Big 12: Seth Doege
We did it last year, and it's time to rev up the engines one more time.
The Big 12 had five passers top 3,000 yards in 2011. WVU's Geno Smith also topped 3,000 yards, but Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill did, too. The league breaks even in that sense.
College football had 39 passers top 3,000 yards last year, up from 27 in 2010.
Which ones will crack the mark in the Big 12 next year? I'm glad you asked.
Remember: This isn't so much a ranking of the Big 12's best quarterbacks, but the QBs with the best chance to break the benchmark for a great season.
1. Geno Smith, West Virginia: Smith had his first season over 3,000 yards last year, and did it by a long ways, racking up 4,385 yards, which was 1,781 more than any other Big East QB. That's nuts. He may throw for more yards than any Big 12 QB this year, but it won't be that wide of a margin. He's got one of the best receiving corps in the league. Injury would be the only thing that could keep him under 3,000.
2. Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Jones has big question marks at receiver. Three of his top four returning targets are currently suspended. Still, he has Kenny Stills and hyped newcomer Trey Metoyer headlining the best class of incoming receivers in the country. He'll top 4,000 yards for the third consecutive season, and 3,000 for the fourth.
3. Seth Doege, Texas Tech: Doege took his place as the next in a long line of successful Tech QBs, throwing for 4,004 yards despite losing the heart of his running game and his two most talented receivers. Tech will throw it enough as always to make this one a no-doubter.
4. Nick Florence, Baylor: Florence will top 3,000 yards in his first full year as a starter with time to prepare for becoming one. He earned seven sudden starts when Robert Griffin III tore his ACL in 2009, Florence's true freshman season. He's got more experience now and arguably the best receiving corps in the league. That's a heck of a combo.
5. Wes Lunt, Oklahoma State: Lunt is a true freshman who better brace for growing pains, but he'll have plenty of great moments in OSU's loaded, pass-first offense. He'll top 3,000 yards by a narrow margin, but the biggest key for Lunt will be keeping his interception total low. If he does that, OSU could be scary.
6. Casey Pachall, TCU: Pachall will have to balance out TCU's running game, which should take advantage of some Big 12 defenses' weak interiors. He'll need to chuck it a whole lot more this season if TCU gets into shootouts or needs to come from behind. That'll happen a lot more in the Big 12 than in the Mountain West.
Just missed: Dayne Crist, Kansas. (Simply put, not enough offensive weapons to top 3,000 yards.)
The Big 12 had five passers top 3,000 yards in 2011. WVU's Geno Smith also topped 3,000 yards, but Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill did, too. The league breaks even in that sense.
College football had 39 passers top 3,000 yards last year, up from 27 in 2010.
Which ones will crack the mark in the Big 12 next year? I'm glad you asked.
Remember: This isn't so much a ranking of the Big 12's best quarterbacks, but the QBs with the best chance to break the benchmark for a great season.
1. Geno Smith, West Virginia: Smith had his first season over 3,000 yards last year, and did it by a long ways, racking up 4,385 yards, which was 1,781 more than any other Big East QB. That's nuts. He may throw for more yards than any Big 12 QB this year, but it won't be that wide of a margin. He's got one of the best receiving corps in the league. Injury would be the only thing that could keep him under 3,000.
2. Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Jones has big question marks at receiver. Three of his top four returning targets are currently suspended. Still, he has Kenny Stills and hyped newcomer Trey Metoyer headlining the best class of incoming receivers in the country. He'll top 4,000 yards for the third consecutive season, and 3,000 for the fourth.
3. Seth Doege, Texas Tech: Doege took his place as the next in a long line of successful Tech QBs, throwing for 4,004 yards despite losing the heart of his running game and his two most talented receivers. Tech will throw it enough as always to make this one a no-doubter.
4. Nick Florence, Baylor: Florence will top 3,000 yards in his first full year as a starter with time to prepare for becoming one. He earned seven sudden starts when Robert Griffin III tore his ACL in 2009, Florence's true freshman season. He's got more experience now and arguably the best receiving corps in the league. That's a heck of a combo.
5. Wes Lunt, Oklahoma State: Lunt is a true freshman who better brace for growing pains, but he'll have plenty of great moments in OSU's loaded, pass-first offense. He'll top 3,000 yards by a narrow margin, but the biggest key for Lunt will be keeping his interception total low. If he does that, OSU could be scary.
6. Casey Pachall, TCU: Pachall will have to balance out TCU's running game, which should take advantage of some Big 12 defenses' weak interiors. He'll need to chuck it a whole lot more this season if TCU gets into shootouts or needs to come from behind. That'll happen a lot more in the Big 12 than in the Mountain West.
Just missed: Dayne Crist, Kansas. (Simply put, not enough offensive weapons to top 3,000 yards.)
The Big 12 season is approaching, and there's no league in which the quarterback position is more important. Want success? Experience is a good place to start. How do the QBs rank in experience? Let's take a look.
1. Landry Jones, Oklahoma (37 starts): Jones is the league's elder statesman by a long, long ways. He took over as a redshirt freshman in 2009 when Sam Bradford injured his shoulder, and didn't miss any of his 27 starts in 2010 and 2011.
2. Geno Smith, West Virginia (26 starts): Smith has been the team's unquestioned starter for each of the past two seasons, and should be ready for a big 2012 after topping 4,000 yards in 2011.
3. Collin Klein, Kansas State (15 starts): Klein had two more starts at receiver earlier in his career, but we're not counting those. Klein was a gadget QB in 2010, but took over as the team's offensive workhorse in 2011, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the team's total offense.
4. Casey Pachall, TCU (13 starts): Pachall played well in his first year as a starter, but often relied on his three star running backs in the offense and didn't top 3,000 yards. He's ready for more responsibility if necessary this year.
5. Seth Doege, Texas Tech (13 starts): Doege earned one start all the way back in 2009, but ceded that spot by the end of the game. He did no such thing in a strong 2011 season, though Tech missed a bowl game and had a losing season (5-7) for the first time in almost two decades.
6. Dayne Crist, Kansas (10 starts): Crist's 10 starts all came at Notre Dame, but there doesn't look to be much challenge from any other QBs on the roster this season. Does he have the offensive weapons to be productive?
7. Nick Florence, Baylor (seven starts): Florence started seven games in 2009 when Robert Griffin III suffered a knee injury, and earned a half of playing time last season against Texas Tech that cost him his redshirt season.
8. Steele Jantz, Iowa State (seven starts): Jantz got off to a strong start, but never figured out his very serious turnover issues. That cost him his starting job in midseason, despite three fourth-quarter comebacks to begin the 2011 season 3-0.
9. David Ash, Texas (six starts): Ash was the fourth-string QB last summer, but when Garrett Gilbert and Connor Wood transferred, it was up to him and Case McCoy to carry the load. By season's end, Ash had established himself as the future at the position, at least immediately, but Texas' coaches haven't given him the official designation yet.
10. Jared Barnett, Iowa State (six starts): Barnett took over for Jantz in the middle of the season and engineered wins over Texas Tech, Kansas and a historic win over No. 2 Oklahoma State, but struggled with inconsistency late and opened up the competition to Jantz in a Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers. There's no assurance for either to be the starter after the spring.
11. Case McCoy, Texas (five starts): McCoy's gutsiest performance came in a comeback win over Texas A&M, but his lack of arm strength limited what the Longhorns could do in 2011. McCoy's got all the heart you could ask for, but his physical attributes bring about plenty of questions about his ability to carry the team over the course of his career.
12. Wes Lunt, Oklahoma State (zero starts): Lunt shocked even his own offensive coordinator by beating out junior Clint Chelf and redshirt freshman J.W. Walsh in the spring to earn the starting job. He still has to validate that spot in the fall, but Lunt is in a class of his own at the bottom of the Big 12 when it comes to experience. He's a big, NFL-sized QB with a big arm, though. Can his mind catch up fast enough to help the Cowboys defend a Big 12 title?
1. Landry Jones, Oklahoma (37 starts): Jones is the league's elder statesman by a long, long ways. He took over as a redshirt freshman in 2009 when Sam Bradford injured his shoulder, and didn't miss any of his 27 starts in 2010 and 2011.
2. Geno Smith, West Virginia (26 starts): Smith has been the team's unquestioned starter for each of the past two seasons, and should be ready for a big 2012 after topping 4,000 yards in 2011.
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Cal Sport Media/AP ImagesNo doubt, Kansas State QB Collin Klein drew a ton of attention from opposing defenses in 2011.
Cal Sport Media/AP ImagesNo doubt, Kansas State QB Collin Klein drew a ton of attention from opposing defenses in 2011.4. Casey Pachall, TCU (13 starts): Pachall played well in his first year as a starter, but often relied on his three star running backs in the offense and didn't top 3,000 yards. He's ready for more responsibility if necessary this year.
5. Seth Doege, Texas Tech (13 starts): Doege earned one start all the way back in 2009, but ceded that spot by the end of the game. He did no such thing in a strong 2011 season, though Tech missed a bowl game and had a losing season (5-7) for the first time in almost two decades.
6. Dayne Crist, Kansas (10 starts): Crist's 10 starts all came at Notre Dame, but there doesn't look to be much challenge from any other QBs on the roster this season. Does he have the offensive weapons to be productive?
7. Nick Florence, Baylor (seven starts): Florence started seven games in 2009 when Robert Griffin III suffered a knee injury, and earned a half of playing time last season against Texas Tech that cost him his redshirt season.
8. Steele Jantz, Iowa State (seven starts): Jantz got off to a strong start, but never figured out his very serious turnover issues. That cost him his starting job in midseason, despite three fourth-quarter comebacks to begin the 2011 season 3-0.
9. David Ash, Texas (six starts): Ash was the fourth-string QB last summer, but when Garrett Gilbert and Connor Wood transferred, it was up to him and Case McCoy to carry the load. By season's end, Ash had established himself as the future at the position, at least immediately, but Texas' coaches haven't given him the official designation yet.
10. Jared Barnett, Iowa State (six starts): Barnett took over for Jantz in the middle of the season and engineered wins over Texas Tech, Kansas and a historic win over No. 2 Oklahoma State, but struggled with inconsistency late and opened up the competition to Jantz in a Pinstripe Bowl loss to Rutgers. There's no assurance for either to be the starter after the spring.
11. Case McCoy, Texas (five starts): McCoy's gutsiest performance came in a comeback win over Texas A&M, but his lack of arm strength limited what the Longhorns could do in 2011. McCoy's got all the heart you could ask for, but his physical attributes bring about plenty of questions about his ability to carry the team over the course of his career.
12. Wes Lunt, Oklahoma State (zero starts): Lunt shocked even his own offensive coordinator by beating out junior Clint Chelf and redshirt freshman J.W. Walsh in the spring to earn the starting job. He still has to validate that spot in the fall, but Lunt is in a class of his own at the bottom of the Big 12 when it comes to experience. He's a big, NFL-sized QB with a big arm, though. Can his mind catch up fast enough to help the Cowboys defend a Big 12 title?
We're moving on in our series on the Big 12 Blog pegging the single player each team in the Big 12 can't afford to lose. He's also the player that will be most responsible for the team's ultimate success.
Next up, the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Find more indispensable players here.
Most indispensable player: RB Eric Stephens
2011 stats: 108 carries, 565 yards, 8 TDs. 16 receptions, 133 yards.
Why Texas Tech can't afford to lose him: This was a really, really difficult call. I'm not sure Texas Tech has one player you could truly say is indispensable, but based on what we saw in 2011, you could rule out literally everyone on the defense.
Offensively, Tech has a deep stable of receivers, and the passing game remained productive even as the receivers fought injuries. That leaves QB Seth Doege and Stephens.
