Big 12: Matt O\'Hanlon
NU secondary ready to see Jones again
December, 1, 2010
12/01/10
1:00
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Nebraska's secondary won't see the same Landry Jones on Saturday, but Jones won't see the same Nebraska secondary, either.
"Last year when we played him, he was a young quarterback just learning the system and everything," defensive back DeJon Gomes said. "One of the biggest things we took away from that game is he’s a competitor and he’s going to do the best he can to get his team into a situation to win."
And one more thing.
"He also likes throwing the ball. That’s good for our secondary," Gomes said.
No kidding. Jones has racked up 527 pass attempts in 2010, in part because of Oklahoma's hurry-up offense and in part because he's found more success as a sophomore passer.
No quarterback in the Big 12 has more than 500, and Dominique Davis at East Carolina is the only quarterback in America with more attempts than Oklahoma's Jones.
The Blackshirts picked off Jones five times in Lincoln in 2009 -- including three by departed safety Matt O'Hanlon -- though Huskers coach Bo Pelini tossed a wet blanket on talk of that game having any relevance over a year later.
"It's a different time, different place, different offense, new challenges," Pelini said. "The furthest thing from my mind is what happened in that game last year."
What does matter is what's happened this year. Nebraska has put together the No. 2 pass defense in the country, allowing just 144 yards a game. Jones averages almost 330 a game, good for No. 3 nationally.
"It’s going to be an exciting game, especially with them having one of the top offenses in the country and us priding ourself on defense," Gomes said. "It’ll be a fun one to watch."
If history repeats itself, it'll be a lot more fun for Huskers fans than Oklahoma fans when it comes to passing the ball. On the way to that No. 2 ranking, the Nebraska secondary has ruined the days of a handful of good quarterbacks. A sampling:
Only Iowa State's Austen Arnaud, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Ryan Tannehill at Texas A&M managed decent days against the secondary. Part of Weeden's success was in finding receiver Justin Blackmon, one of the nation's best, for 135 of his 283 yards and both touchdowns. Only Tannehill got a victory with his success, however moderate (19-29, 172 yards).
Jones has another of the nation's best receivers, Ryan Broyles, to throw to, but even Broyles could only manage eight catches for 74 yards in 2009, one of his lowest outputs of the season while healthy.
"They have a trigger man who can get the ball to everybody," Pelini said of Jones. "They stretch the field on you. It's a good challenge for us."
It could be an even bigger challenge for Jones.
"Last year when we played him, he was a young quarterback just learning the system and everything," defensive back DeJon Gomes said. "One of the biggest things we took away from that game is he’s a competitor and he’s going to do the best he can to get his team into a situation to win."
And one more thing.
[+] Enlarge
Eric Francis/Getty ImagesPrince Amukamara and the Nebraska secondary have had success against Oklahoma in the past.
Eric Francis/Getty ImagesPrince Amukamara and the Nebraska secondary have had success against Oklahoma in the past.No kidding. Jones has racked up 527 pass attempts in 2010, in part because of Oklahoma's hurry-up offense and in part because he's found more success as a sophomore passer.
No quarterback in the Big 12 has more than 500, and Dominique Davis at East Carolina is the only quarterback in America with more attempts than Oklahoma's Jones.
The Blackshirts picked off Jones five times in Lincoln in 2009 -- including three by departed safety Matt O'Hanlon -- though Huskers coach Bo Pelini tossed a wet blanket on talk of that game having any relevance over a year later.
"It's a different time, different place, different offense, new challenges," Pelini said. "The furthest thing from my mind is what happened in that game last year."
What does matter is what's happened this year. Nebraska has put together the No. 2 pass defense in the country, allowing just 144 yards a game. Jones averages almost 330 a game, good for No. 3 nationally.
"It’s going to be an exciting game, especially with them having one of the top offenses in the country and us priding ourself on defense," Gomes said. "It’ll be a fun one to watch."
If history repeats itself, it'll be a lot more fun for Huskers fans than Oklahoma fans when it comes to passing the ball. On the way to that No. 2 ranking, the Nebraska secondary has ruined the days of a handful of good quarterbacks. A sampling:
- Nathan Enderle, Idaho: 16-31, 141 yards, TD, 5 INT
- Jake Locker, Washington: 4-20, 71 yards, TD, 2 INT (stress: not a typo)
- Carson Coffman, Kansas State: 14-22, 91 yards, TD, INT
- Garrett Gilbert, Texas: 4-16, 62 yards
- Blaine Gabbert, Missouri: 18-42, 199 yards, TD, INT
- Quinn Mecham, Kansas: 3-13, 15 yards, INT
- Cody Hawkins, Colorado: 10-26, 162 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Only Iowa State's Austen Arnaud, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Ryan Tannehill at Texas A&M managed decent days against the secondary. Part of Weeden's success was in finding receiver Justin Blackmon, one of the nation's best, for 135 of his 283 yards and both touchdowns. Only Tannehill got a victory with his success, however moderate (19-29, 172 yards).
Jones has another of the nation's best receivers, Ryan Broyles, to throw to, but even Broyles could only manage eight catches for 74 yards in 2009, one of his lowest outputs of the season while healthy.
"They have a trigger man who can get the ball to everybody," Pelini said of Jones. "They stretch the field on you. It's a good challenge for us."
It could be an even bigger challenge for Jones.
Schedule: Practice starts Saturday
What’s new: The safeties. Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon are gone, and in their place will likely be Austin Cassidy and Rickey Thenarse, who missed all of last season with a knee injury.
Key battle: Quarterback. Zac Lee, Cody Green and Taylor Martinez will go at it in preseason camp. Green and Martinez are more athletic, but Lee started most of last season and is the more polished passer. Lee missed all of spring after surgery on his throwing elbow, and coach Bo Pelini says the younger two closed the gap without Lee to grab hold of the starting job.
New on the scene: Defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler. The heir apparent to Ndamukong Suh, he'll try to benefit from the attention sure to be shown his fellow defensive tackle Jared Crick, who was named the preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Breaking out: Safety/linebacker hybrid Eric Hagg. The centerpiece of Nebraska's "Peso" scheme, Hagg will be a safety playing third linebacker in a 4-3 scheme that's capable of dropping back into pass coverage or coming off the edge on a speed rush. His 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame is solid, but his speed allows him to be versatile.
Don’t forget about: The running backs. Roy Helu Jr. rumbled for more than 1,200 yards last season, and sophomore Rex Burkhead figures to take a few of Helu's carries this season. If the offensive line dominates, both might flirt with 1,000 yards.
All eyes on: The entire defense. Pelini famously said this defense could be "five times better" than it was last year. But the Huskers gave up just more than 10 points a game during the previous season, the best in the country. If he can duplicate that performance after losing three players to the NFL Draft, including Suh, Pelini might take a reputation as a defensive mastermind to the Big Ten in 2011.
Quoting: "Business as usual. The way we run our program is we talk to our guys about focusing on the process and what they have to do on a day to day basis to have an opportunity to compete. That hasn't changed. You know, we really haven't talked much about it. We're looking forward to the fall, and we've been doing our homework on the opponents" -- Nebraska coach Bo Pelini on the move to the Big Ten
What’s new: The safeties. Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon are gone, and in their place will likely be Austin Cassidy and Rickey Thenarse, who missed all of last season with a knee injury.
Key battle: Quarterback. Zac Lee, Cody Green and Taylor Martinez will go at it in preseason camp. Green and Martinez are more athletic, but Lee started most of last season and is the more polished passer. Lee missed all of spring after surgery on his throwing elbow, and coach Bo Pelini says the younger two closed the gap without Lee to grab hold of the starting job.
New on the scene: Defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler. The heir apparent to Ndamukong Suh, he'll try to benefit from the attention sure to be shown his fellow defensive tackle Jared Crick, who was named the preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Breaking out: Safety/linebacker hybrid Eric Hagg. The centerpiece of Nebraska's "Peso" scheme, Hagg will be a safety playing third linebacker in a 4-3 scheme that's capable of dropping back into pass coverage or coming off the edge on a speed rush. His 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame is solid, but his speed allows him to be versatile.
Don’t forget about: The running backs. Roy Helu Jr. rumbled for more than 1,200 yards last season, and sophomore Rex Burkhead figures to take a few of Helu's carries this season. If the offensive line dominates, both might flirt with 1,000 yards.
All eyes on: The entire defense. Pelini famously said this defense could be "five times better" than it was last year. But the Huskers gave up just more than 10 points a game during the previous season, the best in the country. If he can duplicate that performance after losing three players to the NFL Draft, including Suh, Pelini might take a reputation as a defensive mastermind to the Big Ten in 2011.
Quoting: "Business as usual. The way we run our program is we talk to our guys about focusing on the process and what they have to do on a day to day basis to have an opportunity to compete. That hasn't changed. You know, we really haven't talked much about it. We're looking forward to the fall, and we've been doing our homework on the opponents" -- Nebraska coach Bo Pelini on the move to the Big Ten
Here are three Huskers with relatively low profiles around the conference who you'll be hearing from in 2010:
Baker Steinkuhler, DT
Last season, defensive tackle Jared Crick benefited from all the attention drawn by star Ndamukong Suh, blossoming into one of the Big 12's top defensive players. This year, with Crick sure to face constant double teams, Steinkuhler, a sophomore and the son of Dean Steinkuhler, a former Nebraska center who won the Lombardi and Outland trophies, could potentially do the same. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Steinkuhler has the size to become a force in the middle of the defense as a first-year starter. He had 17 tackles and played in all but one game as the top reserve at defensive tackle in 2009.
