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Joe in Omaha, NE asks: If you were in charge of matching a team (reguardless of conference) to all the big 12's bowl eligible teams, which matchups would you want to see?

David Ubben: Interesting question. Most of the Big 12 matchups are snoozers, but Texas A&M and LSU and Missouri and Iowa are decent. So is Baylor and Illinois.

As for the rest, let me see these games (all picked within reason, so no Nebraska-Stanford, aka Luck vs. the Blackshirts. Sorry.):

Oklahoma vs. Ohio State: The Buckeyes took home a BCS bowl last year, but both teams could still use a bump in their street cred. Beating Oklahoma, even if it's not an SEC team, could do it for Jim Tressel. Texas and Ohio State played a couple classic games, including a Fiesta Bowl, this decade. Limas Sweed, anyone? What a catch in the 'Shoe. Quan Cosby, too, in that Fiesta Bowl.

I bet this would be a great game. Like OSU, Oklahoma could use the prestige boost. A win over UConn would be nice for the Sooners, but a win over a four-loss team won't completely satisfy the folks who think Bob Stoops has lost his "Big Game Bob" moniker. The Sooners played a better team last year (No. 19 Stanford, also with four losses) in the Sun Bowl. Plus, if the Sooners lose this year, it's an absolute disaster.

Nebraska vs. South Carolina: The Head Ball Coach against the Blackshirts? Yes, please. I'd like to see the good version of Stephen Garcia show up against the best secondary in the country, and we could see some high-quality football. Oklahoma's Landry Jones played as well as anyone against them and put up great numbers, but I'd like to see them take on Garcia, Alshon Jeffery and Marcus Lattimore. That could be a great matchup.

Texas Tech vs. Miami. Because...obviously. Most awkward bowl game ever? Not that he'll leave, but would that be the first time a coach has ever coached against his future team in a bowl game? Might be. If Tuberville actually left, he probably wouldn't coach this game, but remember people, we're operating in an ideal world. And in my ideal world, these things happen.

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Joe Guilliams in St. Louis, MO asks: DU,What's happening with Gabbert next year? Is he coming back and if so will he start over James Franklin? Thanks, JG

DU: I'd expect Gabbert to come back this year. I imagine he feels like he left a lot on the table and Missouri should have a pretty good team in 2011, especially if he returns. (And, he won't have to see Nebraska's secondary anymore!)

He could still get a lot better, but it wouldn't surprise me if he made the leap this year. He's obviously a smart, coachable player and with his arm strength at every bit of 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, he'll make a lot of money in the league eventually.

Also, anyone who thinks James Franklin should be playing over Gabbert is out of their mind. He worked really well in the way Missouri used him this year, as a bit of a spot runner a la freshman year Tim Tebow, but nobody on that team is going to be able to run the entire offense as well as Gabbert, no matter how much Franklin improves next year.

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Jeff in Memphis,TN asks: No disrespect to the Oklahoma State kicker,but how was the Nebraska kicker not even on the list. I watched the Big 12 title game and was amazed. Please enlighten this confused southerner.

Migu in Columbia, Missouri asks: What happened to the Mackey Award? I thought my man Michael Egnew was the sure bet to get it--I mean, isn't Egnew the top in most statistics for a tight end? Or is the selection process for the award getting ridiculous to the point that statistics doesn't matter anymore?

DU: I figured there would be a lot of questions about this, and there were. I threw these questions in here to refer you back to my thoughts on the issue from earlier today.

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Bob Powell in Nazareth, PA asks: I live on East Coast and get no inside scoop anymore. What are the chances Broyles sticks around for Natl Title run?? How high in first round do you think he will go if he comes out?? How fast is he really?? Is he another Mark Clayton - which is pretty damn good. Thanks.

DU: I wouldn't rule out Broyles staying, but I think he'll leave, and it'd probably be a good call. I mentioned it earlier in the week, but he's learned a lot about the game. He's been a contributor for three years in this league. He's seen about everything defenses can throw at him. There's little issue about legacy; he owns eight of the nine major receiving records at Oklahoma. The only one he's missing is the single-game record for touchdowns, but he's had a three-touchdown game and the record is four. He's the best receiver in Oklahoma history, period.

He's fast, but he's quicker than he is fast. For an undersized guy like him, that's a big deal. Also a big deal are his hands. They're some of the best in the game. He had one dropped pass this year, and Landry Jones said in midseason that before that drop, he hadn't dropped a ball since the third game of the year in 2009, against Tulsa.

As a receiver under six-foot, he's not going to be a guy that teams will draft in the early first round, like a Calvin Johnson or Michael Crabtree, but he'll have a solid NFL career. He made a brief appearance on Mel Kiper's Big Board earlier this year, but if he impresses in pre-draft workouts, he could probably be a late first rounder, but I'd be surprised if he dropped out of the second round. Other than his size, all of his measurables should be good, and though he's not 6-foot-3, he can still go up and get a jump ball from time to time.

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Kanye West (Phoenix) writes: Yo, Dan Bailey, I'm really happy for you, and I'mma let you finish, but Alex Henery is one of the greatest college kickers of all-time! Of all-time!

DU: A strong, strong candidate for best e-mail of the season. I want to drop a "Yup, these are my readers" so hard right now, you don't even know.

We touched on the issue briefly in Thursday's chat, but the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved three rules changes for college football. A quick review:

In 2010:

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Tim Heitman/US PresswireUnder rules just passed by the NCAA, eye-black tributes, like this one from Zac Robinson to his deceased grandfather, won't be allowed.
• No wedge blocks on kickoffs, meaning no more than two players standing closer than two yards from each other. A 15-yard penalty will be assessed if they do, even if there is no contact.
• No more messages on eye black.

In 2011:

• Taunting in the field of play is a live-ball penalty, and if a player scores a touchdown, the points are erased and the ball is spotted 15 yards from the spot of the foul.

Obviously, the final rule change generated the most discussion, and Texas coach Mack Brown weighed in with a nice statement on Thursday that fell short of being overly critical of the rule change, while addressing the real concern. Said Brown in a release:

"I don't disagree with it, but I am worried about the consistency in how the rule is interpreted, especially when it can cost a team a touchdown. It can be looked at so differently by the various officiating groups around the country and a call would have such a major impact on games that in fairness, it's crucial that it is called the same way for everyone."

The idea, as stated by NCAA officials yesterday, is that the rule is reserved for only egregious examples, but Dave Parry, the NCAA's national coordinator of college football officiating, said yesterday this touchdown by Golden Tate (at the :35 mark) would have been flagged. That's hardly "teasing," as Parry called it.

He also said the penalty would be flagged "very rarely." To be fair, it's been flagged "never" as of right now, but I'll join Brown as a mild critic of the rule. Moves like Tate's happen far from "very rarely." Compare that to another example of a celebration that would be flagged: Quan Cosby's dive into the end zone to clinch the 2009 Fiesta Bowl.

While Tate's actions could be classified as mild "taunting," Cosby's are not. I can't imagine the reaction of fans if a core of that significance came off the board for a celebration as insignificant as Cosby's. And what about deciding whether or not a celebration came before or after a score? If it's close, do you go to a replay? How many eye rolls can we expect the first time that happens?

It's likely that after this week, discussion of the rule will go away. The first time it's flagged, especially if the flag is questionable, I'm sure we'll be right back here talking about it.

As for the eye black rule, it seems to eliminate a threat that wasn't really there. Tim Tebow and Reggie Bush aren't the only ones who did it. I don't recall anyone pushing real boundaries with it, and what about when people use it as a way to honor someone? Any chance for an exception to the rule?