We already got a preview of what life without Stephens would be like, and it wasn't pretty. Stephens was a productive runner, on track to become the first Red Raider to rush for 1,000 yards since 1998, but his season ended with an ugly hit in a close loss to Texas A&M that dislocated his knee and ended his season. He's still not guaranteed to return in 2012.
But even with that production, offensive coordinator Neal Brown told me this offseason that his value to the team was still underrated. Texas Tech has a lot of backs on its roster who can look good with the ball in their hands. It doesn't have one who can pass block anything close to the way Stephens could. Being able to chip a linebacker and buy a few extra seconds for Doege will pay off in a lot of spots throughout a season. The Red Raiders lost that late in the season. DeAndre Washington played well, but Stephens' experience helped him develop that skill, and that experience can't be duplicated. We saw that much throughout 2011.
Texas Tech's running game wasn't as productive and the record went south quickly. Looking for the man Tech needs the most this fall? Stephens is your guy.
Next up, the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Find more indispensable players here.
Most indispensable player: RB Eric Stephens
2011 stats: 108 carries, 565 yards, 8 TDs. 16 receptions, 133 yards.
Why Texas Tech can't afford to lose him: This was a really, really difficult call. I'm not sure Texas Tech has one player you could truly say is indispensable, but based on what we saw in 2011, you could rule out literally everyone on the defense.
Offensively, Tech has a deep stable of receivers, and the passing game remained productive even as the receivers fought injuries. That leaves QB Seth Doege and Stephens.
We already got a preview of what life without Stephens would be like, and it wasn't pretty. Stephens was a productive runner, on track to become the first Red Raider to rush for 1,000 yards since 1998, but his season ended with an ugly hit in a close loss to Texas A&M that dislocated his knee and ended his season. He's still not guaranteed to return in 2012.
But even with that production, offensive coordinator Neal Brown told me this offseason that his value to the team was still underrated. Texas Tech has a lot of backs on its roster who can look good with the ball in their hands. It doesn't have one who can pass block anything close to the way Stephens could. Being able to chip a linebacker and buy a few extra seconds for Doege will pay off in a lot of spots throughout a season. The Red Raiders lost that late in the season. DeAndre Washington played well, but Stephens' experience helped him develop that skill, and that experience can't be duplicated. We saw that much throughout 2011.
Texas Tech's running game wasn't as productive and the record went south quickly. Looking for the man Tech needs the most this fall? Stephens is your guy.
2011 overall record: 5-7
2011 conference record: 2-7
Returning starters: Offense (9), Defense (10), P/K (1)
Top returners: QB Seth Doege, S Cody Davis, WR Alex Torres, S D.J. Johnson, S Terrance Bullitt, RB Eric Stephens, WR Eric Ward, WR Darrin Moore
Key losses: DE Scott Smith, TE Adam James, DB Brett Dewhurst
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Eric Stephens* (565 yards)
Passing: Seth Doege* (4,004 yards)
Receiving: Eric Ward* (800 yards)
Tackles: Cody Davis* (93)
Sacks: Scott Smith (5.5)
Interceptions: D.J. Johnson* (2)
Three spring answers
1. An answer in the middle: When you recruit junior college talent, you never quite know what you're going to get. That was a good thing for Texas Tech this spring, which found a starting middle linebacker in Will Smith. He's already the team's best at the position, according to coach Tommy Tuberville. They found him while recruiting running back SaDale Foster in California, but Tech found a hidden gem that made a huge impact.
2. Depth developing at running back: Texas Tech was thin at running back during the spring with DeAndre Washington and Eric Stephens sidelined by knee injuries. Stephens' return in 2012 isn't guaranteed, but the spring gave Tech a nice chance to see what it had at running back. Newcomer SaDale Foster played well, as did Kenny Williams. The position's in good shape, even though Ronnie Daniels transferred.
3. Familiar unfamiliarity on defense: Art Kaufman arrived in Lubbock this spring to install his 4-3 defense, which on its own wouldn't be all that notable. What makes it notable? He's the fourth defensive coordinator in four years at Texas Tech. The biggest task in front of him is building depth and developing his linebackers, who were among the Big 12's worst in 2011, ranking dead last nationally in rush defense.
Three fall questions
1. Will Eric Stephens be back in time? Stephens' dislocated knee against Texas A&M looked ugly, but the impact was even bigger than anyone could have imagined. Stephens had tons of experience, and was not only the team's best runner, but was the best pass-blocking back (a huge deal in Tech's offense) and pass-catching back. Tech is hopeful he'll be back by the beginning of the season, but he'll be limited in fall camp.
2. Who's the top receiver? Is Eric Ward the most talented receiver on the team? I'd vote more for Alex Torres and Darrin Moore. Still, you can't deny Ward's production in Torres' and Moore's absence with injuries in 2011. They'll be in a derby this fall to catch passes from Doege, and look out for guys like Tyson Williams and Marcus Kennard, too. Hyped freshmen Dominique Wheeler and Reginald Davis are on the way, too.
3. Can Texas Tech stay healthy? Nothing's hurt Tech more the past two seasons than injury. They've been everywhere on defense, and last year, the team's top two receivers and running backs both suffered big injuries. There hasn't been a clear reason Tech seems to have been snake bitten so badly, but the injuries exposed the lack of depth in 2011. Reasons aside, Tech has to stay healthy to get back into a bowl after ending a nearly two-decade streak of winning seasons with the 5-7 campaign in 2011.
2011 conference record: 2-7
Returning starters: Offense (9), Defense (10), P/K (1)
Top returners: QB Seth Doege, S Cody Davis, WR Alex Torres, S D.J. Johnson, S Terrance Bullitt, RB Eric Stephens, WR Eric Ward, WR Darrin Moore
Key losses: DE Scott Smith, TE Adam James, DB Brett Dewhurst
2011 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Eric Stephens* (565 yards)
Passing: Seth Doege* (4,004 yards)
Receiving: Eric Ward* (800 yards)
Tackles: Cody Davis* (93)
Sacks: Scott Smith (5.5)
Interceptions: D.J. Johnson* (2)
Three spring answers
1. An answer in the middle: When you recruit junior college talent, you never quite know what you're going to get. That was a good thing for Texas Tech this spring, which found a starting middle linebacker in Will Smith. He's already the team's best at the position, according to coach Tommy Tuberville. They found him while recruiting running back SaDale Foster in California, but Tech found a hidden gem that made a huge impact.
2. Depth developing at running back: Texas Tech was thin at running back during the spring with DeAndre Washington and Eric Stephens sidelined by knee injuries. Stephens' return in 2012 isn't guaranteed, but the spring gave Tech a nice chance to see what it had at running back. Newcomer SaDale Foster played well, as did Kenny Williams. The position's in good shape, even though Ronnie Daniels transferred.
3. Familiar unfamiliarity on defense: Art Kaufman arrived in Lubbock this spring to install his 4-3 defense, which on its own wouldn't be all that notable. What makes it notable? He's the fourth defensive coordinator in four years at Texas Tech. The biggest task in front of him is building depth and developing his linebackers, who were among the Big 12's worst in 2011, ranking dead last nationally in rush defense.
Three fall questions
1. Will Eric Stephens be back in time? Stephens' dislocated knee against Texas A&M looked ugly, but the impact was even bigger than anyone could have imagined. Stephens had tons of experience, and was not only the team's best runner, but was the best pass-blocking back (a huge deal in Tech's offense) and pass-catching back. Tech is hopeful he'll be back by the beginning of the season, but he'll be limited in fall camp.
2. Who's the top receiver? Is Eric Ward the most talented receiver on the team? I'd vote more for Alex Torres and Darrin Moore. Still, you can't deny Ward's production in Torres' and Moore's absence with injuries in 2011. They'll be in a derby this fall to catch passes from Doege, and look out for guys like Tyson Williams and Marcus Kennard, too. Hyped freshmen Dominique Wheeler and Reginald Davis are on the way, too.
3. Can Texas Tech stay healthy? Nothing's hurt Tech more the past two seasons than injury. They've been everywhere on defense, and last year, the team's top two receivers and running backs both suffered big injuries. There hasn't been a clear reason Tech seems to have been snake bitten so badly, but the injuries exposed the lack of depth in 2011. Reasons aside, Tech has to stay healthy to get back into a bowl after ending a nearly two-decade streak of winning seasons with the 5-7 campaign in 2011.
This time last year, we broke down who in the Big 12's would most likely hit the benchmarks for their positions in 2011. The quarterbacks came first.
Here's what I wrote then.
The clear line designating the best at the position is 3,000 yards. Plenty will top the number, and some from the Big 12 will even hit 4,000 yards.
In 2011, 39 quarterbacks broke the 3,000-yard mark.
Well, it's time to grade the prediction.
I broke down all 10 teams' prospects at having a 3,000-yard passer, but picked only six to do it.
Thoughts: Easy pick here. Not much to say.
Thoughts: Weeden definitely won that battle with Jones, but RG3 surpassed even the highest expectations for him in 2011, winning the Heisman. Still, no contest on the 3,000-yard mark.
Thoughts: His offense sort of crumbled around him thanks to injuries -- his top two running backs and receivers both missed significant time, and the offensive line was banged up, too -- but Doege did a great job continuing the quarterback tradition at Tech as a first-year starter.
Thoughts: Well, undershot this one. We all knew RG3 had upside, but legitimate Heisman potential? He surprised us all with that one. He also helped Kendall Wright win the Big 12 receiving title, too.
Thoughts: Tannehill had his problems in 2011, namely throwing a league-high 15 interceptions and stumbling to a 7-6 record, but he was productive. He parlayed his season and a half of experience into a top-10 draft pick. Not bad. Fuller, though, was another story. We'll get to the receivers later.
Thoughts: Gabbert transferred just weeks after this was written, but Franklin took a hold of the job and played well as a sophomore. I knew he'd run and change Mizzou's offense a bit, but I'm not sure I expected him to run as much as he did (217 rushes). He handled it well, but it was surprising. He threw the ball 98 fewer times in 2011 (377 attempts) than Blaine Gabbert did in 2010 (475 attempts).
I didn't believe Texas, Iowa State, Kansas State or Kansas would have a 3,000-yard passer. None of them did. In fact, none of them even had a 2,000-yard passer, even though K-State and Kansas started the same quarterback in each game all season.
All things considered, how would you grade my picks?
Here's what I wrote then.
The clear line designating the best at the position is 3,000 yards. Plenty will top the number, and some from the Big 12 will even hit 4,000 yards.
In 2011, 39 quarterbacks broke the 3,000-yard mark.
I broke down all 10 teams' prospects at having a 3,000-yard passer, but picked only six to do it.
1. Landry Jones, Oklahoma -- Jones topped 3,000 yards as a freshman filling in for an injured Sam Bradford in 2009 and had 4,718 yards last season, almost 500 yards more than anyone else in the Big 12. He also had the most attempts of any quarterback in college football. It's safe to say he's got this.Final yardage tally: 4,463 yards
Thoughts: Easy pick here. Not much to say.
2. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State -- Weeden is probably a good bet to clear 4,000 yards, too. He had 4,277 last season and brings back a Biletnikoff Award winner at receiver in Justin Blackmon. He and Jones should be locked in a season-long battle for a spot as the first-team All-Big 12 quarterback, among other honors.Final 2011 yardage tally: 4,727 yards
Thoughts: Weeden definitely won that battle with Jones, but RG3 surpassed even the highest expectations for him in 2011, winning the Heisman. Still, no contest on the 3,000-yard mark.
