songwriter who has twice won Colorado's on-campus "Idol" competition for his singing abilities.
- Some Kansas players are saying their secondary could be better this season with Chris Harris starting in place of departed All-American CB Aqib Talib.
- Nebraska WR Nate Swift has rebounded from a childhood bout with paralysis brought about after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome 12 years ago in a story by the Omaha World-Herald's Rich Kaipust. Swift has a complete recovery and needs 41 catches to become the school's leading career receiver.
- Lawrence Journal-World beat writer Dugan Arnett writes about the joy of finding former Kansas RB Donte Bean in the cereal aisle at the Wal-Mart late one night.
- Lincoln Journal Star columnist Steve Sipple profiles MLB Phillip "Jelly Roll" Dillard, who has lost more than 30 pounds since last season in preparation for Bo Pelini's aggressive new defense.
- Jake Trotter of the Oklahoman writes about how Bob Stoops has made it a priority to involve his coaching staff's families in all aspects of the program.
- Texas Tech coach Mile Leach told fans at the annual Red Raider Club kickoff luncheon on Thursday in Lubbock that he may finally have the team to fulfill lofty preseason expectations. "I think what I've been impressed with about this group is they work together, they listen to coaching and as a result, since they're very committed to doing the best they can, you can coach them hard," Leach said. "You can ask more of them than some of the other groups I've dealt with. As a result, we're looking forward to seeing where it takes us."
- Later in the evening, Leach, defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree were among those who signed autographs for more than four hours at the team's annual Fan Night.
- Freshman TB Bradley Stephens accounted for 190 yards at Texas A&M's final scrimmage of training camp. But the most notable development could be the pass-catching abilities of backup QB Jerrod Johnson, who snagged five receptions for 47 yards playing tight end, including a 15-yard TD reception.
- Austin American-Statesman beat writer Suzanne Halliburton broke down the crowded kicking and punting competition at Texas, where incumbent K Ryan Bailey and P Trevor Gerland are facing serious challenges to keep their jobs.
- Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Mike Jones blogs about the rules that Texas coach Mack Brown will have to consider if he plays quarterbacks Colt McCoy and John Chiles at the same time.
- Heralded recruit Darrell Scott was listed as Colorado's third-string running back and third-string punter in Coach Dan Hawkins' first depth chart released on Thursday.
- Iowa State will receive a guaranteed total of $1.8 million from their two-game series at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City against Kansas State that was announced Thursday. Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said the school averages $1 million per game in home revenues. And Pollard told the Kansas City Star's Blair Kerkhoff that both schools might seek a sponsor for the game and develop a traveling trophy for the winner of the game.
- No defensive starters saw action in Missouri's final scrimmage of training camp. But LB Sean Weatherspoon said he's excited heading into the Tigers' Aug. 30 opener against Illinois. "I think we're definitely ready," Weatherspoon told the Kansas City Star. "Guys are really excited about this season. The energy level is up. And enthusiasm is free." With backup QB Chase Patton injured, third-stringer Blaine Gabbert saw most of the action at the scrimmage, overcoming early adversity to finish strongly.
- Missouri fans are irate about a $100 seasona
l charge for reserved parking in donor lots at Faurot Field - on top of required season-ticket purchase and a donation to the school's scholarship fund. School officials told the Columbia Tribune that the school was the last in the Big 12 to charge for this. - A sloppy defensive practice on Thursday resulted in extra running for Oklahoma players and no defensive coaches made available to the media after practice. "We're trying to be national champions, not just win the Big 12 and lose a bowl game," DT Gerald McCoy told the Oklahoman. "We're tired of that reputation."
- Senior Richie Bean and walk-on freshman Randy Bullock are vying for Texas A&M's kicking slot after last year's starter, Matt Szymanski, transferred to SMU.
- Texas QB Colt McCoy likened his first two years starting with the Longhorns to his first two years with a driver's license.
- Old-school Oklahoma State offensive line coach Joe Wickline is impossible to please, according to the Tulsa World's Bill Haisten. "All I see are errors that you can correct," Wickline said. "I'll let someone else tell these guys that they're doing a good job."
- Berry Tramel of the Oklahoman says that Oklahoma State is stuck in a rut of mediocrity.
- John Shinn of the Norman Transcript writes that Oklahoma's current collection of defensive linemen might be the best in Bob Stoops' coaching era.
- Missouri freshmen players Rolandis Woodland and Drew Temple are all but assured of redshirting if they are ever cleared by the NCAA Eligibility Center, several Missouri papers reported. Temple is the younger brother of former Missouri leading rusher Tony Temple.
- Veteran Lawrence Journal-World columnist Bill Mayer goes far into his personal "Way Back Machine" to compare Kansas' current football fever to previous seasons.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ubben
Ubben joined ESPN.com in March 2010 after covering Big 12 football for two seasons at the Columbia Missourian and The Oklahoman. Ubben, a native of Springdale, Ark., lives in Dallas.
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