[h=1]Big 12 coaches anonymously break down conference[/h]
Oklahoma's opponents realize the same thing Baker Mayfield's teammates have known for some time now: The former walk-on quarterback is the heart of the Sooners (and their playoff chances). Dylan Coulter for ESPNJun 8, 2016
This story appears in ESPN College Football 2016, on newsstands June 7.Order online today!
The phrase comes up in most college football press conferences:
"Coach, can you talk about ... ."
We took that broad question and went to Big 12 coaches to ask for their honest assessments on the hottest topics for each conference team.
Here's an unfiltered -- and anonymous -- breakdown of how opponents view their conference brethren (presented by predicted order of finish):
[h=2]Big 12[/h][h=3]Oklahoma Sooners[/h]
Oklahoma tailback Samaje Perine, pictured, will join fellow running back Joe Mixon in the Sooners' backfield. Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY SportsSamaje Perine and Joe Mixon are one of only six returning Power 5 running back tandems that rushed for at least 2,000 yards last season. Coach, can you talk about the two running backs?
"I think Mixon is still behind Perine in production and physicality. When OU needed something, it was Perine who was getting the ball. But if Mixon can close the gap between the two, watch out." -- Big 12 defensive coach
Last season QB Baker Mayfield led the country in passing efficiency late in games, completing a sizzling 71.2 percent of his passes in the second half and overtime. Coach, can you talk about Mayfield?
"The mentality that he brings rallies up the whole team. Sometimes he doesn't do it the way you'd draw it up, but he gets the job done. He's got good enough skills to make people miss when he runs, and he throws the ball accurately. A dangerous quarterback." -- Big 12 offensive coach
The Sooners had the only defense in the Big 12 that finished with more interceptions (20) than TD passes allowed (19). Zack Sanchez, however, had seven of those picks. Coach, can you talk about Oklahoma's secondary?
"I know they lost a big-name guy [Sanchez], but I think their defensive back unit will still be very strong again. They have one terrific corner [Jordan Thomas] coming back, and they do a great job developing defensive backs. The scheme they run, it helps that, because they're very aggressive; they'll sit on routes." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]Oklahoma State[/h]
Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph led the Cowboys to a 10-0 start last season. Ben Queen/USA TODAY SportsQB Mason Rudolph passed for 352 yards and five TDs in a win over TCU, but road games at Texas and West Virginia (one TD, five picks) showed that Rudolph's arm might be suspect. Coach, can you talk about Rudolph?
"He's a good player, but he doesn't scare you. I don't think he's dynamic like, say, the kid at Texas Tech [Patrick Mahomes]. He's a pocket passer and he doesn't have a cannon. He's not Brandon Weeden, even if they want him to be." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Oklahoma State has forced 75 turnovers since Glenn Spencer took over as defensive coordinator in 2013, ranking third in the conference. Coach, can you talk about attacking the Oklahoma State defense?
"You have to do a good job of deciphering coverage. Glenn will do some different things, like go with a prevent look on second-and-10, so you have to do a good job in practice, because you never know what you're going to get." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Rudolph helped OSU get out to a 10-0 start last season, but the Cowboys lost to Baylor and Oklahoma after he hurt his foot and then suffered a third straight loss to Ole Miss in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Coach, can you talk about how Oklahoma State can be less reliant on Rudolph?
"You know [Rudolph] is a competitor because he makes big plays when they need them. They won so many close games. You have to give him credit, because he didn't have a consistent running game. The key for him this year is they have to develop a running game. He needs help." -- Big 12 offensive coach
[h=3]Baylor Bears[/h](Editor's note: Interviews were conducted before coach Art Briles was fired.)
Fired coach Art Briles' offensive system has always caused problems, but it became nearly impossible to stop when he began landing NFL-level athletes.Coach, can you talk about the overall talent in the program?