A couple of examples that spring to mind are former Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson's "Press On" after the death of his grandfather, and the Connecticut team honoring Jasper Howard with a "6" under one eye and "JH" under the other.

I understand wanting to prevent it from getting out of hand, but it seems a bit premature and unnecessary.

AUSTIN, Texas -- On signing day, Texas coach Mack Brown brought his receivers into the film room and showed them the highlight reels of their new teammates.

“Grab and hold on now,” Brown told them. “There’s some good players in this group.”

Texas’ 2010 class included two of the top three receivers in the country (Mike Davis and Darius White), and another (Chris Jones) ranked No. 11 by ESPNU, and Brown wanted to make sure there was no confusion. The spring was their time to emerge, otherwise, the plays from that grainy video would come to life on the field while they watched from the sidelines.

“We’re always so honest with our kids, they expect that,” Brown said. “They know we’re going to play the best player, and we’re going to play the guy that competes the hardest.”

Brown provided a check-up before spring break, and after spring practice concludes with Sunday’s spring game, he’ll give them another. For better or worse, it’ll be a reality check.

“We’re going to sit down with each one of them and say, ‘you’re going to start behind the freshmen. You’re going to be ahead of the freshmen. You’re going to be even with the freshmen,’” Brown said.

With first-year starter Garrett Gilbert now their quarterback, establishing chemistry and trust now could mean big numbers later.

“Getting the speed and the timing down with those guys has been huge,” Gilbert said. “I feel like it’s developing every day and I think you can see it progressing as we go and as we’ve gotten further into spring.”

But unlike last season, when Jordan Shipley nearly tripled the production of Texas No. 2 receiver, a top target has yet to emerge.

“I’m not sure we’ll see that this spring,” Brown said.

Between Shipley and Quan Cosby, the Longhorns have had three 1,000-yard receivers in the past two seasons. Four Longhorn receivers will try to string together impressive seasons of their own. Brown says he feels Malcolm Williams, James Kirkendoll, John Chiles and Marquise Goodwin, who’s busy with track this spring, are “ready to play.”

He'll have a much better idea of just how ready on Monday morning.

I suppose the title is somewhat misleading, since I'm actually in College Station today, but nonetheless, here's a few things from my visit to Austin Wednesday.

• The team's energy is, of course, reaching a crescendo with the spring game on Sunday. The players said having past Longhorns like Quan Cosby on campus for pro day only accentuated that. Hardly a distraction, but seeing guys who are where they want to be injected some energy into Wednesday's practice.
• Mack Brown feels pretty good about accomplishing his three big points for the spring. Among those:

Getting the punt return/block game back where it was in past years. Brown's really emphasizing that in the spring, and working defensive backs Aaron Williams and Curtis Brown, as well as receiver James Kirkendoll as returners. If the season began today, Williams would be the return man, and since they do, you know, have a game (kind of) on Sunday, look for Williams to get plenty of time back returning punts.

Re-establishing the offense. Much has been made of the Longhorns' move under center, but the style change is almost as big of an issue as the personnel changes Texas has undergone this spring. Brown doesn't know just yet exactly whom he wants to feature in the offense, but a big game on Sunday with plenty of eyes watching could give a receiver or running back a leg up heading into the fall. I'll have plenty more on that tomorrow, when we'll feature Texas on the blog.

Replenishing the defensive line. It really is remarkable how much talent has come through the defensive line at Texas in just the past couple of seasons. Kheeston Randall, Sam Acho and Eddie Jones will try to make the most of their time this season, but Roy Miller, Henry Melton and Brian Orakpo are all in the NFL. Sergio Kindle and Lamarr Houston should join them very soon.

• Texas plans on making a conscious effort to prepare to be ... prepared if it loses a key player like it lost Colt McCoy in the national championship game. You'd expect the entire team to be kind of shaken when it loses a leader like that in that type of situation, and the Longhorns' play in the first half suggested that was the case. Brown's not looking for a repeat of that in any game in 2010.
• Brown compared this team to his 2008 team, acknowledging that with all of the question marks, expectations will be lowered. Not that there isn't plenty of potential on both sides of the ball, but most of that potential is unproven. "This year, there’s so many unknowns, we’re not taking anything for granted," Brown said. "We’re making sure that we’re covering every little detail." In 2008, those question marks were answered to the tune of a BCS bowl win and just one loss.

Here are some lunch links to send you into the afternoon on a cold, blustery day across the Midlands.

Call it my own version of "Chicken Soup for the Big 12 Fan's Soul."

Enjoy them.

• The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Brent Schrotenboer reports that the financially strapped San Diego State athletic department will save $350,000 by having former coach Chuck Long work as Kansas’ offensive coordinator.
• Gary Pinkel tells the Kansas City Star’s Mike DeArmond about some fond memories of his late father, who passed away last week at the age of 83 in Columbus, Ohio.
• Lincoln Journal Star pundits Steve Sipple and Brian Christopherson report about Nebraska's emerging quarterback battle in spring practice.
• New Kansas quarterback Quinn Mecham tells the Lawrence Journal-World’s Tom Keegan that he’s not a very vocal leader, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves.
• The Sporting News Daily reports that defensive back Tramone Mickens has signed a letter of intent with Texas A&M as part of the Aggies’ 2010 class.
• Former Kansas co-defensive coordinator Clint Bowen will be introduced today as Western Kentucky’s new defensive coordinator, the Lawrence Journal-World’s Dugan Arnett reports.
• ESPN.com’s Bruce Feldman lists Texas Tech and Texas A&M among his 10 teams being overlooked heading into the 2010 season.
• Turner Gill speaks to Kansas students about integrity, Jenny Terrell of the Daily Kansan reports.
• Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn tells the Denver Post he hasn’t been contacted by the Pac-10 about the Buffaloes joining the conference.
• Mobile Register columnist Paul Finebaum blasts new Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville, claiming his legacy has been “torched” by the strong recruiting job by Auburn coach Gene Chizik.
• Mark B. Evans of the Tucson Citizen lists Colorado among the teams the Pac-10 should consider for future expansion. And Phil Wallace of L.A. Observed mentions that the Pac-10’s expansion plans should begin with the Buffaloes.
• Richard Tijerina’s “Breakfast with Bevo” announces an Austin return by Quan Cosby that will benefit the Haitian relief efforts and David Thomas’ contributions for the world champion New Orleans Saints. And yes, it does seem a little weird for me typing those five words in succession.
• Tuberville tells CBS Sports.com's Dennis Dodd that his “fresh slate” approach stretches to everybody in the program – even Adam James.

All season long, I heard offensive coordinators across the Big 12 talk about how much more difficult it was to move the ball in the conference last season than it was in 2008.

The conference still leads the nation in scoring when compared to other conferences with a per-game, per-team average of 28.39 points per game.

But the Big 12's average in yards per play was down to 5.47 yards per snap. That figure ranks ninth among the 12 FBS conferences and worst among the conferences that receive automatic berths in the Bowl Championship Series.

As shown on Tuesday, most every team in the Big 12 saw a noticeable reduction in offensive production and scoring last season compared to the previous year.

That trend didn't necessarily correlate across the rest of the country, when individual conferences are analyzed.

The number of plays remained the same from 2008 to 2009, but total yards and yards per play increased across the nation. Rushing yardage and passing yardage was up a little bit across the board as well. Scoring did drop, but not by the 20.3 percent reduction that we saw in the Big 12 in 2009.

