ESPN College Football

2009 overall record: 8-5

2009 conference record: 5-3

Returning starters: Offense (9), Defense(4) P/K (2)

Top returners: QB Landry Jones, RB DeMarco Murray, LB Travis Lewis, S Quinton Carter, WR Ryan Broyles, DE Jeremy Beal, DE Frank Alexander

Key losses: DT Gerald McCoy, OL Trent Williams, QB Sam Bradford, RB Chris Brown, DE Auston English, OL Brian Simmons, OL Brody Eldridge


2009 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Chris Brown (774 yards)

Passing: Landry Jones* (3,198 yards)

Receiving: Ryan Broyles* (1,120 yards)

Tackles: Travis Lewis* (108)

Sacks: Jeremy Beal* (11)

Interceptions: Brian Jackson (4)

Three spring answers

1. O-line no longer offensive. Coach Bob Stoops tabbed his offensive and defensive lines as two of the most improved units on the team, a big difference from a year ago when Stoops called out his offensive linemen for not working hard enough. Part of the problem last season was injuries, and right guard Eric Mensik was lost for six weeks with an MCL injury, but even without their three best blockers from a season ago, the line is further ahead as a unit than they were last spring.

2. Young talent rising. Plenty of young players didn’t get on the field in 2009, for various reasons, whether it be injury, more experienced talent, or still being in high school. But linebackers Tom Wort and Ronnell Lewis, along with cornerback Demontre Hurst and receiver Kenny Stills could be big parts of Oklahoma’s 2010 team. Lewis will help replace one of the linebacker positions vacated by Ryan Reynolds and Keenan Clayon, but moved around in the spring. Wort is a likely starter as well after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. Hurst will help replace one of the corner positions vacated by Dominique Franks and Brian Jackson. And Stills could start for a receiving corps that struggled in 2009.

3. Lewis takes the reins. Oklahoma’s defense won’t be short on talent, headlined by defensive ends Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander. But junior linebacker Travis Lewis, the team’s leading tackler as a sophomore, is ready to take over as the voice of the team, talking plenty of trash before the spring game and backing it up with his play, helping his team pitch a shutout. Gerald McCoy was the heart of the defense last season. This year, it’s Travis Lewis.

Three fall questions

1. Can the Sooners stay healthy? The theme for last season was injuries everywhere for the Sooners. Stoops says confidently he isn’t changing a thing, and it’s the right move. But it won’t stop fans—and maybe a couple of coaches—from cringing every time a player goes down awkwardly. Injuries turned the Sooners from a national title contender into an eight-win team a year ago, and another year of getting beat up could add to the frustration.

2. How much better will Landry Jones be? Jones played well when forced into action early by Sam Bradford’s injured shoulder. He played poorly in games against Texas and Nebraska, but finished the season with a career-high 418 yards and three touchdowns against Stanford. Jones is loaded with potential, and Stoops is optimistic at how Jones will look after a full spring and fall as starter.

3. Do the Sooners have a kicker? Jimmy Stevens lost his job to walk-on Patrick O’Hara late last season, but the two combined were just 1-of-8 from beyond 40 yards last season. A rainy spring game did little to settle the spring debate, and a couple misses on reasonable kicks by whoever wins the job in the fall could lead to another switch.

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma probably won't be able to replace fifth-year senior Ryan Reynolds' experience or leadership at middle linebacker. Keenan Clayton's speed (4.57 40-yard dash), as a safety-turned-linebacker won't come, either.

Now, the young players stepping into starting roles will try to showcase their irreplaceable attributes.

Junior Travis Lewis is the only returning starter, but defensive coordinator Brent Venables can't even guarantee that spot isn't up for grabs. Lewis was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, but had 109 tackles in 2009, 35 fewer than his total in 2008.

"I don’t necessarily have anybody [as a starter]. Maybe Travis," Venables said. "You’ve got to earn it on the field."

Ronnell Lewis, who you might remember from earlier today, is the headliner among a crop of linebackers fighting for playing time this spring. Redshirt freshman Tom Wort, No. 85 on the 2009 ESPNU 150, is returning from a torn ACL suffered last fall and isn't quite at 100 percent yet. Junior Austin Box is the most likely to get in the mix immediately, and has started six games in his first two seasons. Sophomore Daniel Franklin and another converted safety, Joseph Ibiloye, will battle for reps this spring while still working some at safety. Sophomore Jaydan Bird, a 6-foot-1, 227-pounder, could also find playing time with an impressive spring.

But where any of them end up playing is as big of a mystery as who's playing.

"We got guys playing everywhere," Venables said. "Box playing all three. Franklin all three; Ronnell's playing two, plus pass rush. Ibiloye has played Will and Sam [both outside linebacker positions]. Trying to see who it’s easy for and trying to develop depth. Try to get guys ready to play."