"They're getting in the same game as Oklahoma and Texas. They've recruited well. People don't like to hear it, but it's the truth. Offensively, their talent is as good as anyone's. Defensively, they're probably a few classes behind." -- Big 12 head coach
The result of the talent increase has been an offense that has averaged an FBS-best 3.24 points per drive and 7.18 yards per play since 2011. The Bears' 1.11 points per drive and 3.53 yards per play on a sloppy, muddy field in a driving rainstorm against TCU a year ago were Baylor's lowest marks during that span.Coach, can you talk about trying to match Baylor's offense?
"You kind of know you have to score more. I guess the only way to stop them is chilly weather and a monsoon." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Corey Coleman, the 2015 Biletnikoff Award winner, left early for the NFL, but junior KD Cannon easily slides into the No. 1 wideout spot. In his first two seasons, he caught 108 passes for 1,898 yards (17.6 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns. Coach, can you talk about facing Cannon?
"He has size, speed and strength. He kind of reminds me of the way Justin Blackmon used to be at Oklahoma State, the way he can kind of control a game. He will seem quiet, then you look up and he's over 100 yards." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]West Virginia Mountaineers[/h]Defensive coordinator Tony Gibson has a 3-3-5 system built for the spread-heavy Big 12. Last season, WVU allowed 24.6 points per game, second only to Oklahoma in the conference, and it ranked fourth in the nation in interception percentage per pass attempt (5.1). Coach, can you talk about facing the West Virginia defense?
"It's high risk, high reward. Before, their system was an advantage, but more people are doing similar things. A few years ago, we'd see that look maybe 20 to 30 percent of the time. This year, we'll probably see it 70 percent of the time." -- Big 12 head coach
One of the few proven players on defense, Noble Nwachukwu is poised to become a three-year starter for the Mountaineers. Coach, can you talk about planning to face Nwachukwu?
"He's a very solid player, but he's not a guy like Emmanuel Ogbah or Eric Striker. He's a guy who can make plays, and you have to account for him, but we didn't spend as much time talking about him." -- Big 12 offensive coach
In a departure from Dana Holgorsen's pass-heavy reputation, the Mountaineers relied on the run last season, gaining more first downs on the ground (172) than through the air (150) and averaging 4.77 yards per carry. Coach, can you talk about what to expect from West Virginia's offense?
"It will be interesting to see if he returns to that Mike Leach style. I think they weren't sure if they had the quarterback, but we'll see what they do this year." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]Texas Longhorns[/h]The Longhorns ranked last in the Big 12 in passing in 2015, finishing with just nine touchdown passes -- the same total as Navy, which runs a triple-option offense. Coach, can you talk about Texas' QBs?
"To be honest, that position right now is the difference between them winning six games and them winning 10 games. You can hone in on what they do and cheat your coverage because of their quarterbacks' inability to throw the football." -- Big 12 defensive coach
Coach Charlie Strong brought in offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert, a disciple of Art Briles' fast-paced philosophy, from Tulsa to improve the Longhorns' passing game. Coach, can you talk about Texas' personnel in the new offense?
"It's not as easy as people think it is to put that in. You have to be able to practice it the right way. Do they have a quarterback to run it? Who knows? We will have to wait and see. That system didn't become great until [former Baylor quarterback] Robert Griffin started running it." -- Big 12 offensive coach
As a true freshman, Malik Jefferson recorded nine tackles in each of his first three games, then followed that up with two sacks in the Longhorns' upset of Oklahoma. Coach, can you talk about Jefferson?
"He's unbelievably talented. I think he's going to be one of the best players in the league. Great size, great athleticism, very instinctual. Can rush off the edge, can play the run, can drop into coverage. An excellent player." -- Big 12 offensive coach
[h=3]TCU Horned Frogs[/h]Kenny Hill replaced Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M and threw for 511 yards and three TDs against South Carolina in his first start. But he struggled against Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Alabama -- throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions -- and lost his starting job, sparking questions about his performance against top teams. Coach, can you talk about Hill taking over?
