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We're moving on with our postseason position rankings. Today, it's time for linebackers. If you missed it, here's how I ranked them in the preseason.

At this position, depth is a major factor in these rankings. Additionally, I included nickelbacks in this grouping. Hybrid defensive end/linebackers will be grouped with defensive lines.

More postseason position rankings:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs
• Receivers/tight ends

1. Iowa State: The Cyclones top the list after a huge year from their outstanding duo, Jake Knott and A.J. Klein. They combined for 231 tackles in 2011, both finishing among the top four in the Big 12 in tackles. They had 241 together in 2010, but this season Knott played through injuries and Klein was awarded co-Defensive Player of the Year honors from the league's coaches.

2. Texas: The Longhorns will sorely miss an outstanding duo of their own with tons of experience. Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho are both NFL-bound after combining for 215 tackles.

3. Oklahoma: The Sooners weren't quite as good as expected in 2011, but part of that was because of a Travis Lewis preseason toe injury that slowed him for much of the season. Lewis, Tony Jefferson and Tom Wort all topped 70 tackles in 2011, and are a solid group.

4. Kansas State: Arthur Brown reinvigorated this group, finishing eighth in the Big 12 with 101 tackles, but the Wildcats linebackers were more than just Brown. Tre Walker and converted safety Emmanuel Lamur combined for 135 stops and helped lead one of the league's most underrated units and a much-improved run defense.

5. Texas A&M: The Aggies' backers were big pass-rushers, though they struggled in coverage this season. Sean Porter was the Big 12's sack champion with 9.5, and Caleb Russell and Jonathan Stewart combined for six more. Damontre Moore is the rawest talent of the bunch, but built on that in 2011, making 72 tackles.

6. Oklahoma State: OSU's group was good, but not great. Alex Elkins' crazy story came to an end with 90 stops in 2011. He showed up everywhere for the Cowboys, but reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year Shaun Lewis didn't quite have the sophomore season some had hoped. Caleb Lavey added some solid play for the turnover-hungry unit, producing 74 tackles and five tackles for loss.

7. Missouri: Zaviar Gooden wasn't quite the impact player Mizzou had hoped, but he was solid alongside a group that's been injury prone over the past two years. Sophomore Andrew Wilson emerged as the team's top tackler with 98 stops, and Luke Lambert added 82 more. A high ankle sprain in the season opener kept Will Ebner off the field, but he'll be back in 2012 after the NCAA granted him a fifth year of eligibility.

8. Kansas: Steven Johnson led the Big 12 with 119 tackles, but the rest of the unit left a lot to be desired. Darius Willis has some potential, but the rest of the team's linebackers have their work cut out for them in 2012. Tunde Bakare also returns from a unit that ranked ninth in the Big 12 in rushing defense.

9. Baylor: The Bears needed help just about everywhere. Elliot Coffey was solid, and finished tied for fourth with 114 stops, but Baylor was eighth in the Big 12 in rush defense. Baylor has solid athlete in the secondary and on the defensive line, but at linebacker, Rodney Chadwick and Brody Trahan leave a bit to be desired. Ahmad Dixon was better in 2011, but still has a lot of potential that needs to be filled.

10. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders are looking for a new defensive coordinator and the 4-2-5 made a short stop in Lubbock. The Red Raiders were awful everywhere on defense, but especially up front. Nobody in college football was worse at stopping the run, and D.J. Johnson, Daniel Cobb and Cqulin Hubert turned in forgettable performances. Time to get better for 2012.

Our countdown of the Big 12's top 25 players continues. The official list is locked away in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we're revealing a new member of the list every day.

Here's a quick rundown on my criteria for this list.

We're in the top 10 now, officially. That means it could be a little heated from here on. Got beef? Send it to my mailbag, and we'll have a later post logging and answering your complaints.

No. 10: Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M

2011 numbers: Made 79 tackles (50 solo), including 17 tackles for loss. He also made 9.5 sacks and broke up two passes. Forced a fumble.

Most recent ranking: Porter was unranked in our preseason list of the top 25 players.

Making the case for Porter: Texas A&M's defensive line had a tough time producing pressure and getting sacks in Tim DeRuyter's 3-4, but Porter provided another level of pass rush that helped push Texas A&M to the national title in sacks, with 51. (That's a thing, right?)

His total of 9.5 sacks gave him the Big 12 sack title, and he finished third in the league with 17 tackles for loss. His pass rush won't quite be as valuable in the SEC, but the 6-foot-2, 230-pounder should be poised for a great year as a senior in 2012.

Porter was on pace for a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year nod, but was held without a sack in five of his seven final games, notching just two sacks in that period.

He made just five tackles for loss in his final five games, and was shut out in two of those games. He's got great speed and great flexibility that allows him to dip his inside shoulder on the edge like Von Miller used to.

It wasn't quite the season it looked like it might be early on, but Porter put together a huge year and earned plenty of respect heading into 2012.