For Ronnell Lewis, who most likely figures to play inside, that's just fine. Of course, he hopes to start, but where he is on the field and the depth chart isn't of prime concern.

"Special teams, defense, coming in on defense, it doesn’t matter where I am," he said.

NORMAN, Okla. -- Ronnell Lewis probably could have danced to celebrate his special teams dominance of Stanford in the Sun Bowl -- twice leveling kick returners and making everyone who watched wince. He could have done it again when he slammed Cardinal fullback Owen Marecic to the turf after an incomplete pass later in the game.

He didn’t. Didn’t do it after plowing full-speed into Kansas receiver Dezmon Briscoe’s chest on a return earlier in the season, either. That hit, Lewis’ favorite as a Sooner, forced Briscoe briefly to the sidelines while the Jayhawk offense took the field.

No one would have blamed him for pumping a fist or screaming at his opponent lying below him. But he backed off, and even a parade of helmet slaps and playful shoulder shoves from teammates could barely slow his retreat to the huddle or sideline, each time itching to do it again.

“I go out there and hit and that’s all the talking I do,” Lewis said. “I’m no trash talker.”

Lewis, a sophomore, could get a lot more chances to do his talking in 2010, with two linebacker spots vacated by Ryan Reynolds and Keenan Clayton. Lewis is working at both inside and outside linebacker this spring, and could permanently assume one of those spots this fall.

“He’ll be a big part of what we’re doing,” said defensive coordinator Brent Venables. “We’d be fools not to include him.”

Lewis’ persona, one Venables labels “mature” and “low maintenance,” stems from his roots in Dewar, Okla., the 919-person town where Lewis played eight-man football until his senior season, when the team upgraded to the 11-man game. Lewis treks 100 miles west virtually every weekend, back to the people he grew up around and a son he’s helping grow up.

“He doesn’t have a real big social network,” Venables said. “When he’s not doing school or football, that’s where he is.”

His family, friends and Dewar natives don’t recognize him as “The Hammer,” the nickname Lewis’ hits earned him and one he calls just “all right.” But when he is recognized in Norman or Oklahoma City, the country kid in him takes over, the one who wouldn’t dare be rude to a stranger, provided they weren’t trying to return a kickoff.

“All I can do is tip my hat and say, ‘Thanks,’” he said. “That was then. This is now. I’m looking forward to next season.”

For Lewis, it would be tough not to want 2010 to arrive quickly. It could be the one that establishes him as another great Oklahoma linebacker.

“He’s helped us by picking things up a lot better,” Venables said. “We talked about that today -- what it’s like sitting in the meeting room today versus last spring, and he’ll continue that development and making those leaps and bounds of improvement mentally. That will transition to physical play, to be more sure of himself and be more consistent.”

Getting a chance to showcase that improvement will mean a spring and fall spent proving he’s the one who should be sitting atop one of the depth chart spots at linebacker for a talented corps which also features the more experienced juniors Travis Lewis and Austin Box, as well as sophomores Jaydan Bird and Daniel Franklin.

“It’s one thing to go out there on special teams … and occasionally get out there when you’re ahead by three touchdowns,” Venables said. “It’s another thing to prepare and invest and play at a high level. It takes a lot -- it takes a huge commitment and the discipline to do it with consistency every day. It is a process. If anywhere along the line guys don’t invest in the process, you’ll get exposed.”

If that preparation goes as Venables hopes it does, and 2010 is a season of success for the sophomore linebacker, Lewis won’t be the one letting everyone know it.

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.

My holiday mail is stacking up, but I wouldn't think of heading into the holidays without answering a few letters from my readers this afternoon.

Jason from Sioux Falls, S.D. writes: Mack Brown recently said of Alabama: "Coaches are dealing with Alabama. We're not able to sleep," Brown said. "They've got three (Nebraska All-American defensive tackle Ndamukong) Suhs up front. That's the problem." That is as ridiculous of a statement as I have read in some time. Alabama is a great team with an outstanding defensive line, but they do not have three players on that line that will win the Lombardi, the Outland and be the number one prospect on both Kiper and McShay's boards. They do not have one player the quality of Suh, let alone three.

Tim Griffin: Brown took a little poetic license as he prepares his team for what likely will be its toughest challenge of the season. I can understand his usage of Suh as a reinforcing point -- particularly after the Longhorns’ recent struggles against the Cornhuskers.

But like you said, I don’t know if Alabama necessarily has the talent across the defensive front to match at least Suh. Even if Brown is making the Crimson Tide sound significantly better heading into the Citi BCS National Championship Game.

