Tim Griffin

  (1:01 PM)

Hey, let's get things started. Big week of football in the Big 12.

Robert (St.louis Missouri)

Tim, I love your blog and read it religiously.How about Missouri and Oklahoma State this week? Without Dez Bryant and Kendall Hunter in the lineup and after watching OSU's struggles against A&M last week, I cant help but think that it is going to be a tuff game for OSU with a high powered offense like Missouri's. And with Blane Gabbert coming off of a sprained ankle, he cant be 100% right>

Tim Griffin

  (1:02 PM)

Robert: Thanks for the kind words.Mizzou and OSU have played some great games in the past. This one should be no different than the previous ones. I was really impressed with OSU's backups last week -- Toston, Anyiam and Co. -- as they picked up without Bryant and Kendall Hunter. It will be a tough one against Mizzou, but I like OSU by just a little.

Josh (Grand Rapids)

When is Baylors QB Robert Griffin expected to be back?

Tim Griffin

  (1:03 PM)

Josh:Not until next season. His rehab will take about six months. Should be ready for spring practice.

Josh (IL)

If Oklahoma beats Texas soundly, does that take the Big 12 out of the BCS championship game?

Tim Griffin

  (1:04 PM)

Josh: Not necessarily, but it will make it much tougher. Remember that OU lost by 10 last season to Texas and still made the title game. But a sound loss - say 17 points or more -- will make things tough. It would be interesting to see the spin coming out Oklahoma after that about their two one-point loss without Bradford healthy at the end of the games.

Jake (Los Angeles)

Do you think with an ever weak strength of schedule that UT can afford a loss and still get into the BCS title game?

Tim Griffin

  (1:05 PM)

Jake: It will be tough because the Longhorns' schedule doesn't match up with Alabama or Georgia, and likely even Va. Tech.They could afford a loss only if everybody else around the country has one, too.

Erik (Lincoln, NE)

Tim, do you think Nebraska's coaching staff should tell Zac Lee before every game that Cody Green is warming up? That might light a fire under Lee to play well every game.

Tim Griffin

  (1:06 PM)

Erik: Good idea. It seemed to make Lee pick up his effort last week against Missouri, didn't it?

Chris (Lawrence, KS)

Do you see Kansas continuing the success they have had the past few years? There recruiting is beginning to pick up but has it been enough with Sharp, Meier, Reesing, and Stuckey set to graduate?

Tim Griffin

  (1:07 PM)

Chris: We'll see with the new cast of characters they are bringing in. That being said, I give Mark Mangino major props for changing the culture at Kansas. Nebraska looks to be the North favorite in upcoming years, but there should be room at the top for others.

Greg (North Olmsted, Ohio)

Tim,Your a great writer...quick question...If Texas runs the table...will they make it to the national championship game or is it possible that a one loss team like Virginia Tech will beat them out?

Tim Griffin

  (1:07 PM)

Greg:I would believe it would be hard to deny a 13-0 Texas team, if they win convincingly in the Big 12 title game.

Cody (Lincoln)

Where would Nebraska play if they win out and lose in the Big 12 championship

Tim Griffin

  (1:08 PM)

Cody:That would leave them with two losses. If the team that beats them is Texas and they head to the BCS title game, I would think that Nebraska likely would head to the Fiesta Bowl.

Finzor (South Dakota)

Do you think the Big 12 North has got a pretty good shot to gain some credibility this weekend with Nebraska vs. Texas Tech and Missouri vs. Oklahoma State? Who do you think wins these matchups and why?

Tim Griffin

  (1:09 PM)

Finzor: Big games for the North in both contests. These are the kinds of game that the South has been consistently winning in recent seasons. North needs to step up to improve its national profile.

Aaron (Edwardsville, IL)

Whats your prediction for the RRSO this Saturday? Yes I called it the shootout, saying Red River Rivalry is too politically correct not to mention its a bit of a tongue twister

Tim Griffin

  (1:10 PM)

Aaron: I call it the RRR, just because I've got used to it in recent years. I think Texas will win by about a touchdown. Whoever runs the ball better will win the game. I have some concerns about OU's offensive line -- particularly with Brian Simmons out.

K-State Mike (Aggieville)

Tim, what's the deal with such low rankings for the top Big 12 north teams in the polls? Take Nebraska, thier only loss this season at (current #4 VT), and yet they are ranked 15? One loss teams such as USC, Miami, and Ohio State are way ahead of them in this weeks poll? KU undefeated, yet ranked 17? Where's the love for the Big 12 NORTH? Go State!