Obviously, the graduation of top players like Michael Crabtree, Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin, Graham Harrell, Quan Cosby, Josh Freeman and Joe Ganz had something to do with it. The conference also struggled with injuries to many of its top stars as Jermaine Gresham missed the entire season, Sam Bradford, Robert Griffin, Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter all were gone for most of the season. Even Colt McCoy's injury came at a critical time to limit his team's offensive efficiency when it really could have used him.

Most importantly, the Big 12 had a wealth of top defensive players last season. We'll see that in the NFL draft when Ndamukong Suh is the likely first pick of the draft. Gerald McCoy should follow soon thereafter -- perhaps as quickly as the next pick. It wouldn't surprise me to see Earl Thomas and Sean Weatherspoon both as high first-round picks as well.

For a closer examination, I looked at every conference and compared offensive numbers from 2008 to 2009. The Big 12's figures were noteworthy, when compared to the rest of the nation.


It's interesting to note that the Big 12's per-team averages were down in yards per game, yards per play and scoring from 2008. The only other conferences where this trend occurred were in Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference.

And contrasting with this trend, the Southeastern Conference's figures in all three categories went up in 2009.

These figures are cyclical. But with the departure of so many dominant defensive players in 2010, along with the return of eight of 12 starting quarterbacks next season, we might see an increase from the numbers of this year.

If that happens, maybe we won't hear as much whining from the offensive coordinators, either.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

AUSTIN, Texas -- Jordan Shipley initially didn’t have much go right during his college career.

His first two years at Texas were marked by a horrifying series of setbacks that included a season-ending knee injury as a freshman and a hamstring injury that prematurely ended his sophomore season. It seemed like his career with the Longhorns was cursed before it even started.

	Brian Bahr/Getty Images
	Jordan Shipley has recorded at least 10 receptions in three of Texas’ five games this season.

“I didn’t have any idea what would happen,” Shipley said. “But I had faith that if I would work hard and handle myself the right way, that hopefully things would work out the way I wanted them to.”

After an excruciatingly long wait, Shipley is making up for lost time, developing into the Big 12’s most explosive player so far this season.

And he wouldn’t trade any of his travails to get to the point he is at today.

“If I could go back and do it all over, I wouldn’t change anything,” Shipley said. “The injuries just made me stronger.”

Heading into Saturday’s game against Oklahoma, Shipley leads the conference in receptions and receiving yards and ranks second in receiving yards per game. Additionally, he leads the Big 12 with an average of 18.9 yards per punt return and is tied for the national lead with two punt returns for touchdowns.

Combating Shipley already has caught the attention of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops.

"It's always a challenge," Stoops said. “He’s a guy you have to account for on every play.”

Last year’s Oklahoma game represented his coming-out party. Because the Longhorns lacked a true tight end, he was moved inside to a flex end position where he produced 11 catches for 112 yards to spark Texas’ offensive attack. And his dramatic Red River Rivalry record 96-yard kickoff return pulled the Longhorns from an early deficit, helping to spark Texas’ 45-35 comeback victory.

Shipley played that slot position for most of the rest of the season, producing 89 catches for 1,060 yards and 11 touchdowns.

But with the graduation of Quan Cosby, Shipley has moved outside and has flourished this season at the new position.

He produced 11 catches for 147 yards -- his school-record third straight double-digit reception performance -- to spark the Longhorns’ 38-14 victory over Colorado. And for good measure, he also produced a 74-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter that help blow open the closer-than-expected game with the Buffaloes.

“That was one of the greatest games in the history of the school,” Texas coach Mack Brown said.

If Shipley continues at his current pace, he would smash every single-season receiving record in school history.

His multiplicity of talents was first showcased in high school in Burnet, Texas, where he was the prime receiver on a team quarterbacked by former Texas A&M star Stephen McGee. Shipley produced the second-most receiving yards in national high school history (5,424), notched 23 interceptions as a defensive back, returned 18 kicks for touchdowns and was his team’s kicker.

His knack for making big plays was apparent early in his career. As a freshman at Class A Rotan, Shipley produced 459 yards of total offense and scored three touchdowns on punt returns in his first high school game.

That was only a start. He's continued in college, developing into the Longhorns’ prime receiver, punt returner and holder for kicks.

Colt McCoy, who finished second in the Heisman voting last season and is Shipley’s roommate, believes that Shipley deserves a trip to the Heisman presentation.

“Sure,'' McCoy said. "In our offense, Jordan will get the ball. He's playing the position that Quan played last year, and the thing that sets him up is that he can return kicks and punts.”

The move outside has come with some changes in coverage for Shipley. He’s facing more direct man-to-man coverage than when he played in the slot and was mostly matched with slower linebackers and safeties.

The new position and his recent notoriety also are changing how opponents try to combat him. More defenses are relying on press coverage as he tries to get off the line of scrimmage.

That’s a little more difficult for the 6-foot, 190-pound speedster to overcome. But he’s making the most of his opportunities when they come despite the change.

“It’s different being on the outside,” Shipley said. “You’ve got to be really physical to get off the press. I don’t know if it’s harder, but it has a different feel.”

His big season almost didn’t come about. He earned a sixth season of eligibility only after petitioning the NCAA following last season because of the earlier injuries.

Shipley will turn 24 in December, causing his teammates to kid him about his advanced age. When he arrived at Texas in 2004, Cedric Benson and Derrick Johnson were still on the team’s roster, and Vince Young was in his first full season as the Longhorns’ starter.

But Shipley can't imagine being any place but playing for the Longhorns.

“It’s such a rush to be back here,” Shipley said. “I’m just thrilled to be back at Texas for one more year and having fun every week.”

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Title-game clash of the titans remains the Big 12's game for the ages 

Date: Jan. 4, 2006
Place: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.
Score: Texas 41, USC 38

After sorting through the moments that have made the Big 12's history so rich, the most memorable one was easy for me to pick.

	Mark J. Rebilas/US Presswire
	Vince Young threw for 267 yards and ran for 200 more.

All I had to do was think back to the greatest championship game in any sport that I've ever seen.

Admittedly, those are some strong words. But anybody who witnessed Vince Young's game-winning performance that night at the Rose Bowl against No. 1 USC would have to agree.

Young accounted for a Rose Bowl-record 467 yards, running for 200 yards and passing for 267 more. His 8-yard touchdown run with only 19 seconds left brought home the first undisputed national championship to Texas in 36 years, capping a wild 41-38 victory.

And making it even sweeter for the Longhorns, the victory  snapped the 34-game winning streak of a team that was judged as the greatest modern dynasty in recent college football history. USC had two Heisman Trophy winners in its starting backfield in Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush and scads of NFL-quality talent.

The game that preceded Young's late heroics only made the ending that much more unforgettable.

The Trojans and Longhorns combined for 60 first downs, 1,130 yards of total offense and only four punts. But in the end, a defensive play was the most pivotal in the game. 

USC was poised to wrap up the game, nursing a 38-33 lead. On a fourth-and-2 from his own 45-yard line, USC coach Pete Carroll gambled and tried to deliver a kill shot by calling a dive play by LenDale White.

But White was turned away inches short of the first down when he was met by Texas safety Michael Huff and defensive tackle Rod Wright among others.

That provided the opening for Texas' game-winning drive that started with 2:09 left. The Longhorns received a big break when USC defensive back Darnell Bing was flagged for a face-mask penalty after tackling Quan Cosby five yards short of a first down on third-and-12, giving Texas a first down.

Young then accounted for the next 33 yards on runs and passes to give the Longhorns a first down at the USC 13 with 50 seconds left. But after a 5-yard run sandwiched around two incomplete passes intended for Limas Sweed, the Longhorns were looking at a fourth-and-5 from the Trojan 8.