3. Seth Doege, Texas Tech -- Texas Tech has had a 3,000-yard passer for 11 consecutive seasons, the longest streak in college football. Coach Tommy Tuberville wants to run it more, but not that much more. Doege looks likely to slide into a spot as the next in line for two seasons.Final 2011 yardage tally: 4,004 yards
Thoughts: His offense sort of crumbled around him thanks to injuries -- his top two running backs and receivers both missed significant time, and the offensive line was banged up, too -- but Doege did a great job continuing the quarterback tradition at Tech as a first-year starter.
4. Robert Griffin III, Baylor -- Griffin's 3,501 yards was his first 3,000-yard season, and he showed lots of development as a passer during his sophomore campaign. That should continue as a junior in 2011, and he's got a deep, talented receiving corps.Final 2011 yardage tally: 4,293 yards
Thoughts: Well, undershot this one. We all knew RG3 had upside, but legitimate Heisman potential? He surprised us all with that one. He also helped Kendall Wright win the Big 12 receiving title, too.
5. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M -- Tannehill only had 1,638 yards last season, but he did it in just more than six games. With Jeff Fuller and a handful of other capable receivers, he should clear the mark easily in 2010.Final 2011 yardage tally: 3,744 yards
Thoughts: Tannehill had his problems in 2011, namely throwing a league-high 15 interceptions and stumbling to a 7-6 record, but he was productive. He parlayed his season and a half of experience into a top-10 draft pick. Not bad. Fuller, though, was another story. We'll get to the receivers later.
6. Tyler Gabbert/James Franklin, Missouri -- I don't have much doubt that the pair will combine for at least 3,000 yards, but Missouri has a handful of solid running backs and both look like capable quarterbacks. If one struggles, the other could fill in and leave the Tigers without a 3,000-yard man at the helm.Final 2011 yardage tally: 2,872 yards
Thoughts: Gabbert transferred just weeks after this was written, but Franklin took a hold of the job and played well as a sophomore. I knew he'd run and change Mizzou's offense a bit, but I'm not sure I expected him to run as much as he did (217 rushes). He handled it well, but it was surprising. He threw the ball 98 fewer times in 2011 (377 attempts) than Blaine Gabbert did in 2010 (475 attempts).
I didn't believe Texas, Iowa State, Kansas State or Kansas would have a 3,000-yard passer. None of them did. In fact, none of them even had a 2,000-yard passer, even though K-State and Kansas started the same quarterback in each game all season.
All things considered, how would you grade my picks?
Time to continue our series breaking down each team's best and worst positions entering the 2012 season. Texas Tech is up next.
More spring superlatives:
Strongest position: Quarterback
Seth Doege had a really strong start last year, pacing himself alongside the Big 12's best quarterbacks and setting the NCAA single-game record for completion percentage against New Mexico. Offensively, Doege can make it all run. Last year, it all just crumbled around him. His top two running backs got hurt. His best receivers couldn't stay healthy and receiver Alex Torres suffered a major knee injury late in the year.
When it was all over, Doege was third in the Big 12 in passing yards per game and topped 4,000 yards. Not bad, even though Tech stumbled to a 5-7 season. OC Neal Brown was really happy with what Doege did, the Red Raiders just had to rely on him too much. Putting up 28 touchdown passes to 10 interceptions is nothing to shrug off.
Weakest position: Linebacker
The good news? Tech knows who its best linebacker is. The bad news? He's a lightly recruited juco transfer named Will Smith who came in and made a huge impact. The Red Raiders found a good one in Smith, who could start for a lot of teams, but he illustrates the point that Tech had the league's worst linebacking unit in 2011.
New coordinator Art Kaufman is charged with revitalizing the unit. Coach Tommy Tuberville is moving back to the 4-3, where he's more comfortable, and moving away from the 4-2-5. We'll see if Daniel Cobb can help Smith, who won the middle linebacker job in the spring, make the defense look a lot better in 2012.
More spring superlatives:
Strongest position: Quarterback
Seth Doege had a really strong start last year, pacing himself alongside the Big 12's best quarterbacks and setting the NCAA single-game record for completion percentage against New Mexico. Offensively, Doege can make it all run. Last year, it all just crumbled around him. His top two running backs got hurt. His best receivers couldn't stay healthy and receiver Alex Torres suffered a major knee injury late in the year.
When it was all over, Doege was third in the Big 12 in passing yards per game and topped 4,000 yards. Not bad, even though Tech stumbled to a 5-7 season. OC Neal Brown was really happy with what Doege did, the Red Raiders just had to rely on him too much. Putting up 28 touchdown passes to 10 interceptions is nothing to shrug off.
Weakest position: Linebacker
The good news? Tech knows who its best linebacker is. The bad news? He's a lightly recruited juco transfer named Will Smith who came in and made a huge impact. The Red Raiders found a good one in Smith, who could start for a lot of teams, but he illustrates the point that Tech had the league's worst linebacking unit in 2011.
New coordinator Art Kaufman is charged with revitalizing the unit. Coach Tommy Tuberville is moving back to the 4-3, where he's more comfortable, and moving away from the 4-2-5. We'll see if Daniel Cobb can help Smith, who won the middle linebacker job in the spring, make the defense look a lot better in 2012.
The spring is nearing its end with just a little over a week remaining for some.
Oklahoma State and West Virginia will wrap up their spring practices this weekend. Until then, it's time to break down where we stand in the quarterback competitions around the league.
Baylor: Bears coach Art Briles said it was Nick Florence's job to lose entering the spring, and Florence did nothing to let Briles down. Instead, he seized the job ahead of talented backup Bryce Petty, who has a bright future ahead of himself. Florence gave up his redshirt last season by playing the second half against Texas Tech, but he'll try to make his senior season count. For now, this is his team.
Iowa State: Nothing's been settled after Iowa State's spring game last Saturday. Steele Jantz got back into the race when Jared Barnett struggled in the bowl game, and the competition was too close to call at the end of spring. ISU coach Paul Rhoads even said redshirt freshman Sam Richardson isn't out of the race. Former QB Jerome Tiller is, though. He was in the four-man competition last spring, which Jantz eventually won, but missed the season because of academic issues. He's a receiver now, and doing well at the position.
Kansas: Charlie Weis brought in his guy, Dayne Crist, from Notre Dame, and last year's starter, Jordan Webb, transferred. Crist has entrenched himself as the starter midway through spring practice, which ends with the spring game on April 28. BYU transfer Jake Heaps is taking reps with the second team now, but he'll be phased out in the fall while he sits out his NCAA-mandated redshirt season after transferring.
Kansas State: Collin Klein is still developing as a passer, but he is K-State's offense. Moving on ...
Oklahoma: Landry Jones returned for his senior season, but with a healthy set of running backs, the Belldozer, a power formation named after big-bodied backup Blake Bell, may be phased out this season. Bell, though, showcased his arm in the spring game and outperformed the older Drew Allen. The backup QB race should be interesting to watch this fall.
Oklahoma State: Coach Mike Gundy really wanted to name a starter by the end of spring, but it doesn't look likely to happen. No quarterback has established any distance, but they'll have a huge chance in Saturday's spring game. For now, true freshman Wes Lunt is still in the race, though dual-threat man J.W. Walsh may be the favorite ahead of junior Clint Chelf, who has some game experience the past two seasons. This is the league's best race, but also its most difficult to predict. Just about anything could happen.
Texas: Coach Mack Brown isn't making anything official, but sophomore David Ash was getting nearly all the first-team reps in the spring, ahead of Case McCoy. There's no official title yet, but there would be major shock if anyone but Ash starts the season opener. Now, if Ash struggles...
TCU: Casey Pachall had a great first year, and brings back his top three targets in Josh Boyce, Skye Dawson and Brandon Carter. The sky is the limit for Pachall.
Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' staff liked what Seth Doege did as a first-year starter, but the defense and injuries to his offense put too much strain on him in 2011. He'll look a lot better if his receivers and running backs can stay healthy.
West Virginia: Geno Smith may be the league's best quarterback, and coach Dana Holgorsen can't quit calling him "special." That's not to say he should. It could be a special season for him and the Mountaineers as they join the Big 12.
Oklahoma State and West Virginia will wrap up their spring practices this weekend. Until then, it's time to break down where we stand in the quarterback competitions around the league.
Baylor: Bears coach Art Briles said it was Nick Florence's job to lose entering the spring, and Florence did nothing to let Briles down. Instead, he seized the job ahead of talented backup Bryce Petty, who has a bright future ahead of himself. Florence gave up his redshirt last season by playing the second half against Texas Tech, but he'll try to make his senior season count. For now, this is his team.
Iowa State: Nothing's been settled after Iowa State's spring game last Saturday. Steele Jantz got back into the race when Jared Barnett struggled in the bowl game, and the competition was too close to call at the end of spring. ISU coach Paul Rhoads even said redshirt freshman Sam Richardson isn't out of the race. Former QB Jerome Tiller is, though. He was in the four-man competition last spring, which Jantz eventually won, but missed the season because of academic issues. He's a receiver now, and doing well at the position.
Kansas: Charlie Weis brought in his guy, Dayne Crist, from Notre Dame, and last year's starter, Jordan Webb, transferred. Crist has entrenched himself as the starter midway through spring practice, which ends with the spring game on April 28. BYU transfer Jake Heaps is taking reps with the second team now, but he'll be phased out in the fall while he sits out his NCAA-mandated redshirt season after transferring.
Kansas State: Collin Klein is still developing as a passer, but he is K-State's offense. Moving on ...
Oklahoma: Landry Jones returned for his senior season, but with a healthy set of running backs, the Belldozer, a power formation named after big-bodied backup Blake Bell, may be phased out this season. Bell, though, showcased his arm in the spring game and outperformed the older Drew Allen. The backup QB race should be interesting to watch this fall.
Oklahoma State: Coach Mike Gundy really wanted to name a starter by the end of spring, but it doesn't look likely to happen. No quarterback has established any distance, but they'll have a huge chance in Saturday's spring game. For now, true freshman Wes Lunt is still in the race, though dual-threat man J.W. Walsh may be the favorite ahead of junior Clint Chelf, who has some game experience the past two seasons. This is the league's best race, but also its most difficult to predict. Just about anything could happen.
Texas: Coach Mack Brown isn't making anything official, but sophomore David Ash was getting nearly all the first-team reps in the spring, ahead of Case McCoy. There's no official title yet, but there would be major shock if anyone but Ash starts the season opener. Now, if Ash struggles...
TCU: Casey Pachall had a great first year, and brings back his top three targets in Josh Boyce, Skye Dawson and Brandon Carter. The sky is the limit for Pachall.
Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' staff liked what Seth Doege did as a first-year starter, but the defense and injuries to his offense put too much strain on him in 2011. He'll look a lot better if his receivers and running backs can stay healthy.
West Virginia: Geno Smith may be the league's best quarterback, and coach Dana Holgorsen can't quit calling him "special." That's not to say he should. It could be a special season for him and the Mountaineers as they join the Big 12.
Thanks for all the emails this week. It's been fun.
On a related note, our bracket winner, wvewe1, has been MIA. I've emailed and tried to contact, but haven't gotten a response. You're missing out. We'll try to get in touch for next week's mailbag. If not, second-place finisher MonsterBack24 should contact me here and you can post whatever you'd like in next week's mailbag.
On to this week's mailbag:
Jeff Slayer in Wilmington, N.C., asked: UBBS! Everybody is talking about the possible expansion, but only when a new commissioner is set in stone. Have you heard any news on those possible candidates and any authentication on the rumors we have been hearing the past few months. Also if FSU was actually interested do you think they would leave their troublesome little brother in Miami? Thanks!