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Bruce M. Jackson of Houston writes: I know I'm a bit late getting into this discussion I was out of the country the past couple of weeks, but as someone who follows the south more closely than the north. I have a general question for you, Tim.

I just don't get the idea that new Kansas coach Turner Gill is some sure-fire can't miss program builder. Here is a coach who is 10 games under .500 and plays in the “can't walk and chew gum division” of the MAC. Yeah, last year was a great story and all, but they still went 8-6 and had to go to overtime to get three of those wins and get another in an extremely fluky play. I know Buffalo is near the bottom of 1A schools but it’s not like the difference between Buffalo and Bowling Green (I guess the best job in MAC East) is as great as the difference between KU and Nebraska. Again, I’m not saying that Gill will fail, but there is nothing as of yet to indicate that KU will be the best or second to best team in the North 5 years from now (which will more than likely still be determined by your cross-division schedule).

Tim Griffin: Bruce, I saw enough things in Gill’s short tenure at Buffalo that led me to believe he would be successful with a program with more advantages. I always look at a coach’s record in close games as indicative of his success he’ll have with equal talent. And as far down as Buffalo was when he accepted the job leads me to believe he’ll do well at Kansas where his facilities and talent should be in the middle of the North Division – if not better.

I like his chances with the Jayhawks, particularly because of his existing recruiting ties in Texas and the new facilities at Kansas.

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Craig Coldren of San Antonio writes: Tim, thanks to you and all the ESPN experts for making Texas the underdog in the BCS title game. Shades of '05.

Tim Griffin: Craig, I haven’t officially made my pick yet. But something tells me that Mack Brown, Will Muschamp, Colt McCoy and all the rest of the Longhorns share your sentiments.

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Jeff Campbell of Shakopee, Minn., writes: Tim, with all the players that Texas and Oklahoma are losing after this year we could have a new conference winner. Who is your early pick to win the Big 12 in 2010? What do you think are the chances of Missouri or Nebraska breaking the South's streak and winning the conference?

Tim Griffin: I think the difference between the two conferences will be slimmer than in the past. And I would be surprised if we have any undefeated teams in the conference.

But even though Oklahoma and Texas will be coming back to the pack, I don’t see Nebraska or Missouri having enough to jump past the Texas/Oklahoma logjam at the top. The loss of Suh, along with the questionable Nebraska offense down the stretch, makes me a little dubious about the Cornhuskers’ Big 12 title hopes. And Missouri will be losing Danario Alexander and Sean Weatherspoon – arguably their two most important players.

Also don't discount Texas Tech and Texas A&M, who I think could contend for the Big 12 South with a few breaks next season.

With that being considered, I look for the South team to make it seven straight titles when the Big 12 title game is played in early December 2010.

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Bryan of Houston writes: Tim, what are the rules on medical hardships? I just saw Oklahoma linebacker Ryan Reynolds’ appeal was denied. It seems with missing two full seasons and most of third with major knee injuries and then a couple of more games this year he'd get one no problem.

Tim Griffin: Actually, a “medical hardship” isn’t an official NCAA term, but a generic one used when a student-athlete is injured after participating in a limited amount of competition during a particularly academic year. They then could qualify for a medical hardship waiver granted by the NCAA.

Here’s what the NCAA has to say about it:

If a student-athlete suffers a season-ending injury or illness after competing in a limited amount of competition during a particular academic year, he/she may qualify for a medical hardship waiver which would allow him/her an additional season of competition during the five-year period of eligibility. To qualify for a medical hardship:

(a) the student-athlete’s injury or illness must occur in one of the four seasons of intercollegiate competition or subsequent to the first day of classes in the student-athlete’s senior year in high school;

(b) the injury or illness must occur prior to the completion of the first half of the playing season that concludes with the NCAA championship in that sport and must result in incapacity to compete for the remainder of that playing season; and

(c) the injury or illness must occur when the student-athlete has not participated in more than two contests/dates of competition or 30% of the institution’s scheduled contests/dates of competition in his/her sport (whichever number is greater). The number is rounded up.

Obviously, Oklahoma held out hope that Reynolds would have been granted an extra season for last season, when he was injured in his sixth game. He played what would be his senior season this year with hopes that one more would be received. There was none, so his college career will be over after the Brut Sun Bowl against Stanford.

That's all the time I have this week. Seasons greetings and we'll have more letters early next week.

Oklahoma linebacker Ryan Reynolds won't be back next season after the NCAA denied him a chance at a sixth season of eligibility.

Reynolds has battled injuries throughout his career, including three major knee surgeries while playing for the Sooners.

It will mean the Dec. 31 Brut Sun Bowl game against Stanford will be his final one for the Sooners.