Brandon Kinnie, WR
Only two receivers caught more than 20 passes for the Huskers in 2009. Kinnie could join that group in 2010 after catching just 15 passes for 141 yards as a junior college transfer in 2009. Fourteen of those 15 receptions came in the final eight games, when Kinnie caught at least one pass per game. The junior possesses outstanding size at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, and has become star receiver Niles Paul's workout partner. If Nebraska's quarterback play improves in 2010, Kinnie will be one of the key beneficiaries. He's still looking for his first career touchdown pass, but Kinnie had one of his best games against Texas in the Big 12 Championship, with two catches for 30 yards.
Austin Cassidy, S
Nebraska lost both safeties from last year's defense, Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon, but Cassidy looks ready to step into a starting role. The junior starred on special teams in 2009, notching nine tackles and playing some spot duty at safety. Cassidy appeared in all 14 games, and he'll be counted on to maintain Nebraska's defensive dominance from last year's Blackshirts. He was also one of just three players in the Big 12 with a perfect 4.0 GPA last season, earning first team Academic All-Big 12 honors.
More Fresh Faces:
Baker Steinkuhler, DT
Last season, defensive tackle Jared Crick benefited from all the attention drawn by star Ndamukong Suh, blossoming into one of the Big 12's top defensive players. This year, with Crick sure to face constant double teams, Steinkuhler, a sophomore and the son of Dean Steinkuhler, a former Nebraska center who won the Lombardi and Outland trophies, could potentially do the same. At 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Steinkuhler has the size to become a force in the middle of the defense as a first-year starter. He had 17 tackles and played in all but one game as the top reserve at defensive tackle in 2009.
Brandon Kinnie, WR
Only two receivers caught more than 20 passes for the Huskers in 2009. Kinnie could join that group in 2010 after catching just 15 passes for 141 yards as a junior college transfer in 2009. Fourteen of those 15 receptions came in the final eight games, when Kinnie caught at least one pass per game. The junior possesses outstanding size at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, and has become star receiver Niles Paul's workout partner. If Nebraska's quarterback play improves in 2010, Kinnie will be one of the key beneficiaries. He's still looking for his first career touchdown pass, but Kinnie had one of his best games against Texas in the Big 12 Championship, with two catches for 30 yards.
Austin Cassidy, S
Nebraska lost both safeties from last year's defense, Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon, but Cassidy looks ready to step into a starting role. The junior starred on special teams in 2009, notching nine tackles and playing some spot duty at safety. Cassidy appeared in all 14 games, and he'll be counted on to maintain Nebraska's defensive dominance from last year's Blackshirts. He was also one of just three players in the Big 12 with a perfect 4.0 GPA last season, earning first team Academic All-Big 12 honors.
More Fresh Faces:
2009 overall record: 10-4
2009 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters: Offense (8), Defense (8) P/K (2)
Top returners: RB Roy Helu Jr., DT Jared Crick, CB Prince Amukamara, QB Zac Lee, RB Rex Burkhead, WR Niles Paul, OL Keith Williams, P/K Alex Henery
Key losses: DT Ndamukong Suh, S Larry Asante, LB Phillip Dillard, S Matt O’Hanlon, DE Barry Turner, C Jacob Hickman
2009 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Roy Helu Jr.* (1,147 yards)
Passing: Zac Lee* (2,143 yards)
Receiving: Niles Paul* (796 yards)
Tackles: Ndamukong Suh (85)
Sacks: Ndamukong Suh (12)
Interceptions: Matt O’Hanlon (6)
Three spring answers
1. Defensive identity. The word “Peso” took on a whole new meaning in Nebraska this spring. Though not as revolutionary as some figured it to be, the five defensive back set helped the Huskers finish strong in 2009 and inspired the Mexican currency-inspired moniker in spring 2010. The lynchpin of the Peso is defensive back Eric Hagg, who plays the safety/linebacker hybrid position.
2. Taylor Martinez emerges. Tales of his speed leaked out during spring practices, and Martinez put on a show in the spring game, running for 60 yards and throwing for 79. The redshirt freshman injected himself into the quarterback race this spring, further muddying a logjam at the top for the Huskers.
3. Second target found. Mike McNeill moved from tight end to receiver this spring, but will still play some tight end in a hybrid role, and Nebraska needed to find a second option opposite Niles Paul. Brandon Kinnie looks like the answer. He’s been competitive with Paul in the spring and caught a 36-yard score in which the 230-pounder dragged the pile 10 yards into the end zone. Will Henry caught a 72-yard score in the game, and should be a factor in the passing game as well.
Three fall questions
1. Who’s the QB? Last year’s starter, Zac Lee, sat out the spring after undergoing offseason surgery on his throwing arm. Sophomore Cody Green played in spots last season, and had a good spring. But Martinez has some fan support after his spring and will likely play at least some role in the offense. Nebraska needs its quarterback play to improve if it wants to make the jump to national title contender this year, but who gets the task hasn’t been determined.
2. Is the defense going to sustain? The Pelini brothers aren’t fretting about their defense, despite losing five members of the Blackshirts to the NFL, saying the defense will be “five times better” than it was last season. An improvement is a possibility in the fall, but the defense allowed a nation-best 10.4 points a game in 2009, a tough number to duplicate for a second season without players like Ndamukong Suh, Larry Asante and Phillip Dillard.
3. Burkhead vs. Helu. Rex Burkhead returned from a stress fracture in his foot and received more carries than Roy Helu Jr., who finished the season with 1,147 yards. Burkhead, a former high school quarterback, allows Nebraska’s Wildcat formation to be more versatile, and is shiftier than Helu, but Helu is more experienced, and runs with a slashing style. They’ll enter the fall likely receiving near equal carries, but that balance could shift as the season progresses.
2009 conference record: 6-2
Returning starters: Offense (8), Defense (8) P/K (2)
Top returners: RB Roy Helu Jr., DT Jared Crick, CB Prince Amukamara, QB Zac Lee, RB Rex Burkhead, WR Niles Paul, OL Keith Williams, P/K Alex Henery
Key losses: DT Ndamukong Suh, S Larry Asante, LB Phillip Dillard, S Matt O’Hanlon, DE Barry Turner, C Jacob Hickman
2009 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Roy Helu Jr.* (1,147 yards)
Passing: Zac Lee* (2,143 yards)
Receiving: Niles Paul* (796 yards)
Tackles: Ndamukong Suh (85)
Sacks: Ndamukong Suh (12)
Interceptions: Matt O’Hanlon (6)
Three spring answers
1. Defensive identity. The word “Peso” took on a whole new meaning in Nebraska this spring. Though not as revolutionary as some figured it to be, the five defensive back set helped the Huskers finish strong in 2009 and inspired the Mexican currency-inspired moniker in spring 2010. The lynchpin of the Peso is defensive back Eric Hagg, who plays the safety/linebacker hybrid position.
2. Taylor Martinez emerges. Tales of his speed leaked out during spring practices, and Martinez put on a show in the spring game, running for 60 yards and throwing for 79. The redshirt freshman injected himself into the quarterback race this spring, further muddying a logjam at the top for the Huskers.
3. Second target found. Mike McNeill moved from tight end to receiver this spring, but will still play some tight end in a hybrid role, and Nebraska needed to find a second option opposite Niles Paul. Brandon Kinnie looks like the answer. He’s been competitive with Paul in the spring and caught a 36-yard score in which the 230-pounder dragged the pile 10 yards into the end zone. Will Henry caught a 72-yard score in the game, and should be a factor in the passing game as well.
Three fall questions
1. Who’s the QB? Last year’s starter, Zac Lee, sat out the spring after undergoing offseason surgery on his throwing arm. Sophomore Cody Green played in spots last season, and had a good spring. But Martinez has some fan support after his spring and will likely play at least some role in the offense. Nebraska needs its quarterback play to improve if it wants to make the jump to national title contender this year, but who gets the task hasn’t been determined.
2. Is the defense going to sustain? The Pelini brothers aren’t fretting about their defense, despite losing five members of the Blackshirts to the NFL, saying the defense will be “five times better” than it was last season. An improvement is a possibility in the fall, but the defense allowed a nation-best 10.4 points a game in 2009, a tough number to duplicate for a second season without players like Ndamukong Suh, Larry Asante and Phillip Dillard.
3. Burkhead vs. Helu. Rex Burkhead returned from a stress fracture in his foot and received more carries than Roy Helu Jr., who finished the season with 1,147 yards. Burkhead, a former high school quarterback, allows Nebraska’s Wildcat formation to be more versatile, and is shiftier than Helu, but Helu is more experienced, and runs with a slashing style. They’ll enter the fall likely receiving near equal carries, but that balance could shift as the season progresses.
