College Football Nation: Brian Cabral
Want to see many of the names that will be featured on Colorado's defensive depth chart next fall?
Go here.
The Buffaloes are going to be young next fall on both sides of the ball, but particularly on defense. Lots of freshmen will play -- guaranteed. And that is by design. Defensive coordinator Greg Brown and head coach Jon Embree made something clear during spring practices to the returning players: "Impress us now, or get replaced by incoming freshmen."
There's a reason for the likely youth movement: The Buffs were lousy on defense in 2011, ranking last in the Pac-12 in scoring (36.5 points per game) and 10th in total defense (439.3 yards per game). Further, Pac-12 quarterbacks feasted on the secondary, which yielded not only the most touchdown passes (34) -- six more than anyone else -- but also grabbed the fewest interceptions (seven) in the conference.
If Colorado is going to move up in the South Division pecking order during the program's second year in the conference, those numbers need to improve.
Colorado finished spring drills last weekend, so it seemed like a good time to check in with Brown to look back and look ahead to the fall.
First off, last year your official depth chart was a 3-4 scheme. This spring, you guys started out with a 4-3. Can you give me a Cliffs Notes version of your base scheme?
Greg Brown: It's really still the same. We're like last year but like most teams can play either, kind of multiple up front.
When you went over film from last year, what stood out to you as issues with the defense?
GB: Too many big plays were given up. Too many points were scored. We had a laundry list of a lot of things. Too many injuries. The roster was thin. It was one of those years we'd like to see not repeated.
The Big 12 is hardly an offense-poor conference. You've coached there and the Pac-12. Were there any adjustments for your players moving from the Big 12 to Pac-12?
GB: Absolutely. Not to take anything away from the Big 12. That's a terrific league that stands on its own merits, that's for sure. But you just have some unique offensive minds in the Pac-12, different styles of attack that we had not seen in the Big 12. There's nobody in the Big 12 that plays the same style as Oregon. Nobody plays the same style as Stanford or Washington. They are all unique and were tough styles to contend with. We've got a lot of offensive-minded head coaches and very innovated offensive coordinators.
You guys were heavy on D-linemen in the recruiting class. How many first-year players do you anticipate playing next fall?
GB: We brought eight (defensive linemen) in. We're thinking at least half that amount, probably higher. Between the defensive line, which is eight-slash-nine because we've got a guy who could go either way, and we've got five cornerbacks, and the great majority of those guys are going to play. They won't redshirt. We're not counting on anybody redshirting. We'll see if they can't do it yet, then they'll have to. But other than that, we have no numbers. Spring ball was a feat to get accomplished. Because of our lack of numbers, we ended up doing so much seven-on-seven because we didn't have the D-line to do it [full scrimmage]. We really didn't have the secondary to do much seven-on-seven,either. It was largely a battle of walk-ons this spring at Colorado. We're welcoming with open arms all the incoming troops because they are going to play.
Give me a couple of names of standouts this spring? Who impressed you?
GB: [Defensive end] Chidera Uzo-Diribe, he had a very good spring. He's got skill. He's got speed. He's got size. And he's tenacious. He's a good player. He played last year for us and was fine but he stepped up this spring and filled a void -- we had two defensive ends graduate. He stepped up and really became a guy. He would be the top dog in the D-line. If there is one other defensive lineman who can play, it's Will Pericak. He's a good player -- steady, consistent. He's been around the block. Has size. He's played for a long time here. Good player. You've got those two up front. After that, there's really nobody to write about [on the defensive line]. We're just waiting on the young kids to get here.
How about linebacker?
GB: Linebacker-wise, our best player is Doug Rippy. He's our captain, a team leader. He ended up missing, from the Washington game on last year, missing the season. He tore his ACL in that game and he was held out of spring ball and can't do anything yet. But we're looking to get him back. Jon Major is another 'backer who is back, has a lot of experience. He's a jack of all trades for us, can do a lot of things. Smart, can rush the passer, cover. He makes plays. He's good. Linebacker is where the most numbers are back. After that, you've got some guys who have played. Derrick Webb has played. He can run and hit. Then there's a smattering of younger kids who have some ability. They just haven't proven anything yet. They're up and coming.
And then the secondary?
GB: We've got one returning guy. That's Ray Polk; he's a safety. Good player. Big kid who can run and hit. Been starting here a long time. Good future in front of him. Ray's issue was he could only do non-contact stuff during spring. He had surgery on a torn ligament in his wrist. So he did seven-on-seven and that was probably it. The next one to talk about back there would be [cornerback] Greg Henderson. He came in as a true freshman and won a starting job. He took advantage of the opportunity and won a job and he kept it all year. He continually progressed every week. This spring, he got better as you'd expect. They come in as freshmen and just look to survive, which he did more than ably. But we're looking for improvement this year and looking for him to be a guy. He's athletic. He can run, he's smart. And he's tough. And as much as anything, he stayed healthy. After him, a guy who is a good player for us, is Parker Orms. He plays nickel, safety and corner. He plays all three. Good athlete, tough kid. He missed quite a bit of the year. He only played five games for us. And he got hurt this spring, which is unfortunate. He tore his hamstring. He played three days of spring then tore that thing. In the five games he played for us last year, we either won or had a chance to win because he allowed us to do things on defense we could not do when he was not in there.
So the freshmen will be in the mix pretty quickly in the secondary, too?
GB: Oh, no question. We told all the kids on defense this spring, particularly on the D-line and in the secondary, "OK, all you guys, here is your chance. This is your chance. We don't want to hear anything in the fall about, 'Hey, I'm not getting any reps.' Here is your chance now! Because believe it or not, in the fall with those kids coming in, they are going to get all those reps. We'll see what you guys can do now.' And here come the new kids. We know who has helped us in the past. For the rest of the spots? Hey, we're plugging in brand new kids and let's go.
How much can this defense improve in 2012?
GB: You can. All these 15 defensive players who are coming in that we're looking to help us, you wish you could snap your fingers and be two years in the future, matured and bigger, strong, faster, eating on the training table, learning how to play. That would be nice. But the reality of it is there are going to be growing pains. These guys have some talent, but they also are going to be true freshmen and will make their share of mistakes. But, sure, we can improve. We have to manage what we're doing. We have an outstanding coaching staff on that side of the ball with Kanavis McGhee and Mike Tuiasosopo. They are great tacticians. As is linebackers coach Brian Cabral. We're looking for improvement.
Go here.
The Buffaloes are going to be young next fall on both sides of the ball, but particularly on defense. Lots of freshmen will play -- guaranteed. And that is by design. Defensive coordinator Greg Brown and head coach Jon Embree made something clear during spring practices to the returning players: "Impress us now, or get replaced by incoming freshmen."
[+] Enlarge
Chris Williams/Icon SMIDefensive coordinator Greg Brown will be working with a lot of freshmen this fall, including eight on the defensive line.
Chris Williams/Icon SMIDefensive coordinator Greg Brown will be working with a lot of freshmen this fall, including eight on the defensive line.If Colorado is going to move up in the South Division pecking order during the program's second year in the conference, those numbers need to improve.
Colorado finished spring drills last weekend, so it seemed like a good time to check in with Brown to look back and look ahead to the fall.
First off, last year your official depth chart was a 3-4 scheme. This spring, you guys started out with a 4-3. Can you give me a Cliffs Notes version of your base scheme?
Greg Brown: It's really still the same. We're like last year but like most teams can play either, kind of multiple up front.
When you went over film from last year, what stood out to you as issues with the defense?
GB: Too many big plays were given up. Too many points were scored. We had a laundry list of a lot of things. Too many injuries. The roster was thin. It was one of those years we'd like to see not repeated.
The Big 12 is hardly an offense-poor conference. You've coached there and the Pac-12. Were there any adjustments for your players moving from the Big 12 to Pac-12?
GB: Absolutely. Not to take anything away from the Big 12. That's a terrific league that stands on its own merits, that's for sure. But you just have some unique offensive minds in the Pac-12, different styles of attack that we had not seen in the Big 12. There's nobody in the Big 12 that plays the same style as Oregon. Nobody plays the same style as Stanford or Washington. They are all unique and were tough styles to contend with. We've got a lot of offensive-minded head coaches and very innovated offensive coordinators.
You guys were heavy on D-linemen in the recruiting class. How many first-year players do you anticipate playing next fall?
GB: We brought eight (defensive linemen) in. We're thinking at least half that amount, probably higher. Between the defensive line, which is eight-slash-nine because we've got a guy who could go either way, and we've got five cornerbacks, and the great majority of those guys are going to play. They won't redshirt. We're not counting on anybody redshirting. We'll see if they can't do it yet, then they'll have to. But other than that, we have no numbers. Spring ball was a feat to get accomplished. Because of our lack of numbers, we ended up doing so much seven-on-seven because we didn't have the D-line to do it [full scrimmage]. We really didn't have the secondary to do much seven-on-seven,either. It was largely a battle of walk-ons this spring at Colorado. We're welcoming with open arms all the incoming troops because they are going to play.