Tim Griffin

  (1:11 PM)

Mike: Nice words of support for the Huskers and Jayhawks. That shows you how big that Va. Tech loss now is for the Cornhuskers. If they win that game, I bet they would be in the top five or six teams nationally.

Scott (small town in Nebraska)

It seems Suhmania is creeping outside the Nebraska borders. In all reality, if he keeps changing outcomes of football games and is a general pain for opposing coaches and qb's do you think he has the chance for the Heisman? I really see nobody doing so well this year that they can be called a clear cut favorite........... well except Big Suh. The ESPN vote for the Heisman has Suh running away with it after he was just put on it last weekend. Would the Huskers be better with Tebow or with Suh?

Tim Griffin

  (1:13 PM)

Scott:Suh-mania. That has a nice ring to it. With a tight finish with no overwhelming favorite, Suh might rank -- although I can't see a defensive lineman winning it. He needs to start doing some things like scoring touchdowns from fullback or something like that to really capture widespread national attention. But on defense, it's been a long time since I've seen one player as dominant as he is.

Charles (Missouri)

Mr. Griffin, keep up the good work on your coverage of the BigXII, its always a great quick read. I was wondering what you thought about the Missouri Tigers and their ability to bounce back from a tough loss to Nebraska in the monsoon last Thursday. They have a tough slate ahead with OSU on the road and Texas at home the following week. I would like to know your thoughts on the ability of a young team to rebound this weekend and on the season as a whole. Thanks.

Tim Griffin

  (1:14 PM)

Charles: It will be interesting to see how the Tigers respond. If they have any hopes of contending in the North, they need a split in these two games. I'll be especially intrigued by finding out how Gabbert is in terms of health.

spinny (lubbock)

Hey Tim, love the blog. Based on Steven "Sticks" Sheffield's performance the past couple of games, who would you play at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln? Potts performed well his first two trips on the road, but in the end they were losses. Would you be willing to give Sheffield a chance show his worth?

Tim Griffin

  (1:15 PM)

Spinny: I'd have to go with Sticks, just based on his performance in the last two games. It will be a huge challenge at Nebraska, however, for him to continue his magic.

Michael (Chesapeake, VA)

Do you think it is possible the OU offensive line is unfairly maligned? If you look at some statistics (sacks, tackles for losses, etc.), they are performing about as well as Texas). Could it be they this is a perceptual issue since last years line was so good?

Tim Griffin

  (1:18 PM)

Michael: Could be. Also, remember that OU's offensive line has performed against better opposition too. But I think they are gauged a little lower because of Bradford's injury getting a lot of national attention. If they can have a big game without Brian Simmons this week, it will give their unit a boost.

JC (Austin)

What's the latest you've heard on running back availability for Texas? Without a clear cut premiere back how much does it matter? Doesn't the running game rest in the hands of the Texas O-line blocking well against OU's great D-line (something they couldn't do last week agains Colorado)?

Tim Griffin

  (1:19 PM)

JC: I'm hearing that Fozzy Whittaker likely will be the starter. Don't know if McGee or Newton will play, considering they are off the depth chart. And you're right, the Texas line needs a huge day against OU's line to set the running game in motion.

Michael (San Marcos, TX)

Where do you think Nebraska winds up in the rankings with a win this weekend?

Tim Griffin

  (1:20 PM)

Michael: Depends on who loses in front of them. I already have them as my No. 2 Big 12 team, so they'll need some upsets ahead of them to move up much.

spencer (omaha nebraska)

if nebraska beats kansas on the road, do you think they hava a shot at the big 12 title?

Tim Griffin

  (1:20 PM)

Spencer: A great one. They still might win it even with a loss at Kansas, considering the Jayhawks have to play Texas, OU and Texas Tech.

Jess (Lincoln)

Tim, has your KU support switched over to Nebraska yet?

Tim Griffin

  (1:21 PM)

Jess: I picked Nebraska as my No. 2 team in the conference behind Texas this week. Although if Helu is gimpy and Burkhead hurt, it could bring them down to the rest of the North teams.

Brian (Austin)

Does OU have an answer for how good Texas' special teams are? Also is there a wide receiver that Bradford can trust to make a catch other than Broyles?

Tim Griffin

  (1:23 PM)

Brian: They didn't last year. Shipley's kick return for a TD was the pivotal play in the game. The Sooners have to be sounder in that area of the game. And Broyles is the best the Sooners have. I would think Caleb, Kenney and maybe Miller would be players that would become their featured receivers. And look for something from Mossis Madu and DeMarco Murray coming out of the backfield.