The rest of the list:

• No. 11: Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor
• No. 12: Jake Knott, LB, Iowa State
• No. 13: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 14: Henry Josey, RB, Missouri
• No. 15: Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 16: Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas
• No. 17: Kelechi Osemele, LT, Iowa State
• No. 18: Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 19: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
• No. 20: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
• No. 21: Grant Garner, C, Oklahoma State
• No. 22: Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
• No. 23: Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M
• No. 24: Nigel Malone, CB, Kansas State
• No. 25: Damontre Moore, LB, Texas A&M

This week's Senior Bowl and next month's NFL scouting combine will help decide who will hear their names called, and when, in April's NFL draft, but what about next year?

Mel Kiper unleashed his top five returning players for 2012, the top prospects at their positions in next year's draft.

Lots of interesting names. Here's where the Big 12 talents sit.

Quarterbacks

• No. 2: Landry Jones, Oklahoma
• No. 4: Geno Smith, West Virginia

Fullbacks

• No. 1: Braden Wilson, Kansas State
• No. 5: Ryan Clarke, West Virginia

My take: Good to see Wilson's name on this list. He's impressed coach Bill Snyder from the start, and Wilson was an underrated reason for K-State's success running the ball the past two seasons with Daniel Thomas in 2010 and Collin Klein/John Hubert in 2011. One of the Big 12's toughest players.

Receivers

• No. 1: Terrance Williams, Baylor
• No. 3: Tavon Austin, West Virginia

My take: Both of those names made me do a double take. Williams was a great player this season, and you perhaps best know him as the player who caught the game-winning touchdown to beat Oklahoma, but he's never looked to me like a player who could be the first receiver drafted. We'll see how he does in 2012 as Baylor's No. 1 receiver, with Nick Florence throwing him the ball instead of Robert Griffin III. Williams could become a star.

Austin always struck me as an undersized player, but there's no denying his playmaking ability. Few can match his game-breaking ability with the ball in his hands.

Offensive tackles

• No. 5: Tanner Hawkinson, Kansas

Centers

• No. 4: Ben Habern, Oklahoma

Defensive ends

• No. 1: Alex Okafor, Texas

My take: No surprise there. Okafor burst on the scene this season, and has that combination of size and speed you rarely see outside of players who become first-round picks.

Inside linebackers

• No. 4: Arthur Brown, Kansas State

Outside linebackers

• No. 4: Sean Porter, Texas A&M
• No. 5: Zaviar Gooden, Missouri

Cornerbacks

• No. 4: Demontre Hurst, Oklahoma

Punters

• No. 2: Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State

The season has come and gone, and brought with it an All-Big 12 team. But where do these guys come from? How easy is it for a no-name recruit to earn all-conference first-team honors?

We took a look at the offense earlier today.

Now, let's examine the All-Big 12 defense and see who surprises us.

You'll need ESPN Insider to see each player's recruiting page from back in the day, but I excerpted a bit of what the scouts had to say about each player coming out of high school.

DE: Frank Alexander, Oklahoma

• Was the nation's No. 41 defensive end and graded out at 77 by ESPN. Was also recruited by Auburn and Tulane. Scouts take: Alexander is a high school tight end / defensive end. He has good hands and good speed, but projects best as a defensive end in college. He has the frame to bulk up and play either position and has good size in general for a high school prospect. Right now his strength is rushing the passer.

DT: Dominique Hamilton, Missouri

• Was the nation's No. 22 defensive tackle in 2007 and was recruited by Arizona State, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. Graded out at a 78. Scouts take: Hamilton is a big, physical presence on the interior of the defensive line. He has good size for a high school prospect and the potential to develop into a physical beast at the college level. You would really classify him at this stage as a bit raw. He plays with a bullying style and not much technique. He is capable of coming off the ball and knocking blockers back.

DE: Alex Okafor, Texas

• Okafor was No. 149 on the 2009 ESPNU 150, and was the nation's No. 12 defensive end. Was also recruited by Oklahoma, Nebraska and LSU. Scouts take: Okafor is a tall wiry defender with a high motor. He needs to get into a college weight program and add some bulk, but for a tall lean kid he displays the ability to play with good leverage. He has a solid get-off and can come out of his stance, keep his knees bent, and on contact generate power from his lower body.

DE: Jamie Blatnick, Oklahoma State

• Was the nation's No. 105 defensive end and graded out at 71. He was also recruited by Texas Tech, TCU and Duke. Scouts take: Blatnick is an effort guy on the football field. He will probably fit best as a six or seven technique in college or add bulk and play defensive tackle. He has a good get-off and charges up-field hard. He does an adequate job of using his hands, but needs to be more consistent coming off the ball and shooting them to create separation.