David Ubben: That's going to be a huge question for whoever steps into the role of commissioner in the coming months. Chuck Neinas will be gone on July 1 officially, but the new man could be on board before then. His opinion and stance on future expansion will be a huge question, the first big one he'll have to answer. The Big 12 is stabilized in the immediate future after the grant of rights.
It's important to note the Big 12 commissioner isn't quite as powerful as some in other leagues. He's mostly a representative of the membership more than a guy that calls the shots for the league like some of the others we've seen. That said, if he can sell the members on expansion (he may or may not try), it could become a possibility. That said, the Big 12's members haven't expressed much interest in expansion. That question will come up in the interview process, and the league's search committee would probably be tentative to bring aboard a commissioner who was fired up about expansion.
I just don't see any realistic scenario in which Florida State joins the Big 12, but like I've said before, Louisville and Cincinnati/BYU would probably make the most sense as the 11th and 12th members, but I don't really think it'll happen.
Tyler S. in Red Bluff, Calif., wrote: No love for Bill Snyder and company! Ubbs, you may be new to the big 12, but there is one thing that all big 12 fans know. You underestimate Bill Snyder, you are going to get burned. Can you explain to me why, after 20 years of exceeding expectations, "experts" continue to put expectations so low for KSU and Bill Snyder?
DU: Yeah, I've talked a lot about K-State overachieving and doing it by the narrowest of margins last year, but no question, Snyder is the X-factor that makes me doubt a Wildcat recession.
K-State brings back so much talent from last year's team, and this is a Bill Snyder team. His entire program is based upon daily improvement, and he's proven he can get teams to do it so many times. I still think K-State is a 9-10 win team and I'll have them somewhere in the ballpark of the top 15 to start the season, but it's still hard for me to see the Wildcats actually winning the Big 12. Maybe I'm crazy. Either way, it'll be fun to watch. The Big 12 is really, really crowded at the top. OU, K-State, TCU and West Virginia are all legit contenders to win the league, and OSU and Texas could surprise some people and take the league, too.
And hey, for the record, I picked every K-State regular-season game correctly after the Baylor win.
Dylan in Jacksonville wrote: Hey Ubbs great blog, but I have a really important question that I know all of Mountaineer nation wants to know. When do you plan on making your first trip to the mountain state since you said that you've never been? You've got the guide to our home turf, now you need to make a visit before football season starts so you get a taste of calm Morgantown. Do you plan on going for the spring game? A summer session? Or just the first week when you have us vs. our little sister Marsha as your Big 12 road trip that week?
DU: How's next week sound? This is where I would have a winking face, but I'll spare you all that one. See you soon, 'Eers.
Robert Powell in El Paso, Texas,wrote: David,When Neal Brown was hired as Tech's OC, he was billed as "one of the top offensive minds in college football." After two seasons, I don't see it. First, neither Potts nor Sheffield had much success in his first year. Throw in a couple debacles like 150 total yards vs. UT, coupled with uninspired play versus Iowa State, aTm, and OU. Second, in 2011 Doege threw for 4,000 yards, but that's pretty commonplace anymore. And at least once a game, Brown substitutes players, and goes on a quick count to catch the defense unaware, but when the offense subs, the defense gets to sub as well, so the play is called back. Is Brown still highly thought of, or has everyone seen through the masquarade and figured out his predictability? Thanks!
DU: Well, let's step back and take a wide-angle look at this. One, the injuries last year have to be a factor. He lost his best back, Eric Stephens, and what I'd say are his two best receivers, Alex Torres and Darrin Moore last year. Torres was banged up in 2010, too.
But look at the numbers: Last season, Tech was 13th nationally in total offense. In 2010, the Red Raiders were 15th. They were in the top five in 2009, 2008 and 2007, but it wasn't a huge step back, and the talent Tech had in those seasons was more impressive.
Meanwhile, Tech was 114th last year in total defense, and ranked the same in 2010. In 2009, the Red Raiders were 49th in total defense and 80th in the previous season. They were up to 45th in 2007.
That should be obvious by now. It's really this simple. Tech's offense hasn't been good, but when it comes to losses, don't blame Neal Brown. He's been fine.
Darren in Columbia, S.C., wrote: As a WVU fan, I am obviously excited and honored to be in the Big XII (or at least almost in the B12).As far as the ESPN blogs are concerned we are in a bit of a no-man's land, not quite in the B12, not quite out of the BE. Of course, understandably the BE blog isn't mentioning us at all now. I want to thank you for talking about the Eers as much as you are. You could completely ignore us, and it would be understandable if you did. Afterall, we are not really a B12 team yet. I and a whole helluva lotta other Eers are really looking forward to seeing the Flying WV logo appear on the right side of your blog page!
DU: Glad to have you, Darren. I'm pretty excited to learn about the new teams in the league and see them week to week. And, of course, interact with two brand-new fan bases.
On a related note, our bracket winner, wvewe1, has been MIA. I've emailed and tried to contact, but haven't gotten a response. You're missing out. We'll try to get in touch for next week's mailbag. If not, second-place finisher MonsterBack24 should contact me here and you can post whatever you'd like in next week's mailbag.
On to this week's mailbag:
Jeff Slayer in Wilmington, N.C., asked: UBBS! Everybody is talking about the possible expansion, but only when a new commissioner is set in stone. Have you heard any news on those possible candidates and any authentication on the rumors we have been hearing the past few months. Also if FSU was actually interested do you think they would leave their troublesome little brother in Miami? Thanks!
David Ubben: That's going to be a huge question for whoever steps into the role of commissioner in the coming months. Chuck Neinas will be gone on July 1 officially, but the new man could be on board before then. His opinion and stance on future expansion will be a huge question, the first big one he'll have to answer. The Big 12 is stabilized in the immediate future after the grant of rights.
It's important to note the Big 12 commissioner isn't quite as powerful as some in other leagues. He's mostly a representative of the membership more than a guy that calls the shots for the league like some of the others we've seen. That said, if he can sell the members on expansion (he may or may not try), it could become a possibility. That said, the Big 12's members haven't expressed much interest in expansion. That question will come up in the interview process, and the league's search committee would probably be tentative to bring aboard a commissioner who was fired up about expansion.
I just don't see any realistic scenario in which Florida State joins the Big 12, but like I've said before, Louisville and Cincinnati/BYU would probably make the most sense as the 11th and 12th members, but I don't really think it'll happen.
Tyler S. in Red Bluff, Calif., wrote: No love for Bill Snyder and company! Ubbs, you may be new to the big 12, but there is one thing that all big 12 fans know. You underestimate Bill Snyder, you are going to get burned. Can you explain to me why, after 20 years of exceeding expectations, "experts" continue to put expectations so low for KSU and Bill Snyder?
DU: Yeah, I've talked a lot about K-State overachieving and doing it by the narrowest of margins last year, but no question, Snyder is the X-factor that makes me doubt a Wildcat recession.
K-State brings back so much talent from last year's team, and this is a Bill Snyder team. His entire program is based upon daily improvement, and he's proven he can get teams to do it so many times. I still think K-State is a 9-10 win team and I'll have them somewhere in the ballpark of the top 15 to start the season, but it's still hard for me to see the Wildcats actually winning the Big 12. Maybe I'm crazy. Either way, it'll be fun to watch. The Big 12 is really, really crowded at the top. OU, K-State, TCU and West Virginia are all legit contenders to win the league, and OSU and Texas could surprise some people and take the league, too.
And hey, for the record, I picked every K-State regular-season game correctly after the Baylor win.
Dylan in Jacksonville wrote: Hey Ubbs great blog, but I have a really important question that I know all of Mountaineer nation wants to know. When do you plan on making your first trip to the mountain state since you said that you've never been? You've got the guide to our home turf, now you need to make a visit before football season starts so you get a taste of calm Morgantown. Do you plan on going for the spring game? A summer session? Or just the first week when you have us vs. our little sister Marsha as your Big 12 road trip that week?
DU: How's next week sound? This is where I would have a winking face, but I'll spare you all that one. See you soon, 'Eers.
Robert Powell in El Paso, Texas,wrote: David,When Neal Brown was hired as Tech's OC, he was billed as "one of the top offensive minds in college football." After two seasons, I don't see it. First, neither Potts nor Sheffield had much success in his first year. Throw in a couple debacles like 150 total yards vs. UT, coupled with uninspired play versus Iowa State, aTm, and OU. Second, in 2011 Doege threw for 4,000 yards, but that's pretty commonplace anymore. And at least once a game, Brown substitutes players, and goes on a quick count to catch the defense unaware, but when the offense subs, the defense gets to sub as well, so the play is called back. Is Brown still highly thought of, or has everyone seen through the masquarade and figured out his predictability? Thanks!
DU: Well, let's step back and take a wide-angle look at this. One, the injuries last year have to be a factor. He lost his best back, Eric Stephens, and what I'd say are his two best receivers, Alex Torres and Darrin Moore last year. Torres was banged up in 2010, too.
But look at the numbers: Last season, Tech was 13th nationally in total offense. In 2010, the Red Raiders were 15th. They were in the top five in 2009, 2008 and 2007, but it wasn't a huge step back, and the talent Tech had in those seasons was more impressive.
Meanwhile, Tech was 114th last year in total defense, and ranked the same in 2010. In 2009, the Red Raiders were 49th in total defense and 80th in the previous season. They were up to 45th in 2007.
That should be obvious by now. It's really this simple. Tech's offense hasn't been good, but when it comes to losses, don't blame Neal Brown. He's been fine.
Darren in Columbia, S.C., wrote: As a WVU fan, I am obviously excited and honored to be in the Big XII (or at least almost in the B12).As far as the ESPN blogs are concerned we are in a bit of a no-man's land, not quite in the B12, not quite out of the BE. Of course, understandably the BE blog isn't mentioning us at all now. I want to thank you for talking about the Eers as much as you are. You could completely ignore us, and it would be understandable if you did. Afterall, we are not really a B12 team yet. I and a whole helluva lotta other Eers are really looking forward to seeing the Flying WV logo appear on the right side of your blog page!
DU: Glad to have you, Darren. I'm pretty excited to learn about the new teams in the league and see them week to week. And, of course, interact with two brand-new fan bases.
Time to continue our series breaking down each team's best and worst positions entering the 2012 season. Oklahoma State is up next.
More spring superlatives:
Strongest position: Running back
Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden threw the ball more than all but one quarterback (Case Keenum, Houston; Seth Doege, Texas Tech) in college football last year, but look for those pass-attempt numbers to dip a bit in 2011 for the Cowboys.
First, Weeden is gone. Second, Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith have more than proved they're capable of producing big numbers. Look for the offense to lean on the junior duo next year a bit more as Oklahoma State breaks in a new quarterback, whoever wins the competition between Clint Chelf, J.W. Walsh and Wes Lunt.
The pass attempts may go down, but look for Randle's 1,216 yards (second in the Big 12 in 2011) to go up next season. He also ran for 24 touchdowns. Smith added 646 yards and nine touchdowns, and those numbers could go up, too. OSU won't suddenly shift to a completely different offense, but these two are going to make the QB transition much easier. Sophomore Herschel Sims should add even more depth after a strong freshman year with extremely limited touches.
Weakest position: Defensive line
Oklahoma State lost two great pass-rushers in Jamie Blatnick and Richetti Jones, who combined for 12 sacks last season and were first and second on the team. There are no elite pass-rushers or players with a ton of potential waiting in the wings. Getting a pass rush will have to be up to some crafty blitz packages. Cooper Bassett and Ryan Robinson, both seniors, will get the first crack at replacing Blatnick and Jones, but it's tough to see the duo coming close to what its predecessors did.
