Tim Griffin

  (3:01 PM)

Welcome everybody to my chat. It's been too long, hasn't it? Let's get right to some Big 12 questions.

Tim Griffin

  (3:03 PM)

John: I labored long and hard over who to pick when it came down to Suh and McCoy. What eventually convinced me to pick Suh were two factors: 1. Suh has better statistics. 2. McCoy has better surrounding teammates. And I think it's hard to quantify the overall value of both players. I expect both to be top 10 picks in the NFL one day. But I still think that Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy and Dez Bryant are more valuable to their teams than either McCoy or Suh. And that's not to diminish the value of either defensive player.

Tim Griffin

  (3:06 PM)

Josh: I also have Nebraska just a tad ahead of Kansas. I like Nebraska because of the strong showing of Zac Lee and the Cornhuskers' schedule compared to Kansas, which has that UT-TT-OU gauntlet to navigate through. And that's before we even talk about Kansas' inexperience on defense and their lack of experience in the trenches. So it will be interesting to see it play out.

Tim Griffin

  (3:06 PM)

Matt: I look for JC to get a chance to play for the Sooners as long as he stays out of trouble. He'll be on a very short leash with Bob Stoops if he comes to Norman - just ask Josh Jarboe.

Matt Lincoln NE

Hey Tim great blog I read it all the time. My question is how likely are we to see 2 1,000 yard backs at Nebraska with the talent we have and a new QB coming in and losing our top 2 recievers

Tim Griffin

  (3:08 PM)

Matt: Thanks for the kind words. I don't think the Cornhuskers will be able to run enough to get both Helu and Castille 1,000 yards. I look for Helu to rush for about 1,200 and Castille to go for about 750. But I still think they will need to throw the ball in today's Big 12.

Big Mike (Dallas, TX)

Plus or minus 15 sacks for Kindle this season?

Tim Griffin

  (3:08 PM)

Big Mike: 15 might be a tad high for Sergio. I'll pick 12 as my number.

Jon (Kansas)

How long before Nebraska plays for a Nat. Championship?

Tim Griffin

  (3:10 PM)

Jon: The Huskers are still a couple of solid recruiting seasons from getting at that level. They would need talent to navigate their way through a tough schedule every week. They are at the level to contend for the Big 12 North title now, but still a little ways away from consistently challenging USC, Florida and yes, Oklahoma and Texas.

Shane Houston,TX

Who has the best Offensive Line in the Big 12?

Tim Griffin

  (3:11 PM)

Shane: I'll say Texas. They have more experience than anybody. Guys like Hall and Ulatoski seem like they've been around Austin since the Clinton administration.

Fernando (Mart, TX)

Does Colt McCoy stand a chance of breaking his own completion percentage record?

Tim Griffin

  (3:12 PM)

Fernando: It's gonna be tough. I think he misses Quan Cosby, who was a great checkdown receiver. I expect the numbers for both McCoy and Bradford to go down a little bit. Both played at mind-boggling levels last season.

Ryan Austin, TX

Hey Tim! How likely is it for the Red Raiders to get more than 8 wins this coming season after the loss of many key play makers? (G. Harrell, M. Crabtree, B. Williams, E. Morris, etc.)

Tim Griffin

  (3:13 PM)

Ryan: It's gonna be tough without Crabtree, Harrell, E Mo, Brandon Williams and the two safeties. I've got them 8-5 and going to the Alamo Bowl. Does that sound about right?

Michael (Atlanta, GA)

Did you happen to check the comments on your post about the unlikelihood of another 3 way tie? Most of us believe there is a good chance. Not only in the South, but the North too (although, I'm a South guy so I have no clue whats going on up there).

Tim Griffin

  (3:16 PM)

Michael: I guess I'd like to go to the horse track with you. I get the idea you like longshots, huh? Considering there have been only 10 three-way ties in 900 conference races, that works to a ratio of barely 1 percent. So I can't see those back-to-back 1 percents hitting in back-to-back years. It wouldn't surprise me if OSU, Texas and Oklahoma split their games against each other. I just don't see all of the other stuff happening to give us a three-way tie. Mainly because of percentages.

Kenny Wilson ( Kansas City, KS)

Tim, who has the best pair of receivers in the Big 12? I say it's KU's Brisco & Meyer, what do you think?

Tim Griffin

  (3:17 PM)

Kenny: I agree with you, and might even amended your statement with this comment. I think the Jayhawks also have the best trio of receivers when Johnathan Wilson is thrown into the mix.

Alex Lincoln NE

Is K-State going to a bowl game this year?

Tim Griffin

  (3:17 PM)

Alex: It's gonna be hard. In order for KSU to go bowling, Snyder will have to pull a couple of upset I don't see happening. If it does, he should qualify for coach of the year.