Notable undrafted Big 12ers finding homes
April, 27, 2010
4/27/10
10:45
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Nine players from the Big 12 were drafted in the first round, but not everybody can make millions. Here's where a few notable Big 12ers ended up after going undrafted:
Baylor
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
Baylor
- LB Joe Pawelek - Seattle
- S Jordan Lake - unsigned
Kansas
- QB Todd Reesing - unsigned
Kansas State
- TE Jeron Mastrud - Tampa Bay
- WR/KR Brandon Banks - unsigned
Missouri
- WR Danario Alexander - unsigned
- OL Kurtis Gregory - Carolina
- DT Jaron Baston - Denver
Nebraska
- DE Barry Turner - Chicago
- S Matt O'Hanlon - Carolina
Oklahoma
- DE Auston English - Cleveland
- DT DeMarcus Granger - Seattle
- RB Chris Brown - Denver
Oklahoma State
- RB Keith Toston - St. Louis
- OL Andrew Lewis - Kansas City
- OL Brady Bond - San Diego
Texas
- K Hunter Lawrence - Tampa Bay
- OL Adam Ulatoski - Houston
- OL Charlie Tanner - New York Jets
Texas A&M
- TE/FB Jamie McCoy - St. Louis
Texas Tech
- DE Brandon Sharpe - New Orleans
- OL Brandon Carter - New Orleans
Lunch links: Huskers safety ready to step in
March, 31, 2010
3/31/10
12:30
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
- Austin Cassidy wants to follow his mentor at safety, Matt O'Hanlon, writes Rich Kaipust of the Omaha World-Herald.
- Rodderick Muckelroy is trying to be the second Longhorns linebacker in the past 15 years to be drafted, reports Suzanne Halliburton of the Austin American-Statesman.
- Jake Trotter of The Oklahoman reviews practices 4-7 for the Sooners.
- B.G. Brooks at CUBuffs.com says the Colorado defensive line is improving quickly.
- Isaiah Anderson should benefit from Dana Holgorsen's new offense, writes Brandon Chatmon of The Oklahoman.
- Kansas is set to slip on the pads, writes Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World.
Here, we’ll take a look at one area where each team in the Big 12 can expect to succeed, and another that needs improvement.
Nebraska
Weak: Safety
Nebraska must replace both Larry Asante and Matt O’Hanlon at safety. O’Hanlon showed massive growth over the 2009 season, leading the team with six interceptions, including three in a win over Oklahoma.
Asante and O’Hanlon combined for 148 tackles, and the battle for the back line could be interesting this spring.
Senior Ricky Thenarse returns from a knee injury that cost him nearly all of last season but earned him a medical redshirt, granting him a fifth year of eligibility. Sophomore P.J. Smith appeared in all 14 games as a freshman, and could earn a starting spot in the fall.
Junior Lincoln native Austin Cassidy should also compete for the job alongside sophomore Courtney Osborne.
If either of them improves as rapidly as O’Hanlon did, this could easily become a strength over the course of 2010.
Strong: Running back
Senior Roy Helu Jr. is the headliner, but sophomore Rex Burkhead ran for 100 yards against Colorado and 92 yards in the 33-0 Holiday Bowl blowout of Arizona.
The starter is almost irrelevant; both will get touches, but Burkhead will look to make sure his contributions to the offense remain consistent.
Helu’s 1,147 yards were fourth-most in the Big 12, and with an uncertain situation at quarterback, both Helu Jr. and Burkhead will be relied on to provide some breathing room for either Cody Green or Zac Lee. Last season, the Husker offense was the least productive in conference play, and Nebraska was tied for 11th in completion percentage.
Improving either of those numbers begins with Helu Jr. and Burkhead.
More Weak & Strong:
Nebraska
Weak: Safety
Nebraska must replace both Larry Asante and Matt O’Hanlon at safety. O’Hanlon showed massive growth over the 2009 season, leading the team with six interceptions, including three in a win over Oklahoma.
Asante and O’Hanlon combined for 148 tackles, and the battle for the back line could be interesting this spring.
Senior Ricky Thenarse returns from a knee injury that cost him nearly all of last season but earned him a medical redshirt, granting him a fifth year of eligibility. Sophomore P.J. Smith appeared in all 14 games as a freshman, and could earn a starting spot in the fall.
Junior Lincoln native Austin Cassidy should also compete for the job alongside sophomore Courtney Osborne.
If either of them improves as rapidly as O’Hanlon did, this could easily become a strength over the course of 2010.
Strong: Running back
Senior Roy Helu Jr. is the headliner, but sophomore Rex Burkhead ran for 100 yards against Colorado and 92 yards in the 33-0 Holiday Bowl blowout of Arizona.
The starter is almost irrelevant; both will get touches, but Burkhead will look to make sure his contributions to the offense remain consistent.
Helu’s 1,147 yards were fourth-most in the Big 12, and with an uncertain situation at quarterback, both Helu Jr. and Burkhead will be relied on to provide some breathing room for either Cody Green or Zac Lee. Last season, the Husker offense was the least productive in conference play, and Nebraska was tied for 11th in completion percentage.
Improving either of those numbers begins with Helu Jr. and Burkhead.
More Weak & Strong:
Husker defenders see improvements on pro day
March, 12, 2010
3/12/10
8:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
The main attraction at Nebraska's pro day on Wednesday duplicated his rival's day of work, and departing seniors from Nebraska's stifling defense showed off for scouts, improving on their efforts from the NFL scouting combine.
Defensive lineman and Heisman finalist Ndamukong Suh participated in brief position-specific drills, running through tackling dummies and making no attempt to improve on his 32 reps at the 225-pound bench press and his absurd 35.5-inch vertical jump at 6-foot-4 and 307 pounds.
“They’ve seen everything they need to see out of Suh,” former Husker safety Larry Asante told the Lincoln Journal-Star.
Twenty-four NFL teams showed up to catch another glimpse of the possible No. 1 pick in next month's draft, including Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, who also watched Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy go through a similar workout on Tuesday in Norman, Okla.
Asante trimmed his 40 time to 4.55 seconds, down from the 4.63 he ran at the combine. Safety Matt O'Hanlon ran a 4.58 in the 40 and showed off a 37.5-inch vertical jump. He also broad jumped 10 feet.
Linebacker Phillip Dillard improved his 20-yard shuttle time to 4.29 seconds and broad jumped 9-4. He opted out of the 40 after posting a 4.64 at the combine.
Of the twelve participants on Wednesday, four weren't members of last season's team, including running back Marlon Lucky. Lucky spent last season with the New York Sentinels in the United Football League after being waived by the Cincinnati Bengals, who signed him as an undrafted free agent last offseason.
Defensive lineman and Heisman finalist Ndamukong Suh participated in brief position-specific drills, running through tackling dummies and making no attempt to improve on his 32 reps at the 225-pound bench press and his absurd 35.5-inch vertical jump at 6-foot-4 and 307 pounds.
“They’ve seen everything they need to see out of Suh,” former Husker safety Larry Asante told the Lincoln Journal-Star.
Twenty-four NFL teams showed up to catch another glimpse of the possible No. 1 pick in next month's draft, including Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo, who also watched Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy go through a similar workout on Tuesday in Norman, Okla.
Asante trimmed his 40 time to 4.55 seconds, down from the 4.63 he ran at the combine. Safety Matt O'Hanlon ran a 4.58 in the 40 and showed off a 37.5-inch vertical jump. He also broad jumped 10 feet.
Linebacker Phillip Dillard improved his 20-yard shuttle time to 4.29 seconds and broad jumped 9-4. He opted out of the 40 after posting a 4.64 at the combine.
Of the twelve participants on Wednesday, four weren't members of last season's team, including running back Marlon Lucky. Lucky spent last season with the New York Sentinels in the United Football League after being waived by the Cincinnati Bengals, who signed him as an undrafted free agent last offseason.
Big 12 North breakdown: Nebraska tough to unseat
March, 5, 2010
3/05/10
8:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Some of you have asked for it, and since it makes sense to do it early on, I’ll be breaking down the Big 12 over the next couple of days. Today, I’ll give my take on the North and South races. Tomorrow, I’ll put them together for my own pre-spring power rankings.
Update: My pre-spring power rankings will go up later this afternoon.
Here's how I see the North shaking out next fall:
1. Nebraska
The Huskers will do without the services of the House of Spears, but the Pelini brothers’ defense was hardly built around one player. Replacing linebacker Phillip Dillard and safeties Matt O’Hanlon and Larry Asante won’t be easy, but the Nebraska defense should still be stout.
As for the offense, last season’s home loss to Iowa State in which the Huskers had more turnovers (8) than points (7) would suggest the only way to go is up.
To repeat in the North, the Huskers must defend Memorial Stadium, where they’ll get to face Missouri and Texas.
2. Missouri
Missouri returns 18 starters, including junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who threw for 3,593 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore.
He’ll need support from still-maturing senior corners Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland, who gave up 427 yards passing to Baylor freshman quarterback Nick Florence (almost 200 more yards than he had in any other game last season) in an ugly home loss to the Bears, negating Gabbert’s career high of 468 yards.
For Missouri, taking back the North will mean surviving a difficult early conference schedule, which opens with Colorado but then forces the Tigers to play at Texas A&M before hosting Oklahoma. The next week, they travel to Lincoln for another showdown with Nebraska that would give the winner the inside track at a North title.