Inside, defensive tackle was a weakness for OSU last year, and Nigel Nicholas returns, but he's moved to defensive end. Power rushing attacks like Texas A&M, Stanford and Texas gave Oklahoma State tons of trouble last year. Anthony Rogers and Davidell Collins begin the spring as starters, but James Castleman and Christian Littlehead should be major contributors, too. We'll see if juco transfer Calvin Barnett can make an impact in a much-needed position.
More spring superlatives:
Strongest position: Running back
Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden threw the ball more than all but one quarterback (Case Keenum, Houston; Seth Doege, Texas Tech) in college football last year, but look for those pass-attempt numbers to dip a bit in 2011 for the Cowboys.
First, Weeden is gone. Second, Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith have more than proved they're capable of producing big numbers. Look for the offense to lean on the junior duo next year a bit more as Oklahoma State breaks in a new quarterback, whoever wins the competition between Clint Chelf, J.W. Walsh and Wes Lunt.
The pass attempts may go down, but look for Randle's 1,216 yards (second in the Big 12 in 2011) to go up next season. He also ran for 24 touchdowns. Smith added 646 yards and nine touchdowns, and those numbers could go up, too. OSU won't suddenly shift to a completely different offense, but these two are going to make the QB transition much easier. Sophomore Herschel Sims should add even more depth after a strong freshman year with extremely limited touches.
Weakest position: Defensive line
Oklahoma State lost two great pass-rushers in Jamie Blatnick and Richetti Jones, who combined for 12 sacks last season and were first and second on the team. There are no elite pass-rushers or players with a ton of potential waiting in the wings. Getting a pass rush will have to be up to some crafty blitz packages. Cooper Bassett and Ryan Robinson, both seniors, will get the first crack at replacing Blatnick and Jones, but it's tough to see the duo coming close to what its predecessors did.
Inside, defensive tackle was a weakness for OSU last year, and Nigel Nicholas returns, but he's moved to defensive end. Power rushing attacks like Texas A&M, Stanford and Texas gave Oklahoma State tons of trouble last year. Anthony Rogers and Davidell Collins begin the spring as starters, but James Castleman and Christian Littlehead should be major contributors, too. We'll see if juco transfer Calvin Barnett can make an impact in a much-needed position.
Missed Texas Tech's spring game on Saturday? No worries, we've got you covered.
What happened:
"My goal when we kick off against Texas State is to have 100 percent confidence in Michael Brewer. ... If something happened to Seth Doege, Michael Brewer comes in and we don’t change anything. We’re not there yet, but today was a good step in that direction."
- Texas Tech offensive coordinator Neal Brown
What happened:
- Red beat Black, 25-19, but players switched teams throughout the game. Note: This is not allowed during Big 12 play.
- Quarterback Seth Doege completed 25-of-39 passes for 217 yards, a touchdown, an interception and was sacked five times. Fellow QB Michael Brewer completed 21-of-28 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns.
- Running back SaDale Foster ran for 70 yards on nine carries.
- Fellow juco transfer Will Smith had a team-high six stops and an interception, the only turnover of the game. He also had a tackle for loss.
- Possible starters TE Jace Amaro and RB Kenny Williams were held out of the game after arrests this spring, but further punishment will be doled out as the legal process plays out, coach Tommy Tuberville said.
- If you paid attention, you heard the buzz surrounding Michael Brewer this spring, and Scotty Young's decision to transfer only further perked my ears. This is Seth Doege's job, but the future looks promising for Brewer, who has lots of targets to throw to in this offense, too. He had a great day, and here's a guess it'll be far from his last. Much of Brewer's production came against the No. 2 defense, but offensive coordinator Neal Brown said he wants him confident heading into the season. Mission accomplished.
- Even if Eric Stephens can't get back from his dislocated knee for 2012, you've got to feel good about the RB spot at Tech. Foster earned rave reviews this spring, as did Ronnie Daniels, and validated them in Saturday's game. Williams' status is in question after his arrest, but before that, he was the likely starter at the position. He's continued to practice with the team, but Williams or not, Tech should have some productive backs. The big question is can they replace the one thing no Red Raider could in 2012? Nobody pass blocked like Stephens.
- Speaking of hype, it's probably OK to get pretty excited about Will Smith. You heard it all spring and finally saw it on Saturday. He'll have to get used to the speed of the game once the actual games start, but he'll be one of a handful of big-impact juco transfers across the Big 12 this year. Look out for him, Brandon Moore at Texas and Calvin Barnett at Oklahoma State.
- Texas Tech is breaking in a new kicker, but the Red Raiders are really pleased with what Ryan Bustin did, and it's easy to see why. He missed a 52-yard kick short, but banged in kicks of 42 and 49 yards, as well as a 26-yarder. Tuberville called his performance "pretty impressive."
"My goal when we kick off against Texas State is to have 100 percent confidence in Michael Brewer. ... If something happened to Seth Doege, Michael Brewer comes in and we don’t change anything. We’re not there yet, but today was a good step in that direction."
- Texas Tech offensive coordinator Neal Brown
Mailbag: Defending the top 25 player list
March, 14, 2012
Mar 14
4:00
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
As always, lots of responses to my list of the Big 12's top 25 players in 2011.
Here's the list.
And here's what you all had to say.
Dave in Maryland wrote: I think most of your picks are defendable, with the exception of Klein as number 7. I believe you violated your own rule: "Each player's personal role or meaning to his team is irrelevant. This is not a 'most valuable' list. It's the Big 12's best players". Klein may develop into a great QB, but I'd say that last season he was simply above average and did not make mistakes. If you were to hold a draft of the BigXII-ish QBs at the end of the season to play one more game, RG3, Weedon, Jones, Doege, Tannehill and possibly Franklin would all be drafted before him. Klein was arguably the 7th best QB in the Big 12 last season, not the 7th best player.
David Ubben: I'd totally disagree with you on that, Dave. How many guys in this league, much less quarterbacks, could take the kind of beating Klein did last year and keep going, and keep maintaining the production Klein did? The guy was getting beat up every single week and never flinched.
Additionally, he wasn't even practicing much of the second half of the season and still progressed as a passer. That makes me pretty optimistic about his 2012.
Klein may have been the seventh best passer in the Big 12, but he was easily the seventh-best player, and maybe deserved to be even higher.
Bobby in Tulsa wrote: Great list! Just curious your thoughts on Jamell Fleming. I could see maybe not making your top 25 but not even on honorable mention? What was your thought process on him? His stats and importance to the team was as important as any DB in the Big 12. Thanks. Great job, as always.
DU: It's really, really tough to grade cornerbacks in this league. I'll say that for starters. The offenses, receivers and schemes are so good that life is pretty hard out there for DBs in general.
When it comes to Fleming, I thought he underachieved a bit this year, but in retrospect, you were probably right that he deserved honorable mention. He wasn't better than Nigel Malone or Carrington Byndom this year. I feel strongly about that. But he was as good as anyone else.
For me, the lasting image of Fleming this year was those losses to Baylor and Oklahoma State when it looked like OU's secondary wasn't even playing.
He was better than that, but I probably could have contrasted that with how Oklahoma's defense struggled without Fleming in the loss to Texas Tech. That game is probably different with Fleming on the field.
So, point to the people on this one. Fleming deserved honorable mention.
J.R. in Beckley, W. Va., wrote: hey, i have an interesting question , after the top 25 player polls for the Big12 and Big East ...Griffin and Smith were the #1 players in each conference ...with that being said , who ya got between those 2 guys ? maybe even compare and/or contrast ?
DU: Well, I don't think it's even close between the two, but Smith would have probably been somewhere in my top 10 this year if I had been including West Virginia players.
Griffin is a much better athlete and a better passer than Smith, and they both had comparable weapons this year. Consider, too, that Tavon Austin helped Geno's numbers quite a bit after the catch, while Griffin's biggest asset was hitting receivers on deep balls every week.
Smith's a great player. Don't be surprised to see him at No. 1 on this list. But he wouldn't have been close just yet. Give me Griffin and Brandon Weeden by far over Smith. Landry Jones is close from a big-picture perspective, but last year, Geno was better.
Adam in Washington, D.C., wrote: David, No complaints with your top 25, I just wanted to point out I don't think you go far enough with just what Griffin means to the Baylor program. I'm not sure anybody really can, but it has gone from having a wonderful talking point to taking on a life and identity of it's own. He is discussed at every turn in regards to the draft. His career will be scrutinized from day 1 in the NFL and he will ALWAYS carry that Baylor logo. In 15 years, when Baylor has maintained success in college football (which I strongly believe they will) you will be able to look back and identify a single individual who so instrumental in resuscitating a lifeless program. This kind of stuff just doesn't happen. But he made it happen.
DU: You're preaching to the choir on that one, Adam. It's hard to put into words what Griffin means to the program now and what he'll mean over time. You simply couldn't ask for a better ambassador for your school.
Alex Okafor in Austin wrote: I didn't make your "just missed" list?
DU: Getting around this league and talking to people, you just didn't hear the kind of fear from quarterbacks and OCs about Okafor that you did about some of the other defensive ends in this league, all the defensive ends I put on the list and honorable mention ahead of Okafor.
Texas had a lot of great pieces on the defense, but simply put, Okafor didn't inspire the same kind of respect from people around the league like Frank Alexander, Ronnell Lewis and Jamie Blatnick, or even his teammate, the less-experienced but more physically gifted Jackson Jeffcoat.
Britt Fisher in Austin, Texas, wrote: You really put Moore on there, what he did to eric stevens was disgusting. Also how did Eric Ward not make your list.
DU: Sorry, I just never bought that Damontre Moore's hit on Eric Stephens was dirty. A bit late, yes, but he wasn't trying to hurt him. Moore is a heck of a player.
Also, Ward wasn't even close to the list. Have you been watching Big 12 receivers this year? Ward was probably just inside the league's top 10 if I was ranking receivers.
Here's the list.
And here's what you all had to say.
Dave in Maryland wrote: I think most of your picks are defendable, with the exception of Klein as number 7. I believe you violated your own rule: "Each player's personal role or meaning to his team is irrelevant. This is not a 'most valuable' list. It's the Big 12's best players". Klein may develop into a great QB, but I'd say that last season he was simply above average and did not make mistakes. If you were to hold a draft of the BigXII-ish QBs at the end of the season to play one more game, RG3, Weedon, Jones, Doege, Tannehill and possibly Franklin would all be drafted before him. Klein was arguably the 7th best QB in the Big 12 last season, not the 7th best player.
David Ubben: I'd totally disagree with you on that, Dave. How many guys in this league, much less quarterbacks, could take the kind of beating Klein did last year and keep going, and keep maintaining the production Klein did? The guy was getting beat up every single week and never flinched.
Additionally, he wasn't even practicing much of the second half of the season and still progressed as a passer. That makes me pretty optimistic about his 2012.
Klein may have been the seventh best passer in the Big 12, but he was easily the seventh-best player, and maybe deserved to be even higher.
Bobby in Tulsa wrote: Great list! Just curious your thoughts on Jamell Fleming. I could see maybe not making your top 25 but not even on honorable mention? What was your thought process on him? His stats and importance to the team was as important as any DB in the Big 12. Thanks. Great job, as always.
DU: It's really, really tough to grade cornerbacks in this league. I'll say that for starters. The offenses, receivers and schemes are so good that life is pretty hard out there for DBs in general.
When it comes to Fleming, I thought he underachieved a bit this year, but in retrospect, you were probably right that he deserved honorable mention. He wasn't better than Nigel Malone or Carrington Byndom this year. I feel strongly about that. But he was as good as anyone else.
For me, the lasting image of Fleming this year was those losses to Baylor and Oklahoma State when it looked like OU's secondary wasn't even playing.
He was better than that, but I probably could have contrasted that with how Oklahoma's defense struggled without Fleming in the loss to Texas Tech. That game is probably different with Fleming on the field.