LB: Sean Porter, Texas A&M

• Porter was the nation's No. 70 outside linebacker and was originally committed to Houston. He was also recruited by Oklahoma State and Kansas. He graded out at 76. Scouts take: Porter is a good-looking athlete with great upside when projecting for the next level. He is tall, high-cut and layered with good muscle tone. Lean frame with plenty of room to add great bulk while maintaining speed and quickness. Very active and athletic 'backer who can run and is light on his feet. Mirrors ball carriers well, changes direction and transitions smoothly.

LB: Jake Knott, Iowa State

• Knott was the nation's No. 114 linebacker, and graded out at 74 by ESPN. He was also recruited by Army, Iowa and Northern Illinois. Scouts take: Knott is a great football player who will make any roster better at the next level. This is a kid who is not going to blow you away at a combine with blazing speed and agility, but he gets it done on both sides of the ball and is a tough, instinctive, productive football player. Is tall, well-built and should continue to pack on good bulk.

LB: Emmanuel Acho, Texas

• Acho was the nation's No. 9 linebacker and No. 100 on the ESPNU 150 in 2008. He was also recruited by Nebraska, LSU and Michigan. He graded out at an 81. Scouts take: Acho is a very productive outside linebacker who flashes all the tools to be successful. Possesses the size, speed and athletic ability to disrupt an offense on any given play. Displays very good feet that are extremely light for a linebacker with his stature. This allows him to play better in space and in coverage, which is why he will probably remain on the outside in college.

NB: Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma

• Jefferson was the nation's No. 4 athlete and No. 21 on the 2010 ESPNU 150. He was a four-star recruit and graded out at an 84. He was also recruited by Arizona, UCLA, USC and Florida. Scouts take: There may not be a more fast-twitched athlete in this class -- period. Jefferson has rare burst and acceleration between the white lines and has the ability to be playmaker on both sides of the ball in college. He lacks ideal height at linebacker but is very compact, tightly-built and his striking explosiveness allows him to play much bigger. Pursues to the football like he was shot out of a cannon.

CB: Nigel Malone, Kansas State

• Malone was a juco recruit and not rated by ESPN.

CB: Carrington Byndom, Texas

• Byndom was the nation's No. 10 cornerback and No. 122 on the 2010 ESPNU 150. He was a four-star recruit that graded out at an 81. He was also recruited by LSU, Oklahoma, Missouri and Oklahoma State. Scouts take: Byndom is a very instinctive defensive back with excellent deep coverage skills and range. While we could see programs recruiting him as strictly a corner, he has all the physical and mental tools that project high as a free safety. Has a taller, rangier frame and its that great length that allows him to be so effective breaking up passes as a deep centerfielder.

S: Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

• Vaccaro was the nation's No. 42 safety and graded out at a 78. He was also recruited by USC, Florida, LSU and Oklahoma. Scouts take: Vaccaro flies around and makes plays as a safety. He looks the part, tall and stout in stature, he plays like he looks. Really flies around the secondary and attacks the line of scrimmage with ferocity. Instinctive player that reads the run then breaks to the ball with velocity and aggressiveness. Has made many big hits on the blitz and on inside-out contain. Needs to come under a little bit more control; sometimes overruns ball carrier or misses tackle.

S: Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State

• Martin was the nation's No. 15 safety and graded out at a 79. He was also recruited by Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Texas and Kansas State. Scouts take: Martin possesses excellent size, range and toughness at his safety position. He will break off the hash over sideline routes and the next play step down and make a physical hit near the line of scrimmage. He is very versatile and well rounded in all facets. His greatest attribute might be his savvy diagnosing skills. He expertly reads the quarterback and underneath routes.

Gotta say, most of these scouting reports were pretty spot-on for the defense, but there weren't very many small-time recruits that crashed onto the defensive list.

Editor’s Note: Tune into the “AT&T ESPN All America Team Show” on Saturday (ABC, 1:30 p.m. ET) to see who ESPN’s writers and experts selected.

It's been a fun season across the Big 12, with a few big names who didn't play as well as we thought, and lots of unknowns who became household names by the end of the season.

I'll offer my comments below, but here's our All-Big 12 team for 2011.

OFFENSE

QB: Robert Griffin III, Baylor
All-purpose: Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State
RB: Terrance Ganaway, Baylor
RB: Henry Josey, Missouri
FB: Trey Millard, Oklahoma
WR: Kendall Wright, Baylor
WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
WR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
TE: Michael Egnew, Missouri
C: Grant Garner, Oklahoma State
OL: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
OL: Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State
OL: Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma
OL: Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

DEFENSE

DE: Frank Alexander, Oklahoma
DT: Dominique Hamilton, Missouri
DE: Alex Okafor, Texas
DE: Jamie Blatnick, Oklahoma State
LB: Sean Porter, Texas A&M
LB: Jake Knott, Iowa State
LB: Emmanuel Acho, Texas
NB: Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma
CB: Nigel Malone, Kansas State
CB: Carrington Byndom, Texas
S: Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
S: Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State

SPECIALISTS

P: Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State
PK: Randy Bullock, Texas A&M
PR: Dustin Harris, Texas A&M
KR: Tyler Lockett, Kansas State