3. Kansas State
The Wildcats busted in their bowl-or-bust game against Nebraska to close out last season, but will try and rebound with a run at the North title. They’ll miss Brandon Banks’ kick returns, but Daniel Thomas (1,265 yards in 2009) wouldn’t mind getting his number called almost 250 times again like he did last season. For Kansas State, the earlier the uncertainty ends at quarterback, the better. Three candidates enter spring with a chance to start.
4. Kansas
The personnel behind Kansas’ missing offensive firepower last season is gone. Kansas standouts QB Todd Reesing, receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier and running back Jake Sharp won’t return, and new coach Turner Gill will try to patch back together a team that finished last season on a seven-game losing streak after winning its conference opener against Iowa State.
Sophomore running back Toben Opurum provides a nice foundation for Gill’s new offense after playing well when Sharp sat out or was slowed with injuries.
5. Iowa State
Paul Rhoads’ team showed progress in 2009, finishing the season with a win over Minnesota in the Insight Bowl for the program’s first winning season since 2005. He’ll try to improve on that with only four defensive starters returning this season.
Quarterback Austen Arnaud and running back Alexander Robinson return, but on the Cyclones’ schedule, so do Oklahoma and Texas. They’ll also face Utah, Iowa and Northern Illinois in nonconference games. Returning to a bowl for a second consecutive season won’t be easy.
6. Colorado
The Buffaloes didn’t earn much respect around the conference after giving up 54 points to Toledo in an early-season loss in 2009. They finished with three close losses at Iowa State and Oklahoma State before finishing the season with a home loss to North champ Nebraska.
If Colorado wants to dig itself out of the North basement, it’ll need Tyler Hansen to play like he did in the first half of a win over Kansas in Hansen’s first start, when the Buffaloes charged to a 24-3 second-quarter lead behind two Hansen touchdowns.
Update: My pre-spring power rankings will go up later this afternoon.
Here's how I see the North shaking out next fall:
1. Nebraska
The Huskers will do without the services of the House of Spears, but the Pelini brothers’ defense was hardly built around one player. Replacing linebacker Phillip Dillard and safeties Matt O’Hanlon and Larry Asante won’t be easy, but the Nebraska defense should still be stout.
As for the offense, last season’s home loss to Iowa State in which the Huskers had more turnovers (8) than points (7) would suggest the only way to go is up.
To repeat in the North, the Huskers must defend Memorial Stadium, where they’ll get to face Missouri and Texas.
2. Missouri
Missouri returns 18 starters, including junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who threw for 3,593 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore.
He’ll need support from still-maturing senior corners Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland, who gave up 427 yards passing to Baylor freshman quarterback Nick Florence (almost 200 more yards than he had in any other game last season) in an ugly home loss to the Bears, negating Gabbert’s career high of 468 yards.
For Missouri, taking back the North will mean surviving a difficult early conference schedule, which opens with Colorado but then forces the Tigers to play at Texas A&M before hosting Oklahoma. The next week, they travel to Lincoln for another showdown with Nebraska that would give the winner the inside track at a North title.
3. Kansas State
The Wildcats busted in their bowl-or-bust game against Nebraska to close out last season, but will try and rebound with a run at the North title. They’ll miss Brandon Banks’ kick returns, but Daniel Thomas (1,265 yards in 2009) wouldn’t mind getting his number called almost 250 times again like he did last season. For Kansas State, the earlier the uncertainty ends at quarterback, the better. Three candidates enter spring with a chance to start.
4. Kansas
The personnel behind Kansas’ missing offensive firepower last season is gone. Kansas standouts QB Todd Reesing, receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier and running back Jake Sharp won’t return, and new coach Turner Gill will try to patch back together a team that finished last season on a seven-game losing streak after winning its conference opener against Iowa State.
Sophomore running back Toben Opurum provides a nice foundation for Gill’s new offense after playing well when Sharp sat out or was slowed with injuries.
5. Iowa State
Paul Rhoads’ team showed progress in 2009, finishing the season with a win over Minnesota in the Insight Bowl for the program’s first winning season since 2005. He’ll try to improve on that with only four defensive starters returning this season.
Quarterback Austen Arnaud and running back Alexander Robinson return, but on the Cyclones’ schedule, so do Oklahoma and Texas. They’ll also face Utah, Iowa and Northern Illinois in nonconference games. Returning to a bowl for a second consecutive season won’t be easy.
6. Colorado
The Buffaloes didn’t earn much respect around the conference after giving up 54 points to Toledo in an early-season loss in 2009. They finished with three close losses at Iowa State and Oklahoma State before finishing the season with a home loss to North champ Nebraska.
If Colorado wants to dig itself out of the North basement, it’ll need Tyler Hansen to play like he did in the first half of a win over Kansas in Hansen’s first start, when the Buffaloes charged to a 24-3 second-quarter lead behind two Hansen touchdowns.
Big 12 mailbag: Recruits should spur Missouri's rushing attack
February, 5, 2010
2/05/10
5:56
PM ET
By Tim Griffin | ESPN.com
I couldn’t leave for a weekend without checking the e-mails and seeing some of the questions that the readers had for me this week.
Here are some of the best ones I received over the last several days:
L. Edgar from St. Louis, Mo., writes: Many fans and almost all the media have said that the weakness in Missouri coach Gary Pinkel's program is the lack of a running game. There is evidence to support this view: when they get ahead they are unable to take time off the clock and they are not that effective in the red zone. To me, it looks as if this recruiting class ignored that need. Do you agree?
Tim Griffin: While it might have looked like Pinkel didn’t put a lot of importance in attracting backs, I really like the signing of Greg White of DeQueen, Ark. He’s a different kind of back than the Tigers have had in recent seasons. In fact, the 215-pounder might be considered Missouri’s first true power back since Zack Abron left school. I think he can emerge into a key contributor for the Tigers if he can stay healthy.
And I also think that the addition of two mammoth bookend offensive tackles like Nick Demien and Mitch Morse bodes well for the future of Missouri’s interior line play. It’s been lacking in the last couple of seasons and might be as big a reason for the Tigers’ red-zone problems as anything else. I think these additions will help address the problems that have been there for the Tigers in recent seasons.
Jason Lewis from Kansas City, Mo., writes: Tim, I know recruiting is subjective but I'm wondering why you ranked Nebraska as the seventh-best class in the Big 12. You ranked them behind Baylor, when Nebraska's class was ranked 23rd overall and Baylor's was ranked 39th overall by Rivals. Can you explain your ranking for the Huskers? Thanks.
Tim Griffin: Jason, those were not my rankings but those of ESPNU’s talent evaluators. But I think I can speak for them that the biggest question is the lack of offensive skill players and the inability to land Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who instead accepted the offer at UCLA.
Nebraska desperately needs those big-time receivers to consistently challenge Texas and Oklahoma.
And I know I’ve heard from many Nebraska fans who claim they don’t need Odighizuwa because Bo and Carl Pelini will develop a lesser recruit into as good a player as Odighizuwa would have been.
But remember, he’s a special five-star talent. It always hurts when you lose a chance to get those difference makers. And for anybody to say that the Cornhuskers couldn't have used him don't understand the reality of how the big defensive end could have developed after working with the Pelinis.
Mike Wehling from Lincoln, Neb., writes: Tim, great job with the blog. It remains the main reason why I go to ESPN.com. What teams do you think will win the Big 12 North and South for next season?
Tim Griffin: Mike, I’ll have my definitive early answers sometime next week, but for now I’ve got Nebraska winning the Big 12 North and either Oklahoma or Texas winning the South. I’m leaning to the Sooners now, but could change my mind between now and Wednesday when the pick will be released.
The major reason I give Nebraska the edge is all of the weapons returning from this season’s team, along with the framework of a strong defense. I know that Nebraska will miss Ndamukong Suh, starting safeties Matt O'Hanlon and Larry Asante and linebacker Phillip Dillard, but I’m thinking another year of work with the Pelinis could turn Jared Crick into a monster. And I also like some of the Cornhuskers' returning defensive talent.
And I’m leaning to Oklahoma because they will have an experienced quarterback in Landry Jones with multiple starts. Texas loses Colt McCoy, but will have the inexperienced Garrett Gilbert back. I’m still working over who I think will be the best heading into spring practice and I’ll have an answer next week.
Bear Brown from Denton, Texas, writes: What do you think the Texas Tech fans should do about this whole post-Leach thing? I believe since he's not coming back we should just try to move on. Thanks!
Tim Griffin: That’s why new coach Tommy Tuberville wasted little time connecting with Tech alumni across the state of Texas as soon as the recruiting period was over. The day after National Signing Day, Tuberville was pressing the flesh in both Dallas and Houston to reassure Tech fans that drastic change won’t be resulting in the Red Raiders' program after the controversial firing of Mike Leach.
It will be interesting to see how Tech fans handle the switch. The fact is that both Oklahoma and Texas probably will be down a little next season in the Big 12 South. Tuberville has some nice offensive weapons and I’m convinced he’ll have a strong defense with the Red Raiders some day. But whether that comes next year or not will likely determine if they can challenge for the South Division title.