LeQuese (Wylie Texas)

I think Baylor has a legitimate chance to go 9-3 this year. We should go 3-1 at least in non conference by losing to either WF or UConn. Out of OU, OSU and UT we should be able to steal one win and we should win the rest. How do you see Baylor finishing this season?

Tim Griffin

  (3:20 PM)

LeQuese: Rather optimistic about the Bears, aren't we? Remember the Bears are breaking in two new offensive tackles. That's the most critical position on the offensive line. If they struggle, Robert Griffin won't be nearly as effective. Remember that Baylor lost the home game against Tech by moving to Arlington. Instead of a home game, it's now a neutral site. Also remember that Baylor hasn't won in College Station since 1984. And I don't think the Bears are at the talent level to upset Texas, Oklahoma State or Oklahoma. It wouldn't surprise me to see Baylor at 5-7 with a significantly better team than last season.

Jason (Iowa)

Who wins this years Red River Rivalry, Texas or Oklahoma? Does the outcome of this game determine who plays Florida for the title?

Tim Griffin

  (3:21 PM)

Jason: I'm giving Texas a brief edge today. I reserve my opportunity to change my mind in early October, but I just think that Texas' defense will be able to take advantage of Oklahoma's green offensive line. And yes, this game should determine the Big 12's best contender for the national championship.

Jason (norman ok)

Shouldnt people be giving Coach Stoops more credit for what he has done while at OU. 6 conf titles in 10 years and he has played for 4 natl titles in 10 years. Thats unheard of in this day and age!

Tim Griffin

  (3:24 PM)

Jason: Stoops' accomplishments are well known in this particular part of the world. But Stoops' lack of BCS success works against him in terms of national respect, particularly his recent title-game losses.

David, San Diego

Tim, I am going to Mizzou next year, what can I look forward to this year and during my next few years there, football-wise? Any chance of a BCS bowl anytime soon?

Tim Griffin

  (3:26 PM)

David: I expect the Tigers to get into the mix for the Big 12 title, but the BCS might be a little too steep at this point. To get to that level, Blaine Gabbert has to exceed expectations and guys like Sheldon Richardson really need to come through.

Tim Griffin

  (3:26 PM)

David: I expect the Tigers to get into the mix for the Big 12 title, but the BCS might be a little too steep at this point. To get to that level, Blaine Gabbert has to exceed expectations and guys like Sheldon Richardson really need to come through.

Alex (Omaha)

Do you think Paulus chose Syracuse over Nebraska, because he felt as though his chances of starting would be more difficult at Nebraska? Im actually glad he chose Syracuse, anyway.

Tim Griffin

  (3:28 PM)

Alex: I can't get into Paulus' head, but I think the chance to play immediately rather than sit on the bench would have been his primary determiner. But he loses out a little on a couple of things. I think working with Shawn Watson would have been a good way to improve his NFL chances. And how much more fun would it have been playing in a jam-packed Memorial Stadium for Big 12 North titles against teams like Kansas and Oklahoma compared to playing in a half-full Carrier Dome against a bunch of Big East teams. It would be a tough decision, I would think.

Dave (Omaha Ne)

Tim - Love your blog, even with the answers only for the first few questions. I think you are wrong about Neb being a few recruiting classes away though. I dont see NU going all the way this year, but in 2010 - thats a different story. See there was this guy named Tom who used to take mostly blue color guys with a chip on their shoulder case they were overlooked by other programs. He coached em up and sprinkled in a few all stars. If I remember correctly, they won a few games in Miami and Tempe at the end of the year. As one of Tom's coaches said about their 95 team, we may not have had the most talented players on paper. But you can believe they thought they were. A guy named Bo is installing the same 'tude to the current team. Wanna reconsider your earlier post?

Tim Griffin

  (3:29 PM)

Dave: Wish I could get to everybody. It's tough when you get 250 questions over an hour. But I'm diligent about trying to get as many as I can. One thing, though. Your guy named Tom never had to coach against Bob Stoops or Mack Brown after the consistent growth of both the Texas and Oklahoma programs. That might be as challenging a task as any coach faces.

Mike Yass (Joplin, MO)

How can you predict the Bears to only go 5-7. Yes, they lose both tackles, but it's not like Griffin is a pocket QB. He rolls out nearly every time which will be better for breaking in the new OT's. While I agree that BU won't be knocking off OSU, OU, or UT, every other game on the schedule is winnable. 9-3 is unrealistic, but 5-7 would be disappointing. ISU, A&M, Northwestern St., and Kent State should be very likely wins. You only see the Bears knocking off one other team out of UConn, Wake Forest, Tech, Nebraska, and Mizzou? Come on, Tim. Bears will be going 6-6 or 7-5 depending on injuries and health. The seniors are going bowling.