Finally, a few notes and explanations:

• I loved the media's idea to craft an all-purpose spot to accomodate Collin Klein. The Big Ten did the same for Michigan's Denard Robinson last season. I followed suit, and did so on the defensive side of the ball with a nickel-back spot for Oklahoma's Tony Jefferson. Two players that missed first-team designation by the coaches, but clearly deserve to be recognized.
• Additionally, I prefer the teams to reflect the Big 12 style of play, so the nickel back fits. Each team doesn't have 11 players, but there were deserving linebackers. The same with Egnew and Millard. Does every team use a fullback or a tight end? No, but both are standout performers. They'd rotate in anyway, just as Jefferson would in a theoretical package.
• Tough call to leave Philip Blake from Baylor off my team, but Garner's been better. Blake is very, very close, though.
• Hated to leave off Brodrick Brown and E.J. Gaines, but I went with a more traditional two corners and two safeties, rather than four corners like the media's team.
• Steven Johnson and Arthur Brown would have been right behind my three linebackers. That race was probably closer than at any other position, except maybe cornerback. Difficult to leave either of those guys off my first team, but the three on the team were better. I gave Brown my Newcomer of the Year nod, though.
• I don't like going with three defensive ends and one defensive tackle, but there wasn't a defensive tackle who deserved the honor more than Okafor, my third defensive end. Okafor was a defensive tackle last year anyway, so that's close enough, right? He moved from tackle to end before spring practice earlier this year. In the Big 12, an additional pass rusher is necessary, too, right?
• I made a similar move with my offensive line. Went tackle-heavy, but the guards didn't have quite as many standouts.

TEXAS A&M AGGIES

Record: 6-6 (4-5)

Through all the rough moments for the Aggies in 2011, the lasting image will be the ecstatic Longhorns sideline emptying onto Kyle Field to chase down Justin Tucker, who kicked a game-winning field goal to beat A&M in the final iteration of the Lone Star Showdown. Texas might come to College Station again at some point before the end of the world, but with an ending like that, it could be awhile. The Aggies are headed to the SEC, but did it with one of the most disappointing seasons in school history, which resulted in coach Mike Sherman's postseason firing.

By now, the numbers are well known. The Aggies were good enough to lead 11 games by double digits and bad enough to lose six of those games. It was truly maddening. Texas A&M was so, so much better than 6-6, and stocked with as much talent as any team in the Big 12, and maybe the country. Why were there so many second-half meltdowns? Sherman and everyone else involved never figured it out, and the Aggies will try and bring in a coach to fix it.

Offensive MVP: Ryan Swope, wide receiver. This is a bit of an upset, but the only other option is going with Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael as a shared option. Both could be replaced by the other and missed key games, but Swope was consistent most of the year, and played his best in conference games. He finished with a team-high 81 catches for 1,102 yards with 11 touchdowns. He was one of only four Big 12 receivers to top 1,000 yards receiving. Even with his year, the former high school running back might be the most underrated player in the Big 12. Without him, Texas A&M's passing game wouldn't have been functional, and without that, what happens to the running game?

Defensive MVP: Sean Porter, linebacker. Porter's production slowed a bit late in the season, though he did notch 2.5 tackles for loss against Texas. Even still, he had one of the best years of any defender in the Big 12. He led the team with 16 tackles for loss and had 8.5 sacks. He finished with 73 tackles.

Turning point: The loss to Oklahoma State. That's the game that started it all and was the first of many blown leads. The 20-3 halftime lead was gone before the end of the third quarter, and the 30-29 loss cost them control of the Big 12. That didn't matter long, of course. A&M blew another lead to Arkansas a week later, but the three-game losing streak to Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas State officially made the 2011 season a wash.

What’s next: They'll be walking into the SEC West with a yet-t0-be-determined coach and lots of new faces. The first year in the SEC could be rough. Tannehill is gone, Gray is gone, Jeff Fuller is gone after an underwhelming senior season and four of the top eight tacklers are gone. That's a whole lot of production. A new quarterback, likely Jameill Showers, will have to adjust to much tougher defenses in a new league. The Aggies will rely on a very experienced offensive line and power back, Michael.

We were off last week in the awards update, but we're back with one week of games left.

Offensive Player of the Year

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: Griffin overtook Weeden after his huge game against Oklahoma two weeks ago, and held on despite the concussion last week. He'll need a big game this week to keep the award though, and even then the voting might be close.

2. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State: Weeden could usurp Griffin regardless of what RG3 does if Weeden has a big game and beats the Sooners. Should be some drama on Saturday, but Griffin leads Weeden in total offense per game.

3. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State: Klein was off last week, but his passing numbers are OK and he's fifth in the Big 12 with 1,013 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. He's also thrown for 11 scores and five interceptions.

Honorable mention: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor; Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State.