Tuberville has his work cut out to make Tech fans forget about Leach, the most important figure in Tech football in the last 40 years. But Tuberville is an outstanding coach who had an Auburn team on the brink of a national championship. He was able to consistently compete in the SEC. I'm thinking he'll be able to duplicate that success at Tech, too.
Steve Shoemaker of Las Cruces, N.M., writes: Tim, I loved your post earlier today about the Pro Football Hall of Fame and potential Big 12 players joining in the future. I’ve got two who I think are absolute locks. How about guard Will Shields of Nebraska and punter Shane Lechler of Texas A&M? Both of them were on the NFL’s All-Decade that was released earlier this week. I think what both players have accomplished during their pro careers should make them strong candidates.
Tim Griffin: Steve, I agree with you on both players. I think Shields will end up being one of the great offensive linemen of the NFL’s recent history. It’s hard to argue with his credentials of having made a Pro Bowl in 12 consecutive seasons and nine All-Pro teams. His work with the Kansas City Chiefs was a big reason why that franchise was so successful in the early part of this decade.
And Lechler might go down as the greatest punter in NFL history. His current career average of 47.3 yards per kick after the 2009 season is nearly a yard per kick more than the second-place NFL career punter, Glenn Dobbs. His 51.1 yard-per-kick average in 2009 was the second-highest season total in NFL history and trailed only Sammy Baugh's 51.4 average in 1940.
So it’s safe to say that Lechler’s place in Canton one day looks pretty secure if he can keep his punting average consistently high as its been during the first 10 seasons of his NFL career.
Thanks again for all of the good questions. Enjoy the Super Bowl and will check back again next week.
Here are some of the best ones I received over the last several days:
L. Edgar from St. Louis, Mo., writes: Many fans and almost all the media have said that the weakness in Missouri coach Gary Pinkel's program is the lack of a running game. There is evidence to support this view: when they get ahead they are unable to take time off the clock and they are not that effective in the red zone. To me, it looks as if this recruiting class ignored that need. Do you agree?
Tim Griffin: While it might have looked like Pinkel didn’t put a lot of importance in attracting backs, I really like the signing of Greg White of DeQueen, Ark. He’s a different kind of back than the Tigers have had in recent seasons. In fact, the 215-pounder might be considered Missouri’s first true power back since Zack Abron left school. I think he can emerge into a key contributor for the Tigers if he can stay healthy.
And I also think that the addition of two mammoth bookend offensive tackles like Nick Demien and Mitch Morse bodes well for the future of Missouri’s interior line play. It’s been lacking in the last couple of seasons and might be as big a reason for the Tigers’ red-zone problems as anything else. I think these additions will help address the problems that have been there for the Tigers in recent seasons.
Jason Lewis from Kansas City, Mo., writes: Tim, I know recruiting is subjective but I'm wondering why you ranked Nebraska as the seventh-best class in the Big 12. You ranked them behind Baylor, when Nebraska's class was ranked 23rd overall and Baylor's was ranked 39th overall by Rivals. Can you explain your ranking for the Huskers? Thanks.
Tim Griffin: Jason, those were not my rankings but those of ESPNU’s talent evaluators. But I think I can speak for them that the biggest question is the lack of offensive skill players and the inability to land Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who instead accepted the offer at UCLA.
Nebraska desperately needs those big-time receivers to consistently challenge Texas and Oklahoma.
And I know I’ve heard from many Nebraska fans who claim they don’t need Odighizuwa because Bo and Carl Pelini will develop a lesser recruit into as good a player as Odighizuwa would have been.
But remember, he’s a special five-star talent. It always hurts when you lose a chance to get those difference makers. And for anybody to say that the Cornhuskers couldn't have used him don't understand the reality of how the big defensive end could have developed after working with the Pelinis.
Mike Wehling from Lincoln, Neb., writes: Tim, great job with the blog. It remains the main reason why I go to ESPN.com. What teams do you think will win the Big 12 North and South for next season?
Tim Griffin: Mike, I’ll have my definitive early answers sometime next week, but for now I’ve got Nebraska winning the Big 12 North and either Oklahoma or Texas winning the South. I’m leaning to the Sooners now, but could change my mind between now and Wednesday when the pick will be released.
The major reason I give Nebraska the edge is all of the weapons returning from this season’s team, along with the framework of a strong defense. I know that Nebraska will miss Ndamukong Suh, starting safeties Matt O'Hanlon and Larry Asante and linebacker Phillip Dillard, but I’m thinking another year of work with the Pelinis could turn Jared Crick into a monster. And I also like some of the Cornhuskers' returning defensive talent.
And I’m leaning to Oklahoma because they will have an experienced quarterback in Landry Jones with multiple starts. Texas loses Colt McCoy, but will have the inexperienced Garrett Gilbert back. I’m still working over who I think will be the best heading into spring practice and I’ll have an answer next week.
Bear Brown from Denton, Texas, writes: What do you think the Texas Tech fans should do about this whole post-Leach thing? I believe since he's not coming back we should just try to move on. Thanks!
Tim Griffin: That’s why new coach Tommy Tuberville wasted little time connecting with Tech alumni across the state of Texas as soon as the recruiting period was over. The day after National Signing Day, Tuberville was pressing the flesh in both Dallas and Houston to reassure Tech fans that drastic change won’t be resulting in the Red Raiders' program after the controversial firing of Mike Leach.
It will be interesting to see how Tech fans handle the switch. The fact is that both Oklahoma and Texas probably will be down a little next season in the Big 12 South. Tuberville has some nice offensive weapons and I’m convinced he’ll have a strong defense with the Red Raiders some day. But whether that comes next year or not will likely determine if they can challenge for the South Division title.
Tuberville has his work cut out to make Tech fans forget about Leach, the most important figure in Tech football in the last 40 years. But Tuberville is an outstanding coach who had an Auburn team on the brink of a national championship. He was able to consistently compete in the SEC. I'm thinking he'll be able to duplicate that success at Tech, too.
Steve Shoemaker of Las Cruces, N.M., writes: Tim, I loved your post earlier today about the Pro Football Hall of Fame and potential Big 12 players joining in the future. I’ve got two who I think are absolute locks. How about guard Will Shields of Nebraska and punter Shane Lechler of Texas A&M? Both of them were on the NFL’s All-Decade that was released earlier this week. I think what both players have accomplished during their pro careers should make them strong candidates.
Tim Griffin: Steve, I agree with you on both players. I think Shields will end up being one of the great offensive linemen of the NFL’s recent history. It’s hard to argue with his credentials of having made a Pro Bowl in 12 consecutive seasons and nine All-Pro teams. His work with the Kansas City Chiefs was a big reason why that franchise was so successful in the early part of this decade.
And Lechler might go down as the greatest punter in NFL history. His current career average of 47.3 yards per kick after the 2009 season is nearly a yard per kick more than the second-place NFL career punter, Glenn Dobbs. His 51.1 yard-per-kick average in 2009 was the second-highest season total in NFL history and trailed only Sammy Baugh's 51.4 average in 1940.
So it’s safe to say that Lechler’s place in Canton one day looks pretty secure if he can keep his punting average consistently high as its been during the first 10 seasons of his NFL career.
Thanks again for all of the good questions. Enjoy the Super Bowl and will check back again next week.
Cornhuskers nab second big commitment of day with S Corey Cooper
February, 3, 2010
2/03/10
11:16
AM ET
By Tim Griffin | ESPN.com
Bo Pelini nabbed his second big recruiting commitment of the morning when touted four-star safety Corey Cooper of Maywood, Ill., accepted Nebraska's scholarship offer.
Cooper chose the Cornhuskers over Notre Dame, Arizona and Illinois.
Cooper, a 6-foot-2, 205-pounder, played wide receiver as well as defensive back in high school, but he is committed to playing defense for the Cornhuskers.
“When I visited there and talked with the coaches, I just felt comfortable,” Cooper told the Lincoln Journal Star. "I feel I can go in there and contribute."
With the loss of starters Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon, the Cornhuskers need safeties. Cooper might be good enough to contribute immediately.
His decision came on the heels of Brion Carnes' commitment to the Cornhuskers earlier on Wednesday.
It's been a good day for the Cornhuskers with an announcement set early this afternoon with Owamagbe Odighizuwa. If they can get him it would be an unprecedented late recruiting hat trick by Pelini and his staff.
Cooper chose the Cornhuskers over Notre Dame, Arizona and Illinois.
Cooper, a 6-foot-2, 205-pounder, played wide receiver as well as defensive back in high school, but he is committed to playing defense for the Cornhuskers.
“When I visited there and talked with the coaches, I just felt comfortable,” Cooper told the Lincoln Journal Star. "I feel I can go in there and contribute."
With the loss of starters Larry Asante and Matt O'Hanlon, the Cornhuskers need safeties. Cooper might be good enough to contribute immediately.
His decision came on the heels of Brion Carnes' commitment to the Cornhuskers earlier on Wednesday.
It's been a good day for the Cornhuskers with an announcement set early this afternoon with Owamagbe Odighizuwa. If they can get him it would be an unprecedented late recruiting hat trick by Pelini and his staff.