Give me a couple of names of standouts this spring? Who impressed you?
[+] Enlarge
Dustin Bradford/Icon SMI Defensive end Chidera Uzo-Diribe has made an impression on coaches this spring.
Dustin Bradford/Icon SMI Defensive end Chidera Uzo-Diribe has made an impression on coaches this spring.How about linebacker?
GB: Linebacker-wise, our best player is Doug Rippy. He's our captain, a team leader. He ended up missing, from the Washington game on last year, missing the season. He tore his ACL in that game and he was held out of spring ball and can't do anything yet. But we're looking to get him back. Jon Major is another 'backer who is back, has a lot of experience. He's a jack of all trades for us, can do a lot of things. Smart, can rush the passer, cover. He makes plays. He's good. Linebacker is where the most numbers are back. After that, you've got some guys who have played. Derrick Webb has played. He can run and hit. Then there's a smattering of younger kids who have some ability. They just haven't proven anything yet. They're up and coming.
And then the secondary?
GB: We've got one returning guy. That's Ray Polk; he's a safety. Good player. Big kid who can run and hit. Been starting here a long time. Good future in front of him. Ray's issue was he could only do non-contact stuff during spring. He had surgery on a torn ligament in his wrist. So he did seven-on-seven and that was probably it. The next one to talk about back there would be [cornerback] Greg Henderson. He came in as a true freshman and won a starting job. He took advantage of the opportunity and won a job and he kept it all year. He continually progressed every week. This spring, he got better as you'd expect. They come in as freshmen and just look to survive, which he did more than ably. But we're looking for improvement this year and looking for him to be a guy. He's athletic. He can run, he's smart. And he's tough. And as much as anything, he stayed healthy. After him, a guy who is a good player for us, is Parker Orms. He plays nickel, safety and corner. He plays all three. Good athlete, tough kid. He missed quite a bit of the year. He only played five games for us. And he got hurt this spring, which is unfortunate. He tore his hamstring. He played three days of spring then tore that thing. In the five games he played for us last year, we either won or had a chance to win because he allowed us to do things on defense we could not do when he was not in there.
So the freshmen will be in the mix pretty quickly in the secondary, too?
GB: Oh, no question. We told all the kids on defense this spring, particularly on the D-line and in the secondary, "OK, all you guys, here is your chance. This is your chance. We don't want to hear anything in the fall about, 'Hey, I'm not getting any reps.' Here is your chance now! Because believe it or not, in the fall with those kids coming in, they are going to get all those reps. We'll see what you guys can do now.' And here come the new kids. We know who has helped us in the past. For the rest of the spots? Hey, we're plugging in brand new kids and let's go.
How much can this defense improve in 2012?
GB: You can. All these 15 defensive players who are coming in that we're looking to help us, you wish you could snap your fingers and be two years in the future, matured and bigger, strong, faster, eating on the training table, learning how to play. That would be nice. But the reality of it is there are going to be growing pains. These guys have some talent, but they also are going to be true freshmen and will make their share of mistakes. But, sure, we can improve. We have to manage what we're doing. We have an outstanding coaching staff on that side of the ball with Kanavis McGhee and Mike Tuiasosopo. They are great tacticians. As is linebackers coach Brian Cabral. We're looking for improvement.
AP Photo/Jack DempseyNew Colorado coach Jon Embree is hoping to return the program to the prominence he remembers. Embree didn't negotiate the tricky coaching ladder just to become a head coach. He climbed it to become Colorado's head coach. As a competitor, he's always wanted to win, of course, whether he was at UCLA or the Kansas City Chiefs or the Washington Redskins. But Buffs fans should know this: Winning at Colorado is personal for Embree. Whatever he lacks in head-coaching experience, he may well make up for with a singular commitment to restoring football in Boulder.
"The plan was always to be back here," he said. "That was always the plan. This is the only job I've ever wanted."
There also may be an additional edge to Embree's drive to rebuild Colorado. Consider his résumé.
As a touted local recruit in 1983, he bought into what McCartney was selling and became an impact player as a true freshman tight end. In his final season, 1986, the Buffaloes overcame a 0-4 start to finish 6-6. Then it was off to a brief NFL career.
In 1991, he joined McCartney's staff as a volunteer assistant. In 1993, after a year as a high school assistant, he came back to Boulder with a full-time job, coaching tight ends, and he remained with the Buffaloes until 2002, sticking around to work for both Rick Neuheisel (1995-98) and Gary Barnett (1999-2002).
OK. This is boring. What's the point? Ah, glad you asked. Embree was in Boulder for 15 years as a player and coach from 1983-2002. What key years are missing? Correct: 1989 and 1990, when the Buffs won back-to-back Big Eight championships, went 22-2-1 and split the 1990 national title with Georgia Tech.
Embree signed with Colorado in 1983 because "I believed in the vision that Bill McCartney had for the program and where this place could go and how it could be special. It was really all Bill McCartney." And he experienced the highs and lows of a rebuilding program, including a 1-10 finish in 1984. But he wasn't there when Colorado reached the pinnacle, as a player or coach. Perhaps that's an itch that he'd like to scratch.
"I felt like we were always close," he said. "We were always right there. We were close. But we just couldn't get over the hump."
» Power Rankings: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ
1. Oklahoma (10-2, 6-2, last week: 4) The Sooners are hitting their stride and look like they have figured out how to take their A-game away from Owen Field. They will need it next week in Cowboys Stadium.
2. Texas A&M (9-3, 6-2, LW: 2) I did not have the Aggies at No. 2 in my top 25 ballot, but there is still no denying they are playing as well as anyone in the league. You have to feel for a team that knocked off both Big 12 title game participants in the past month. But 3-3 starts are hard to overcome, no matter how good those losses look now.
3. Nebraska (10-2, 6-2, LW: 3) The Huskers found some offense with Cody Green last week, but expect plenty of conversation about whether he will start again next week with Taylor Martinez's ankle on the mend.
4. Oklahoma State (10-2, 6-2, LW: 1) Oklahoma State did not play badly as much as it just could not stop Oklahoma on third downs. If it did, that would have been a much different game. With the top five teams this close, one loss is enough for a big drop in the power rankings.
5. Missouri (10-2, 6-2, LW: 5) The Tigers took care of business against Kansas, and the defense is finishing like it began: strong. Missouri has allowed just seven points in its final two games.
6. Texas Tech (7-5, 3-5, LW: 6) The Red Raiders lead the second tier of Big 12 teams as winners of three of their past four games, including a win over Missouri. It was not always pretty, but Texas Tech continued its bowl-eligibility streak. Seven wins is a down year in Lubbock, but it is not bad.
7. Baylor (7-5, 4-4, LW: 7) Baylor will be disappointed with its finish that included three double-digit losses to close the season. Unlike other seasons that have ended that way before, Baylor should have a good chance to finish with a bowl win.
8. Kansas State (7-5, 3-5, LW: 8) Bill Snyder was not very happy with his team's 49-41 win over North Texas. But a win is a win, and Kansas State can probably make plans to head from the Little Apple to the Big Apple for the holidays.
9. Colorado (5-7, 2-6, LW: 9) Expect Brian Cabral to get a decent look for the Colorado job, but Nebraska kept the Buffaloes from taking advantage of a chance at a bowl. You have got to hand it to Cody Hawkins, though: He never stopped competing and made some great plays late against a tough Huskers secondary.
10. Texas (5-7, 3-5, LW: 10) It is time to make some changes in Austin. The Longhorns turned in a nice effort against the rival Aggies, but 5-7 is unacceptable, and should mean new faces will be headed to Forty Acres in 2011.
11. Iowa State (5-7, 3-5, LW: 11) The Cyclones did better than expected with a brutal schedule, and even though they missed a bowl game. The future looks bright in Ames and Paul Rhoads unquestionably has the program moving in the right direction.
12. Kansas (3-9, 1-7, LW: 12) Kansas was getting better at the end of the year, but this group will need to improve a lot to get Kansas back in contention for a Big 12 title. It is time for Turner Gill to earn his way on the recruiting trail.
1. Oklahoma (10-2, 6-2, last week: 4) The Sooners are hitting their stride and look like they have figured out how to take their A-game away from Owen Field. They will need it next week in Cowboys Stadium.
2. Texas A&M (9-3, 6-2, LW: 2) I did not have the Aggies at No. 2 in my top 25 ballot, but there is still no denying they are playing as well as anyone in the league. You have to feel for a team that knocked off both Big 12 title game participants in the past month. But 3-3 starts are hard to overcome, no matter how good those losses look now.
3. Nebraska (10-2, 6-2, LW: 3) The Huskers found some offense with Cody Green last week, but expect plenty of conversation about whether he will start again next week with Taylor Martinez's ankle on the mend.