Tim Griffin

  (3:31 PM)

Mike: We'll see. The Big 12 is gonna be more balanced this season than you think. The game against Wake Forest is on the road, against one of the more consistent ACC teams the last few years. And the trip to A&M isn't going to be a cake walk, believe me.

Scott (Austin, TX)

Tim, if you had to pick one upset in the Big 12 this season that Nobody would see coming, what would it be?

Tim Griffin

  (3:33 PM)

Scott: Here are some games that I've considering. How about Kansas State over Kansas. It's going to be tough for the Jayhawks to beat Snyder in Manhattan.

joe (chicago)

Tim, who do you see winning the north?

Tim Griffin

  (3:33 PM)

Joe: How by the Cornhuskers, by a smidge over Kansas. Colorado and Missouri will battle for third place.

Tomek (Dallas, TX)

Tim, where did you go to college?

Tim Griffin

  (3:34 PM)

Tomek: Proud graduate of Memphis State University (back when it was called that).

goose (urbana)

Tim, how far is the talent gap b/w Okies & Horns...and the Cowpokes? is there any chance that OkieSt throws a monkeywrench in the system like TTU last year?

Tim Griffin

  (3:36 PM)

Goose: Many people are saying that Oklahoma State will jump to the Texas Tech level this year. The big difference between the Cowboys and OU and Texas is their defensive depth. They have some nice players like Chinasa, Sexton, Booker, Cox. But I don't think they are nearly as deep. A couple of injuries could be really lethal for them.

Jon (Kansas)

I see Neb poss. going 10-2 this season. Do you agree.

Tim Griffin

  (3:36 PM)

Jon: To do that, they are going to have to get a couple of upsets. Not saying it will be impossible, but they would have to beat OU, maybe Virginia Tech to get that high.

Dave (Atlanta, GA)

Tim, does Colorado have the best backfield?

Tim Griffin

  (3:38 PM)

Dave: Sure liked their running in the spring game. It will be different when they face opposing defenses. Their backs aren't quite to the level of Murray, Brown, Madu and Calhoun at OU. But I will call Colorado with the best running backs in the North.

don (sacramento)

Tim, besides watching the game, whats the funnest part about the fair at the Red River Rivalry? do they have a teacup ride?

Tim Griffin

  (3:39 PM)

Don: The teacup ride is still there, but I don't like that one. Tried a mini version of that one with my 4-year-old at Sea World last summer and almost got sick. I like the insults that are hurled between the Texas and Oklahoma fans in the corny dog line before, but especially after the games when the beers start kicking in on both sides.

Ryan (Columbia, MO)

How do you see Mizzou doing this year without many of their key players from last year?

Tim Griffin

  (3:41 PM)

Ryan: I know Gary Pinkel likes his underrated talent at cornerback and at linebacker. But I think they lose too much offensively to be able to challenge for the North. They are losing arguably the best quarterback, best tight end and best wide receiver in history - at the same time. Throw in the loss of Sulak, Willie Moore and Jeff Wolfert and I think it will be tough for them to get much past 8 wins.

Tomek (Dallas)

Tim, in the event that Colt gets taken out of a game in the case of injury or the such, which game(s) would you predict the Longorns to lose in the event???

Tim Griffin

  (3:43 PM)

Tomek: If McCoy was to be injured, the toughest games for Texas to win without him would be (in order), Oklahoma, at Oklahoma State, at Missouri and at Baylor (upset alert).

Andrew (Houston)

You often mention your son in your blog, who does he like to root for in the big 12?

Tim Griffin

  (3:45 PM)

Andrew: He likes all of them, but particularly the ones he likes the mascots for like Colorado, Texas and Baylor. And he also associates a team with the beat writers he has met. He really likes the people from Nebraska - he was enthralled by Steve Sipple's most recent video the other day.

Scott (St Louis)

Tim, I was pondering your best rivalries in the Big 12, and noticed one glaring ommission. Do you think its possible to ever get the league to have OU and NU play every year again? The loss of that rivalry is truly disheartening!

Tim Griffin

  (3:46 PM)

Scott: The OU-NU rivalry diminished because the way the divisions are set up. The fact that Oklahoma and Nebraska don't play every year has hurt it. And I also think bitterness has to factor into rivalries. Other than Bill Callahan's comments, I think the Nebraska-Oklahoma rivalry was typified by respect and class.

Ryder Oklahoma City

Tim, You say that Oklahoma State has the potential to rise to Tech's spot last season. Do you not give the Pokes a chance to rise above that? What are the odds they take it to Pasadena?

Tim Griffin

  (3:47 PM)

Ryder: That would be a big jump for them to jump into the national title hunt. We'll know a lot about them after their season opener against Georgia. Should be a great game.