Signing day is just around the corner, and each Big 12 team is doing what it can to keep together its class while adding a late upgrade in talent.
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.
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 mailbag: Will Blackshirts be good in 2010 again?
January, 19, 2010
1/19/10
5:15
PM ET
By Tim Griffin | ESPN.com
I received a slew of comments about some of my early choices for my All-Decade teams across the conference. Hopefully, that will prove as popular during the rest of the week for the rest of the Big 12 teams as they are released.
Here's a representative example of some of the other missives I've received over the last few days.
Mike Heuertz of Iowa writes: Tim, even with Ndamukong Suh leaving Nebraska, as well as a couple other key defensive players, do you think the Blackshirts will be better next season? And what do you think Nebraska's record will be?
Tim Griffin: I talked with several Nebraska fans during my swing through the state last week who seemed almost giddy about the Cornhuskers’ chances next season.
That being said, the loss of Suh will be huge. I think he can be considered the arguably greatest defensive player in the history of the program. The Cornhuskers also will lose Barry Turner, Phillip Dillard, Larry Asante and the heart, grit and talent provided by Matt O’Hanlon.
Now I can see players like Prince Amukamara, Will Compton, Sean Fisher and Jared Crick getting a lot better gaining experience playing Bo Pelini’s defense. But it might be a little wishful thinking to hope for much improvement from this season -- considering the Cornhuskers’ big defensive personnel losses.
As far as their record, I would expect them to be one of the powers of the Big 12. They have a tricky game at Washington which will earn them a lot of national notoriety if they can win. Texas will be coming to Lincoln, as will Colorado and Missouri. A road game at Oklahoma State doesn’t look as daunting as it could be with the Cowboys breaking in a new quarterback. But an underrated challenge for the Cornhuskers might wait at Texas A&M with Jerrod Johnson and all of A&M’s strong returning offensive weapons back for next season.
Looking at that schedule, I’ll pick the Cornhuskers to go 10-2 and finish as the Big 12 North champion. Considering their returning talent and their schedule, I think that’s a relatively conservative pick.
But as far as next year's team being better than the 2009 version of the Blackshirts, that might be wishing for a little bit much -- even for the Pelinis.
Chris Henson from Salt Lake City, Utah, writes: Tim, a quick addition to the Texas A&M-Oklahoma State tidbit. The Red, White, and Blue Out in 2001 was organized by a group of students first and foremost as a fundraiser for the victims of 9/11. I appreciate you noting this event as it really shows what Texas A&M is all about.
Tim Griffin: Chris, thanks for the clarification. Like you wrote, it was truly an emotional event. There’s a picture of the stadium that is still hung in the press box at Kyle Field of the stadium bedecked for that game. It still gives me goose bumps when I see it.
Travis from Seattle writes: Tim, the players of the decade category has created quite a stir, with many saying, "...well how could X player be off the list." For the most part I agree with your list if you look at it being, who were great players, AND who did the most to influence their team's success, (thus why Graham Harrell is off, being a plug-and-play quarterback in that system although he did do a fine job).
But I propose a different category. Who were the best ATHLETES of the decade? And how about the best competitors, the ones who did everything to try to win. What are your thoughts?
Tim Griffin: You raise a good point about my list earlier being an all-around grouping of all qualities. As far as the best athletes of the decade in the Big 12 from the last decade, in no specific order I would include Ndamukong Suh, Eric Crouch, Robert Griffin, Chris Brown, Vince Young, Seneca Wallace, Dez Bryant, Dezmon Briscoe, Darren Sproles, Danario Alexander (before and after his injury), Brad Smith, Jeremy Maclin, Adrian Peterson, Brian Orakpo, Michael Huff, Earl Thomas, Reggie McNeal, Robert Ferguson, Sammy Davis and Michael Crabtree.
And among the top competitors I’ve seen include Stephen McGee, Crabtree, Colt McCoy, Roy Miller, Joe Pawelek, Jordan Lake, George Hypolite, Todd Reesing, Chase Daniel, Sean Weatherspoon, Matt O’Hanlon, Suh, Josh Fields, Brian Iwuh, Darrell Stuckey, Steven Sheffield, Wes Welker and Kliff Kingsbury. There are many others, but those are just some of the names that come to me off the top of my head. And the fact that Suh and Crabtree made both of those lists is pretty indicative of how exceptional they really were.
Fred Dodge of Annapolis, Md., writes: Tim, in reference to your top 10 jobs in college football. You have a good list, BUT the one caveat that I think goes with this list or any list is context. Most of these are still the "right-guy-for-the-right-place" jobs -- as are coaches. Being a Husker, I lean toward Bo Pelini and Nebraska as my first examples. Bo would not be a good fit for many of these jobs...I just can't see Bo fitting at USC or Florida for example; but I also can't see Lane Kiffin or Pete Carroll being successful in Lincoln. And in my opinion there are only a few guys who can shape a program around their personality. Nick Saban could coach anywhere, Urban Meyer probably could, and Jim Tressel could in most places. But I have a difficult time seeing Mack Brown outside the southeast or southwest and Bo Pelini outside the midwest. All of these guys could still coach, but I think they would struggle in fan support -- and so they would also in recruiting.
Tim Griffin: You make an interesting point, although I think that Pelini would work in more places than you might suspect. He’s a dyed-in-the-wool football coach and would succeed at most traditional powers, although I think his style best suits him at Nebraska. But I could see him being successful in the Southeastern Conference, in the Big Ten or even at Notre Dame. Anywhere they have a deep appreciation for football, I can see Pelini working out.
I think coaches like Bob Stoops, Saban, Meyer and Tressel would work most places. I also think you might include some underrated coaches out there like Mike Riley of Oregon State, Gary Patterson of TCU, Jeff Tedford of California and Chris Peterson of Boise State would be adaptable at almost any job in the country. But it does seem that the smart coaches are the ones who pick places where they are comfortable and have the best chance for success.
Kyle Zander of Fort Hood, Texas, writes: Will Chris Whaley and Desean Hales get playing time for Texas in 2010? I played against Hales in high school and the kid is the real deal, Texas needs to get him involved as soon as possible. And Whaley could help, too.
Tim Griffin: Texas needs to find some help for its running game. Whaley was hurt when he reported to practice last summer and never regained his form. If he’s willing to rededicate himself, there likely is a chance for him to earn some playing time this spring. He needs to have a big spring to get there.
Sales is in a similar situation. The Longhorns have wide receiving talent in players like senior-to-be John Chiles and James Kirkendoll. Malcolm Williams is a big strong receiver who will emerge in coming seasons and should be the team’s featured receiver in 2010. But there are catches – plenty of them -- available for Hales if he can force himself into the mix.
Brett Stamm from Keller, Texas, writes: Tim, love the blog! Keep up the good work! Has Mike Sherman, or will Mike Sherman, or why will Mike Sherman not, consider Dat Nguyen for defensive coordinator? Talk about a guy who has done an outstanding job in his current position and would bring some instant credibility with players and recruits in a program that has pretty much let a proud defensive tradition die with questionable and mediocre hires. This is a guy who was the face of and exemplified the "Wrecking Crew" tradition for four years! Your thoughts?
Tim Griffin: Brett, Dat Nguyen has been a key member of Wade Phillips’ staff as an assistant linebacker coach and defensive quality control assistant with the Dallas Cowboys. But I would suspect that Sherman probably would like for Nguyen to have a little more seasoning and experience calling defenses before he would give him the responsibility of serving as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator.
In a way, Nguyen reminds me a little of Major Applewhite as they develop in their coaching careers. It won’t surprise me if both become successful coordinators and eventually outstanding head coaches. But they need more experience to get there.
Nguyen seems like a natural to join the A&M coaching staff in the future. But I think it might be a stretch to see him as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator at this stage of his career.
That’s all the time I have for today. Thanks again for all of the good questions and keep the letters and e-mails coming. I’ll check back again on Friday.
Here's a representative example of some of the other missives I've received over the last few days.
Mike Heuertz of Iowa writes: Tim, even with Ndamukong Suh leaving Nebraska, as well as a couple other key defensive players, do you think the Blackshirts will be better next season? And what do you think Nebraska's record will be?
Tim Griffin: I talked with several Nebraska fans during my swing through the state last week who seemed almost giddy about the Cornhuskers’ chances next season.
That being said, the loss of Suh will be huge. I think he can be considered the arguably greatest defensive player in the history of the program. The Cornhuskers also will lose Barry Turner, Phillip Dillard, Larry Asante and the heart, grit and talent provided by Matt O’Hanlon.
Now I can see players like Prince Amukamara, Will Compton, Sean Fisher and Jared Crick getting a lot better gaining experience playing Bo Pelini’s defense. But it might be a little wishful thinking to hope for much improvement from this season -- considering the Cornhuskers’ big defensive personnel losses.
As far as their record, I would expect them to be one of the powers of the Big 12. They have a tricky game at Washington which will earn them a lot of national notoriety if they can win. Texas will be coming to Lincoln, as will Colorado and Missouri. A road game at Oklahoma State doesn’t look as daunting as it could be with the Cowboys breaking in a new quarterback. But an underrated challenge for the Cornhuskers might wait at Texas A&M with Jerrod Johnson and all of A&M’s strong returning offensive weapons back for next season.