So, point to the people on this one. Fleming deserved honorable mention.
J.R. in Beckley, W. Va., wrote: hey, i have an interesting question , after the top 25 player polls for the Big12 and Big East ...Griffin and Smith were the #1 players in each conference ...with that being said , who ya got between those 2 guys ? maybe even compare and/or contrast ?
DU: Well, I don't think it's even close between the two, but Smith would have probably been somewhere in my top 10 this year if I had been including West Virginia players.
Griffin is a much better athlete and a better passer than Smith, and they both had comparable weapons this year. Consider, too, that Tavon Austin helped Geno's numbers quite a bit after the catch, while Griffin's biggest asset was hitting receivers on deep balls every week.
Smith's a great player. Don't be surprised to see him at No. 1 on this list. But he wouldn't have been close just yet. Give me Griffin and Brandon Weeden by far over Smith. Landry Jones is close from a big-picture perspective, but last year, Geno was better.
Adam in Washington, D.C., wrote: David, No complaints with your top 25, I just wanted to point out I don't think you go far enough with just what Griffin means to the Baylor program. I'm not sure anybody really can, but it has gone from having a wonderful talking point to taking on a life and identity of it's own. He is discussed at every turn in regards to the draft. His career will be scrutinized from day 1 in the NFL and he will ALWAYS carry that Baylor logo. In 15 years, when Baylor has maintained success in college football (which I strongly believe they will) you will be able to look back and identify a single individual who so instrumental in resuscitating a lifeless program. This kind of stuff just doesn't happen. But he made it happen.
DU: You're preaching to the choir on that one, Adam. It's hard to put into words what Griffin means to the program now and what he'll mean over time. You simply couldn't ask for a better ambassador for your school.
Alex Okafor in Austin wrote: I didn't make your "just missed" list?
DU: Getting around this league and talking to people, you just didn't hear the kind of fear from quarterbacks and OCs about Okafor that you did about some of the other defensive ends in this league, all the defensive ends I put on the list and honorable mention ahead of Okafor.
Texas had a lot of great pieces on the defense, but simply put, Okafor didn't inspire the same kind of respect from people around the league like Frank Alexander, Ronnell Lewis and Jamie Blatnick, or even his teammate, the less-experienced but more physically gifted Jackson Jeffcoat.
Britt Fisher in Austin, Texas, wrote: You really put Moore on there, what he did to eric stevens was disgusting. Also how did Eric Ward not make your list.
DU: Sorry, I just never bought that Damontre Moore's hit on Eric Stephens was dirty. A bit late, yes, but he wasn't trying to hurt him. Moore is a heck of a player.
Also, Ward wasn't even close to the list. Have you been watching Big 12 receivers this year? Ward was probably just inside the league's top 10 if I was ranking receivers.
Chat: WVU defense, UT backs, projecting '12
March, 6, 2012
Mar 6
4:30
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
To those of you that came today, thanks for all the questions. For those of you that didn't: You're dead to me.
Here's where you can see the full transcript. If you've got a few more questions, witty musings or comments, send them here.
Now, for a few highlights:
Patty (Dallas): Hi Ubbs! Just wanted to know your thoughts on the progression of the Tech D according to reports coming out of Lubbock this spring. Should we be encouraged? I am cautiously optimistic at this point. Thanks!
David Ubben: Yeah, I think it's safe to feel pretty good at this point. Seth Doege is a somewhat proven commodity, and to see his stat lines in some of these scrimmages has to be encouraging. Spring practice is somewhat of a zero sum game (those same stat lines could have you doubting Doege), but the defense was wayyyy behind the offense last year. Could be more balance.
Jim (Seattle, WA): Any word on OU moving a conference game to September, maybe the KU game?
David Ubben: Yep, Jim. The Big 12 released its schedule last month, and Oklahoma plays Kansas State on Sept. 22.
Justin (Houston): Where do you see the Red Raiders in 2 years and how many dc will we blow through in that time?
David Ubben: Well, big picture, Tech is pretty excited about Michael Brewer, and just signed two great recruiting classes, so you've got to feel good there. Tuberville has a lot of familiarity with Art Kaufman, and I think he knows the revolving door at DC has been a problem. I'd be surprised if Tech wasn't hanging in the Big 12 title hunt and Kaufman wasn't still there.
Brady (Dallas, TX): Does the re-tooled offense at Baylor come out of the gate with the same vigor this year? Also, do we really have a prayer of making a run for the conference title with so little defense and so many skill positions rotating green players?
David Ubben: I'm not buying Baylor as a Big 12 title contender, or even a team with a legitimate shot to win it, but I'll probably pick them to return to a bowl game. The offense will be really good. Not top three nationally good, but top 3-4 in the Big 12, probably. The defense can't be worse, right?
Justin (Denver): Love the blog Ubbs. Do you think Optimus Klein develops enough as a passer this offseason to make people truly respect that part of his game. Or will teams have success just loading up the box and stopping that read-option game that won't catch anyone by surprise next year?
David Ubben: I think he's already made teams respect it. Maybe not fear it, but he can complete passes and burn teams deep if they don't account for his arm. He could use some more consistency, but he's a lot better than his release looks.
Jay (Hepler, Kansas): Who is likely going to make the bigger stride as a passer this spring, Collin Klein or David Ash?
David Ubben: Ooohhh, tough question, Jay. I'll go with Ash. He's got a lot further to go, and he'll have the benefit of a lot of offseason reps for the first time.
Tony (Richmond, CA): Do the Big XII newcomers who will make the most impact next season on offense and defense both reside in Austin (RB-Gray, DTs-Moore or Brown)?
David Ubben: I'm not buying Gray as a huge impact player yet. I could definitely see Brandon Moore or Malcom Brown making some big plays on the defensive line for the Longhorns.
Andy (Elk Grove, Ca): Do you think the switch from the 3-3-5 stack to a 3-4 will be smooth this year for WVU? Will it be an effective defense in the B12?
David Ubben: Yeah, you can do a lot of different things in this league. A&M had a lot of success with the 3-4 in 2010. Granted, WVU doesn't have Von Miller, but if you put enough speed on the field, you can be solid. I haven't gotten a great, up-close look at WVU's defensive personnel, but the 3-4 can definitely be successful in this league if your backers are fast enough and can cover receivers in space.
Hook 'Em (Austin): What do you think the RB rotation for Texas will be this year? Maybe run more options with them and Ash?
David Ubben: I think you've got to do some fun stuff this year and find ways to get Malcolm Brown, Joe Bergeron and Johnathan Gray all on the field at the same time. I'll be disappointed if they don't. Give me the wishbone or give me death.
Here's where you can see the full transcript. If you've got a few more questions, witty musings or comments, send them here.
Now, for a few highlights:
Patty (Dallas): Hi Ubbs! Just wanted to know your thoughts on the progression of the Tech D according to reports coming out of Lubbock this spring. Should we be encouraged? I am cautiously optimistic at this point. Thanks!
David Ubben: Yeah, I think it's safe to feel pretty good at this point. Seth Doege is a somewhat proven commodity, and to see his stat lines in some of these scrimmages has to be encouraging. Spring practice is somewhat of a zero sum game (those same stat lines could have you doubting Doege), but the defense was wayyyy behind the offense last year. Could be more balance.
Jim (Seattle, WA): Any word on OU moving a conference game to September, maybe the KU game?
David Ubben: Yep, Jim. The Big 12 released its schedule last month, and Oklahoma plays Kansas State on Sept. 22.
Justin (Houston): Where do you see the Red Raiders in 2 years and how many dc will we blow through in that time?
David Ubben: Well, big picture, Tech is pretty excited about Michael Brewer, and just signed two great recruiting classes, so you've got to feel good there. Tuberville has a lot of familiarity with Art Kaufman, and I think he knows the revolving door at DC has been a problem. I'd be surprised if Tech wasn't hanging in the Big 12 title hunt and Kaufman wasn't still there.
Brady (Dallas, TX): Does the re-tooled offense at Baylor come out of the gate with the same vigor this year? Also, do we really have a prayer of making a run for the conference title with so little defense and so many skill positions rotating green players?
David Ubben: I'm not buying Baylor as a Big 12 title contender, or even a team with a legitimate shot to win it, but I'll probably pick them to return to a bowl game. The offense will be really good. Not top three nationally good, but top 3-4 in the Big 12, probably. The defense can't be worse, right?
Justin (Denver): Love the blog Ubbs. Do you think Optimus Klein develops enough as a passer this offseason to make people truly respect that part of his game. Or will teams have success just loading up the box and stopping that read-option game that won't catch anyone by surprise next year?
David Ubben: I think he's already made teams respect it. Maybe not fear it, but he can complete passes and burn teams deep if they don't account for his arm. He could use some more consistency, but he's a lot better than his release looks.
Jay (Hepler, Kansas): Who is likely going to make the bigger stride as a passer this spring, Collin Klein or David Ash?
David Ubben: Ooohhh, tough question, Jay. I'll go with Ash. He's got a lot further to go, and he'll have the benefit of a lot of offseason reps for the first time.
Tony (Richmond, CA): Do the Big XII newcomers who will make the most impact next season on offense and defense both reside in Austin (RB-Gray, DTs-Moore or Brown)?
David Ubben: I'm not buying Gray as a huge impact player yet. I could definitely see Brandon Moore or Malcom Brown making some big plays on the defensive line for the Longhorns.
Andy (Elk Grove, Ca): Do you think the switch from the 3-3-5 stack to a 3-4 will be smooth this year for WVU? Will it be an effective defense in the B12?
David Ubben: Yeah, you can do a lot of different things in this league. A&M had a lot of success with the 3-4 in 2010. Granted, WVU doesn't have Von Miller, but if you put enough speed on the field, you can be solid. I haven't gotten a great, up-close look at WVU's defensive personnel, but the 3-4 can definitely be successful in this league if your backers are fast enough and can cover receivers in space.
Hook 'Em (Austin): What do you think the RB rotation for Texas will be this year? Maybe run more options with them and Ash?
David Ubben: I think you've got to do some fun stuff this year and find ways to get Malcolm Brown, Joe Bergeron and Johnathan Gray all on the field at the same time. I'll be disappointed if they don't. Give me the wishbone or give me death.
Spring is already underway at three Big 12 schools (Texas, TCU, Texas Tech), but it's March today, and we're headed for full swing this month.
Here's what you can expect when it comes to quarterback competitions this fall. Each spot is ranked from most to least secure entering spring 2012.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS
1. Oklahoma State: This should be the best battle by far. Junior Clint Chelf is the elder statesman of the group, but redshirt freshman J.W. Walsh and early enrolling true freshman Wes Lunt were both much more highly recruited. Lunt hails from Illinois and Walsh from Denton, Texas, but Chelf, from nearby Enid, Okla., will try to hold off the younger guys to grab the reins of one of the most powerful passing offenses in the country.
2. Texas: The Longhorns didn't resolve much late in the season, but David Ash had the best finish, helping Texas win the Holiday Bowl. Case McCoy is back, too, though, and the coaches say the competition is still wide open. Early enrolling freshman Connor Brewer would like to crash the party, and he and Ash are more physically gifted passers, but McCoy made plenty of plays during the season. He'll be right there fighting, too.
TIME TO LOCK IT DOWN
3. Iowa State: Jared Barnett looked like the future of the program over the second half of the season, but struggled down the stretch and opened the door for senior Steele Jantz, who helped Iowa State start the season 3-0 before being benched for Barnett. It's probably Barnett's job, but he's got to earn it. If he doesn't improve, Jantz could take advantage.