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma: Alexander might be alone at the top for this one. He leads the Big 12 with 18 tackles for loss and tied for the Big 12 lead with 8.5 sacks.

2. Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M: Porter came back to life with 2.5 tackles for loss against Texas and 1.5 in the win over Kansas. He now has 16 to rank second in the Big 12.

3. Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas: Acho makes his first appearance on the list after notching four consecutive games with at least 12 tackles, including a season-high 14 against Texas A&M. He's now second in the Big 12 with 105 tackles.

Honorable mention: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State; Jake Knott, LB, Iowa State; Ronnell Lewis, DE, Oklahoma; Damontre Moore, LB, Texas A&M, Steven Johnson, LB, Kansas.

Coach of the Year

1. Bill Snyder, Kansas State: Snyder's Wildcats are still rolling and look likely to win an unbelievable 10 games after being picked to finish eighth in the Big 12. Standing between them: Iowa State, a six-win team picked to finish ninth place in the Big 12. Beware.

2. Paul Rhoads, Iowa State: Rhoads keeps impressing. First the win over Iowa. Then beating Texas Tech by 34 a week after the Red Raiders beat Oklahoma. Two weeks ago, it was the upset over Oklahoma State. Welcome to the postseason for the second time in three years.

3. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: Gundy probably won't be able to grab any national coach of the year awards after losing to Iowa State, but he might get a few votes if the Cowboys win the Big 12 title outright, and do it impressively.

Honorable mention: Art Briles, Baylor.

Injuries and a big game from K-State force a lot of movement on the offensive list this week. Still not much movement defensively.

Offensive Player of the Year

1. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State: Weeden is holding strong at the top of this list after a 423-yard, five-touchdown day in a 66-6 win over Texas Tech. He's the Big 12 leader with 31 touchdown passes and his 3,635 passing yards lead by almost 300 yards. He's nearly running away with this.

2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: RG3 came to the rescue with three long touchdowns (two passes, one run) to rescue Baylor against Kansas, throwing another TD in overtime. He still ranks No. 3 nationally in passer rating, behind only Case Keenum and Russell Wilson.

3. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State: Klein nudged his way into the top three for the first time this season. He's seized the national lead with 26 rushing touchdowns and threw for a career-high 281 yards against Texas A&M. He's also got my new favorite nickname in the Big 12: The Billsnyder Kleinsdale.

Honorable mention: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma: Alexander was off this week, and faces a tough task ahead in a powerful Baylor offense. He still leads the league with 13.5 tackles for loss and is second with 7.5 sacks.

2. Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M: Porter had a quiet game against Kansas State (six tackles) but he still leads the Big 12 with 8.5 sacks and is third in the Big 12 with 12 tackles for loss.

3. Ronnell Lewis, DE, Oklahoma: Lewis takes over Brown's spot at No. 3 in an off week while Brown remained relatively quiet against Texas A&M. Lewis is second in the Big 12 with 12.5 tackles for loss, behind only Alexander.

Honorable mention: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State; Jake Knott, LB, Iowa State; Nigel Malone, CB, Kansas State; Damontre Moore, LB, Texas A&M

Coach of the Year

1. Bill Snyder, Kansas State: Snyder's Wildcats got a huge 4OT win over Texas A&M, and enter Saturday's game quizzically as 9.5-point underdogs on the road to Texas. Par for the course for this team. They won't shock many by moving to 9-2 with a win over the Longhorns.

2. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: Gundy and Snyder are both up for the national coach of the year, but OSU's season-defining game is still a few weeks away. In the meantime, the offense has seen no dropoff, and the defense has been better.

3. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma: Outside of the Tech loss, Oklahoma's been solid. After losses by Boise State and Stanford, Oklahoma has a very real chance to play for the national title if it beats Oklahoma State.

Here's our weekly update on the major Big 12 award races.

Offensive Player of the Year

1. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State: Weeden's excellence in conference play lands him at the top of the list for the first time this season. He's completing over 71 percent of his passes and has 22 touchdowns.

2. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma: Broyles leads the nation at 133.8 receiving yards per game, and is second in receiving yards (1,070) and receiving touchdowns (10). He still has an outside shot to break the NCAA career receiving yardage record, too.

3. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: Griffin's award stock is sliding a bit after two blowout losses, but he's still leading the league in completion percentage and has two fewer interceptions (4) than any Big 12 QB with at least 160 pass attempts.

Honorable mention: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma, Henry Josey, RB, Missouri,

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State: Brown made seven tackles in the loss to Oklahoma, and his chances will be made or broken in the next two weeks against OSU and Texas A&M.

2. Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M: Porter moved into sole possession of the Big 12 lead in sacks, with 8.5. He's got 12 tackles for loss and 51 total stops.

3. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma: Alexander had a quiet big night in the loss to Texas Tech, but made just one tackle against Kansas State on Saturday.