4. Oklahoma State (10-2, 6-2, LW: 1) Oklahoma State did not play badly as much as it just could not stop Oklahoma on third downs. If it did, that would have been a much different game. With the top five teams this close, one loss is enough for a big drop in the power rankings.
5. Missouri (10-2, 6-2, LW: 5) The Tigers took care of business against Kansas, and the defense is finishing like it began: strong. Missouri has allowed just seven points in its final two games.
6. Texas Tech (7-5, 3-5, LW: 6) The Red Raiders lead the second tier of Big 12 teams as winners of three of their past four games, including a win over Missouri. It was not always pretty, but Texas Tech continued its bowl-eligibility streak. Seven wins is a down year in Lubbock, but it is not bad.
7. Baylor (7-5, 4-4, LW: 7) Baylor will be disappointed with its finish that included three double-digit losses to close the season. Unlike other seasons that have ended that way before, Baylor should have a good chance to finish with a bowl win.
8. Kansas State (7-5, 3-5, LW: 8) Bill Snyder was not very happy with his team's 49-41 win over North Texas. But a win is a win, and Kansas State can probably make plans to head from the Little Apple to the Big Apple for the holidays.
9. Colorado (5-7, 2-6, LW: 9) Expect Brian Cabral to get a decent look for the Colorado job, but Nebraska kept the Buffaloes from taking advantage of a chance at a bowl. You have got to hand it to Cody Hawkins, though: He never stopped competing and made some great plays late against a tough Huskers secondary.
10. Texas (5-7, 3-5, LW: 10) It is time to make some changes in Austin. The Longhorns turned in a nice effort against the rival Aggies, but 5-7 is unacceptable, and should mean new faces will be headed to Forty Acres in 2011.
11. Iowa State (5-7, 3-5, LW: 11) The Cyclones did better than expected with a brutal schedule, and even though they missed a bowl game. The future looks bright in Ames and Paul Rhoads unquestionably has the program moving in the right direction.
12. Kansas (3-9, 1-7, LW: 12) Kansas was getting better at the end of the year, but this group will need to improve a lot to get Kansas back in contention for a Big 12 title. It is time for Turner Gill to earn his way on the recruiting trail.
» Power Rankings: ACC | Big 12 | Big East | Big Ten | Pac-10 | SEC | Non-AQ
Lots of movement at the top, but very little at the bottom, where lots of teams lost or beat up on overmatched opponents. Oklahoma State is a slight cut above every one else, but the next four teams are almost entirely interchangeable.
1. Oklahoma State (10-1, 6-1, last week: 2) No team in the Big 12 has been more consistent than the Cowboys, who have shown up in every game this year and are the only team in the Big 12 with just one loss. Best of all the loss was to a very good Nebraska team.
2. Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2, LW: 5) The Aggies momentum is more tangible than ever, and it lifts them to No. 2 here after a five-game winning streak that featured two wins over top 10 teams.
3. Nebraska (9-2, 5-2, LW: 1) The Huskers continue to look very average on offense without a full-strength Taylor Martinez. They should be able to beat Colorado, even if Martinez still isn't back to his old self, but he'll have to be healthy in the Big 12 title game for Nebraska to reach a BCS bowl.
4. Oklahoma (9-2, 5-2, LW: 3) The Sooners dominated Baylor, but Oklahoma State made it clear when it played Baylor two weeks ago that beating the Cowboys is a much different, much more difficult task. Oklahoma will have its hands full trying to win the South.
5. Missouri (9-2, 5-2, LW: 4) Nebraska's game against Colorado on Friday will have a major effect on the intensity level of Saturday's Border Showdown. If the Huskers clinch the North, Missouri will be trying to avoid an embarrassing loss and maybe improve on its bowl standing. If the Huskers lose, the Tigers will have an entire season at stake against the rival Jayhawks.
6. Texas Tech (6-5, 3-5, LW: 8) Regardless of who you're playing, a 44-0 halftime lead is a good day. The Red Raiders have to clean up their season with a hopeful seventh win against Houston, who knocked them off last year.
7. Baylor (7-5, 4-4, LW: 7) The Bears season came to a disappointing end with three consecutive double-digit losses. But seven wins is still more than most pegged them for this year, and they'll be back in 2011 hungry for more after tasting bowl season over the holidays.
8. Kansas State (6-5, 3-5, LW: 6) The Wildcats win for the most perplexing loss of the week. Bill Snyder's team couldn't stop Colorado running back Rodney Stewart. This week they'll face another interim coach with a quarterback, Riley Dodge, whose father was fired during the season.
9. Colorado (5-6, 2-5, LW: 11) The Buffaloes look rejuvenated under Brian Cabral, and beating K-State is way more impressive than beating Iowa State. Now, time to crank up the difficulty level to 11 for a season-ending trip to Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
10. Iowa State (5-7, 3-5, LW: 9) The Cyclones couldn't go out in style without Austen Arnaud, but as the season closes, the future is bright for Paul Rhoads' Cyclones, who are moving in the right direction.
11. Texas (5-6, 2-5, LW: 10) The Longhorns didn't fall as much as they were leapfrogged by a surging Colorado team now a win away from bowl eligibility. The 51 points on the board look pretty good, but Texas did score on a Hail Mary and a defensive touchdown. And it was Florida Atlantic. We'll see if the offense can take a step forward next week against a Texas A&M team playing some of the best defense in the league.
12. Kansas (3-8, 1-6, LW: 12) The Jayhawks showed some first-half fight, but Oklahoma State has too much offense for Kansas to handle. Turner Gill could tie a nice bow on the season with an upset of rival Missouri to close a first year filled with frustration.
Lots of movement at the top, but very little at the bottom, where lots of teams lost or beat up on overmatched opponents. Oklahoma State is a slight cut above every one else, but the next four teams are almost entirely interchangeable.
1. Oklahoma State (10-1, 6-1, last week: 2) No team in the Big 12 has been more consistent than the Cowboys, who have shown up in every game this year and are the only team in the Big 12 with just one loss. Best of all the loss was to a very good Nebraska team.
2. Texas A&M (8-3, 5-2, LW: 5) The Aggies momentum is more tangible than ever, and it lifts them to No. 2 here after a five-game winning streak that featured two wins over top 10 teams.
3. Nebraska (9-2, 5-2, LW: 1) The Huskers continue to look very average on offense without a full-strength Taylor Martinez. They should be able to beat Colorado, even if Martinez still isn't back to his old self, but he'll have to be healthy in the Big 12 title game for Nebraska to reach a BCS bowl.
4. Oklahoma (9-2, 5-2, LW: 3) The Sooners dominated Baylor, but Oklahoma State made it clear when it played Baylor two weeks ago that beating the Cowboys is a much different, much more difficult task. Oklahoma will have its hands full trying to win the South.
5. Missouri (9-2, 5-2, LW: 4) Nebraska's game against Colorado on Friday will have a major effect on the intensity level of Saturday's Border Showdown. If the Huskers clinch the North, Missouri will be trying to avoid an embarrassing loss and maybe improve on its bowl standing. If the Huskers lose, the Tigers will have an entire season at stake against the rival Jayhawks.
6. Texas Tech (6-5, 3-5, LW: 8) Regardless of who you're playing, a 44-0 halftime lead is a good day. The Red Raiders have to clean up their season with a hopeful seventh win against Houston, who knocked them off last year.
7. Baylor (7-5, 4-4, LW: 7) The Bears season came to a disappointing end with three consecutive double-digit losses. But seven wins is still more than most pegged them for this year, and they'll be back in 2011 hungry for more after tasting bowl season over the holidays.
8. Kansas State (6-5, 3-5, LW: 6) The Wildcats win for the most perplexing loss of the week. Bill Snyder's team couldn't stop Colorado running back Rodney Stewart. This week they'll face another interim coach with a quarterback, Riley Dodge, whose father was fired during the season.
9. Colorado (5-6, 2-5, LW: 11) The Buffaloes look rejuvenated under Brian Cabral, and beating K-State is way more impressive than beating Iowa State. Now, time to crank up the difficulty level to 11 for a season-ending trip to Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
10. Iowa State (5-7, 3-5, LW: 9) The Cyclones couldn't go out in style without Austen Arnaud, but as the season closes, the future is bright for Paul Rhoads' Cyclones, who are moving in the right direction.
11. Texas (5-6, 2-5, LW: 10) The Longhorns didn't fall as much as they were leapfrogged by a surging Colorado team now a win away from bowl eligibility. The 51 points on the board look pretty good, but Texas did score on a Hail Mary and a defensive touchdown. And it was Florida Atlantic. We'll see if the offense can take a step forward next week against a Texas A&M team playing some of the best defense in the league.
12. Kansas (3-8, 1-6, LW: 12) The Jayhawks showed some first-half fight, but Oklahoma State has too much offense for Kansas to handle. Turner Gill could tie a nice bow on the season with an upset of rival Missouri to close a first year filled with frustration.