Reynolds received a perfect grade from Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables for his work against Baylor last season. He sustained a season-ending knee injury the following week against Texas that kept him from returning.

He won back his starting job this season and started 11 games before missing the Oklahoma State game with a hamstring injury sustained against Texas Tech. He had 67 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Even after his injuries, Oklahoma coaches loved his techniques and the stability he brought to the Sooners' defense. That will be a big loss for them as they rebuild for the 2010 season.

T'hey hoped to build around him again during the 2010 season. It means that Austin Box and Ronnell Lewis will challenge for the starting position at middle linebacker. The Sooners also will lose starting strongside linebacker Keenan Clayton, but will return Travis Lewis at the weakside position.

It will be a Bedlam Game unlike many over the years.

Oklahoma State can come close to nailing down a BCS at-large berth by beating Oklahoma on Saturday in Norman. The Sooners are merely playing for a better bowl berth.

Those scenarios have been the other way around for most of Bob Stoops’ coaching tenure. But at 9-2, OSU attempts to conclude its winningest Big 12 season. The 6-5 Sooners have already lost more regular-season games than any previous season with Stoops. They need a victory to defend their nation-best 29-game home winning streak.

Stoops is 65-2 at home, earning him the nickname “Home Game Bob” from Oklahoma pundits after his “Big Game Bob” mystique was punctured in recent years. His previous home losses came to Oklahoma State in 2001 and to TCU in the 2005 season opener.

Here’s a look at some of the keys that will help determine Saturday’s game.

For OSU:

• Zac Robinson has to be close to normal: Despite backup Brandon Weeden’s big comeback in the second half last week against Colorado, the Cowboys’ best hopes of beating Oklahoma will rest with having Robinson back in the lineup and productive. Even with his recent injuries, Robinson can’t play tentatively and needs to be the same decisive leader both running and throwing he’s been throughout his career. Mike Gundy will consider that before deciding if he can play. But it’s hard to believe that Robinson would play like that if he’s in the starting lineup.
• Jump on Oklahoma early: The Sooners' confidence has to be flagging after Texas Tech blew them out in Lubbock last week. It appeared that Oklahoma's defense was uninterested in playing late in the game. If OSU can jump on them early and take the loud Owen Field crowd out of the game, the Cowboys should have a great shot of stealing an upset victory.
• Make their special teams special: OSU's Perrish Cox will be the most explosive player on the field for either team. If he can break a long return or dictate field position with his kickoff and punt returns, the Cowboys might be able to get some better chances to score. But he will be facing an Oklahoma team that leads the conference in punt coverage and leads the conference in punt returns. This edge will be critical in what appears to be an even battle between the two teams.

For Oklahoma:

• Get the running game going: The Sooners have struggled on the ground in recent weeks, failing to crack 100 rushing yards in four of their past six games. An inexperienced offensive line has struggled away from home, but has played like world beaters in Norman, where they have averaged 203 in three conference games. It’s amazing that experienced running backs like Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray have sputtered this season after both rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. They’ve combined for 1,251 yards this season while running behind a patchwork offensive line. Oklahoma has produced a 100-yard rusher in 33 of its past 47 Bedlam games. But Oklahoma State has not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season – one of only eight FBS. Something’s got to give Saturday at Owen Field.
• Dig down deep for some defense: The dynasty crafted by Stoops – remember that one that still has an unprecedented streak of three consecutive Big 12 titles for one more week? – was built on its defense. The Sooners looked far removed from that last week against Texas Tech, when they allowed season highs in points, total yards, rushing yards and passing yards. They will be facing an OSU team that won’t try to be fancy, but instead will challenge them in the trenches with the Big 12’s best running game. OSU has the conference’s best offensive lineman in Russell Okung and the best one-two punch in the backfield in leading rusher Keith Toston and Kendall Hunter. Oklahoma will be further challenged without starting middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds. Can the Sooners rebound and return to the defensive roots that helped build Stoops’ immensely successful program?
• Be unfriendly neighbors: It’s been a doomed season for the Sooners since the losses started piling up in the wake of the worst string of injuries in Stoops’ coaching tenure. The Sooners have little to play for Saturday except bowl positioning and continuing their home winning streak. The biggest impetus for the Sooners undoubtedly will be what they can do to spoil OSU’s best season in Big 12 history. An Oklahoma victory will insure that the Cowboys won’t make their first BCS trip, and will continue Stoops' domination over his cross-state rivals. Since losing back-to-back games to Les Miles in 2001-2002, Stoops has won six straight over the Cowboys, averaging 44.8 points per game in those victories. He’d like nothing more than to stretch that streak on Saturday.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

We're about 24 hours from that little battle at the State Fair of Texas tomorrow.

Several other meaningful games will be played that will stamp Saturday as the most interesting day of the season so far in the Big 12.