The Trojans gambled with a determined blitz, but Young scooted past them. And thanks to a crunching block from Texas right tackle Justin Blaylock, Young sped toward the right end zone in a serpentine path to the game-winning touchdown.

After Young converted a two-point play, USC had one more chance. Leinart and Bush hooked up on a 27-yard pass that pushed the ball to the Texas 42 for the final play. But Leinart's pass intended for Dwayne Jarrett sailed over his head at the Texas 25 to preserve the wild victory.

USC seemingly moved the ball at will early in the game, piling up a Rose Bowl-record 574 yards in the game. The Trojans struck first barely 2 minutes into the game on a 4-yard touchdown run by White to cap a 46-yard drive.

They were poised to score again when Bush snagged a 37-yard screen pass from Leinart on the second play of the second quarter. But the Heisman Trophy winner inexplicably attempted a sideways pitch to unprepared teammate Brad Walker. Huff fell on the loose ball and the Longhorns took control for the rest of the half.

Texas erupted for 16 straight points, scoring on its next three drives.

The binge started with a 46-yard field goal by David Pino, followed by a 10-yard option touchdown keeper by Young on a disputed play where his knee appeared to hit the ground. And Ramonce Taylor's 30-yard touchdown run extended the lead to 16-7 with 2:34 left in the half.

USC pulled within 16-10 on Mario Danelo's 43-yard field goal with two seconds left in the half. It was the fourth time during the season the Trojans trailed at the break.

A 3-yard scoring run by White enabled USC to reclaim the lead, capping a 62-yard scoring drive after Texas had been forced to punt to start the fourth quarter. But Young responded with a 14-yard touchdown run barely two minutes later to boost Texas back ahead at 23-17.

White's 12-yard scoring run boosted the Trojans back into a 24-23 lead after three quarters.

The Trojans' star power then took over. Bush raced on a spectacular 26-yard touchdown run, punctuated by a somersault in the end zone to boost the Trojans lead to eight with 11:19 left.

And after Pino added 34-yard field goal with 8:46 on the ensuing possession, USC's big-play offense struck again. Leinart whistled a 22-yard touchdown strike to Jarrett with 6:42 left to boost the Trojans' lead to 38-26, capping a four-play, 80-yard drive.

But Young was only getting started. He completed 5 of 6 passes and rushed twice for 25 yards on the next drive, capping the possession with a 17-yard scoring scamper that pulled Texas within 38-33 with 4:26 left.

And after his game-winning drive, the excitement from that ending still resonates to that day.

They said it, part I: "We never, ever, really thought we'd lose the ballgame," Texas coach Mack Brown, after his team's dramatic comeback.

They said it, part II: "You couldn't ask for anything better. This was a great football game. We gave our hearts, they gave their hearts and they came out on top." USC quarterback Matt Leinart on the disappointment of losing his final college game.

They said it, part III: "We couldn't stop them when we had to. Their quarterback ran all over the place. This is their night. It was wonderful doing what we've been doing. But we just didn't get it done tonight," USC coach Pete Carroll, on the end of the Trojans' 34-game winning streak.

They said it, part IV: "I still think we're a better football team. They just made the plays in the end." Leinart on Texas' late comeback.

They said it, part V: "The quarterback just ran all over the place. He's a fantastic player. He was the difference. And how classic was it that he ran it in on the last play?" Carroll on Vince Young's late heroics.

They said it, part VI: "Everybody showed so much heart on both sides of the ball. I said all week that it would come down to the last play of the game and it did," Texas quarterback Vince Young on his late-game heroics.

They said it, part VII: "We have Vince Young on the show tonight. We were able to do something USC couldn't do, we grabbed him," Tonight Show host Jay Leno, in his monologue  when Young appeared on his show several days after the game.

Factoids: Texas' conquest marked the second Rose Bowl comeback in as many years by Young, who orchestrated a 38-37 triumph over Michigan to account for Texas' first BCS bowl victory the previous season ... Bush accounted for 82 rushing yards and grabbed six passes for 95 yards ... Leinart completed 29 of 40 passes for 365 yards with one interception and was sacked three times ... Young was
30-of-40 passing for 267 yards ... Michael Huff earned game defensive MVP honors with 12 tackles, a fumble recovery and a tackle for loss ... On Young's controversial touchdown run in the second quarter, the play could not be renewed because of a malfunction for the monitor needed to supply different angles to the replay crew .... Both teams finished with 30 first downs, but USC had a 574-556 edge in total yardage. ... USC's 34-game winning streak that ended with the loss was tied for the sixth-longest in FBS history.  The Texas victory was the 800th in school history ... It was the first time that Texas had beaten a No. 1 ranked team since defeating Oklahoma on Oct. 12, 1963.

The upshot: Young's heroics helped boost his record as a starting quarterback to 30-2, finishing with a national championship. He decided to turn pro, informing Brown of his decision four days later.

Texas finished the season No. 1 with a 20-game winning streak. It was the Longhorns' first outright national championship since 1969. And it marked a share of their fourth national championship after claiming titles in 1963, 1969, and a shared one in 1970 with Nebraska.

The Longhorns would stretch their winning streak to 21 games before losing at home to Ohio State in the second game of the 2006 season. That represents Texas' second-longest winning streak in school history, behind only a 30-game streak from 1968-70.

USC has won 34 of their next 39 games since the Texas loss, including Rose Bowl victories to finish each season since then. The Rose Bowl loss to Texas is the only time Carroll has lost a bowl game from 2002 to the present. USC has gone 6-1 in bowl games during that period.

The countdown:

2. Michael Crabtree's last-second grab stuns Texas
3. Superman's leap. Roy Williams' tipped pass punctuates titantic defensive battle.
4. Davison's dramatic grab keeps Cornhuskers' national title hopes alive.
5. Bamboozled again and again and again. Boise State's gadget plays doom OU.
6. Yes, Sirr. Parker's dramatic catches lead A&M to first Big 12 title
7. Crouch's TD catch cements Heisman bid, beats Oklahoma
8. Sproles and Roberson stun top-ranked OU, leading KSU to its first Big 12 title.
9. Emotional A&M victory brings closure after Bonfire tragedy.
10. Roll left: James Brown guarantees victory and then backs it up.
11. When BCS meant "Boo Chris Simms" in Colorado's first Big 12 title.
12. A Buffalo stampede: Six Chris Brown TDs lead CU to first Big 12 title game.
13. Run, Ricky, run. Ricky Williams breaks NCAA career rushing record.
14. Wild game, wilder post-game rants when Gundy and Leach meet in 2007.
15. Rout 66: No, that score wasn't a typo.
16. KSU finally slays the Cornhuskers.
17. Kingsbury and Long hook up in a passing duel for the ages.
18. Henery and Suh make Colorado blue.
19. Stunning OSU rally leads to Stoops' first home loss.
20. It's never over for Texas Tech until it's over.
21. Reesing to Meier. Again and again.
22. A Texas-sized comeback -- Texas over Oklahoma State in 2004.
23. A Border War unlike any of the rest -- Missouri over Kansas in 2007.
24. Seneca Wallace's wild TD run vs. Texas Tech in 2001.
25. Baylor's "So Much for Taking a Knee" against UNLV in 1999.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

High Plains Drama: Crabtree's grab stuns No. 1 Texas

Date: Nov. 1, 2008
Place: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas
Score: Texas Tech 39, Texas 33

	AP Photo/LM Otero
	Michael Crabtree's game-winning 28-yard catch against Texas was arguably the play of year last season in college football.

It was one of the wildest plays in Big 12 history, the kind of play that still resonates after thousands have watched on You Tube.