What we learned in the Big 12: Week 12
November, 21, 2010
11/21/10
10:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
We'll see Nebraska play angry the rest of its season. Generally, I'm not a fan of dwelling on officiating after a game. It accomplishes very little and wastes plenty of breath, a bit like screaming at a brick wall. An apology is the best you can expect from anyone who'll listen, which is a select few.
I'll make a brief exception here.
There were a few questionable flags, and the roughing the passer penalty that kept Texas A&M's game-winning drive alive was an indefensible bad call. Courtney Osborne made a clean hit on Ryan Tannehill on time and below the helmet. I know Nebraska fans are also angry about the flag Ben Cotton received, but you're naive if you think that worse doesn't happen under piles every Saturday. I don't blame Cotton for retaliating, but let's not act like he's the first and only player to ever have an opponent's hand in an uncomfortable place. The cameras just caught this one. That said, the flag discrepancy (16-2, in favor of Texas A&M) doesn't tell the whole story. Both pass interference calls and the PI that officials initially flagged on Texas A&M but later waved off were the right calls, and Nebraska was flagged for just one holding penalty, football's most subjective penalty. The vast majority of the Huskers' other penalties were personal fouls, false starts or illegal procedures. Those are mental errors, not conspiring flag-tossers with a mandate from league headquarters in (gasp!) Texas.
Nebraska got the short end of this one, no doubt. It happens. Most of the close calls went the way of the Aggies. The Huskers have a right to be angry. But they also have to realize they didn't play well enough to win; good penalties, bad penalties, injuries or otherwise. All three happen in every game, and Nebraska couldn't overcome them. A mature team puts this loss behind it, and goes out and captures the goals in front of it, big goals like the Big 12 title which is still very much in Nebraska's grasp. We'll find out how mature this team is over the next two weeks (or maybe one, if it loses to Colorado.)
The Huskers were already playing with a bit of an us-against-the-world edge after the suspension of Eric Martin earlier in the year, and that will only intensify now. Also, I got in touch with my buddy over at the Big Ten blog, Adam Rittenberg, and after checking with Jim Delany & Co. at the league office in Chicago, we can report that in almost a century of Big Ten football, no call has ever been missed. So take heed, Huskers. Upon your exit to the Big Ten, you'll finally be out from underneath the tyrannical thumb of human error.
We've still got some interesting division races. Oklahoma won to stay alive, and Nebraska lost to keep Missouri alive, which means both divisions are up for grabs in the season's final weekend. That should be some solid drama. Nebraska will head back home to face a rolling Colorado team brimming with confidence and a new coach. Oklahoma State will host Oklahoma in Stillwater for a Bedlam with the most on the line for both teams in a long time. I'd expect Nebraska and Oklahoma State to hold serve at home, but would it surprise me if either went down? Not entirely.
Oklahoma's road problems don't extend to Waco. The Sooners got it done in a big way against Baylor, notching their first convincing road victory of the season with a 53-24 win. The offensive execution was there, even after an interception on Oklahoma's first drive, which is a good sign of some mental toughness. The defense held long enough for the Sooners to rack up a 53-10 lead before the Bears added a couple fourth-quarter garbage-time scores, and it forced a safety, scored a touchdown and forced three turnovers. That'll get it done. But at the end of the day, Oklahoma isn't going to impress anyone by stretching its record to 20-0 all-time against the Bears. The true test comes Saturday in Stillwater against the Big 12's most consistent team, Oklahoma State, in one of the program's biggest games ever.
Colorado is playing its best football of the season. Where did this come from? Beating Iowa State at home is one thing. Out-powering a physical Kansas State team is another. That's exactly what Colorado did, jumping out to a second-half lead on the back of Rodney Stewart and riding him to the finish line while Carson Coffman and the Wildcats had to sling it to play catch-up. Colorado is putting it all together under Brian Cabral, and now faces a monumental task, heading to Lincoln with bowl eligibility on the line for the Buffs, and the Big 12 North at stake for the Huskers.
I'll make a brief exception here.
[+] Enlarge
Brett Davis/US PresswireBo Pelini was less than pleased with the officiating in Saturday's loss to Texas A&M.
Brett Davis/US PresswireBo Pelini was less than pleased with the officiating in Saturday's loss to Texas A&M.Nebraska got the short end of this one, no doubt. It happens. Most of the close calls went the way of the Aggies. The Huskers have a right to be angry. But they also have to realize they didn't play well enough to win; good penalties, bad penalties, injuries or otherwise. All three happen in every game, and Nebraska couldn't overcome them. A mature team puts this loss behind it, and goes out and captures the goals in front of it, big goals like the Big 12 title which is still very much in Nebraska's grasp. We'll find out how mature this team is over the next two weeks (or maybe one, if it loses to Colorado.)
The Huskers were already playing with a bit of an us-against-the-world edge after the suspension of Eric Martin earlier in the year, and that will only intensify now. Also, I got in touch with my buddy over at the Big Ten blog, Adam Rittenberg, and after checking with Jim Delany & Co. at the league office in Chicago, we can report that in almost a century of Big Ten football, no call has ever been missed. So take heed, Huskers. Upon your exit to the Big Ten, you'll finally be out from underneath the tyrannical thumb of human error.
We've still got some interesting division races. Oklahoma won to stay alive, and Nebraska lost to keep Missouri alive, which means both divisions are up for grabs in the season's final weekend. That should be some solid drama. Nebraska will head back home to face a rolling Colorado team brimming with confidence and a new coach. Oklahoma State will host Oklahoma in Stillwater for a Bedlam with the most on the line for both teams in a long time. I'd expect Nebraska and Oklahoma State to hold serve at home, but would it surprise me if either went down? Not entirely.
Oklahoma's road problems don't extend to Waco. The Sooners got it done in a big way against Baylor, notching their first convincing road victory of the season with a 53-24 win. The offensive execution was there, even after an interception on Oklahoma's first drive, which is a good sign of some mental toughness. The defense held long enough for the Sooners to rack up a 53-10 lead before the Bears added a couple fourth-quarter garbage-time scores, and it forced a safety, scored a touchdown and forced three turnovers. That'll get it done. But at the end of the day, Oklahoma isn't going to impress anyone by stretching its record to 20-0 all-time against the Bears. The true test comes Saturday in Stillwater against the Big 12's most consistent team, Oklahoma State, in one of the program's biggest games ever.
Colorado is playing its best football of the season. Where did this come from? Beating Iowa State at home is one thing. Out-powering a physical Kansas State team is another. That's exactly what Colorado did, jumping out to a second-half lead on the back of Rodney Stewart and riding him to the finish line while Carson Coffman and the Wildcats had to sling it to play catch-up. Colorado is putting it all together under Brian Cabral, and now faces a monumental task, heading to Lincoln with bowl eligibility on the line for the Buffs, and the Big 12 North at stake for the Huskers.
Brian Cabral is making a strong case to succeed his predecessor, Dan Hawkins.
He denied Iowa State in its bid for a bowl game a week ago, earning Colorado its first win.
This week, his Colorado team was even more impressive, beating an already bowl-eligible Kansas State team 44-36 to keep the Buffaloes slim bowl hopes alive.
Kansas State couldn't stop the Buffaloes offense in the second half, allowing 21 points, but finally got one big stop when it needed it, forcing a punt in the final minutes, which pinned the Wildcats on their own five-yard line.
Earlier this year, Carson Coffman engineered a 67-yard drive to beat UCF and keep K-State unbeaten, but a 95-yard, game-winning drive was too difficult, and the Buffaloes held on.
Cabral also looks like somewhat of a prophet after his comments earlier in the week.
"I thought there was great energy," Cabral said of the win last week. "I thought that there was something that was there Saturday that they haven’t felt for a long time."
Clearly, that energy has carried over to this week.
I said last week that Colorado was clearly a new team under Cabral, but even I didn't see the Buffaloes winning this game. Last week, Paul Richardson and Cody Hawkins carried them to a win. This week, it was Rodney Stewart (195 rushing yards, 2 TD). Now, the 5-6 Buffaloes will get one game to play for their bowl lives.
Though that accomplishment in the wake of Hawkins' departure is impressive on its own, the question with any number of answers persists: where would Colorado be if that debacle against Kansas had never happened?
He denied Iowa State in its bid for a bowl game a week ago, earning Colorado its first win.
This week, his Colorado team was even more impressive, beating an already bowl-eligible Kansas State team 44-36 to keep the Buffaloes slim bowl hopes alive.
Kansas State couldn't stop the Buffaloes offense in the second half, allowing 21 points, but finally got one big stop when it needed it, forcing a punt in the final minutes, which pinned the Wildcats on their own five-yard line.