Here's something to prime your palate for what is approaching.

• The Oklahoman’s Berry Tramel writes about vengeance seekers at both Texas and Oklahoma after last year's BCS controversy.
• Baylor wide receiver David Gettis’ development as a senior is examined by the Waco Tribune-Herald’s John Werner.
• The Denver Post’s Anthony Cotton writes about the challenges faced by Misti Hawkins, the wife of Colorado coach Dan Hawkins and the mother of Colorado quarterback Cody Hawkins.
• Iowa State quarterback Austen Arnaud tells the Des Moines Register’s Randy Peterson about playing under three different coordinators in three offenses during his college career.
• Blair Kerkhoff of the Kansas City Star writes about the heat that offensive coordinators are taking around the Big 12.
• Missouri can set its season back on track with an upset victory at Oklahoma State, the Kansas City Star’s Mike DeArmond reports.
• Oklahoma’s Ryan Reynolds has rebounded after sustaining a season-ending knee injury last season against Texas, the Tulsa World’s Guerin Emig reports.
• How long ago it seems, heading into Saturday's Texas A&M-Kansas State game. The San Antonio Express-News’ Brent Zwerneman recalls the 1998 Big 12 championship game in St. Louis between the two schools – the Aggies’ biggest victory in Big 12 history.
• Todd Reesing’s first game against Colorado has set the stage for success during the rest of his college career, the Lawrence Journal-World’s Matt Tait reports.
• Beating South Division teams like Texas Tech could help determine Nebraska’s chances of claiming the Big 12 North title, the Omaha World-Herald’s Rich Kaipust reports.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Happy Friday. Here are some of the better letters that were sent to me earlier this week.

Aaron from Dallas, Texas, writes: Tim, what exactly do Texas A&M fans need to do to get our quarterback Jerrod Johnson to show up on the leader board for the Heisman Trophy vote. He’s had a great season to this point. Why isn’t he getting more national attention?

Tim Griffin: Johnson has a chance to sway a lot of opinions Saturday night in Arlington, Texas, when he plays Arkansas. Johnson has posted some really big numbers so far, ranking third nationally in total offense and 11th in passing efficiency. He’s also got a striking 9-to-0 ratio in touchdowns to interceptions and has accounted for at least 351 yards of total offense in each of his three starts this season.

But I think most Heisman voters are holding back until they see what he does against Big 12 opposition. Johnson hasn’t exactly played an imposing schedule with victories over New Mexico, Utah State and UAB.

If he can keep up a similar statistical binge once Big 12 play begins, I think Johnson will start popping up on those Heisman lists. But he’s got to start doing it against better opposition before people start taking him and his team more seriously.

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Robert Johnson of Artesia, N.M., writes: Tim, which team needed the break the most of the Big 12 teams that are not playing this week? And which team might see its momentum altered by not playing this week.

Tim Griffin: I think Oklahoma State could use the week off more than any other team, considering the Cowboys’ injuries to Kendall Hunter, Dez Bryant, Perrish Cox and Jeremiah Price. And the team that probably wishes it was playing this week – at least if last week’s performance was any indication – might be Texas. The Longhorns had their most complete victory in several seasons when they walloped UTEP last week. A game this week could have given the Longhorns a chance to build on their momentum. But it shouldn’t matter as they prepare for their conference opener next week against Colorado.

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Rodney Maxim of Bogata, Columbia writes: Do you think that the Sooners' and Longhorns' defenses this year are comparable to the SEC defenses of last year?

Tim Griffin: Rodney, yes, I would consider the Oklahoma and Texas defenses on par with what we saw from teams like Florida and Mississippi last season. The Sooners really appear to be in a groove with their back-to-back shutouts. If the Sooners can make it three-straight tomorrow against Miami, it would be the first time they’ve accomplished that feat since 1962.

The key for both teams is the strong work of their defensive lines. Gerald McCoy and Lamarr Houston provide similar work inside as the bulwark of their respective front fours. I like Oklahoma’s depth having multiple pass rushers, although Sergio Kindle can really be a force when he’s really on. Unfortunately for the Longhorns, he can be streaky at times.

I like the Sooners’ linebackers better, particularly the heady leadership provided by Ryan Reynolds and Travis Lewis’ playmaking abilities. Texas probably has a better secondary, particularly with the way the Longhorns have produced interceptions this season. The Longhorns have already notched six interceptions so far this season in four games to match the total they produced in the entire 2008 season.

But both defenses are very good and are among the best defenses I can remember in the Big 12 in several years and definitely comparable to those SEC groups.