4. Baylor: Nick Florence started nine games in 2009 with mixed results, but looked good in relief of Heisman winner Robert Griffin III in a win over Texas Tech. Coach Art Briles says it's Florence's job to lose to start the spring, but Bryce Petty will be looming during the spring, too.
5. Kansas: Last year's starter, Jordan Webb, has transferred, and ex-Golden Domer Dayne Crist is on campus and taking part in promotional videos for the program. He looks like the guy, but juco national champion Turner Baty is joining the team, too. Could Michael Cummings be a factor, too? Jake Heaps is waiting his turn until 2013 while he sits out his NCAA-mandated redshirt season after transferring from BYU.
FIX ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
6. Oklahoma: Hush, Sooner fans clamoring for Blake Bell. He's part of the Belldozer gadget formation that produced 13 rushing touchdowns in the final half of 2011. But it's exactly that, a gadget formation. If OU can run the ball between the tackles well next year, we may not even see much of it. He's not touching Landry Jones' spot, though. Jones enters 2011 as a legitimate Heisman contender.
7. Kansas State: Collin Klein is the guy at Kansas State, but he's still got to develop as a passer. We'll see what kind of growth he shows this offseason.
8. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' coaches were pleased with Seth Doege's performance in all but two games (Iowa State, Oklahoma State), but the defense gave him almost no chance to succeed. He's back this spring. Michael Brewer's development is encouraging, but it's highly unlikely we see any shift in the starter's status.
9. TCU: Casey Pachall threw for 25 touchdowns, seven picks and completed 66.5 percent of his passes. His top three targets return. When it comes to the QB spot, the spring is about preparing for a big year on offense at TCU.
10. West Virginia: Geno Smith makes WVU's offense go, and he'll be back for his senior year with big hopes in Morgantown. Smith threw for 4,385 yards and 31 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. Like Pachall, Smith's spring is about getting ready for a memorable Big 12 debut.
Here's what you can expect when it comes to quarterback competitions this fall. Each spot is ranked from most to least secure entering spring 2012.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS
1. Oklahoma State: This should be the best battle by far. Junior Clint Chelf is the elder statesman of the group, but redshirt freshman J.W. Walsh and early enrolling true freshman Wes Lunt were both much more highly recruited. Lunt hails from Illinois and Walsh from Denton, Texas, but Chelf, from nearby Enid, Okla., will try to hold off the younger guys to grab the reins of one of the most powerful passing offenses in the country.
2. Texas: The Longhorns didn't resolve much late in the season, but David Ash had the best finish, helping Texas win the Holiday Bowl. Case McCoy is back, too, though, and the coaches say the competition is still wide open. Early enrolling freshman Connor Brewer would like to crash the party, and he and Ash are more physically gifted passers, but McCoy made plenty of plays during the season. He'll be right there fighting, too.
TIME TO LOCK IT DOWN
3. Iowa State: Jared Barnett looked like the future of the program over the second half of the season, but struggled down the stretch and opened the door for senior Steele Jantz, who helped Iowa State start the season 3-0 before being benched for Barnett. It's probably Barnett's job, but he's got to earn it. If he doesn't improve, Jantz could take advantage.
4. Baylor: Nick Florence started nine games in 2009 with mixed results, but looked good in relief of Heisman winner Robert Griffin III in a win over Texas Tech. Coach Art Briles says it's Florence's job to lose to start the spring, but Bryce Petty will be looming during the spring, too.
5. Kansas: Last year's starter, Jordan Webb, has transferred, and ex-Golden Domer Dayne Crist is on campus and taking part in promotional videos for the program. He looks like the guy, but juco national champion Turner Baty is joining the team, too. Could Michael Cummings be a factor, too? Jake Heaps is waiting his turn until 2013 while he sits out his NCAA-mandated redshirt season after transferring from BYU.
FIX ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
6. Oklahoma: Hush, Sooner fans clamoring for Blake Bell. He's part of the Belldozer gadget formation that produced 13 rushing touchdowns in the final half of 2011. But it's exactly that, a gadget formation. If OU can run the ball between the tackles well next year, we may not even see much of it. He's not touching Landry Jones' spot, though. Jones enters 2011 as a legitimate Heisman contender.
7. Kansas State: Collin Klein is the guy at Kansas State, but he's still got to develop as a passer. We'll see what kind of growth he shows this offseason.
8. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders' coaches were pleased with Seth Doege's performance in all but two games (Iowa State, Oklahoma State), but the defense gave him almost no chance to succeed. He's back this spring. Michael Brewer's development is encouraging, but it's highly unlikely we see any shift in the starter's status.
9. TCU: Casey Pachall threw for 25 touchdowns, seven picks and completed 66.5 percent of his passes. His top three targets return. When it comes to the QB spot, the spring is about preparing for a big year on offense at TCU.
10. West Virginia: Geno Smith makes WVU's offense go, and he'll be back for his senior year with big hopes in Morgantown. Smith threw for 4,385 yards and 31 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. Like Pachall, Smith's spring is about getting ready for a memorable Big 12 debut.
Thanks for all the questions this week. We heard from plenty of you. Here's where I can be reached if you have more thoughts, questions or cute witticisms.
Ernie A in Austin, Texas, writes: Ubbexander the Great, I watched a video over on the Pac 12 blog today and saw their blogger refer to the Pacific conference as "The Conference of Quarterbacks." Ridiculous, right? I mean, sure they've got Price and Barkley, but the Big 12 can more than match that in my opinion, especially since every team excluding my horns and the Jayhawks have a real, potential difference maker going into the season. So diving off of this--what is the state of Big 12 QBs with the departure of three of the best from last season, and who do you think (besides Jones and Klein) will step up and keep the Big 12's strong QB reputation known?
David Ubben: First off, what are you doing on the Pac-12 blog? I can only assume it's because the Longhorns are plotting an escape to the Pac-16.
We heard the same thing about the Pac-12 last season with Luck, Barkley, Foles and Co., but I'd say it was still pretty clear by season's end that the Big 12 was superior. It took home the Heisman and was a deeper league at the position. The gap isn't enormous, but the Big 12 was better.
This year? You have to remember how well this league develops new passers. Baylor and Oklahoma State lose two great quarterbacks, but Nick Florence and whoever wins the battle at OSU should be solid. All those guys have potential.
Landry Jones and Seth Doege are back, but they're joined by Geno Smith at WVU and Casey Pachall at TCU, the two new guys. For now, the league's reputation as the best quarterback league is safe, even if Barkley will grab plenty of attention at the top this season, and maybe win the Heisman.
Jason in Evansville, Ind., writes: David, looking forward to getting to know your blog. BB and AA have done a nice job covering our beloved Mounties. As far as some game day traditions to see at Mountaineer Field, get to know the 1st down chant. All schools have their own game day traditions in the crowd that give them an identity. FSU does the chop, some schools like VTech jingle keys for "key plays", Pitt sings Sweet Caroline (never understood why), etc....The first down chant kind of started in the student section during my days as a an undergrad and over the years has become a standard game day tradition across the stadium. Pretty simple, here's how it goes. WVU gets a 1st down on any given play. Fans hold their arms straight out and start vocally with "ohhhhhhh" until the PA announcer says" 1st down West Virginia", and in unison the crowd bounces their arms down 3 times and says "hoo-hoo-hoo.....(clap) first down", and points in the direction of the first down. Pretty simple. When the game is a big one and is close the chant gets louder with the crowd and generally gets everyone fired up as momentum builds moving the ball down the field. Hopefully we will continue many more 1st down chants against our new Big tWelVe conference foes. You should start practicing for your first visit to Morgantown. See you in the Blue Lot!
DU: Thanks for filling us in, Jason. I'm curious about all the gameday traditions. I really can't wait for my first game out there. New experiences are always great. I'll keep an eye out for this. I'm sure the other fans across the Big 12 think the same.
Jayhawk in Maryland in Edgewater, Md., writes: Dave, Love the readers' snippets on what to do in Morgantown and Fort Worth for gamedays. Maybe we/you should introduce them to Lawrence, Stillwater, Manhattan, etc. as well. Always good to plan a tailgate.
Mason in Texas wrote: Ubbs, I like the "Home Turf" series for TCU and WVU. A thought though, expand it to all schools. WVU and TCU folks need to know where to go when they visit all of us. Not just that, but I bet a lot of people haven't traveled every and would like to know what's up in each town. Just a humble suggestion.
DU: I heard from a ton of you this week, expressing a similar sentiment. Which means we'll do this for the rest of the Big 12 because a) there are new members to educate and b) we've never done it before.
I'll send out calls for recommendations for each city in the weeks to come, so don't bother just yet. That said, I'm excited for this series. It should be delicious.
Here's the new ones, if you missed them:
Fred Dodge in Annapolis, Md., writes: David, I was extremely skeptical and ready to dismiss your column on the change in the Big 12 "Rivalries will be missed, not results." [I should note here that I am a Cornhusker]. But you know what, you convinced me. The Big 12 is better off, not only do WVU and TCU bring some recent pedigree, they really want to be in the Big 12. Hopefully that will bring some stability.
DU: I appreciate it, and your second point gets lost a bit, I think. There's no question that both schools are pretty enthusiastic about entering the league. We'll see if that spreads.
The league is losing a ton of tradition in Missouri and Texas A&M, and that's sad. A&M will have that rivalry with LSU, but I doubt it will have any others. Missouri's going to have a tough time finding a rival if it doesn't lock in Arkansas as its cross-divisional rival.
Arkansas' been in the league 20 years and still doesn't have a true rivalry that gets fans fired up year-round.
Kansas and Texas will miss their departed rivals. But like I said, the league's in good shape on the field, to maintain, if not exceed, the success.
Grant in Round Rock, Texas, writes: In response to your blog "New Big 12 will miss rivalries, not results". The bottom line is the SEC upgraded with the additions of Texas A&M and Missouri, while the Big 12 downgraded. If the conference really felt they would be better off with TCU and WVU they would have had no problem losing these two schools.
DU: Not true. Like I mentioned before, that tradition can't be replaced, and that's the biggest reason the Big 12 was sad to see them go.
My point in the column wasn't that the Big 12 made some monumental upgrade on the field. The difference is negligible on the field at worst, and a slight upgrade at best. That's about as good as the Big 12 could expect, considering its recent membership issues.
The money issue matters. Texas A&M and Mizzou have bigger fan bases, but if TCU and WVU sustain nationally relevant programs, the difference in the television deal is probably negligible, too. There's not much reason to believe TCU and WVU will see a huge drop-off in the quality of their programs.
The Big 12 would have loved to keep A&M and Mizzou. It didn't. As a response, it made two great additions.
Gabe in Buehler, Texas, writes: Ubbs, what is your thought on K-State special teams next year, namely Tyler Lockett, both as return man and receiver. I wonder if he had been healthy, would the Cotton Bowl have gone a little different? Not necessarily a K-State win, but pretty darn close! Also, what is your thought on Justin Tuggle moving to OLB? MORE speed to that linebacker corps?!
DU: Yeah, K-State wouldn't have won that game with Lockett, but the Wildcats definitely missed their big-play man. Joe Adams changed that game on special teams, and Lockett could have possibly done the same for K-State. The way Kansas State's offense played, it needed that badly. Tuggle seems like a good move. He's a guy that just wanted to get on the field, and with Collin Klein's emergence, it wasn't going to happen at quarterback. In the Big 12, you can never have enough speed at linebacker, and he should bring that. Instincts and toughness seem like it could be tough to develop in one offseason. It'll be fun to watch, though.