Earlier this year, Carson Coffman engineered a 67-yard drive to beat UCF and keep K-State unbeaten, but a 95-yard, game-winning drive was too difficult, and the Buffaloes held on.
Cabral also looks like somewhat of a prophet after his comments earlier in the week.
"I thought there was great energy," Cabral said of the win last week. "I thought that there was something that was there Saturday that they haven’t felt for a long time."
Clearly, that energy has carried over to this week.
I said last week that Colorado was clearly a new team under Cabral, but even I didn't see the Buffaloes winning this game. Last week, Paul Richardson and Cody Hawkins carried them to a win. This week, it was Rodney Stewart (195 rushing yards, 2 TD). Now, the 5-6 Buffaloes will get one game to play for their bowl lives.
Though that accomplishment in the wake of Hawkins' departure is impressive on its own, the question with any number of answers persists: where would Colorado be if that debacle against Kansas had never happened?
CU digging deep in playbook against K-State
November, 20, 2010
11/20/10
3:26
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Colorado used a trick play to take a 16-14 lead against Kansas State when running back Rodney Stewart hit receiver Toney Clemons for a 23-yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Colorado's home finale is both its last home game in Big 12 play and with an interim coach.
The Buffaloes might be playing like they have nothing to lose, but in reality, there's still plenty on the table for the 4-6 Buffs. Thanks to a hot start in nonconference play, Brian Cabral's team is still in bowl contention, and with a win today, would have to go to Nebraska and win to gain bowl eligibility.
That's obviously a difficult task, but sitting at 0-5 in conference play two weeks ago, fresh off a blown 28-point lead against Kansas, few thought they'd get that opportunity. A win today might provide it.
Cabral, the interim coach stepping in for fired Dan Hawkins, now has the Buffaloes in position to go 2-0 with him running things on the sidelines.
Stewart also has 54 yards rushing and a touchdown to go with his passing touchdown to Clemons.
Colorado's home finale is both its last home game in Big 12 play and with an interim coach.
The Buffaloes might be playing like they have nothing to lose, but in reality, there's still plenty on the table for the 4-6 Buffs. Thanks to a hot start in nonconference play, Brian Cabral's team is still in bowl contention, and with a win today, would have to go to Nebraska and win to gain bowl eligibility.
That's obviously a difficult task, but sitting at 0-5 in conference play two weeks ago, fresh off a blown 28-point lead against Kansas, few thought they'd get that opportunity. A win today might provide it.
Cabral, the interim coach stepping in for fired Dan Hawkins, now has the Buffaloes in position to go 2-0 with him running things on the sidelines.
Stewart also has 54 yards rushing and a touchdown to go with his passing touchdown to Clemons.
What to watch in the Big 12: Week 12
November, 18, 2010
11/18/10
10:15
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
I'll be in College Station this weekend for Nebraska and Texas A&M's showdown, but here's what else I'm watching around the league.
1. Encore! Encore! Colorado interim coach Brian Cabral rallied his team to a convincing win over an Iowa State team that came to Boulder in need of a victory to become bowl eligible. Now, Kansas State heads west in another winnable game for the Buffs. Is a second consecutive Big 12 win in store? Colorado hasn't done that since wins over Oklahoma and Baylor in 2007, the only season former coach Dan Hawkins took his team to a bowl.
2. Rise of the 12th Man. The buildup in College Station this week for the Aggies' game against Nebraska Saturday night at Kyle Field has been pretty palpable all week. The school has pulled a record number of student tickets, and the environment could rival or exceed the best game-day atmosphere so far this season, when Missouri upset Oklahoma in Columbia.
3. Taylor Martinez. He hasn't been himself since the first half against Missouri, and hasn't broken a huge run since his breakout performance against Kansas State. He'll need to be healthy against a good Texas A&M rush defense on Saturday, and he'll need to complete a good percentage of his passes for at least a couple of big plays to get the road win.
4. Jerome Tiller. Tiller, a sophomore, is young and experienced for a backup yet inexperienced for a starter. He'll get the biggest start of his career when he leads the Iowa State offense against Missouri with the Cyclones' postseason hopes on the line. How does he respond, and how does his time as the Cyclones' starter, which should be constant over the next two seasons, begin?
5. Can the Cowboys stay consistent? Hey, I wouldn't blame Oklahoma State if it's not at its sharpest in Lawrence on Saturday with a high-stakes Bedlam looming, but they've been the league's most consistent team this year, and should roll at Kansas. Do they let an improving Turner Gill squad hang around, or get the job done early?
6. Texas turnaround. If Texas can't get this one, well, they're not getting another one this year. Texas looked wholly unimpressive in its nonconference wins, but what does the offense look like against Florida Atlantic? Do they hand it to Cody Johnson or let Garrett Gilbert sling it to Mike Davis and let a connection for the future establish further chemistry? The latter is probably a good call, but this game isn't a gimme for the Longhorns, whose confidence has to be at an all-time low.
7. Sooners losing their way. There's no truth to the rumor that the Sooners will be donning red visors against Baylor to fool themselves into believing they're back at Owen Field. But Oklahoma, touchdown favorites, should win this game. The "Oklahoma can't win on the road" meme picked up a ton of steam with the Sooners' loss to Texas A&M, but winning this one is step 1 to ending it. Step 2 is going to Stillwater and winning as underdogs, a much more difficult task. That said, a loss in this game would only amplify the noise back in Norman regarding the struggles on the road. Baylor has never beaten the Sooners.
8. Baylor going out with a bang. The Bears' season finale is against Oklahoma, and they've maybe never had a better chance to knock off the Sooners. A win would mean three things: 1) Baylor finishes with eight wins. 2) Baylor should go to a solid, medium-sized bowl and 3) Baylor knocks off Texas and Oklahoma in the same year. Who had all of that back in August?
9. Rallying Cyclones. Jerome Tiller is the guy to watch, but will we see an inspired performance from the rest of the Cyclones with their leader sidelined in sweats? Austen Arnaud meant a lot to the program and his teammates, and there would be no greater tribute to a great career than to knock off Missouri in a game Iowa State can definitely win.
10. Running back face-off. Rodney Stewart and Daniel Thomas have both topped 1,000 yards in great seasons, and now meet each other as two of just four running backs in the conference with over 1,000 yards. Thomas has found a new running mate in quarterback Collin Klein while campaigning for wins, but the good bet is the back who runs for more yards is on the winning team.
1. Encore! Encore! Colorado interim coach Brian Cabral rallied his team to a convincing win over an Iowa State team that came to Boulder in need of a victory to become bowl eligible. Now, Kansas State heads west in another winnable game for the Buffs. Is a second consecutive Big 12 win in store? Colorado hasn't done that since wins over Oklahoma and Baylor in 2007, the only season former coach Dan Hawkins took his team to a bowl.
2. Rise of the 12th Man. The buildup in College Station this week for the Aggies' game against Nebraska Saturday night at Kyle Field has been pretty palpable all week. The school has pulled a record number of student tickets, and the environment could rival or exceed the best game-day atmosphere so far this season, when Missouri upset Oklahoma in Columbia.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Charlie RiedelNebraska needs Taylor Martinez to rediscover his rushing mojo against a stiff Texas A&M run defense.
AP Photo/Charlie RiedelNebraska needs Taylor Martinez to rediscover his rushing mojo against a stiff Texas A&M run defense.4. Jerome Tiller. Tiller, a sophomore, is young and experienced for a backup yet inexperienced for a starter. He'll get the biggest start of his career when he leads the Iowa State offense against Missouri with the Cyclones' postseason hopes on the line. How does he respond, and how does his time as the Cyclones' starter, which should be constant over the next two seasons, begin?
5. Can the Cowboys stay consistent? Hey, I wouldn't blame Oklahoma State if it's not at its sharpest in Lawrence on Saturday with a high-stakes Bedlam looming, but they've been the league's most consistent team this year, and should roll at Kansas. Do they let an improving Turner Gill squad hang around, or get the job done early?
6. Texas turnaround. If Texas can't get this one, well, they're not getting another one this year. Texas looked wholly unimpressive in its nonconference wins, but what does the offense look like against Florida Atlantic? Do they hand it to Cody Johnson or let Garrett Gilbert sling it to Mike Davis and let a connection for the future establish further chemistry? The latter is probably a good call, but this game isn't a gimme for the Longhorns, whose confidence has to be at an all-time low.
7. Sooners losing their way. There's no truth to the rumor that the Sooners will be donning red visors against Baylor to fool themselves into believing they're back at Owen Field. But Oklahoma, touchdown favorites, should win this game. The "Oklahoma can't win on the road" meme picked up a ton of steam with the Sooners' loss to Texas A&M, but winning this one is step 1 to ending it. Step 2 is going to Stillwater and winning as underdogs, a much more difficult task. That said, a loss in this game would only amplify the noise back in Norman regarding the struggles on the road. Baylor has never beaten the Sooners.