Scott (Chicago)

Tim, Tell the ou O-line stat freaks to include false starts and holding penalites. Then they will see the difference between them and Texas

Tim Griffin

  (1:24 PM)

Scott: Like you said, penalties have been critical against the Sooners -- particularly in their losses to BYU and Miami.

David (Omaha, NE)

Hey Tim, I really enjoy the blog, if Oklahoma beats Texas and Nebraska is 7-1 will gameday roll in to Lincoln for the NU-OU game?

Tim Griffin

  (1:25 PM)

Sounds like a great place to me. They need to make sure to get Herbie some Runzas while he's there.

Justin (California)

Hey Tim, Im a longtime fan of your blog and just wanted to give you props on it!My question is, since Nebraska Lost to Va. Tech so early in the season, and seems to be blossoming as the season moves forward, and also considering how Nebraska truly dominated that game (minus the two passes and the lack of redzone production, and Virginia Tech's redzone D has been killer this year), What happens to Big Red if they run the table AND beat the South division champion in the Big XII title game?I have my hopes set for a BCS game!

Tim Griffin

  (1:26 PM)

Justin: Thanks for the kind words. That still is a pretty big if for the Cornhuskers to do those things. But if they accomplish them, they would have an argument.

Bill (NC)

Do you think that Colorado has become the new Baylor of the conference?

Tim Griffin

  (1:27 PM)

Bill: Don't think that's a fair comparison. Baylor is headed up now with Art Briles. Maybe the old Baylor, but not now.

Jeff (Quechee, VT)

Mizzou and K-State both suffered tough losses last week. ISU has had 2 incredibly hard-to-swallow losses in a row. Colorado's entire season has been a disappointment. Do you think any of these teams are close to giving up hope and/or quitting on their coaches? Which are most likely to bounce back stronger, like Nebraska did in the second half last year?

Tim Griffin

  (1:28 PM)

Jeff:Good question. I would think Missouri is best situated for a comeback. I would expect them to make a bowl trip. On the other side, I think Dan Hawkins needs a couple of conference wins to keep the wolves away.

Jarice (LA)

Love your blog Tim. Is it just me or does Ryan Reynolds look like he's running with cement blocks on his feet? I see that opening up the middle for Shipley on crossing routes.

Tim Griffin

  (1:29 PM)

Jarice: Remember that Reynolds has had two knee surgeries, so his lack of speed is all relative. But check out the game last season when he left -- Texas gained about 10 yards per play after his injury.

Nate (TAMPA,FL)

Hey Tim.Theres been talk of the RRR alternating sites between the two schools..but isn't playing at the Texas Fair part of the tradition?? What do you think??

Tim Griffin

  (1:30 PM)

Nate: Ask me that after my first corny dog. But I do think the State Fair adds to the drama of the game. And it's also cool how on every play, one part of the stadium or another is rocking. It's one of the most unusual settings I've ever seen.

Tony (San Marcos)

Great work Tim. Do you see Texas actually doing anything with their wildhorn look this week a-la Miami on monday? Chiles is a converted QB and you would think they could come up with something better than a play they already run routinely with colt.

Tim Griffin

  (1:31 PM)

Tony: They have had more success with the formation this year than last year with Chiles. I wouldn't be surprised to see it early. If they have success, they'll use it some more.

Josh (IL)

How underrated is Alex Robinson...more people should know about this guy regardless of how his team is doing

Tim Griffin

  (1:32 PM)

Josh: I think A. Rob is the most underrated player in the Big 12. Love him as both a runner and a receiver. He's the best player that Iowa State has.

Dave (Boerne, TX)

I object to some of your writings this week that Texas might be in trouble because of "offensive struggles" last week against Colorado. Colt was near perfect that game, the defense was stifling save the opening CU drive, and special teams gave the best performance of any unit in the nation, IMHO. Am I wrong to think UT didn't struggle that much and will be dominating this weekend?

Tim Griffin

  (1:33 PM)

Dave: They scored three unconventional TDs to blow the game open. And they rushed the ball for 62 yards -- which is the fewest in any game since 2002.The Longhorns are going to have to be more consistent on the ground against Oklahoma if they want to win on Saturday.

Sam (Charlotte)

Do you think OU will not blitz as much this week and try to be a little less predictable?

Tim Griffin

  (1:34 PM)

Sam: That is Brent Venables' MO -- the blitz package. I think they have to do that to bring out the full effect of players like Clayton, Wilson and Reynolds.