Ernie A in Austin, Texas, writes: Ubbexander the Great, I watched a video over on the Pac 12 blog today and saw their blogger refer to the Pacific conference as "The Conference of Quarterbacks." Ridiculous, right? I mean, sure they've got Price and Barkley, but the Big 12 can more than match that in my opinion, especially since every team excluding my horns and the Jayhawks have a real, potential difference maker going into the season. So diving off of this--what is the state of Big 12 QBs with the departure of three of the best from last season, and who do you think (besides Jones and Klein) will step up and keep the Big 12's strong QB reputation known?
David Ubben: First off, what are you doing on the Pac-12 blog? I can only assume it's because the Longhorns are plotting an escape to the Pac-16.
We heard the same thing about the Pac-12 last season with Luck, Barkley, Foles and Co., but I'd say it was still pretty clear by season's end that the Big 12 was superior. It took home the Heisman and was a deeper league at the position. The gap isn't enormous, but the Big 12 was better.
This year? You have to remember how well this league develops new passers. Baylor and Oklahoma State lose two great quarterbacks, but Nick Florence and whoever wins the battle at OSU should be solid. All those guys have potential.
Landry Jones and Seth Doege are back, but they're joined by Geno Smith at WVU and Casey Pachall at TCU, the two new guys. For now, the league's reputation as the best quarterback league is safe, even if Barkley will grab plenty of attention at the top this season, and maybe win the Heisman.
Jason in Evansville, Ind., writes: David, looking forward to getting to know your blog. BB and AA have done a nice job covering our beloved Mounties. As far as some game day traditions to see at Mountaineer Field, get to know the 1st down chant. All schools have their own game day traditions in the crowd that give them an identity. FSU does the chop, some schools like VTech jingle keys for "key plays", Pitt sings Sweet Caroline (never understood why), etc....The first down chant kind of started in the student section during my days as a an undergrad and over the years has become a standard game day tradition across the stadium. Pretty simple, here's how it goes. WVU gets a 1st down on any given play. Fans hold their arms straight out and start vocally with "ohhhhhhh" until the PA announcer says" 1st down West Virginia", and in unison the crowd bounces their arms down 3 times and says "hoo-hoo-hoo.....(clap) first down", and points in the direction of the first down. Pretty simple. When the game is a big one and is close the chant gets louder with the crowd and generally gets everyone fired up as momentum builds moving the ball down the field. Hopefully we will continue many more 1st down chants against our new Big tWelVe conference foes. You should start practicing for your first visit to Morgantown. See you in the Blue Lot!
DU: Thanks for filling us in, Jason. I'm curious about all the gameday traditions. I really can't wait for my first game out there. New experiences are always great. I'll keep an eye out for this. I'm sure the other fans across the Big 12 think the same.
Jayhawk in Maryland in Edgewater, Md., writes: Dave, Love the readers' snippets on what to do in Morgantown and Fort Worth for gamedays. Maybe we/you should introduce them to Lawrence, Stillwater, Manhattan, etc. as well. Always good to plan a tailgate.
Mason in Texas wrote: Ubbs, I like the "Home Turf" series for TCU and WVU. A thought though, expand it to all schools. WVU and TCU folks need to know where to go when they visit all of us. Not just that, but I bet a lot of people haven't traveled every and would like to know what's up in each town. Just a humble suggestion.
DU: I heard from a ton of you this week, expressing a similar sentiment. Which means we'll do this for the rest of the Big 12 because a) there are new members to educate and b) we've never done it before.
I'll send out calls for recommendations for each city in the weeks to come, so don't bother just yet. That said, I'm excited for this series. It should be delicious.
Here's the new ones, if you missed them:
Fred Dodge in Annapolis, Md., writes: David, I was extremely skeptical and ready to dismiss your column on the change in the Big 12 "Rivalries will be missed, not results." [I should note here that I am a Cornhusker]. But you know what, you convinced me. The Big 12 is better off, not only do WVU and TCU bring some recent pedigree, they really want to be in the Big 12. Hopefully that will bring some stability.
DU: I appreciate it, and your second point gets lost a bit, I think. There's no question that both schools are pretty enthusiastic about entering the league. We'll see if that spreads.
The league is losing a ton of tradition in Missouri and Texas A&M, and that's sad. A&M will have that rivalry with LSU, but I doubt it will have any others. Missouri's going to have a tough time finding a rival if it doesn't lock in Arkansas as its cross-divisional rival.
Arkansas' been in the league 20 years and still doesn't have a true rivalry that gets fans fired up year-round.
Kansas and Texas will miss their departed rivals. But like I said, the league's in good shape on the field, to maintain, if not exceed, the success.
Grant in Round Rock, Texas, writes: In response to your blog "New Big 12 will miss rivalries, not results". The bottom line is the SEC upgraded with the additions of Texas A&M and Missouri, while the Big 12 downgraded. If the conference really felt they would be better off with TCU and WVU they would have had no problem losing these two schools.
DU: Not true. Like I mentioned before, that tradition can't be replaced, and that's the biggest reason the Big 12 was sad to see them go.
My point in the column wasn't that the Big 12 made some monumental upgrade on the field. The difference is negligible on the field at worst, and a slight upgrade at best. That's about as good as the Big 12 could expect, considering its recent membership issues.
The money issue matters. Texas A&M and Mizzou have bigger fan bases, but if TCU and WVU sustain nationally relevant programs, the difference in the television deal is probably negligible, too. There's not much reason to believe TCU and WVU will see a huge drop-off in the quality of their programs.
The Big 12 would have loved to keep A&M and Mizzou. It didn't. As a response, it made two great additions.
Gabe in Buehler, Texas, writes: Ubbs, what is your thought on K-State special teams next year, namely Tyler Lockett, both as return man and receiver. I wonder if he had been healthy, would the Cotton Bowl have gone a little different? Not necessarily a K-State win, but pretty darn close! Also, what is your thought on Justin Tuggle moving to OLB? MORE speed to that linebacker corps?!
DU: Yeah, K-State wouldn't have won that game with Lockett, but the Wildcats definitely missed their big-play man. Joe Adams changed that game on special teams, and Lockett could have possibly done the same for K-State. The way Kansas State's offense played, it needed that badly. Tuggle seems like a good move. He's a guy that just wanted to get on the field, and with Collin Klein's emergence, it wasn't going to happen at quarterback. In the Big 12, you can never have enough speed at linebacker, and he should bring that. Instincts and toughness seem like it could be tough to develop in one offseason. It'll be fun to watch, though.
Breaking down spring camp: Texas Tech
February, 17, 2012
Feb 17
9:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Believe it or not, spring practice has arrived. Texas Tech will kick off spring practice Thursday.
We'll preview the league in full next week, but here's a look at the Red Raiders as they kick it off later today, the first team in the Big 12 to do so.
Schedule: Practice begins later today, and will conclude with the annual spring game on March 24.
What’s new: It's becoming a bit of a broken record, but the Red Raiders will try and adjust to a new defensive scheme. Art Kaufman comes to Texas Tech from North Carolina and brings a 4-3 scheme with him, a shift from Chad Glasgow's 4-2-5 last season. The Red Raiders dealt with lots of injuries and finished 114th nationally in total defense.
On the mend: Texas Tech will be missing 15 players this spring, including running backs Eric Stephens (dislocated knee) and DeAndre Washington (torn ACL). Receiver Alex Torres will also miss the spring with a torn ACL. Stephens' status for 2012 is still in flux, but Tech hopes to have him on the field by the season opener.
New faces: Kaufman isn't the only new face, especially on defense. Four new defensive coaches join the staff, though defensive line coach Terry Price came and went before spring even began. He took a new job at his alma mater, Texas A&M. Jim Turner did the same, but left for the Miami Dolphins. It's a bit confusing in Lubbock these days.
Additionally, the Red Raiders are looking for some immediate impact on the field. Nine of the 26 signees in 2012 were junior college transfers.
On the move: Cornerback (yes, cornerback) Cornelius Douglas is staying there. The former receiver was forced to move to defense because of injuries last year, but coach Tommy Tuberville loves Douglas' potential at his new spot, and is keeping him there. The Red Raiders are bringing on a few new receivers, too.
Question marks: The Red Raiders couldn't stop much of anything last year, but the center of the defense was a huge issue. A weak group of linebackers in 2011 didn't help, but we'll see if Kaufman can shore up the front seven this spring. Tech -- in the pass-heavy Big 12 -- gave up over 258 yards a game on the ground, the worst in college football by 12 yards per game. That can't continue if Tech wants to get back to its winning ways.
Breaking out: Receiver Darrin Moore has all the potential in the world -- like, Biletnikoff Award contender potential. Last year, he was slowed by injuries and the coaching staff wasn't happy with how he rehabbed those injuries. He was a non-factor until nearing top form late in the season, but this could be a big spring for the 6-foot-4, 215-pound target.
All eyes on: The defense. Seth Doege's pretty solid. The offense will be above average at worst. But the defense gave the Red Raiders no chance last year. Losing Stephens hurt, but Tech was still productive pretty often. The defense let the Red Raiders down, though. Tech gave up just under 40 points a game, 117th nationally. Kaufman's got his work cut out for him.
We'll preview the league in full next week, but here's a look at the Red Raiders as they kick it off later today, the first team in the Big 12 to do so.
Schedule: Practice begins later today, and will conclude with the annual spring game on March 24.
What’s new: It's becoming a bit of a broken record, but the Red Raiders will try and adjust to a new defensive scheme. Art Kaufman comes to Texas Tech from North Carolina and brings a 4-3 scheme with him, a shift from Chad Glasgow's 4-2-5 last season. The Red Raiders dealt with lots of injuries and finished 114th nationally in total defense.
On the mend: Texas Tech will be missing 15 players this spring, including running backs Eric Stephens (dislocated knee) and DeAndre Washington (torn ACL). Receiver Alex Torres will also miss the spring with a torn ACL. Stephens' status for 2012 is still in flux, but Tech hopes to have him on the field by the season opener.
New faces: Kaufman isn't the only new face, especially on defense. Four new defensive coaches join the staff, though defensive line coach Terry Price came and went before spring even began. He took a new job at his alma mater, Texas A&M. Jim Turner did the same, but left for the Miami Dolphins. It's a bit confusing in Lubbock these days.
Additionally, the Red Raiders are looking for some immediate impact on the field. Nine of the 26 signees in 2012 were junior college transfers.
On the move: Cornerback (yes, cornerback) Cornelius Douglas is staying there. The former receiver was forced to move to defense because of injuries last year, but coach Tommy Tuberville loves Douglas' potential at his new spot, and is keeping him there. The Red Raiders are bringing on a few new receivers, too.
Question marks: The Red Raiders couldn't stop much of anything last year, but the center of the defense was a huge issue. A weak group of linebackers in 2011 didn't help, but we'll see if Kaufman can shore up the front seven this spring. Tech -- in the pass-heavy Big 12 -- gave up over 258 yards a game on the ground, the worst in college football by 12 yards per game. That can't continue if Tech wants to get back to its winning ways.
Breaking out: Receiver Darrin Moore has all the potential in the world -- like, Biletnikoff Award contender potential. Last year, he was slowed by injuries and the coaching staff wasn't happy with how he rehabbed those injuries. He was a non-factor until nearing top form late in the season, but this could be a big spring for the 6-foot-4, 215-pound target.
All eyes on: The defense. Seth Doege's pretty solid. The offense will be above average at worst. But the defense gave the Red Raiders no chance last year. Losing Stephens hurt, but Tech was still productive pretty often. The defense let the Red Raiders down, though. Tech gave up just under 40 points a game, 117th nationally. Kaufman's got his work cut out for him.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ubben
Ubben joined ESPN.com in March 2010 after covering Big 12 football for two seasons at the Columbia Missourian and The Oklahoman. Ubben, a native of Springdale, Ark., lives in Dallas.
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