Erik (Lincoln, NE)

Who do you think will be last in the Big XII North this year, Kansas State or Iowa State? Why?

Tim Griffin

  (3:49 PM)

Erik: I'll take Kansas State. Mainly because of better defense talent and the experience of Bill Snyder compared to Paul Rhoads, who'll be in his first season as a head coach. I think Snyder will help sneak the Wildcats to a win or two that people might not expect.

Tomek (Dallas)

Tim, not considering the intra-league rivalries (ex:UT-OU), what rivalries exist between teams of other conferences and our own that are worth mentioning. I can't really think of any other than the old UT-Arkansas rivalry.

Tim Griffin

  (3:51 PM)

Tomek: How about Colorado-Colorado State, Missouri-Illinois and Iowa-Iowa State. I look for Arkansas-Texas A&M to rise to that level. And I'd love to see Texas A&M play LSU every season. I would think that would be really intriguing.

Kellen (Boston)

OSU has no history or tradition and want to go from 4th in the Big XII South to National Title game? Comical, Ryder!!! :)

Tim Griffin

  (3:52 PM)

Kellen: I think OSU will be noticeably better this season. But Oklahoma and Texas are a tough, tough challenge.

Justin (Austin, TX)

Tim, why do you answer 10x more questions than other conferance blogger's during these chats? (rhetorical question: its because you're awesome)

Tim Griffin

  (3:53 PM)

Justin: Thanks for the compliment. I'd just like the format of these chats and the give and take it gives us bloggers. If you have the questions, I'd like to answer as many as I can.

Matt (Sacramento)

Tim - Not sure how Colorado has the best backfield in the North. Helu and Castille at Nebraska should combine for 2000 yards this year in rushing alone.

Tim Griffin

  (3:56 PM)

Matt: I like Colorado because they go four deep and all with different styles. Sumler, Scott, Speedy and Lockridge are a nice quartet.

Jon (Kansas)

Whos your prediction for Heisman this year will it be in the Big 12?

Tim Griffin

  (3:57 PM)

Jon: I expect that the statistics for McCoy and Bradford will be down a little bit this season. But it might not matter if either team is undefeated during the regular season. But I'll pick Tebow by a hair over the other two. I think Florida runs through the SEC this season.

Andrew (Houston)

Who would be a good team from another conference that you would like to see Tech play against every year?

Tim Griffin

  (3:58 PM)

Andrew: I'd love to see them play Oregon or Boise State. I think the matchup between those offenses would be intriguing.

Gary (Guthrie, OK)

Speaking of backfields do you think the plethora of backs that OSU has will hurt the number of yards or carries Hunter gets this upcoming year?

Tim Griffin

  (3:59 PM)

Gary: Wouldn't surprise me if Hunter's yardage dips a little bit. I think OSU's passing game will be a bit better this season. Look for Anyiam to emerge as a strong No. 2 to Bryant.

LeQuese (Wylie Texas)

Tim: Tech will no longer be a top tier team in the Big XII. A&M doesnt stand a chance against a more mature BU team and the Big XII North all got worst. How do you see BU not competing in the Big XII?

Tim Griffin

  (4:00 PM)

LeQuese: Just think it's gonna be a pretty steep mountain for the Bears to climb that quickly. Maybe in a couple of years if Briles keeps recruiting. They might be at that level during Griffin's senior season. Also, their non-conference schedule is tougher than most. They absolutely have to go 3-1, if not 4-0, to make a bowl trip.

Chas (Andrews AFB)

I thought i had a great question about defense in the BIG 12. Do you chose not to answer some questions? I was really interested in what you would say about it.

Tim Griffin

  (4:01 PM)

Chas: I'm getting 10-15 questions every five minutes. Wish I could answer them all.

Alex Lincoln NE

When will Baylor's QB enter the NFL draft?

Tim Griffin

  (4:02 PM)

Alex, I'm guessing that Griffin enters after his junior season (2010) unless the Bears haven't made a bowl trip yet.

Richard S. Chicago, IL

Tim, Thanks for the Big 12 fix during the off season. I got a great one here, and I want your take. There has been a lot of talk of the tie breaker with the Big 12, Mack Brown, the * in Texas, and the coaches meeting, yada yada yada. What if???...the North and South both end up in 3 way ties (KU, MU, NU...OU, TU, OSU-TTU)...and the BCS has to decide both divisions. My question is, will there be riots? And, would this be enough to prompt the coaches to address the rule? What do you think?

Tim Griffin

  (4:04 PM)

If we have three-way ties in both conferences, Dan Beebe's world would be miserable. And hopefully, it would make the coaches take another look at the rule.

Tim Griffin

  (4:05 PM)

Guys: Thanks for all of the good questions this week. Hope we can do this soon.