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Patrick Rowley from Omaha, Neb. writes: Tim, I love your blog and read it daily. From what I have read, Robert Griffin sustained his season-ending injury on Baylor's first drive in the first quarter. However, he continued to play, and well I might add, until the end of the first half. Did Baylor’s staff miss something in regards to that injury, and by leaving him in for the remainder of the half did that cause more damage to his injury?

Tim Griffin: Patrick thanks for the compliment. As far as Robert Griffin, I don’t know if the Baylor trainers knew how badly his injury was until it was diagnosed with an MRI after the game. I know that Griffin wanted to go back in and was determined to play. His performance shows Griffin’s athletic ability if he could pass for 226 yards and three touchdowns on basically one good leg. I know Griffin has said he still has slim hope to be playing later this season. I would hope that he would be very careful about this and consider his future before he makes his decision. I look forward to him not only playing on Sundays one day, but perhaps even representing his country in a future Olympics. I would hope those dreams aren’t short-circuited by returning to the lineup too quickly and not letting his injury heal properly.

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Jason from Grand Island, Neb., writes: Tim, I've heard it said that one must have a short memory to play sports to forget mistakes and such. Apparently, the college football voters fall into the same category. I've seen Virginia Tech in so many of the "experts" top five rankings, it makes me sick. Following the Hokies’ ranking everybody always talks about how "good they look". And yet, Nebraska, a team that outplayed them for four quarters, but fell short barely hangs in the top 25. What is wrong with this picture, why are voters so quick to praise a team for exposing an overrated team (Miami), but failing to notice the rest of their games? And how high do you think Nebraska would have been ranked if the Cornhuskers had beaten Virginia Tech?

Tim Griffin: For whatever anybody might think about how good that Nebraska played at Virginia Tech, the fact remains they couldn’t make the plays to win the game. I think most pollsters are looking at that as the most overriding factor. And the fact the Hokies came back to hammer Miami in the slop last week only made both victories look that attractive to voters.

The Cornhuskers in the end couldn’t score a touchdown against the Hokies, struggled with red-zone problems and had two critical pass- coverage busts that caused them to lose the game. If Nebraska had won that game, I think they likely would be ranked among the top 10-12 teams, considering all the teams in the top 25 that have lost earlier this season. But the loss, coupled with the three Sun Belt Conference teams that Nebraska have defeated in a less-than-imposing opening schedule, makes them a little undervalued in the national polls in my opinion.

Bo Pelini’s team will have an opportunity to prove its mettle in the next several weeks, starting with the huge conference opener next week against Missouri. I can’t wait.

That’s all the time I have for questions this week. Keep them coming and we’ll check back again next week.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Here are some questions from across the blogosphere to prepare us for Saturday's games.

Mark Messick from Nashville, Tenn., writes: Having to endure the SEC bias on a regular basis in this area and also knowing you're from the Mid-South area originally, how do you explain to people that the Big 12 isn’t that far removed from the SEC when all they do is harp on our conference's lack of defense? You've witnessed southern football and now southwest football. Is there really that much of a difference in terms of competitiveness and talent? I mean, OU squandered a lot of chances and still was in the game in the fourth quarter against Florida last year in the BCS title game. Remember, people were saying that Florida was supposedly unbeatable. What gives?

Tim Griffin: Mark, you bring up an interesting point. I don’t think that the SEC is that much better than the Big 12, although the bowl wins picked up last season by Florida over Oklahoma and Mississippi over Texas Tech were convincing, physical victories that gave the Big 12’s detractors some pause.

I did grow up in the South and watched a lot of SEC football in my day. I grew up listening to the "Pick of the Dixie" radio network every Saturday afternoon in those pre-cable days. Heck, I still do follow the SEC when I have the chance. I like the offense played in the Big 12 a little bit better, but I can go "old school" with the best of them and watch a game like South Carolina's 7-3 yawnfest over North Carolina State.

I think one reason for this offensive slant in the Big 12 can be seen by really examining Texas high school football, which serves as the primary talent area for the Big 12. The state has seen a proliferation of spread offenses over the last 10 years and seems to do a strong job in producing quarterbacks and receivers. I think the best athletes at Texas high schools typically end up playing quarterback or wide receiver. Twenty years ago, these athletes might have played at running back, but that is changing.

In the South, I think these athletes are often directed to defensive positions first. It helps the defensive-first attitude I think you see in the Southeastern Conference.

For the Big 12 to turn that national perception, it needs to win some games against nonconference opponents where the conference's defenses play well.

A big first step would be strong performances by teams like Oklahoma State and Baylor on Saturday in showdown games against teams from other BCS conferences that should be tight.

The only way the Big 12 changes the hearts and minds of those fans will be by playing a little defense.

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Roggan from Houston, Texas, writes: In a few separate articles you say Oklahoma has a better defense and better offense than Texas, but pick Texas to win. What is the difference maker be it special teams/coaching/whatever?