Michael Crabtree's game-winning 28-yard catch from Graham Harrell did more than merely wrap up the biggest victory in Texas Tech history. It was also a national coming-out party for the Tech program,  pushing them to the highest ranking in school history.

To get there, they needed a miraculous play by Crabtree and a strong throw from quarterback Harrell. The Red Raiders got both on the game's last play from scrimmage.

Crabtree admitted he was guilty of daydreaming after Vondrell McGee's 4-yard touchdown run had given Texas a 33-32 lead with 1:29 left. Tech then took over after Jamar Wall returned the ensuing kickoff to the Tech 38.

The Red Raiders dodged a bullet on the play immediately before Crabtree's touchdown. Texas freshman safety Blake Gideon dropped a potential game-clinching interception on a ball that was tipped by Tech's Edward Britton.

On the next play, Crabtree snagged the long pass from Harrell deep along the right sideline before breaking the tackle of Curtis Brown. Crabtree then kept his balance, stayed in bounds and streaked into the end zone for the dramatic score.

Matt Williams added the extra point, but the game wasn't over. Because thousands of Tech fans had streamed onto the field after Crabtree's touchdown, the Red Raiders were forced to kick from their own 7½ yard line.

But Texas couldn't match miracles with the Red Raiders. D.J. Monroe's fumbled return was recovered by Daniel Charbonnet to put away the upset over the No. 1 Longhorns.

Tech had outplayed Texas for most of the game, setting the tone by scoring their first points defensively when Colby Whitlock tackled Chris Ogbonnaya for a safety. They pushed the lead to 19-0 midway through the second quarter when Harrell hooked up with Eric Morris on an 18-yard scoring toss.

But Texas charged back, trimming to Tech's halftime lead to 22-6 on Hunter Lawrence's 25-yard field goal on the final play of the first half.

Jordan Shipley provided a big play early in the third quarter when he returned a punt 45 yards for a touchdown to trim Tech's lead to 22-13. But Charbonnet returned an interception from McCoy 18 yards for a touchdown less than three minutes later to boost Tech back into a 29-13 advantage.

That's when McCoy went to work. Despite battling the effects of a bloody lip, he provided two huge touchdown passes to Malcolm Williams in a span of barely four minutes to pull Texas back into the game.

The first scoring toss covered 37 yards, trimming Tech's lead to 29-19. And on the second one, Williams got behind the Tech secondary on a 91-yard scoring toss to pull the Longhorns within 29-26.

Tech kicker Donnie Carona, who had been relegated to the bench earlier in the season after a persistent slump, tacked on a 42-yard field goal with 5:45 left to cap a 13-play, 55-yard scoring drive.

But Tech's 32-26 lead didn't appear to be enough. And it wasn't as McCoy coolly led the Longhorns on an 80-yard drive capped by McGee's touchdown run.

Crabtree had been hobbled earlier in the game with a gimpy ankle and twice was removed from action in the first quarter. But he was ready on his only catch of the final drive.

Before then, Harrell completed his first four passes to start the game-winning drive.

And after Gideon's drop, the Red Raiders still might have had a chance to win the game on a field goal.

But Crabtree didn't want to leave anything to chance, setting the stage for 2008's most memorable play by charging to the end zone.

They said it, part I: "On the sideline, I kind of dreamed that I would catch a pass and go in the end zone for a game-winning score. I do that in every game, but this time it happened. It kind of shocked me," Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree, on his game-winning reception.

They said it, part II: "It was definitely a good win. But, I coached a 13-year-old all star team and we beat Cheyenne one time and I thought that was a bigger win," Tech coach Mike Leach on the Red Raiders' improbable victory.

They said it, part III: "Play 60 minutes. You may have a second to spare," Leach, on his team's resiliency.

They said it, part IV: "All we needed was a field goal, but a touchdown was even sweeter. If you're a quarterback and don't want to be in that situation, you should probably change positions," Tech quarterback Graham Harrell on the comeback victory.

They said it, part V: "They played harder than us. They never quit. They kept fighting," Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, who was gunning for his 10th come-from-behind victory before Crabtree's heroics.

They said it, part VI: "We had a lot of problems. But to their credit they kept fighting back. All we did was score too quickly at the end. We should have taken more time off the clock," Texas coach Mack Brown, on his team's comeback from an early 19-point deficit.

Factoids: After punting after their first drive, Tech took control by scoring on their next three possessions and four of their first six in the first half. But Texas climbed back in by scoring touchdowns on three straight drives before their game-ending fumble ... Harrell completed 36-of-53 passes for 474 yards, including completions to nine different receivers. Crabtree produced a game-high 10 grabs for 127 yards, while Edward Britton added seven catches for 139 yards ... Texas wide receiver Malcolm Williams, forced into the game because of an early injury to starting wide receiver Quan Cosby, produced four catches for a game-high 182 yards ... It was Tech's first victory in school history against a No. 1 team ... The late loss kept Texas from navigating a difficult four-game gauntlet after earlier beating No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 11 Missouri and No. 7 Oklahoma State in the previous three weeks. Tech was ranked No. 6 coming into the game ... Tech kicker Matt Williams, who was plucked from the student section earlier in the season, converted field goals of 29 and 31 yards, but was pulled in favor of Donnie Carona after he had a kick blocked in the second half ... Harrell finished by passing for 167 yards in the fourth quarter alone.

The upshot: Crabtree's heroics set up the wildest Big 12 South Division race in history. In the end, Texas, Oklahoma and Tech all finished with 7-1 conference records. The Sooners advanced to the championship game by winning out on the fifth tiebreaker, despite losing to the Longhorns earlier during the regular season.

Oklahoma finished a single point ahead of Texas in the USA Today coaches' poll and six points behind them in the Harris poll. That left it to the computer ratings, where the Sooners came out ahead in four of the six elements of the poll.

Tech's South Division hopes were quashed three weeks later when they were blown out in a 65-21 loss at Oklahoma as the Sooners erupted for 625 yards of total offense.

That loss dropped them to the Cotton Bowl where they squandered an early 14-0 lead in a 47-34 loss to Mississippi. That defeat dropped them to 11-2 and 12th in the final Associated Press poll -- their highest end-of-season finish in 35 years.

Texas went on to win their final four games of the season, capping it with a dramatic 24-21 triumph over Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. The Longhorns finished 12-1 and No. 4 in the final AP poll, and arguably only one second from a perfect record. It was their highest end-of-season finish since winning the national championship in 2005. 

The countdown:

3. Superman's leap. Roy Williams' tipped pass provides OU's game-clinching TD over Texas.
4. Davison's dramatic grab keeps Cornhuskers' national title hopes alive.
5. Bamboozled again and again and again. Boise State's gadget plays doom Oklahoma.
6. Yes, Sirr. Parker's' dramatic catches lead A&M to first Big 12 title
7. Crouch's TD catch cements Heisman bid, helps beats Oklahoma
8. Sproles and Roberson stun top-ranked OU, leading KSU to its first Big 12 title.
9. Emotional A&M victory brings closure after Bonfire tragedy.
10. Roll left: James Brown guarantees victory and then backs it up.
11. When BCS meant "Boo Chris Simms" in Colorado's first Big 12 title.
12. A Buffalo stampede: Six Chris Brown TDs lead CU to first Big 12 title game.
13. Run, Ricky, run. Ricky Williams breaks NCAA career rushing record.
14. Wild game, wilder post-game rants when Gundy and Leach meet in 2007.
15. Rout 66: No, that score wasn't a typo.
16. KSU finally slays the Cornhuskers.
17. Kingsbury and Long hook up in a passing duel for the ages.
18. Henery and Suh make Colorado blue.
19. Stunning OSU rally leads to Stoops' first home loss.
20. It's never over for Texas Tech until it's over.
21. Reesing to Meier. Again and again.
22. A Texas-sized comeback -- Texas over Oklahoma State in 2004.
23. A Border War unlike any of the rest -- Missouri over Kansas in 2007.
24. Seneca Wallace's wild TD run vs. Texas Tech in 2001.
25. Baylor's "So Much for Taking a Knee" against UNLV in 1999.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Texas Longhorns 2008 overall record: 12-1 2008 conference record: 7-1 Returning starters Offense: 8, defense: 6, kicker/punter: 2 Top returners QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, C Chris Hall, T Adam Ulastoski, S Earl Thomas, DT Lamarr Houston, DE/LB Sergio Kindle, LB Roddrick Muckelroy Key losses DE Brian Orakpo, WR Quan Cosby, G Cedric Dockery, RB Chris Ogbonnaya, DT Roy Miller, LB Rashad Bobino 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Colt McCoy* (561 yards) Passing: Colt McCoy* (3,859 yards) Receiving: Quan Cosby (1,123 yards) Tackles: Rodrick Muckelroy* (112) Sacks: Brian Orakpo (11.5) Interceptions: Ryan Palmer (3) Spring answers 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Louisiana-Monroe Sept. 12 at Wyoming Sept. 19 Texas Tech Sept. 26 UTEP Oct. 10 Colorado Oct. 17 Oklahoma (at Dallas) Oct. 24 at Missouri Oct. 31 at Oklahoma State Nov. 7 Central Florida Nov. 14 at Baylor Nov. 21 Kansas Nov. 26 at Texas A&M 1. Secondary depth: Texas coach Mack Brown believes the Longhorns might have the best depth at defensive back of any team he's ever had. The group made Colt McCoy look ordinary in the spring game, continuing its strong performance from earlier in practice. It was a big turnaround from last season, when Texas produced a Big 12-low six interceptions and generated only 16 turnovers. But strong play this spring from safeties Earl Thomas, Christian Scott, Nolan Brewster and Blake Gideon make the position seem set. Cornerbacks Chykie Brown and Aaron Williams appear to have emerged as two of the most physical players to have lined up at the position for Texas in several years. And Curtis Brown and Deon Beasley add solid depth at the position. 2. Speed pass-rushers: Sergio Kindle was switched to defensive end and dominated early practices like Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp had hoped. Kindle is being counted on to fill the featured pass-rusher role so ably played by Brian Orakpo last season. But just as much of a revelation was the play of freshman Alex Okafor. Brown traditionally has been hesitant to give true freshmen significant playing time. He might not be able to avoid it with Okafor, who tore up early practices. Speed pass-rushers are vitally important in the Big 12 and Okafor combines with Kindle to give the Longhorns two of the fastest in the conference. 3. McCoy back for more: So much for any thoughts about complacency after McCoy nearly won the Heisman last season. McCoy has come back driven and appears ready to take another step during his senior season. He's returned 10 pounds heavier and appears to be the Longhorns' obvious leader on a team of talented young players desperately seeking one. Fall questions 1. Running back: Cody Johnson appeared to be close to winning the job midway through camp at tailback before he was sidelined with a left hamstring pull. He needs to report to camp this summer in better shape. The Longhorns tinkered with their power running game with Vondrell McGee and Fozzy Whitaker and all three of the touchdowns in the spring game came from the I-formation. It was a start, although the Longhorns failed to average 3 yards per carry in the spring game. Someone needs to emerge since the Longhorns can't realistically expect McCoy to be the team's leading rusher again this season. One hope could be Chris Whaley, a bruising 235-pounder who arrives this summer as the team's most highly touted freshman offensive player. 2. Defensive tackle: Texas' depth inside was hit hard by attrition after Roy Miller left. One of the best stories of the spring was the emergence of Ben Alexander, who has struggled finding the field against spread teams in the past. But Texas' depth is perilous behind him, starter Lamarr Houston and Kheeston Randall. And it got worse last week when heralded redshirt freshman Jarvis Humphrey had to quit football because of a kidney ailment. The Longhorns will need some help this summer when incoming players like heralded recruits Derek Johnson and Calvin Howell arrive. 3. Leadership: The Longhorns clearly have one of the most talented teams in the nation. But one concern that won't be answered before the season is how the team responds to adversity. Last year's team received strong direction from players like Miller, Quan Cosby and Orakpo and had a knack for responding when challenged -- such as in comeback victories against Ohio State and Oklahoma and their near comeback against Texas Tech. Brown openly questioned the makeup of this team in the spring. He won't have any answers until the season starts.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

I've gotten a couple of messages today wondering where all of the Big 12's free agents have ended up.

The most complete and accurate listing I've found is on the fine website nepatriotsdraft.com. (Hat tip to The Ralphie Report.com). Here's what they have as of late Monday afternoon.

• Texas A&M DE Michael Bennett -- Seattle Seahawks
• Kansas State DE Ian Campbell -- St. Louis Rams
• Missouri LB Brock Christopher -- Atlanta Falcons
• Oklahoma C Jon Cooper -- Minnesota Vikings
• Texas WR Quan Cosby -- Cincinnati Bengals
• Missouri QB Chase Daniel -- Washington Redskins
• Iowa State T Doug Dedrick -- Houston Texans
• Texas G Cedric Dockery -- New Orleans Saints
• Baylor T Don Gay -- San Diego Chargers
• Texas A&M CB Danny Gorrer -- New Orleans Saints
• Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell -- Cleveland Browns
• Oklahoma S Lendy Holmes -- Washington Redskins
• Colorado DT George Hypolite -- Jacksonville Jaguars
• Kansas LB James Holt -- San Diego Chargers
• Colorado DE Maurice Lucas -- Atlanta Falcons
• Nebraska I-back Marlon Lucky -- Cincinnati Bengals
• Missouri QB Chase Patton -- Chicago Bears
• Nebraska WR Todd Peterson -- Jacksonville Jaguars
• Nebraska DE Zach Potter -- New York Jets
• Oklahoma State S Ricky Price -- Kansas City Chiefs
• Kansas LB Mike Rivera -- Chicago Bears
• Kansas State K Brooks Rossman -- St. Louis Rams
• Colorado C Daniel Sanders -- St. Louis Rams
• Nebraska DT Ty Steinkuhler -- Cincinnati Bengals
• Nebraska WR Nate Swift -- Denver Broncos
• Colorado WR Patrick Williams -- Green Bay Packers

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

The Big 12 had its most productive draft in history in the first round, but failed to match those numbers in later rounds of the draft.

A record seven Big 12 players were selected in Saturday's first round, breaking the conference's previous record of six first-round draft selections in 2003.

But the Big 12 lagged throughout the rest of the draft, producing only 28 players in the seven rounds. That number was the lowest since 28 players were picked in 2007 and tied for the second lowest in conference history behind only the 24 selections in the 2000 draft.

Missouri led all Big 12 teams with six players selected and two chosen in the first round. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (19th pick, Philadelphia) and defensive tackle Evander "Ziggy" Hood (32nd pick, Pittsburgh) represented the first time Missouri has had two first-round selections in the first round since Morris Towns (11th pick, Houston) and Steve Pisarkiewicz (19th pick, St. Louis) were first-round choices in 1977.

The Tigers' six picks were even more remarkable considering they had only 15 players chosen in the previous 12 drafts of the Big 12 era starting in 1997.

Here's a look at how the Big 12 compared with the other conferences in first-round picks on Saturday.