Richard (austin)

How would TCU fare in the Big 12?

Tim Griffin

  (1:35 PM)

Richard:This year, they likely would be the second best team in the conference behind Texas. And I think they could give the Longhorns a tussle if they played them in Fort Worth.

Kyle (KC, MO)

Tim, if you had to call it now: are there two teams from the Big XII going to BCS games, who would they be, and who do you see them playing?

Tim Griffin

  (1:36 PM)

Kyle: OK, good question.Texas - BCS game vs. FloridaNebraska - Fiesta Bowl vs. Boise State

Jeff (Oklahoma City, OK)

Hi Tim ... Do you see the secondary of OU able to stop the passing attack of Texas. Namely, McCoy to Shipley?

Tim Griffin

  (1:37 PM)

Sooners need a huge game out of their corners for that to happen. Dom Franks needs a special, special game.

Nate (Santa Cruz)

Should Stoops just tape his o-linemen's hands into fists so they can't hold? That still won't help with the false starts, though.

Tim Griffin

  (1:37 PM)

Nate:Ha. That might be an improvement.

Blake (age: 14) (Edmond, Oklahoma)

Tim love your blogs. About Dez Bryant. When do you think he will come back? If he does come back will he still be a first rounder?

Tim Griffin

  (1:38 PM)

Blake: What class are you missing to get involved with this? But I think Bryant will return to action in November. And he'll still be a mid-first round draft pick.

Nathan (Ga)

Lets assume texas vs floridia for bcs champ who do u think will win?

Tim Griffin

  (1:39 PM)

Nathan: I'd have to say Florida right now. I really like their defense and Tebow willing them to win what would be his final game. But what a great matchup between Colt and Tebow if that transpired.

Michael Griffin (College Station, Tx)

Are we related in any way do you think?? You got some aggie in your blood?

Tim Griffin

  (1:39 PM)

Michael: Not on my dad's side of the family. A couple of my nephews went there.

Vasu (Durham,NC)

Hi Tim, nice blogs.. what do you make of kevin Wilson's Big game play calling..

Tim Griffin

  (1:40 PM)

Vasu: I think Wilson could use a big offensive game on Saturday more than anybody.

Brian (FtWaltonBeach)

Does Colt McCoy still spell heisman with a B? B R A D F O R D? Seeing as Oklahoma will win this weekend? What do you think about OU vs BSU in BCS game? Boise showed theirself last night playing a team OU dominated w/o sir heisman.

Tim Griffin

  (1:41 PM)

Brian: That would be an interesting BCS bowl game. I bet the Sooners would be well-schooled for gadget plays this time around.

Meggie (College Station, TX)

Everyone keeps asking where Nebraska would move up to with a win this week? What about Tech winning, would we get some recognition?

Tim Griffin

  (1:42 PM)

Meggie: You would, maybe back into the top 25 if it was convincing.

Scott (Lincoln, NE)

Was Kansas' poor defensive showing last week an aberration, or major cause for concern in Lawrence?

Tim Griffin

  (1:42 PM)

I would say an aberration, although they have struggled in seven of the last eight quarters. They better rebound before the meat of the Big 12 schedule rolls around, or it could be a lot like last year.

Kevin Christensen (Pasadena, TX)

I think it's absolutely riduculous that Texas dropped a spot in the polls after beating Colorado by 24 points. Yeah, sure the 1st half was less than desirable, and they were losing by 4, but they won . Since when did you have to beat your oppnent by 30 just to keep your spot. Just wounderin' if you felt the same way?

Tim Griffin

  (1:44 PM)

Kevin:Perceptions like those first half struggles are hard to break. The Longhorns inability to run the ball hit home with a lot of pollsters. And remember, it was against Colorado.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

How do you see the Aggies doing this weekend?

Tim Griffin

  (1:45 PM)

I look for them to win, if JJ has a big passing night against a suddenly suspect KSU secondary.

Dave (Boerne, TX)

I read an interesting article you linked to this week about the dominance of OU and Texas in the Big 12. How do you see things evolving down the line -- can Stoops and Mack keep it up or are we about to see sustained better results from 'Brasky and KU?

Tim Griffin

  (1:47 PM)

Dave: I think Texas and Oklahoma have advantages unlike other Big 12 teams. With the right coach in place at both schools, it tough to beat them. But I really like what OSU has done with their facilities recently. Baylor and Texas Tech have both made improvements. A&M is a sleeping giant for the right coach. Nebraska with Pelini seems to be the best bet in the North, but I like what Pinkel has done to build the Missouri program. Mangino has done a nice job of making football relevant. But all of those schools will struggle when OU and Texas have coaches in place like Stoops or Brown.