Tim Griffin: As you saw by my rankings in offense and defense, the Sooners have slight advantages over Texas. I think the special teams edge makes up for that. If you remember last year, Jordan Shipley’s huge kickoff return for a touchdown turned the game around. I think you can say that difference -- and certainly Ryan Reynolds’ injury -- helped catapult the Longhorns to the victory.

Even with Texas’ loss of tight ends, I don’t think the Longhorns have been hit with as many key early losses as the Sooners. The loss of Tom Wort and the potential departure of Mike Balogun could be devastating for Oklahoma's middle linebackers, particularly considering the lack of experienced depth there for the Sooners. And an extended absence for Jermaine Gresham at tight end could rob the Sooners of their most consistent receiving playmaker.

As I said before, the margin isn’t very much between the two teams. But I still like Texas, barely.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

So much for half-stepping its way into the 2009 season.

Oklahoma’s defense will be facing an immediate challenge in their opener Saturday night when the Sooners face BYU’s vaunted passing attack.

Even as some teams choose to start the season against directional schools and other FCS fodder, Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy couldn’t be more excited about the Sooners’ first game.

“I love the fact that we are playing these guys,” McCoy said. “It gives us a challenge at the beginning of the year that’s good for us. I’m licking my chops to be playing BYU, because as a defense, you want those challenges.”

The Sooners will be tested by a typically strong BYU passing game keyed by tight end Dennis Pitta and quarterback Max Hall, who led the Cougars to the 2007 Mountain West Conference title.

But Hall’s stature has diminished after his struggling 2008 finish when he threw six interceptions and one touchdown in his final two games. Not coincidentally, the Cougars lost both games to finish a 10-3 season with a Las Vegas Bowl loss to Arizona.

“There were games last year that I was really good in, and there were games last year that I wasn't so good in," Hall told the Salt Lake City Deseret News. "I take that as a learning experience. Hopefully this year, for the most part, I feel very comfortable back there and I can lead the offense in the right direction."

The Sooners’ success against BYU will hinge on making Hall uncomfortable. With three-deep talent at every defensive line position, the quick and athletic Sooners should be ready for a BYU offensive line that has struggled with injuries throughout summer camp.

If the Sooners’ linemen can make plays and reduce the reliance on blitzes in Saturday’s game, Oklahoma should be in good shape.

McCoy is a preseason All-Big 12 pick, but he is ably supported by a strong cast both at defensive tackle and defensive end.

“When you consider Auston English, Frank Alexander and Jeremy Beal, those are as good a group as any we’ve had at defensive end,” Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. “And then with Gerald and (defensive tackle Adrian) Taylor and DeMarcus Granger inside, all those guys have played really, really well. I think we’ve got a chance to be a special group in there.”

One area of concern for Oklahoma is at middle linebacker where two backups to starter Ryan Reynolds are out of the lineup. Freshman Tom Wort was challenging for playing time before he sustained a season-ending knee injury midway through training camp. And backup Mike Balogun will not play against BYU while the details of his lawsuit against the NCAA are being settled.

Reynolds missed the last eight games of last season after sustaining a season-ending knee injury against Texas. His recovery has gone nicely and he feels ready to pick up where he left off before his injury occurred.

“We feel good about what we’ve got,” Reynolds said. “The chemistry is there like before. This can be a special defense if we keep growing and working. I’m excited to play a game and see what we’ve got.”

Despite Wort’s injury and Balogun’s iffy status, Stoops remains excited about his defensive talent.

The Sooners return nine defensive starters and should have one of the nation’s premier defenses. Depth in the trenches is the foundation on which the unit’s growth will be built.

“To me, your best defenses always start up front,” Stoops said. “I really love our front four guys and our linebackers. I’m very hopeful that we have a really special defense. And with this group, we have a chance to be one.”

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Oklahoma linebacker Mike Balogun's attorney Woody Glass told the Oklahoman that today's temporary injunction hearing in Cleveland County District Court against the NCAA has been cancelled as he works on an agreement that could have his client eligibility restored outside the courts.

"Our hope is to get all this information that I've uncovered the last several weeks back to the NCAA and let them make a decision,

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Oklahoma freshman linebacker Tom Wort's knee injury could have some serious consequences for the Sooners.

Oklahoma coaches have been impressed with Wort, whose speed and natural athleticism made him one of the team's most notable additions at the position in recent years.

And it comes at a position that could be developing into a liability because of depth.

Ryan Reynolds has made a strong recovery from knee surgery after missing the final eight games last season. Reynolds has been hampered with a slight hamstring pull earlier in training camp and has struggled staying away from injuries in the past.