8. Baylor going out with a bang. The Bears' season finale is against Oklahoma, and they've maybe never had a better chance to knock off the Sooners. A win would mean three things: 1) Baylor finishes with eight wins. 2) Baylor should go to a solid, medium-sized bowl and 3) Baylor knocks off Texas and Oklahoma in the same year. Who had all of that back in August?
9. Rallying Cyclones. Jerome Tiller is the guy to watch, but will we see an inspired performance from the rest of the Cyclones with their leader sidelined in sweats? Austen Arnaud meant a lot to the program and his teammates, and there would be no greater tribute to a great career than to knock off Missouri in a game Iowa State can definitely win.
10. Running back face-off. Rodney Stewart and Daniel Thomas have both topped 1,000 yards in great seasons, and now meet each other as two of just four running backs in the conference with over 1,000 yards. Thomas has found a new running mate in quarterback Collin Klein while campaigning for wins, but the good bet is the back who runs for more yards is on the winning team.
Buffaloes find a new feeling under Cabral
November, 15, 2010
11/15/10
4:55
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
It had been a full year and six days since Colorado had last celebrated a Big 12 win, but in the Buffaloes' first game under interim coach Brian Cabral, they bagged one.
For one day, it didn't matter that Colorado lost 10 of its past 11 games in conference under former coach Dan Hawkins, who watched the game from a balcony at the stadium.
"There’s so many emotions going on in this game. My job is helping them focus on what they were capable of being and capable of doing. I thought there was great energy," Cabral said. "I thought that there was something that was there Saturday that they haven’t felt for a long time."
He wasn't just talking about victory, either. Cody Hawkins played one of the best games of his career and was rewarded with the Big 12's Offensive Player of the Week award on Monday for his 266-yard, three-touchdown effort. The defense also held Iowa State to minus-six yards rushing and scored a touchdown.
"[After the game], I just said when you play together, the way you did, that’s the result," Cabral said. "Every phase of the game contributed to the win and that’s all I was trying to get out of them."
Cabral knew what the team was capable of, rallying them around the phrase "One heartbeat," but he had to wait for his team to show him what he wanted to see.
"I was very eager to see how they would handle [the change]," Cabral said. "Throughout the week, they showed great signs of handling it well. We practiced well and I thought they had been into what I was been saying to them, but I wasn’t really sure. I wanted to see how they actually did and how they did it on Saturday. Based on how they played, the way they came together, they handled the coaching change great."
Colorado is still in bowl contention at 4-6, but has to beat Kansas State in the home finale on Saturday and go to Nebraska and knock off the Huskers in the season finale. Winning either isn't possible without carrying that feeling and play through the rest of the season.
"I first explained to them all, this is a three-game season. We’ve got to be able to build and improve on what we just did. That’s a tall challenge," Cabral said.
And how to keep the good vibes rolling?
"That’s the million-dollar question," he said.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Matt McClainAfter beating Iowa State, Cody Hawkins and Colorado can still qualify for a bowl game.
AP Photo/Matt McClainAfter beating Iowa State, Cody Hawkins and Colorado can still qualify for a bowl game."There’s so many emotions going on in this game. My job is helping them focus on what they were capable of being and capable of doing. I thought there was great energy," Cabral said. "I thought that there was something that was there Saturday that they haven’t felt for a long time."
He wasn't just talking about victory, either. Cody Hawkins played one of the best games of his career and was rewarded with the Big 12's Offensive Player of the Week award on Monday for his 266-yard, three-touchdown effort. The defense also held Iowa State to minus-six yards rushing and scored a touchdown.
"[After the game], I just said when you play together, the way you did, that’s the result," Cabral said. "Every phase of the game contributed to the win and that’s all I was trying to get out of them."
Cabral knew what the team was capable of, rallying them around the phrase "One heartbeat," but he had to wait for his team to show him what he wanted to see.
"I was very eager to see how they would handle [the change]," Cabral said. "Throughout the week, they showed great signs of handling it well. We practiced well and I thought they had been into what I was been saying to them, but I wasn’t really sure. I wanted to see how they actually did and how they did it on Saturday. Based on how they played, the way they came together, they handled the coaching change great."
Colorado is still in bowl contention at 4-6, but has to beat Kansas State in the home finale on Saturday and go to Nebraska and knock off the Huskers in the season finale. Winning either isn't possible without carrying that feeling and play through the rest of the season.
"I first explained to them all, this is a three-game season. We’ve got to be able to build and improve on what we just did. That’s a tall challenge," Cabral said.
And how to keep the good vibes rolling?
"That’s the million-dollar question," he said.
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1. Nebraska (9-1, 5-1, last week: 1) The Huskers did it ugly against Kansas, but they did it, and that's all that really matters. The offense will have to be sharper in College Station next week to beat the red-hot Aggies.
2. Oklahoma State (9-1, 5-1, LW: 2) The Cowboys took care of business in Austin, and are inching toward a first-ever trip toward a Big 12 title. Don't be looking for a slip-up in Lawrence next week, but hype is building for what should be a heated Bedlam battle in Stillwater in two weeks.
3. Oklahoma (8-2, 4-2, LW: 3) Bob Stoops-coached teams at Oklahoma continue their home dominance, but Owen Field will remain quiet for the rest of the season. The Sooners have to get by Baylor in Waco next week to still have a chance to play for the South title in Stillwater a week later. That's not as easy as it used to be.
4. Missouri (8-2, 4-2, LW: 4) Blaine Gabbert redeemed himself in a big way, but the Tigers defense made plays everywhere against Kansas State. Good luck finding a team that loses with a 4-1 advantage in turnovers and a defensive touchdown. This week, even with Iowa State missing senior quarterback Austen Arnaud, Missouri's trip to Ames won't be easy.
5. Texas A&M (7-3, 4-2, LW: 5) The Aggies are the league's hottest team, but it's hard to move them above any of the four teams higher than them. That'll change if Mike Sherman's team can knock off Nebraska this week. Texas A&M played one of its best halves of the year in its comeback win against Baylor. And by the way, how does that last-second loss to Oklahoma State back in the conference opener look now? A lot more impressive.
6. Kansas State (6-4, 3-4, LW: 6) Kansas State burned itself with costly fumbles, but the Wildcats would be well-served to ride Collin Klein to the finish line in 2010. A second dynamic running threat adds a lot more to the offense than a second average-at-best passer.
7. Baylor (7-4, 4-3, LW: 7) Baylor's offense got deadlocked by Tim DeRuyter's defense in a frustrating loss, but the Bears will try to go out with a bang against Oklahoma in their season finale this week.
8. Texas Tech (5-5, 3-5, LW: 9) Texas Tech didn't move up as much as the four teams below them moved down. The Red Raiders looked pretty helpless in Norman, but that's nothing new for Texas Tech or anyone. The Sooners haven't lost a Big 12 game at home since 2001. A late switch back to Steven Sheffield didn't help much, either. Expect Taylor Potts to start again next week.
9. Iowa State (5-6, 3-4, LW: 8) The loss to Colorado was crushing, but not as crushing as losing Arnaud. Expect Paul Rhoads' team to rally around experienced backup Jerome Tiller this week and give Missouri a tough time with a bowl berth on the line.
10. Texas (4-6, 2-5, LW: 10) Don't think a lopsided win against Florida Atlantic is a given for the Longhorns. Howard Schnellenberger's Owls gave Sun Belt leader Florida International its only conference loss of the season, 21-9, and have won three in a row.
11. Colorado (4-6, 1-5, LW: 12) The Buffs won a big one for Brian Cabral, and might tap into something down the stretch. If Kansas State turns it over like it did against Missouri, Colorado might string together a two-game winning streak.
12. Kansas (3-7, 1-5, LW: 11) Kansas is getting better, but the season's finish will be tough against Oklahoma State and Missouri.
1. Nebraska (9-1, 5-1, last week: 1) The Huskers did it ugly against Kansas, but they did it, and that's all that really matters. The offense will have to be sharper in College Station next week to beat the red-hot Aggies.
2. Oklahoma State (9-1, 5-1, LW: 2) The Cowboys took care of business in Austin, and are inching toward a first-ever trip toward a Big 12 title. Don't be looking for a slip-up in Lawrence next week, but hype is building for what should be a heated Bedlam battle in Stillwater in two weeks.
3. Oklahoma (8-2, 4-2, LW: 3) Bob Stoops-coached teams at Oklahoma continue their home dominance, but Owen Field will remain quiet for the rest of the season. The Sooners have to get by Baylor in Waco next week to still have a chance to play for the South title in Stillwater a week later. That's not as easy as it used to be.
4. Missouri (8-2, 4-2, LW: 4) Blaine Gabbert redeemed himself in a big way, but the Tigers defense made plays everywhere against Kansas State. Good luck finding a team that loses with a 4-1 advantage in turnovers and a defensive touchdown. This week, even with Iowa State missing senior quarterback Austen Arnaud, Missouri's trip to Ames won't be easy.