Coach of the Year

1. Bill Snyder, Kansas State: One loss, no matter how lopsided, does not a coaching campaign ruin. Snyder's still at the top of this list with a 7-1 Wildcats squad.

2. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: The challenge for Oklahoma State now becomes focus. Three games (K-State, Texas Tech, Iowa State) stand between them and a mammoth game against Oklahoma. We've seen teams (Oklahoma, Texas Tech) not show up for two consecutive weeks, and Gundy is tasked with making sure the Cowboys don't become the next on the list.

3. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma: Stoops gets back on the board after a nice response to the K-State loss and a Tech flop against Iowa State, but this award looks like it'll most likely boil down to a two-man race.

Time for our weekly update on the Big 12 awards races. Here's how I slot it through eight weeks of football.

Offensive Player of the Year

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: Griffin was off on Saturday, but he's still on track to break the NCAA record in passer rating and is tied atop the Big 12 in touchdown passes, with 22.

2. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State: Weeden looks unstoppable from time to time, and he was in the zone against Missouri, even as his receivers struggled with drops. He's second in the Big 12 at just under 72 percent completion percentage.

3. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma: Broyles didn't have a great night against Texas Tech, but he's still the Big 12 leader and third nationally with just under 130 yards receiving per game. He's also tied for the national lead with nine touchdown catches.

Honorable mention: Henry Josey, RB, Missouri, Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma, Seth Doege, QB, Texas Tech

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State: Brown's production has slowed a bit in recent weeks, but he'll get a big opportunity to prove himself against Oklahoma this week.

2. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma: Alexander is next on the list of underwhelming performances at the top of the league last week, but his chances of getting back to wrecking ball ways are high. He's tied for the Big 12 lead with 7.5 sacks.

3. Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M: Porter joins Alexander as the league leader in sacks, adding 10.5 tackles for loss and 46 tackles. He's also forced a fumble.

Coach of the Year

1. Bill Snyder, Kansas State: Snyder might have already run away with this one, barring a late-season collapse. A win over Oklahoma on Saturday makes a 10-win season seem likely after being picked to finish eighth in the league.

2. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: OSU is on a crash course for the national title game, but Gundy will have to get by Oklahoma, a team he's never beaten as Cowboys coach.

3. Tommy Tuberville, Texas Tech: Tech has two quality losses and the best win of anyone in the Big 12, beating Oklahoma in Norman last week. My, how quickly things change. A week ago, a bowl game looked questionable. Now, is a 10-win season in play?

The Butkus Award, given annually to college football's top linebacker, has released its list of 12 semifinalists, and two players from the Big 12 cracked the list.

• Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
• Keenan Robinson, Texas

Texas A&M's Von Miller won the award last year.

Odd selections from the committee out of the Big 12, though. From what I've seen, Texas' Emmanuel Acho has been more impressive than Robinson.

The same is true of Texas A&M's Sean Porter and Kansas State's Arthur Brown.

Alas, the deed is done.

Lewis and Robinson were both 2010 semifinalists.

Time for our weekly update on the Big 12 awards races. Here's how I slot it through seven weeks of football.

Offensive Player of the Year

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor: Griffin's team has already taken two losses, which may hurt his Heisman chances, but he's still been unbelievable this season. He leads the nation in touchdown passes (22) and completion percentage (78.1) by more than two percentage points and has thrown just two interceptions.

2. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma: Jones has lots of talent at receiver, and he's using it. He's got 16 touchdown passes and 2,177 yards with six interceptions.

3. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma: Broyles is second nationally in receiving yards per game (135.8) and is tied with Baylor's Kendall Wright for the national lead in touchdown catches (9). Broyles is now the NCAA career leader in receptions and Big 12 career leader in touchdown catches.

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State: Brown has 45 tackles, two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. He also has the most raw talent on Kansas State's team, and he's turning it into big-time production.

2. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma: Alexander is second in the Big 12 with 6.5 sacks, and he's been a wrecking ball on the Sooners' defensive line. He's tied for the Big 12 lead with 9.5 tackles for loss and he's got an interceptions with four pass breakups and a forced fumble the Sooners returned for a score.

3. Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M: Porter is the Big 12's sack leader, with 7.5. That's fourth nationally, and he's stepped in well for the Aggies, who are missing their best pass rusher from the past two seasons, Von Miller.

Coach of the Year

1. Bill Snyder, Kansas State: Snyder's team continues to win. It does it ugly, but it does it week after week. The Wildcats have been underdogs for four consecutive weeks. They've also been winners. For that, Snyder is all alone at the top for this award.

2. Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State: Gundy's Cowboys haven't missed a beat without offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. They already have two road top 25 wins and rank second nationally in total offense.

3. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma: The Sooners have carried about their business well this season, remaining as one of the Big 12's most talented teams and one of its last undefeateds. Last week's win over Kansas wasn't too impressive, but wins over Florida State and Texas were.

We've ranked the Big 12's best players before the season. We've done it after the season.