Mike Balogun is a member of the team -- for now. But there's no indication his lawsuit against the NCAA will be successful as he petitions for his final year of eligibility after he was de-certified last week. His status on the team is iffy.

It could mean the Sooners again will switch sophomore Austin Box to back up Reynolds. He started there for four games last season. Box is currently working as the backup at weak-side linebacker behind starter Travis Lewis.

It wasn't a stretch to see Wort immediately contributing on special teams and in the playing rotation. Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables has never hesistated using young players in the past. Lewis was the Sooners' top linebacker last season as a redshirt freshman.

The Sooners' linebacking corps looked like one of the team's most imposing strengths before training camp began. But the recent attrition and injuries with Balogun and Wort have contributed  to make it team's biggest current defensive question.  

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

The pundits over at College Football News had an interesting project a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to discuss before the start of the season.

Their group ranked the top 200 players in the country, starting with Florida quarterback Tim Tebow at No. 1.

Their list had a decided crimson-and-cream hue to it with more Oklahoma players -- by far -- than any other team in the country.

The Sooners had 10 players selected. Penn State was next with six players, followed by Florida, Virginia Tech and USC with five players apiece. Oklahoma State, Texas and Kansas were among the team with four players apiece.

Here's a list of the Big 12 players who were selected with their rankings in parenthesis.

Oklahoma (10): QB Sam Bradford (5), DT Gerald McCoy (8), TE Jermaine Gresham (20), T Trent Williams (47), CB Dominique Franks (T141), LB Travis Lewis (142), RB DeMarco Murray (148), LB Ryan Reynolds (173), DE Jeremy Beal (182), RB Chris Brown (185).

Kansas (4): QB Todd Reesing (31), WR Dezmon Briscoe (74), WR Kerry Meier (135), S Darrell Stuckey (T141).

Oklahoma State (4): WR Dez Bryant (7), T Russell Okung (38), QB Zac Robinson (39), RB Kendall Hunter (49).

Texas (4): QB Colt McCoy (4), DE-LB Sergio Kindle (19), T Adam Ulatoski (122), DT Lamarr Houston (152).

Baylor (3): QB Robert Griffin (37), LB Joe Pawelek (73), S Jordan Lake (126).

Missouri (2): LB Sean Weatherspoon (17), RB Derrick Washington (118).

Nebraska (2): DT Ndamukong Suh (10), DE Pierre Allen (170).

Colorado (1): RB Darrell Scott (116)

None selected: Iowa State, Kansas State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech

As expected, the Big 12's offensive reputation dominates with 17 players from that side of the ball, compared with 13 defensive players. And the 21-9 edge that the South Division enjoys isn't actually as one-sided as nearly every all-conference team that I saw.

But it again exhibits the star power of the conference when 30 of the top 200 players -- a cool 15 percent -- will be playing in the Big 12 this season.

I'll check back tomorrow with this list broken down by opposing nonconference players that Big 12 teams will be seeing in their nonconference games.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

In connection with my conference previews today, here are a few predictions I've got for the upcoming season.

1. Offensive player of the year: Colt McCoy, Texas -- He likely won't pile up the massive numbers of last season, particularly rushing. But it won't matter as he'll direct his team to the championship game this time around and continue his phenomenal accuracy.

2. Defensive player of the year: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska -- Look for him to lead the Cornhuskers in tackles again this season -- an amazing statistical feat for a defensive tackle. And he'll even dabble around the goal line as the conference's biggest blocking back.

3. Newcomer of the year: Phil Taylor, Baylor -- If he's as good as advertised, he could transform the Bears' weak interior defense into a strength that could catapult them into a bowl game.

4. Comeback player of the year: Ryan Reynolds, Oklahoma -- He's back healthy and ready to lead the Oklahoma defense after missing the second half of last season with a knee injury.

5. Freshman of the year: Christine Michael, Texas A&M -- The Aggies' weak running game should get an immediate infusion from this talented and imposing breakaway threat.

6. Most exciting player: Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State -- Whether contributing as a receiver or a punt returner, he'll be a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

7. Coach of the year: Art Briles, Baylor -- If he can end the conference's longest bowl drought, who better to earn this honor?

8. Game of the year: Texas vs. Oklahoma in Dallas, Oct. 17 -- Is there really any other? The South Division's balance of powers should be set in this game again as the division's winner likely will come from this game for the 11th straight season.

9. Surprise team of the year: Kansas State -- Don't be surprised if Bill Snyder snatches a couple of upsets and boosts his team into bowl contention in late November.

10. Team that will disappoint: Oklahoma State -- The Cowboys will be a solid bowl team but won't live up to the preseason hype that has thrown them into the preseason top 10 as a potential BCS surprise team.