First-round draft picks

• Southeastern: 8
• Big 12: 7
• Atlantic Coast: 5
• Pacific-10: 4
• Big Ten: 4
• Big East: 3
• Mid-American: 1

Here's a look at how the six BCS-affiliated conferences ranked in total draft picks in the 2009 draft.

• Southeastern: 37
• Atlantic Coast: 35
• Pacific-10: 32
• Big 12: 28
• Big Ten: 28
• Big East: 27

Also interesting were how traditional non-Big 12 power schools cleaned up early in the draft.

Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith was the first Big 12 player in the draft, taken with the second pick by St. Louis. It tied for the highest pick in Baylor school history, with Jack Wilson by the Cleveland Rams in 1942 and Adrian Burk by Baltimore in 1950. He also is tied with Leonard Davis for the highest pick in Big 12 history. Davis was selected with the second pick by Arizona in 2001.

Here are some other school-specific draft tidbits I came up with after watching most of the draft.

• Colorado linebacker Brad Jones was not invited to the NFL combine, but was still selected in the seventh round by Green Bay. He was Colorado's only pick -- the lowest total of players selected for Colorado since the Buffaloes were shut out in 2005.
• Iowa State was shut out for the first time since 2004.
• Despite making back-to-back bowl appearances for the first time in school history, Kansas was shut out in the draft. It marked the third time in four seasons (2006 and 2007) that Kansas did not have a player drafted. Since 1999, Kansas has been shut out in six of those 11 drafts.
• Josh Freeman of Kansas State was the Wildcats first first-round selection since Terence Newman was picked with the fifth pick of the first round by Dallas in 2003. He was only the fifth first round draft pick in school history, joining Newman, Chris Canty (1997), Clarence Scott (1971) and Veryl Switzer (1954). Freeman was the only KSU player selected, making it the fewest Wildcats picked in the draft since one player was picked in both 2005 and 2006.
• Missouri's six players selected in the draft were their most in a single draft since seven Tigers were picked in 1981.
• Nebraska maintains its lead among Big 12 programs after having three players picked, boosting the Cornhuskers' total to 62 since 1997. But the Cornhuskers' three selections matched 2008 and 2000 as the fewest Nebraska players chosen in the Big 12 era.
• Most surprisingly, the Cornhuskers haven't had a first-day selection in the last two drafts and haven't had a player picked higher than the fifth round in either draft. The last time that happened in successive drafts was in 1969 and 1970.
• The biggest Big 12 surprise in the draft might have been Oklahoma guard George "Duke" Robinson, who was projected early as a potential second-round pick but lasted until the 27th pick in the fifth round when he was picked by Carolina. Robinson struggled with an arm injury that limited his work at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. And he also missed parts of two games due to violations of team rules.
• The Sooners had five players selected in the draft, ranking only behind Missouri among Big 12 teams.
• Tight end Brandon Pettigrew of Oklahoma State (20th pick, Detroit) was the Cowboys' first first-round draft pick since Rashaun Woods was picked in the first round by San Francisco in 2004. Pettigrew was the highest OSU tight end picked in the first round since Reuben Gant was picked by Buffalo in 1974. And Pettigrew was the lone Cowboy selected in the draft after OSU had been shut out in the 2008 draft.
• Brian Orakpo of Texas was the Longhorns' first first-round draft pick since 2007, but gives the Longhorns a Big 12-best 15 first-round draft picks during the history of the conference.
• I was a little suprised that Texas wide receiver Quan Cosby didn't make a roster somewhere because of his productivity. I can only think that teams might have been scared away by his age, as Cosby turned 26 in December. His college career was pushed back four seasons by his minor-league career with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It wouldn't surprise me if he made an NFL roster because of his character and his productivity -- both as a receiver and a kick returner.
• Although Texas A&M's Stephen McGee said he was disappointed with his placement as the first player chosen in the fourth round by Dallas, he still made history as the highest drafted Texas A&M quarterback of the modern NFL draft era and only the fifth A&M quarterback selected in an NFL draft during that period. Others included Reggie McNeal (sixth round, 2006), Bucky Richardson (eighth round, 1992), Gary Kubiak (eighth round, 1983) and Edd Hargett (16th round, 1969).
• Michael Crabtree made history as the first first-round draft selection of the Mike Leach era at Texas Tech. He was picked 10th in the first round by San Francisco. He was the highest Tech player selected in a draft since Donny Anderson was picked with the seventh pick in the first round by Green Bay in 1965.
• Crabtree and defensive back Darcel McBath (second round, Denver) were the first Red Raiders picked on the first day in Leach's coaching tenure. And along with guard Louis Vasquez (third round, San Diego) it was the first time in school history that the Red Raiders had a player picked in the first round, second round and third round picked in the same draft.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

I'll be back later today with a complete breakdown of the Big 12's draft.

But here's something to watch as Monday plays out.

There are still some pretty good players available from Big 12 schools who were not drafted.

Most notably are three quarterbacks who set records and took their teams to bowl games this past season.

Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel and Nebraska quarterback Joe Ganz all went undrafted.

Look for teams to be dickering with them for free-agent contracts throughout the day.

Here's a list of some of the more notable Big 12 players who went undrafted.

• Texas A&M DE Michael Bennett
• Texas A&M P Justin Brantly
• Kansas State DE Ian Campbell
• Oklahoma C Jon Cooper
• Texas WR Quan Cosby
• Missouri QB Chase Daniel
• Texas G Cedric Dockery
• Oklahoma State P Matt Fodge
• Nebraska QB Joe Ganz
• Baylor T Dan Gay
• Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell
• Oklahoma S Lendy Holmes
• Nebraska I-back Marlon Lucky
• Texas CB Ryan Palmer
• Texas Tech T Rylan Reed
• Nebraska WR Nate Swift
• Oklahoma OL Brandon Walker

There are some pretty good players on that list. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple of them make an NFL roster if given the opportunity.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

No. 18

It only seems like sixth-year wide receiver Jordan Shipley has been catching passes since James Brown was throwing them for the Longhorns.

Actually, Shipley's injuries caused him to miss the 2004 and 2005 seasons. He emerged after those nagging injuries last season, blossoming into one of the Big 12's most consistent deep threats and a clutch returner who might have saved the Longhorns' season with his dramatic kickoff return for a touchdown against Oklahoma.

After sitting out the spring after shoulder surgery after the season, Shipley should be back ready and healthy for his senior season. A big finish could enable him to finish his career as one of the Longhorns' career leaders in most receiving categories.

That is, if he can stay away from injuries.

Player: Jordan Shipley
Team: Texas
Position: Wide receiver/kick returner 
Vitals: 6-foot, 190 pounds; Sr.; Burnet, Texas

Why he was picked: After struggling with injuries most of his career, Shipley blossomed as the Longhorns' leader in all-purpose yards last season, producing 119.2 yards per game. Shipley snagged 89 receptions for 1,060 yards and a team-leading 11 touchdown receptions. He also made history as the first player in school history to score touchdowns by reception, kickoff return and punt return in the same season. But he is most widely known for his season-saving 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Oklahoma, which turned momentum around after the Sooners had jumped to a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter. Shipley is one of the most versatile members on his team as a kickoff and punt returner and a holder on all of Texas' placements.  

What 2009 will hold: If Shipley can recover from his shoulder surgery, he could develop into one of the nation's biggest receiving weapons. It will be up to him to emerge as Colt McCoy's prime target this season after sharing the role with Quan Cosby last season. If McCoy and the Longhorns are as prolific passing as last season, it's not out of the question that Shipley could potentially catch 100 or more balls. That kind of season would be pivotal in the Longhorns' hopes at making their first Big 12 championship game appearance since 2005. And it would also cement Shipley's place among the top receivers in the school's history.