5. Texas A&M (7-3, 4-2, LW: 5) The Aggies are the league's hottest team, but it's hard to move them above any of the four teams higher than them. That'll change if Mike Sherman's team can knock off Nebraska this week. Texas A&M played one of its best halves of the year in its comeback win against Baylor. And by the way, how does that last-second loss to Oklahoma State back in the conference opener look now? A lot more impressive.
6. Kansas State (6-4, 3-4, LW: 6) Kansas State burned itself with costly fumbles, but the Wildcats would be well-served to ride Collin Klein to the finish line in 2010. A second dynamic running threat adds a lot more to the offense than a second average-at-best passer.
7. Baylor (7-4, 4-3, LW: 7) Baylor's offense got deadlocked by Tim DeRuyter's defense in a frustrating loss, but the Bears will try to go out with a bang against Oklahoma in their season finale this week.
8. Texas Tech (5-5, 3-5, LW: 9) Texas Tech didn't move up as much as the four teams below them moved down. The Red Raiders looked pretty helpless in Norman, but that's nothing new for Texas Tech or anyone. The Sooners haven't lost a Big 12 game at home since 2001. A late switch back to Steven Sheffield didn't help much, either. Expect Taylor Potts to start again next week.
9. Iowa State (5-6, 3-4, LW: 8) The loss to Colorado was crushing, but not as crushing as losing Arnaud. Expect Paul Rhoads' team to rally around experienced backup Jerome Tiller this week and give Missouri a tough time with a bowl berth on the line.
10. Texas (4-6, 2-5, LW: 10) Don't think a lopsided win against Florida Atlantic is a given for the Longhorns. Howard Schnellenberger's Owls gave Sun Belt leader Florida International its only conference loss of the season, 21-9, and have won three in a row.
11. Colorado (4-6, 1-5, LW: 12) The Buffs won a big one for Brian Cabral, and might tap into something down the stretch. If Kansas State turns it over like it did against Missouri, Colorado might string together a two-game winning streak.
12. Kansas (3-7, 1-5, LW: 11) Kansas is getting better, but the season's finish will be tough against Oklahoma State and Missouri.
What we learned in the Big 12: Week 11
November, 14, 2010
11/14/10
10:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
[+] Enlarge
Brett Davis/US PresswireCyrus Gray had 28 carries for 137 yards and four touchdowns in Texas A&M's win over Baylor.
Brett Davis/US PresswireCyrus Gray had 28 carries for 137 yards and four touchdowns in Texas A&M's win over Baylor.So is Colorado. You've seen plenty of teams pack it in after a coach is fired, but Colorado did the exact opposite on Saturday, beating an Iowa State team in Boulder with a bowl berth on the line. The defense played well, everyone on offense had a good game, and you have to wonder what practice had been like the last week to get produce one of the Buffaloes best performances of the season. Brian Cabral, a 20-year coaching veteran who has been at Colorado since 1989, probably doesn't have a great shot to get the full-time job after the season. But his stock definitely has to have risen after coaching Colorado to its first conference win of the year.
Without Taylor Martinez at full strength, Nebraska's offense can look very average. We saw it last week, when the Huskers had to intercept a pass in overtime to beat Iowa State, but without a suffocating performance from the Blackshirts, Saturday's game against Kansas might have come down to a few key plays in the fourth quarter. The Huskers eased Martinez, who says he's nearing 100 percent, back into the game, but he wasn't running with the frequency he usually does. Without that consistent threat, Nebraska's offense doesn't look much different from a year ago, when its defense was much better but the team still lost four games.
Sometimes, college football just isn't fair. You won't hear anyone in the league have anything negative to say about Iowa State quarterback Austen Arnaud or Oklahoma defensive tackle Adrian Taylor. But both saw their seasons and careers come to painful ends. Arnaud suffered a knee injury and will be forced to watch his team play for its bowl lives next week on Senior Day in Ames. That's a heartbreaking end to a career for Arnaud, who is in his third year as the Cyclones' starting quarterback. Rhoads lauded Arnaud all offseason as his team's most improved player and hardest worker, and he's the squad's unquestioned leader. Taylor, meanwhile, battled back from a horrific dislocated ankle in Oklahoma's bowl game last year, fighting through the season without being 100 percent. Now, his career is over with a torn achilles tendon in his opposite foot. No player wants to be carted off the field during his final game, especially his final game on his home field. "It crushes you with what he's invested in this program with everything he's gone through,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables told reporters after the game. “He's given us a lot more than we've given him. His legacy will be incredibly strong here."
Missouri figured out its offensive issues. Maybe it was playing on the road, but last week's loss to Texas Tech was one of the more curious results in the Big 12 season. Especially when you consider Blaine Gabbert's horrific day, completing 12 of 30 passes for 95 yards. Nebraska was clearly a better team than Missouri in its win, but Missouri's offense looked like its old self for most of Saturday's win over Kansas State. The Tigers added a few new wrinkles on Saturday, but the basic pass-and-catch execution that was absent in Lubbock last week was there this week. Missouri is all but out of the Big 12 North race, but they'd improve their bowl destination with wins at Iowa State and against Kansas in Kansas City to close the season.
Here's the day's top performers in the Big 12 and this week's helmet sticker recipients.
Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State: Playing against the No. 2 pass defense in the country, which entered the game giving up just more than 132 yards per game, Weeden rang up 409 passing yards in a 33-16 win over Texas. He completed 29 of 43 passes for a touchdown and an interception.
Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma: Broyles became the school's all-time leader in receptions, touchdown receptions and the single-season leader for receptions with an eight-catch, 119-yard, three-touchdown day in Oklahoma's 45-7 win over Texas Tech.
Colorado Buffaloes: The Buffs made it clear they planned on answering in a big way after coach Dan Hawkins was fired this week and interim coach Brian Cabral filled his spot. Colorado got big games from Cody Hawkins, Rodney Stewart and Paul Richardson to beat Iowa State soundly, 34-14, and earn the team's first conference victory.
Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M: Gray scored three second-half touchdowns and four for the game to help spur a second half comeback in a game Texas A&M won 42-30 over Baylor. He finished with 137 yards on 28 carries and caught three passes for 24 yards.
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: Gabbert bounced back from two rough games. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 208 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and ran for 89 yards on 14 carries, including a fleet-footed 32-yard scamper that put Missouri up early in its 38-28 win over Kansas State.
The Blackshirts: Nebraska's defense needed a big game with Taylor Martinez easing back into action, and delivered one in a 20-3 win over Kansas. They limited Quinn Mecham to 15 yards and an interception on 3-of-13 passing and allowed just 72 yards rushing on 34 carries, a 2.1 average.
Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State: Playing against the No. 2 pass defense in the country, which entered the game giving up just more than 132 yards per game, Weeden rang up 409 passing yards in a 33-16 win over Texas. He completed 29 of 43 passes for a touchdown and an interception.
Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma: Broyles became the school's all-time leader in receptions, touchdown receptions and the single-season leader for receptions with an eight-catch, 119-yard, three-touchdown day in Oklahoma's 45-7 win over Texas Tech.
Colorado Buffaloes: The Buffs made it clear they planned on answering in a big way after coach Dan Hawkins was fired this week and interim coach Brian Cabral filled his spot. Colorado got big games from Cody Hawkins, Rodney Stewart and Paul Richardson to beat Iowa State soundly, 34-14, and earn the team's first conference victory.
Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M: Gray scored three second-half touchdowns and four for the game to help spur a second half comeback in a game Texas A&M won 42-30 over Baylor. He finished with 137 yards on 28 carries and caught three passes for 24 yards.
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: Gabbert bounced back from two rough games. He completed 17 of 25 passes for 208 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and ran for 89 yards on 14 carries, including a fleet-footed 32-yard scamper that put Missouri up early in its 38-28 win over Kansas State.
The Blackshirts: Nebraska's defense needed a big game with Taylor Martinez easing back into action, and delivered one in a 20-3 win over Kansas. They limited Quinn Mecham to 15 yards and an interception on 3-of-13 passing and allowed just 72 yards rushing on 34 carries, a 2.1 average.
What to watch in the Big 12: Week 11
November, 11, 2010
11/11/10
10:15
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
1. Colorado. What can we expect from this team under Brian Cabral? There's probably equal opportunity that Colorado looks better than ever and is renewed and ready to steal a game or two down the stretch, or that it completely collapses. We'll get a good idea of which after the Buffs' game against Iowa State at home, a very winnable game for a squad that is 0-5 in conference.
2. Justin Blackmon vs. Aaron Williams. Williams headlines a talented Texas secondary that limited Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles to five catches and 36 yards with lots of bracket coverage. Chykie Brown (broken arm) is out for the season, meaning Williams will move from nickelback to corner, and should get some one-on-one time against Blackmon, who beat Nebraska's Prince Amukamara for five receptions, 157 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Who wins this showdown in the secondary?