Josh (KU)

If Nebraska were to play Texas on Saturday, who would you have winning and by how much?

Tim Griffin

  (1:48 PM)

Texas 34, Nebraska 20. Nebraska doesn't have the offense to compete with Texas -- yet. They still are a couple of recruiting classes from getting into that category, and maybe a big step forward by Cody Green.

Jack (Midwest City, OK)

Tim I believe if Ryan Broyles returns against Texas, even if he doesn't have a reception, it will influence the defensive side of the ball for Texas. It will be enough with the emergence of Miller and Murray in the slot for an OU victory. I think Sam Bradford is just that good! What do you think?

Tim Griffin

  (1:49 PM)

Jack: He did have five TD passes against Texas last season and one of his two picks came on a Hail Mary at the end of the game. Bradford doesn't play defense or offensive line. Those are my two biggest concerns for the Sooners on Saturday.

Doc (Austin)

Tim, excluding Robert Griffin from the equation do you see Baylor's level of talent and competitiveness improving over the next 2 years or so?

Tim Griffin

  (1:54 PM)

Doc: Yeah, I do. Briles has got some good recruits arriving like Ahmad Dixon, the 355-pound Robert Griffin and DB Tyler Stephenson. Things are looking up for them in that category.

Scott (Galveston)

What do you see Texas A&M finishing at this year?

Tim Griffin

  (1:55 PM)

Scott: How about 7-6, after beating Navy in the Houston Bowl?

John (NOLA)

If Stoops gets fired, who do you think could replace him?

Tim Griffin

  (1:55 PM)

John: That's not gonna happen. But I'm sure that Joe Castiglione has a group of potential replacements in case Stoops decides to go somewhere else

Tom (Dallas)

You said "A&M us a sleeping giant for the right coach." You don't think that is Sherman? Also, were you aware that former Neb QB Zac Taylor is the TE coach at A

Tim Griffin

  (1:56 PM)

Tom: Sherman needs to show me some stuff in college football coaching. Nice man, however. And yes, I knew about Zac Taylor.

jeremy (kentucky)

What's your take on the Jon Gruden to Louisville rumors?

Tim Griffin

  (1:57 PM)

Is Monday Night Football with Jaws and Tirico really that bad of a gig?I think I'd like that more than coaching.

joe (chicago)

it may be just me, but im still nostalgic for the power running huskers of old, and as this current team improves, it just isnt doing it for me.

Tim Griffin

  (1:57 PM)

Joe: I know what you mean. But nobody is running the ball like that anymore.

Jack (Midwest City, OK)

Tim ...Texas has not faced a defense as good as Oklahomas, I believe the team will rise to the occassion and reward Sam for his return. They believe in what he can do and will be even better than what they have shown so far this season...27-14 OU

Tim Griffin

  (1:58 PM)

Jack: It's gonna be a lot closer than that, I think.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

Thanks for the chat. You coming to Lincoln for Oklahoma-Nebraska?

Tim Griffin

  (1:59 PM)

Josh: I hope so. Should be a great game between two storied powers. I still remember covering those games in 2000 and 2001. Both of them were great spectacles.

Nick (Dallas, TX)

Is the Aggie defense the youngest defense you've ever seen fielded in the Big12?

Tim Griffin

  (1:59 PM)

Nick: I believe so. I know that no other defense in the Big 12 in recent seasons has been that young.

Nick (Florida)

Tim - Florida is running a POWER run game. Did you watch the LSU game? Florida ran right up the gut all game!

Tim Griffin

  (2:00 PM)

Nick, I would agree with that, particularly when TEBOW is running withit.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

Roy Helu going for 170 against one of the best defenses in the country "doesn't do it for you?" No pleasing some people.

Tim Griffin

  (2:00 PM)

Roy is banged up, saw him wearing a lot of ice -- and I don't mean jewelry, either -- when he was walking off to the bus at Mizzou. I bet he wishes that Castille was still around.

michael (san marcos, tx)

Would you say nebraska has one of the best defenses if not the best in the nation and where would you rank them?

Tim Griffin

  (2:01 PM)

Michael:They are a very good defense, but don't think they are as good as either Texas or Oklahoma in the conference.

Tim Griffin

  (2:02 PM)

Thanks to all of you who asked the 284 questions.We'll see you again next week at the same time