Time for a midseason checkup.

Here's the next round of my top 25 list, which we'll be revealing throughout the week. Here's more on my criteria.

11. Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M: Swope has been the Aggies' best player this year, especially after last week's four-touchdown, 206-yard explosion. He's third in the Big 12 with 619 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 40 catches.

12. Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State: Adcock continues to be a constant for one of the league's best offensive lines, despite injuries to Grant Garner and Jonathan Rush around him. The Cowboys are second nationally in total offense and have given up just eight sacks.

13. Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M: Porter could be higher on this list in another conference that doesn't have as many offensive juggernauts, but he's been fantastic this season. He's the league's sack leader, with 7.5, and has 9.5 tackles for loss to lead the Big 12.

14. Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma: Jefferson has been everywhere, and as sophomore safety, is making all kinds of plays and just outside the Big 12 defensive player of the year race. He's sixth nationally with four interceptions, including three in one quarter against Ball State.

15. Luke Joeckel, LT, Texas A&M: Joeckel has continued to mature as a sophomore second-year starter on a solid Aggies line. Texas A&M has the nation's No. 16 rushing offense and has given up just three sacks, the third-fewest nationally.

The rest of the list:

• 16. Dominique Whaley, RB, Oklahoma
• 17. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
• 18. Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M
• 19. Seth Doege, QB, Texas Tech
• 20. Eric Stephens, RB, Texas Tech
• 21. Tony Jerod-Eddie, DL, Texas A&M
• 22. Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas
• 23. Collin Klein, QB, Kansas State
• 24. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
• 25. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

Thanks for all the questions. Didn't get yours answered? Try again with a better one.

Colin in Tulsa, Okla.: Is Johnny Thomas being ineligible a blessing in disguise like Orie Lemon getting hurt? OSU had a serviceable backup (Donald Booker) and would've been left to have Caleb Lavey be the day 1 starter last year. So, this year Dawtawion Lowe comes in and plays well enough next to Markelle and Johnny Thomas can come back next year? That way OSU isn't left to start some random safety next to Daytawion next year.

David Ubben: That's maybe a little harsh and perhaps insensitive, but I must say: I think I agree. It's an interesting point. There's no doubt that Oklahoma State's defense in 2010 benefited from having Lemon out there, and Booker was outstanding in 2009.

This year, we've seen a guy in Lowe that had huge potential really step into that role and not see much fall off. You never like to see guys deal with academic issues or have serious injuries like Lemon had, but Oklahoma State has been fortunate to have players behind defensive leaders step up and do well. Credit Mike Gundy and his staff for recruiting well and having a much deeper team than when he arrived. The difference is unbelievable.

Next year, when Thomas joins Lowe, you'll see another good group of safeties at OSU.

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Ryan in Arlington, Texas, asked: Sean Porter for Texas A&M has 6.5 sacks this year (3rd in the nation), while the entire Longhorn defense has 7.0 (91st in the nation). Does this stat say more about Sean Porter, the effectiveness of Manny Diaz's or Tim DeRuyter's blitzes (who are both very aggressive), or the Longhorn defensive personnel?

DU: I'll say Porter. He's been outstanding, and has done an outstanding job of being everywhere. The combination of a) big leads early in games and b) defenses seeing they can beat A&M through the air has resulted in the Aggies defending 244 passes this year, which is 47 more than Texas and twice as many as Texas Tech, which has faced the fewest in the Big 12, with 122. Only Louisiana Tech has faced more pass attempts this season. So, take your pick, there. Texas A&M is racking up sacks but giving up yards by the bunches.

Neither DeRuyter nor Diaz has been outstanding so far this year. Diaz's defense got worked by the first real offense -- albeit one of the nation's best -- in its first real test. DeRuyter's defense has taken a huge step back.

Meanwhile, Porter has undoubtedly taken a big step forward. Kudos to him.

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John in Oklahoma City asked: Everyone is down on OSU's defense still this year. About half of our games so far our 2nd or 3rd stringers were playing in the 4th. The Cowboys are only allowing 14.6 ppg through 3 quarters. Plus we are 6th in the nation in creating turnovers. We are much more improved defensively with a better offense to go with it. Big (X)II title here we come!!!!!

DU: Your persuasiveness is surpassed only by your unbridled enthusiasm, John.

That said, you're right, and its a point that's perhaps been overlooked in the defensive statistics for Oklahoma State. Its backups have given up gobs of points this year, but the first team defense has done really well. For those unaware, allow me to point it out:

OSU led its opener 44-13 before giving up a pick six and two garbage-time touchdowns in a 61-34 win.

OSU led Arizona 34-7 before giving up a 54-yard touchdown pass to Texas transfer Dan Buckner.

In a game that kicked off after midnight, OSU led Tulsa 45-6 midway through the third quarter before giving up two quick scores and winning, 59-33.