3. Texas' quarterbacks. Garrett Gilbert struggled through five interceptions and was nearly benched last week in a loss to Kansas State. If he finds early trouble against Oklahoma State, will Case McCoy, the younger brother of Colt McCoy, get his first meaningful action?
4. Turner Gill. Gill has downplayed his return to Lincoln, where he coached and played under mentor Tom Osborne, this week. Will he have any thoughts or reflections to share after what could be the first and last time he brings his team to Nebraska as a head coach?
5. Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has had two of his worst games after one of his best -- a win over Oklahoma three weeks ago. Last week, he completed just 40 percent of his passes for just 95 yards against the No. 119 pass defense in the country. Kansas State's pass defense is average, but if Gabbert struggles as badly as he did last week, Missouri's in line for a third consecutive loss.
6. The Wrecking Crew? Texas A&M left the field last week to chants of "Wrecking Crew" after an upset of Oklahoma that featured three goal-line stops. They'll need another high-level performance against a great offense at Baylor in the Battle of the Brazos. Can Tim DeRuyter's crew validate the hype?
7. Robert Griffin III. Even a great performance from Griffin wouldn't have been enough to outscore Oklahoma State last week, but the Baylor quarterback wasn't at his best against the Cowboys. He'll need to rebound this week and connect on deep passes to Kendall Wright and Josh Gordon that he missed last week if the Bears want to upset Texas A&M at home.
8. Paul Rhoads' headset. Rhoads made a brave call by attempting a fake extra in trying to beat Nebraska last week. If it's close late, does anyone doubt he'll have something else up is sleeve with bowl eligibility on the line against Colorado in Boulder? The Buffs better watch for well-timed onside kicks and stay home on defense.
9. Taylor Martinez's ankle. Nebraska looked positively average without Martinez last week at Iowa State, but he should be ready to play against Kansas this week. An injury that nags Martinez even when he's on the field will be trouble. Even the threat of him running opens up other options for backs Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu Jr. The Huskers should win this one easily, but is Martinez back at 100 percent, and still able to make the plays with his feet he made earlier in the season? The Huskers' Big 12 title hopes depend on it.
10. Oklahoma's offensive line. Bob Stoops was pretty happy with his offense until it got down to the 1-yard line last week and got stuffed. The Sooners left with zero points three times in a loss to Texas A&M. How do the big guys up front do if faced with a similar situation against Texas Tech.
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AP Photo/Ed AndrieskiBrian Cabral makes his debut as interim coach of Colorado on Saturday.
AP Photo/Ed AndrieskiBrian Cabral makes his debut as interim coach of Colorado on Saturday.3. Texas' quarterbacks. Garrett Gilbert struggled through five interceptions and was nearly benched last week in a loss to Kansas State. If he finds early trouble against Oklahoma State, will Case McCoy, the younger brother of Colt McCoy, get his first meaningful action?
4. Turner Gill. Gill has downplayed his return to Lincoln, where he coached and played under mentor Tom Osborne, this week. Will he have any thoughts or reflections to share after what could be the first and last time he brings his team to Nebraska as a head coach?
5. Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has had two of his worst games after one of his best -- a win over Oklahoma three weeks ago. Last week, he completed just 40 percent of his passes for just 95 yards against the No. 119 pass defense in the country. Kansas State's pass defense is average, but if Gabbert struggles as badly as he did last week, Missouri's in line for a third consecutive loss.
6. The Wrecking Crew? Texas A&M left the field last week to chants of "Wrecking Crew" after an upset of Oklahoma that featured three goal-line stops. They'll need another high-level performance against a great offense at Baylor in the Battle of the Brazos. Can Tim DeRuyter's crew validate the hype?
7. Robert Griffin III. Even a great performance from Griffin wouldn't have been enough to outscore Oklahoma State last week, but the Baylor quarterback wasn't at his best against the Cowboys. He'll need to rebound this week and connect on deep passes to Kendall Wright and Josh Gordon that he missed last week if the Bears want to upset Texas A&M at home.
8. Paul Rhoads' headset. Rhoads made a brave call by attempting a fake extra in trying to beat Nebraska last week. If it's close late, does anyone doubt he'll have something else up is sleeve with bowl eligibility on the line against Colorado in Boulder? The Buffs better watch for well-timed onside kicks and stay home on defense.
9. Taylor Martinez's ankle. Nebraska looked positively average without Martinez last week at Iowa State, but he should be ready to play against Kansas this week. An injury that nags Martinez even when he's on the field will be trouble. Even the threat of him running opens up other options for backs Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu Jr. The Huskers should win this one easily, but is Martinez back at 100 percent, and still able to make the plays with his feet he made earlier in the season? The Huskers' Big 12 title hopes depend on it.
10. Oklahoma's offensive line. Bob Stoops was pretty happy with his offense until it got down to the 1-yard line last week and got stuffed. The Sooners left with zero points three times in a loss to Texas A&M. How do the big guys up front do if faced with a similar situation against Texas Tech.
3-point stance: Penn State's other milestone
November, 10, 2010
11/10/10
5:30
AM ET
By
Ivan Maisel | ESPN.com
1. Penn State achieved a milestone in the 35-21 defeat of Northwestern that, like Joe Paterno’s 400th victory, looked as if it may never come. The Nittany Lion defense made a stop in the red zone. Opposing offenses had been 18-of-18, which made Penn State 120th and last in the nation. But Northwestern missed a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter. That felt so good that the Nittany Lions forced the Wildcats to turn the ball over on downs in the fourth quarter. Penn State zoomed to 109th in red-zone efficiency defense.
2. Texas A&M senior quarterback Jerrod Johnson began the season as a dark-horse Heisman candidate. Two weeks ago, Aggie head coach Mike Sherman benched Johnson for junior Ryan Tannehill. Texas A&M is 2-0 under Tannehill, and Sherman couldn’t be prouder -- of Johnson. “The most humble, unselfish guy I’ve ever been around,” Sherman said. “For him to go through this and handle it with grace and dignity and unselfishness in helping Ryan, he’s tremendously disappointed. But he wants to win football games.”
3. Colorado assistant Brian Cabral takes over as interim head coach for the second time in his 21 seasons in Boulder. Cabral, 54, went undefeated in his first tenure in 2004, when he took over during the offseason while Gary Barnett went on administrative leave. In an era when coaching staffs are given three or four years to win, Cabral’s attachment to Colorado belongs to a different era -- like the Paleozoic. He has worked for four Buffalo head coaches. Here’s hoping the next guy is smart enough to keep him.
2. Texas A&M senior quarterback Jerrod Johnson began the season as a dark-horse Heisman candidate. Two weeks ago, Aggie head coach Mike Sherman benched Johnson for junior Ryan Tannehill. Texas A&M is 2-0 under Tannehill, and Sherman couldn’t be prouder -- of Johnson. “The most humble, unselfish guy I’ve ever been around,” Sherman said. “For him to go through this and handle it with grace and dignity and unselfishness in helping Ryan, he’s tremendously disappointed. But he wants to win football games.”
3. Colorado assistant Brian Cabral takes over as interim head coach for the second time in his 21 seasons in Boulder. Cabral, 54, went undefeated in his first tenure in 2004, when he took over during the offseason while Gary Barnett went on administrative leave. In an era when coaching staffs are given three or four years to win, Cabral’s attachment to Colorado belongs to a different era -- like the Paleozoic. He has worked for four Buffalo head coaches. Here’s hoping the next guy is smart enough to keep him.
Colorado will join Pac-12 with new coach
November, 9, 2010
11/09/10
9:41
AM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Change is coming at Colorado before it comes to the Pac-12.
Embattled coach Dan Hawkins will be fired Tuesday and associate head coach Brian Cabral will take over as interim coach, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad.
Here's the story from the Denver Post, which reported former "CU coach Bill McCartney, who led the Buffs to a national championship, will be a strong candidate to succeed Hawkins, but other candidates from around the country will be considered."
And the Boulder Daily Camera -- Kyle Ringo writes about what the next coach should "be" like.
Just to throw in my two cents: It might make sense to get a guy familiar with Pac-10 recruiting -- read: Southern California -- and perhaps even some of the dynamics of the new conference the Buffaloes are joining.
Embattled coach Dan Hawkins will be fired Tuesday and associate head coach Brian Cabral will take over as interim coach, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad.
Here's the story from the Denver Post, which reported former "CU coach Bill McCartney, who led the Buffs to a national championship, will be a strong candidate to succeed Hawkins, but other candidates from around the country will be considered."
And the Boulder Daily Camera -- Kyle Ringo writes about what the next coach should "be" like.
Just to throw in my two cents: It might make sense to get a guy familiar with Pac-10 recruiting -- read: Southern California -- and perhaps even some of the dynamics of the new conference the Buffaloes are joining.
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