Looking at that schedule, I’ll pick the Cornhuskers to go 10-2 and finish as the Big 12 North champion. Considering their returning talent and their schedule, I think that’s a relatively conservative pick.
But as far as next year's team being better than the 2009 version of the Blackshirts, that might be wishing for a little bit much -- even for the Pelinis.
Chris Henson from Salt Lake City, Utah, writes: Tim, a quick addition to the Texas A&M-Oklahoma State tidbit. The Red, White, and Blue Out in 2001 was organized by a group of students first and foremost as a fundraiser for the victims of 9/11. I appreciate you noting this event as it really shows what Texas A&M is all about.
Tim Griffin: Chris, thanks for the clarification. Like you wrote, it was truly an emotional event. There’s a picture of the stadium that is still hung in the press box at Kyle Field of the stadium bedecked for that game. It still gives me goose bumps when I see it.
Travis from Seattle writes: Tim, the players of the decade category has created quite a stir, with many saying, "...well how could X player be off the list." For the most part I agree with your list if you look at it being, who were great players, AND who did the most to influence their team's success, (thus why Graham Harrell is off, being a plug-and-play quarterback in that system although he did do a fine job).
But I propose a different category. Who were the best ATHLETES of the decade? And how about the best competitors, the ones who did everything to try to win. What are your thoughts?
Tim Griffin: You raise a good point about my list earlier being an all-around grouping of all qualities. As far as the best athletes of the decade in the Big 12 from the last decade, in no specific order I would include Ndamukong Suh, Eric Crouch, Robert Griffin, Chris Brown, Vince Young, Seneca Wallace, Dez Bryant, Dezmon Briscoe, Darren Sproles, Danario Alexander (before and after his injury), Brad Smith, Jeremy Maclin, Adrian Peterson, Brian Orakpo, Michael Huff, Earl Thomas, Reggie McNeal, Robert Ferguson, Sammy Davis and Michael Crabtree.
And among the top competitors I’ve seen include Stephen McGee, Crabtree, Colt McCoy, Roy Miller, Joe Pawelek, Jordan Lake, George Hypolite, Todd Reesing, Chase Daniel, Sean Weatherspoon, Matt O’Hanlon, Suh, Josh Fields, Brian Iwuh, Darrell Stuckey, Steven Sheffield, Wes Welker and Kliff Kingsbury. There are many others, but those are just some of the names that come to me off the top of my head. And the fact that Suh and Crabtree made both of those lists is pretty indicative of how exceptional they really were.
Fred Dodge of Annapolis, Md., writes: Tim, in reference to your top 10 jobs in college football. You have a good list, BUT the one caveat that I think goes with this list or any list is context. Most of these are still the "right-guy-for-the-right-place" jobs -- as are coaches. Being a Husker, I lean toward Bo Pelini and Nebraska as my first examples. Bo would not be a good fit for many of these jobs...I just can't see Bo fitting at USC or Florida for example; but I also can't see Lane Kiffin or Pete Carroll being successful in Lincoln. And in my opinion there are only a few guys who can shape a program around their personality. Nick Saban could coach anywhere, Urban Meyer probably could, and Jim Tressel could in most places. But I have a difficult time seeing Mack Brown outside the southeast or southwest and Bo Pelini outside the midwest. All of these guys could still coach, but I think they would struggle in fan support -- and so they would also in recruiting.
Tim Griffin: You make an interesting point, although I think that Pelini would work in more places than you might suspect. He’s a dyed-in-the-wool football coach and would succeed at most traditional powers, although I think his style best suits him at Nebraska. But I could see him being successful in the Southeastern Conference, in the Big Ten or even at Notre Dame. Anywhere they have a deep appreciation for football, I can see Pelini working out.
I think coaches like Bob Stoops, Saban, Meyer and Tressel would work most places. I also think you might include some underrated coaches out there like Mike Riley of Oregon State, Gary Patterson of TCU, Jeff Tedford of California and Chris Peterson of Boise State would be adaptable at almost any job in the country. But it does seem that the smart coaches are the ones who pick places where they are comfortable and have the best chance for success.
Kyle Zander of Fort Hood, Texas, writes: Will Chris Whaley and Desean Hales get playing time for Texas in 2010? I played against Hales in high school and the kid is the real deal, Texas needs to get him involved as soon as possible. And Whaley could help, too.
Tim Griffin: Texas needs to find some help for its running game. Whaley was hurt when he reported to practice last summer and never regained his form. If he’s willing to rededicate himself, there likely is a chance for him to earn some playing time this spring. He needs to have a big spring to get there.
Sales is in a similar situation. The Longhorns have wide receiving talent in players like senior-to-be John Chiles and James Kirkendoll. Malcolm Williams is a big strong receiver who will emerge in coming seasons and should be the team’s featured receiver in 2010. But there are catches – plenty of them -- available for Hales if he can force himself into the mix.
Brett Stamm from Keller, Texas, writes: Tim, love the blog! Keep up the good work! Has Mike Sherman, or will Mike Sherman, or why will Mike Sherman not, consider Dat Nguyen for defensive coordinator? Talk about a guy who has done an outstanding job in his current position and would bring some instant credibility with players and recruits in a program that has pretty much let a proud defensive tradition die with questionable and mediocre hires. This is a guy who was the face of and exemplified the "Wrecking Crew" tradition for four years! Your thoughts?
Tim Griffin: Brett, Dat Nguyen has been a key member of Wade Phillips’ staff as an assistant linebacker coach and defensive quality control assistant with the Dallas Cowboys. But I would suspect that Sherman probably would like for Nguyen to have a little more seasoning and experience calling defenses before he would give him the responsibility of serving as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator.
In a way, Nguyen reminds me a little of Major Applewhite as they develop in their coaching careers. It won’t surprise me if both become successful coordinators and eventually outstanding head coaches. But they need more experience to get there.
Nguyen seems like a natural to join the A&M coaching staff in the future. But I think it might be a stretch to see him as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator at this stage of his career.
That’s all the time I have for today. Thanks again for all of the good questions and keep the letters and e-mails coming. I’ll check back again on Friday.
All-Big 12 bowl team dotted by seven Cornhuskers
January, 12, 2010
1/12/10
11:00
AM ET
By Tim Griffin | ESPN.com
It was a forgettable bowl season for much of the Big 12.
But there were still enough top producers to fill out a team of top performers from the conference's 4-4 bowl season.
Here's a look at my top performers:
OFFENSE
QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Passed for career-best 418 yards and added three passing TDs to direct Sooners’ Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.
RB Alexander Robinson, Iowa State: Rushed for 137 yards -- his sixth 100-yard game of the season -- to pace Cyclones’ victory over Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.
RB Baron Batch, Texas Tech: Rushed for 100 yards, scored two TDs and produced six receptions for 85 yards in Red Raiders’ comeback victory in the Alamo Bowl over Michigan State.
WR Jordan Shipley, Texas: Overcame slow start to produce 10 catches for 122 yards and two TDs against Alabama, becoming Texas’ leading career receiver.
WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: Produced career-best totals of 13 receptions, 156 receiving yards and also matched career high with three TD receptions to help beat Stanford in the Sun Bowl.
TE Trent Ratterree, Oklahoma: Grabbed three receptions for 86 yards, including pivotal 38-yard catch that was Jones’ longest pass of game in Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.
OL Ricky Henry, Nebraska: Helped Cornhuskers dominate in the trenches in biggest Cornhuskers' bowl victory since 2000.
OL Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State: Dominant effort helped Cyclones claim first bowl victory since 2004 and only third bowl victory in school history.
OL Jacob Hickman, Nebraska: Cornhuskers’ center set the tone for easy victory over Arizona.
OL Brandon Carter, Texas Tech: Colorful lineman helped Tech roll up school bowl-record 31 first downs, 579 total yards against Michigan State.
OL Trent Williams, Oklahoma: All-American moved from tackle to center and didn’t miss a beat in the Sooners’ Sun Bowl triumph.
DEFENSE
DL Sergio Kindle, Texas: Had his best game of the season with eight tackles, 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses against Alabama.
DL Pierre Allen, Nebraska: Set the tone for Nebraska’s pass rush with two sacks, four tackles, forced a fumble and notched a quarterback hurry in the Cornhuskers’ shutout over Arizona -- first for a Big 12 team in a bowl game in conference history.
DL Christopher Lyle, Iowa State: Insight Bowl defensive MVP produced five tackles, including two for losses and one sack to lead Cyclones’ victory over Minnesota.
DL Rajon Henley, Texas Tech: Four tackles, four quarterback hurries, one sack against Michigan State.
LB Phillip Dillard, Nebraska: Produced team-high seven stops, broke up one pass in Cornhuskers’ shutout over Arizona.
LB Ryan Reynolds, Oklahoma: Produced 12 tackles (three solo, nine assists), two quarterback hurries and one tackle for loss against Stanford.
LB Andre Sexton, Oklahoma State: Produced 10 tackles, two interceptions and one tackle for a loss in Cotton Bowl loss to Mississippi.