The countdown:

19. Oklahoma RB Chris Brown
20. Nebraska I-back Roy Helu Jr.
21. Texas Tech DT Colby Whitlock
22. Kansas WR-KR Dezmon Briscoe
23. Oklahoma DE Jeremy Beal
24. Kansas S Darrell Stuckey
25. Texas Tech RB Baron Batch
26. Kansas QB-WR Kerry Meier
27. Texas T Adam Ulatoski
28. Oklahoma State LB Andre Sexton
29. Missouri G Kurtis Gregory
30. Missouri RB Derrick Washington
31. Texas Tech LB Brian Duncan
32. Texas S Earl Thomas
33. Kansas State WR-KR Brandon Banks
34. Oklahoma LB Keenan Clayton
35. Baylor S Jordan Lake
36. Oklahoma State CB-KR Perrish Cox
37. Texas C Chris Hall
38. Texas Tech DE-DT McKinner Dixon
39. Kansas State DE Brandon Harold
40. Oklahoma FB Matt Clapp

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Happy Friday afternoon to everybody.

Here are some of the more representative e-mails and letters I received this week.

Drew from San Diego writes: Tim, love your blogs. I'm curious, who will have the best offensive and defensive lines in the North and South this coming season?

Tim Griffin: In the North Division, I would give Colorado a slight edge for having the best offensive line. The Buffaloes return four starters and also will have key players like Ryan Miller and Mike Iltis coming back from injuries that will only boost their talent.

Dan Hawkins has really been recruiting strong Colorado talent and we could see players like Bryce Givens and Evan Eastburn emerge during the spring to challenge for starting jobs. I give them a slight edge over Missouri, Kansas State and Nebraska.

On defense in the North, I really like Nebraska. Ndamukong Suh, who I think is the best defensive player in the division, should be a force at defensive tackle. And the return of Barry Turner at end might give them a player who could contribute 10-12 sacks next season if he's healthy.

In the South, I really like Texas' offensive line. The Longhorns lose only one starter in guard Cedric Dockery and should only be better by playing another season together. I'm looking for a big push from players like Tray Allen, Kyle Hix and Britt Mitchell and mammoth incoming freshman Mason Walters during the summer.

Oklahoma could be poised to have one of the great defensive lines in Big 12 history with the players they have coming back. Not only do they have all four starters back from last season, including All-American candidate Gerald McCoy, but also six of the top eight players in the two-deep roster from last season. And that doesn't even include Auston English, who was merely the pass rusher in the conference in 2007 before struggling with injuries last season.

And if I had to pick the best in the conference, give me Texas' offensive line and Oklahoma's defensive line. Just another reason why the Red River Rivalry shapes up as so interesting this season.

---

Steve Belch from Tulsa, Okla., writes: Tim, I read your blog often and I enjoy all of your comments and insight about players and coaches. But I also enjoy the little tidbits of information you provide about some of the non-football stuff across the conference.

With that in mind, I'm curious where your favorite stop is in the Big 12 and why do you like it the most? Also, any other particular favorites?

Tim Griffin: Actually, I hate to sound like John Madden, but my favorite stop is Texas for one main reason. I can jump in my car and be at the stadium in about an hour. I can also get back from there and into my own bed that night, which is becoming more and more important with my family the older I get.

My other favorites include Colorado (great scenery, cool backdrop for stadium), Nebraska (big-game feel/comfortable press box), Oklahoma (strong SID department really takes care of your needs) and Texas Tech (very underrated stop because of many friends in Lubbock over the years).

But let me also mention there are no bad stops along the Big 12 that I regularly visit. I can -- and do -- enjoy myself anywhere.

---

Luke Robertson from Des Moines writes: Hey Tim, I saw where you visited Iowa State earlier this week. What kind of chance do you see for them making a move back into bowl contention under Paul Rhoads?

Tim Griffin: Luke, it likely will be a long road back to a bowl game for the Cyclones. But I really like Rhoads' enthusiasm for the job and what appears to be his realization of all the work that will be needed over the next several years.

I think the hirings of Tom Herman and Wally Burnham arguably were among the most significant in the conference. Austen Arnaud being around for the next couple of years will help. But they've got to get much better quickly on defense, and that will be a huge challenge in the Big 12.

---

Robert Williams of Lake Charles, La., writes: Tim, Big 12 expatriate here stuck in the SEC's footprint, unfortunately. Thanks so much for your blogs. You give me a heaping dose of information every day.

Just curious if you think any starting quarterbacks from last year face any legitimate chances of being unseated before the start of the season. I'm particularly curious what you might think about Jerrod Johnson at my former school, Texas A&M.

Tim Griffin: Robert, thanks for the kind words. I can really only think of only one place where the incumbent isn't firmly entrenched in the Big 12 and that's at Colorado.

I think that Cody Hawkins will have to win the job again before the start of the season. Tyler Hansen showed flashes last season and Matt Ballenger has the size and the big arm that all offensive coordinators seem to love. I'm not willing to hazard a guess on who will be starting for the Buffaloes in their season opener Sept. 5 against Colorado State.

I know Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman is saying that he's giving Ryan Tannehill a shot to become his starting quarterback this spring. But I still expect Johnson to end up as the starter. I know he struggled down the stretch last season.

But Tannehill developed into a pretty salty wide receiver last season. And I don't think Tannehill will provide that much more of a boost over Johnson at quarterback to convince Sherman to move him away from his new position. In a sense, I can't see him weakening himself at another position unless the personnel boost will be a lot greater at quarterback than I think it will be.

---

Andy from Akron, Ohio, writes: Tim, give me your pick. Gerald McCoy or Ndamukong Suh? Suh has better stats and McCoy has better talent around him to take away the offenses focusing on him. I know my opinion, what is yours?

Tim Griffin: Andy, great question. I really like both of them for different reasons. As you said, Suh does have better statistics, but also has the ability to get them because of his team's demands for him. McCoy is also a great player who is the linchpin in the conference's best defensive line.

But as far as choice between one of them, check my daily rankings for the best players in the Big 12 over the next several weeks for my answer. Trust me, it was a tough decision.

---

Jackson Roach from Marfa, Texas, writes: Tim, thanks for all the coverage you provide to us about the Big 12. I couldn't live without it. I trust you are going to the Texas scrimmage on Sunday. Who are some players you are interested in watching and why?

Tim Griffin: Jackson, I wouldn't miss the scrimmage. It should be interesting.

I'm most intrigued to see John Chiles' new role at receiver. I'm hearing he's getting a lot of balls this spring because Jordan Shipley is out of action. He also would be an ideal candidate to replace Quan Cosby on the swing pass
es and jailbreak screens that Colt McCoy really likes. Those passes would really showcase Chiles' athleticism. Just a guess here, but I bet that McCoy throws to Chiles among the first several plays of the scrimmage.

I'm also curious about freshman defensive end Alex Okafor, who I've heard is really lighting it up at practices so far. The Longhorns obviously have a huge need at defensive end. Can Okafor overcome his youth to become a prime producer so quickly in his career? We'll start seeing that on Sunday.

I want to zero in on Ben Alexander at defensive tackle, particularly against the Longhorns' talented offensive front.

And I'm also very interested in watching the secondary. I think the battle for playing time among players in the unit could be as intense as any on the team. Sunday will be an early indicator of how it could play out.

Thanks again for the correspondence and enjoy the Final Four tomorrow. In my mind, it's one of the great days in all of American sports -- at least until football season rolls around!