Finally, last week, OSU led 70-14 with 12:45 left before Kansas' first-teamers scored on a 68-yard touchdown pass and a 31-yard run to make it a 70-28 final.

So, there you go. Take from that what you will. Is OSU's defense great? No. But it's a lot better than the numbers suggest.

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Chris J. in Houston asked: You have to give me props next week for this, I'm calling it: Texas beats Oklahoma State this week in a big way.

DU: K. What do I get if you're wrong?

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Scott in Oklahoma asked: David, with tcu coming into the fold next year, is the big 12 just going to give them the a&m schedule or will they redo them all together and give osu another catered home game vs. Ou as they have the these last two years? Or will it be another team? Also, will they change next years ou tcu game to a conference game or will it stay as a non conference game ala the colorado cal game this year?

DU: All valid administrative questions that haven't been addressed in this space. Let's change that.

For now, when the Big 12 moves on as a ten-team league in 2012, the schedule is being reworked. TCU won't just slide into Texas A&M's spot. That means they likely won't be the Longhorns' Thanksgiving opponent, a tradition Texas would like to continue. UT president Bill Powers says "a lot of teams are in the mix" for a new opponent. There's lots of talk about Texas Tech filling that role, but it's very much in the air for now. The Big 12 isn't worried about that currently. You've got to know your configuration next year and beyond before you get too concerned about scheduling. That issue will be pushed to the forefront more during the offseason.

As of now, TCU-OU is up in the air, too. It might be kept as an early season game, but like I mentioned earlier, that's up in the air. TCU doesn't have anything to worry about. With a 10-team league and nine-game schedule, they just slide OU in as a conference game and keep their nonconference games with Grambling State, Virginia and SMU. That's a decent set of games. TCU-OU won't be an awkward conference nonconference game like Colorado-Cal this year.

For Oklahoma? Things are a little more complicated. TCU is a good secondary game, but the Sooners already have a home-and-home with Notre Dame (!) on the schedule for 2012 and 2013, but Oklahoma is reportedly looking at replacing the TCU game with Arkansas. That's one heck of a nonconference schedule for the Sooners if it happens. That's nothing new. Oklahoma is the most ambitious scheduling program in the Big 12, and that's a stated goal of the school: to put a compelling product on the field for its fans and schedule to get an edge in the BCS rankings.

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Jordan Marshall in Hutchinson, Kan., asked: What do you think is going to happen to the BCS this year when there are going to be 4 undefeated teams at the end of the year (LSU/Alabama, OU/OSU, Wisconsin, and Boise State)? Clemson has a long shot of staying undefeated but that is just another team that could throw the whole system out of whack. Do you think that the BCS will just see this year as a fluke year or do you think that they will finally open their eyes to a playoff system?

DU: It could happen, but if it does, I don't think there's any question that the SEC and Big 12 champ would play each other. I could envision a scenario in which Wisconsin gets in over Oklahoma State, but hopping over Oklahoma or one of the SEC teams sounds impossible.

Jumping Oklahoma State is highly unlikely. We can talk conference strength, but simpler than that, just look at their past and future schedules.

OSU has a road win against a top 10 team, and four more top 25 teams on its schedule, closing with the crescendo of hosting Oklahoma.

The Big Ten is clearly down this season. Nebraska and Ohio State aren't great teams and will lose again. Michigan looks a bit overrated at No. 11. Wisconsin is a legitimate title contender, but even if Bucky runs the table, its weak nonconference schedule and the Big 12's depth and strength across the conference will push an undefeated Oklahoma or Oklahoma State team into the title game to face off with the SEC once again.

Either he gives us the money or he gets a private performance from England Dan and John Ford Coley.

• Does Missouri have $12 million to gain in a move to the SEC or not? Joe Walljasper of the Columbia Daily Tribune asked some people in the business side of sports television.
• Either way, Missouri holds the fate of the Big East in its hands, writes Mark Blaudschun of the Boston Globe.
• That's no surprise when things like this are written. If the Big 12 calls, writes Rick Bozich of the Louisville Courier-Journal, Louisville should run, not walk, to the Big 12.
• Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman finally talks about the move to the SEC, reports Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News. Linebacker Sean Porter says it's been a distraction.
• Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World tells Kansas LB Isaac Wright's road from being born prematurely to playing college football.
• Even when they win, coaches can lose. Travis Haney of The Oklahoman talks about the awkward balance of running up the score.
• The priority for Texas entering Saturday's showdown against Oklahoma State? Third downs, writes Mark Rosner of the Austin American-Statesman.
• Iowa State running back James White has infused some extra speed into the Cyclones' backfield.
• Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander plays with his father on his mind, writes Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman.
• Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville says Bill Snyder is still running the same schemes he did back in the early 1990s, writes Austin Meek of the Topeka Capital-Journal.
• It's a new week, but much of the same circumstances for Kansas State, writes David Just of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
• Iowa State senior defensive end Patrick Neal is a good example of what has to happen for Iowa State to grow its program.