DB Matt O’Hanlon, Nebraska: Earned Holiday Bowl defensive MVP honors with five stops, a 37-yard interception and a pass broken up against Arizona.
DB Ter’ran Benton, Iowa State: In his first game back after recovering from mid-season broken leg, notched five tackles and game-clinching fumble recovery in Cyclones’ Insight Bowl victory over Minnesota.
DB Jamar Wall, Texas Tech: Produced six tackles, broke up two passes and one interception against Michigan State.
DB Quinton Carter, Oklahoma: Notched eight stops (five tackles, three assists) and added an interception in Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.
SPECIALISTS
P Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State: Averaged 50.2 yards per punt on his eight punts, including four punts inside 20 in Cotton Bowl.
K Alex Henery, Nebraska: Converted all four field goals of 47, 50, 43 and 22 yards to set the Holiday Bowl record. His big night gave him a Nebraska single-season record of 24 for the season.
RET Niles Paul, Nebraska: The Holiday Bowl offensive MVP amassed 94 yards in returns, including a 49-yard kickoff return and a 28-yard punt return. He also added four catches for 123 yards, including a clinching 74-yard TD grab from Zac Lee.
But there were still enough top producers to fill out a team of top performers from the conference's 4-4 bowl season.
Here's a look at my top performers:
OFFENSE
QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Passed for career-best 418 yards and added three passing TDs to direct Sooners’ Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.
RB Alexander Robinson, Iowa State: Rushed for 137 yards -- his sixth 100-yard game of the season -- to pace Cyclones’ victory over Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.
RB Baron Batch, Texas Tech: Rushed for 100 yards, scored two TDs and produced six receptions for 85 yards in Red Raiders’ comeback victory in the Alamo Bowl over Michigan State.
WR Jordan Shipley, Texas: Overcame slow start to produce 10 catches for 122 yards and two TDs against Alabama, becoming Texas’ leading career receiver.
WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: Produced career-best totals of 13 receptions, 156 receiving yards and also matched career high with three TD receptions to help beat Stanford in the Sun Bowl.
TE Trent Ratterree, Oklahoma: Grabbed three receptions for 86 yards, including pivotal 38-yard catch that was Jones’ longest pass of game in Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.
OL Ricky Henry, Nebraska: Helped Cornhuskers dominate in the trenches in biggest Cornhuskers' bowl victory since 2000.
OL Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State: Dominant effort helped Cyclones claim first bowl victory since 2004 and only third bowl victory in school history.
OL Jacob Hickman, Nebraska: Cornhuskers’ center set the tone for easy victory over Arizona.
OL Brandon Carter, Texas Tech: Colorful lineman helped Tech roll up school bowl-record 31 first downs, 579 total yards against Michigan State.
OL Trent Williams, Oklahoma: All-American moved from tackle to center and didn’t miss a beat in the Sooners’ Sun Bowl triumph.
DEFENSE
DL Sergio Kindle, Texas: Had his best game of the season with eight tackles, 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses against Alabama.
DL Pierre Allen, Nebraska: Set the tone for Nebraska’s pass rush with two sacks, four tackles, forced a fumble and notched a quarterback hurry in the Cornhuskers’ shutout over Arizona -- first for a Big 12 team in a bowl game in conference history.
DL Christopher Lyle, Iowa State: Insight Bowl defensive MVP produced five tackles, including two for losses and one sack to lead Cyclones’ victory over Minnesota.
DL Rajon Henley, Texas Tech: Four tackles, four quarterback hurries, one sack against Michigan State.
LB Phillip Dillard, Nebraska: Produced team-high seven stops, broke up one pass in Cornhuskers’ shutout over Arizona.
LB Ryan Reynolds, Oklahoma: Produced 12 tackles (three solo, nine assists), two quarterback hurries and one tackle for loss against Stanford.
LB Andre Sexton, Oklahoma State: Produced 10 tackles, two interceptions and one tackle for a loss in Cotton Bowl loss to Mississippi.
DB Matt O’Hanlon, Nebraska: Earned Holiday Bowl defensive MVP honors with five stops, a 37-yard interception and a pass broken up against Arizona.
DB Ter’ran Benton, Iowa State: In his first game back after recovering from mid-season broken leg, notched five tackles and game-clinching fumble recovery in Cyclones’ Insight Bowl victory over Minnesota.
DB Jamar Wall, Texas Tech: Produced six tackles, broke up two passes and one interception against Michigan State.
DB Quinton Carter, Oklahoma: Notched eight stops (five tackles, three assists) and added an interception in Sun Bowl victory over Stanford.
SPECIALISTS
P Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State: Averaged 50.2 yards per punt on his eight punts, including four punts inside 20 in Cotton Bowl.
K Alex Henery, Nebraska: Converted all four field goals of 47, 50, 43 and 22 yards to set the Holiday Bowl record. His big night gave him a Nebraska single-season record of 24 for the season.
RET Niles Paul, Nebraska: The Holiday Bowl offensive MVP amassed 94 yards in returns, including a 49-yard kickoff return and a 28-yard punt return. He also added four catches for 123 yards, including a clinching 74-yard TD grab from Zac Lee.
Holiday Bowl instant analysis: Nebraska 33, Arizona 0
December, 31, 2009
12/31/09
12:11
AM ET
By Tim Griffin | ESPN.com
Nebraska's 33-0 victory over Arizona in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl was much easier than anyone would have ever expected. It pushed the Cornhuskers to their 10th victory in a season for the first time since 2003.
Here’s how the Cornhuskers were able to produce their impressive victory.
How the game was won: Nebraska’s defense dominated the game from the opening snap. But the real reason the Cornhuskers cruised to an unexpectedly easy triumph over Arizona was the return of their offense. Nebraska scored on seven of its first eight possessions as they charged to their most one-sided bowl victory since the 2000 Alamo Bowl whipping of Northwestern.
Turning point: On the third play from scrimmage, Matt O’Hanlon stepped in front of a pass from Arizona quarterback Nick Foles and returned it 37 yards to the Arizona 5. Zac Lee scored two plays later and the Nebraska rout was on.
Stat of the game: Nebraska’s shutout was the first ever posted by a Big 12 team in the 94-game bowl history of the conference since it started play in 1996.
Player of the game: Ndamukong Suh was playing until the end of the Cornhuskers’ victory -- long after the game’s result was settled. But considering the relentless drive and determination that Suh has always shown, it wasn’t surprising he was out with the Blackshirts until the final defensive stop. He produced only three tackles, but was a force on nearly every play for Nebraska.
Best call: Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson was determined to juice production in the offense after its struggles against Texas in the Big 12 title game. He had a few wrinkles Wednesday night, like having I-back Rex Burkhead get direct snaps in Wildcat formations. On one of the first Wildcat plays, Burkhead charged in for a 5-yard touchdown run. It helped spark him to a game-high 92 rushing yards on 17 carries.
What it means: Nebraska likely has staked a top-10 position in preseason polls next season. And that’s even without Suh, safeties O’Hanlon and Larry Asante, center Jacob Hickman and defensive end Barry Turner. But the Cornhuskers return 10 offensive starters, six on defense and kicker/punter extraordinaire Alex Henery. Bo Pelini should be loaded for a run at the Big 12 title next season.
Worth remembering: “Nebraska is back and we’re here to stay,” Pelini’s comments when he accepted the winning trophy after the Holiday Bowl.
Here’s how the Cornhuskers were able to produce their impressive victory.
How the game was won: Nebraska’s defense dominated the game from the opening snap. But the real reason the Cornhuskers cruised to an unexpectedly easy triumph over Arizona was the return of their offense. Nebraska scored on seven of its first eight possessions as they charged to their most one-sided bowl victory since the 2000 Alamo Bowl whipping of Northwestern.
Turning point: On the third play from scrimmage, Matt O’Hanlon stepped in front of a pass from Arizona quarterback Nick Foles and returned it 37 yards to the Arizona 5. Zac Lee scored two plays later and the Nebraska rout was on.
Stat of the game: Nebraska’s shutout was the first ever posted by a Big 12 team in the 94-game bowl history of the conference since it started play in 1996.
Player of the game: Ndamukong Suh was playing until the end of the Cornhuskers’ victory -- long after the game’s result was settled. But considering the relentless drive and determination that Suh has always shown, it wasn’t surprising he was out with the Blackshirts until the final defensive stop. He produced only three tackles, but was a force on nearly every play for Nebraska.
Best call: Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson was determined to juice production in the offense after its struggles against Texas in the Big 12 title game. He had a few wrinkles Wednesday night, like having I-back Rex Burkhead get direct snaps in Wildcat formations. On one of the first Wildcat plays, Burkhead charged in for a 5-yard touchdown run. It helped spark him to a game-high 92 rushing yards on 17 carries.
What it means: Nebraska likely has staked a top-10 position in preseason polls next season. And that’s even without Suh, safeties O’Hanlon and Larry Asante, center Jacob Hickman and defensive end Barry Turner. But the Cornhuskers return 10 offensive starters, six on defense and kicker/punter extraordinaire Alex Henery. Bo Pelini should be loaded for a run at the Big 12 title next season.
Worth remembering: “Nebraska is back and we’re here to stay,” Pelini’s comments when he accepted the winning trophy after the Holiday Bowl.
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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