"I like Hill and what he did at Texas A&M, but he has a ways to go to fill Trevone Boykin's shoes. They may need to make up [the difference in production] in other ways." -- Big 12 offensive coach
TCU has had the Big 12's top defense since joining the conference in 2012, allowing a league best in points per drive (1.66) and yards per play (5.25) in conference games over that time. Coach, can you talk about how you game-plan for TCU's defense?
"Gary [Patterson] does a good job stopping the run, using run fits, clogging up the middle. They're just not going to let you run it. You have to be able to throw the ball against them if you want to have success." -- Big 12 head coach
Last season against Texas, KaVontae Turpin had 138 receiving yards and hauled in four touchdowns, the most in a game by a freshman in Big 12 history. Though he's just 5-foot-9 and 152 pounds, Turpin will again be counted on as an all-purpose threat. Coach, can you talk about whether Turpin is up to the task?
"He's shifty, a playmaker. He has the skills that fit in our league. And he has that chip on his shoulder." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]Texas Tech Red Raiders[/h]Since Patrick Mahomes took over as starting QB in November 2014, he has tossed 50 touchdowns. No returning quarterback in college football has thrown for more over that span. Coach, can you talk about Mahomes?
"He's the best quarterback in the Big 12, from seeing the field and distributing the ball to being able to run. He's big and tough to bring down. I really like his skill set. Now that he has given up baseball [he played outfield and pitched for the Red Raiders], I think he's going to be even better." -- Big 12 defensive coach
Last year, David Gibbs became Texas Tech's seventh defensive coordinator in as many seasons. The team showed little improvement, finishing next to last in the country in stopping the run. Coach, can you talk about Texas Tech's defense?
"It's been so many years in a row where they've had a new DC. That's going to hurt you. But Gibbs will do a hell of a job. He's a really good coach. It's not going to happen overnight. But I think he'll get that thing going." -- Big 12 offensive coach
After finishing second in the nation in passing last season, Texas Tech brings back all but one key target, but that guy happens to be Jakeem Grant, the school's all-time leading receiver. Coach, can you talk about Tech's passing game?
"Kliff [Kingsbury] did a great job of game-planning ways of getting Jakeem the ball in space. But there's not a guy there now that can make nine guys miss and go 90 yards. They're going to have a different mindset. Kliff might have to be a little more patient." -- Big 12 offensive coach
[h=3]Kansas State Wildcats[/h]Joe Hubener, who had never started a game at QB, even in high school, became the starter by default. He lost the job late in the year to receiver-turned-QBKody Cook. Coach, can you talk about the Kansas State QBs?
"Bill Snyder offenses have always excelled with second-year QBs. This year could be different, because the one that started last year due to injuries [Hubener] may not be the best QB to run what he wants to run. They may be faced with the dilemma of a year's worth of experience at that position versus going through the growing pains of another first-year guy." -- Big 12 defensive coach
Kansas State topped the conference in time of possession. As a result, the Wildcats were able to keep explosive Big 12 offenses sidelined. Coach, can you talk about K-State's style?
"When you get the football, it puts that much more pressure on you to get points. And they do such a great job, they're going to find a way to run the football. They're just really tough to play, especially on the road up there." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Kickers Matthew McCrane and Nick Walsh and returner Dominique Heath are back on another vintage K-State special-teams unit. Coach, can you talk about their special teams?
"The thing I worry about when getting ready for Kansas State is their special-teams coach [Sean Snyder]. I'd hate to win on offense and win on defense, then have a big play or a big return win the game for them. That's what happened to West Virginia at the end of the year." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]Iowa State Cyclones[/h]The Cyclones have not escaped the bottom three in the Big 12 in scoring since 2005. Last year, Toledo averaged 35 points per game, 10 more than Iowa State averaged. Coach, can you talk about the new staff?
"With [incoming Iowa State coach Matt Campbell's] background and what he did at Toledo, that will help. In this day and age in the Big 12, you've got to be able to score and you've got to be able to keep up. That's the path they're taking. I think that will help them." -- Big 12 head coach
After taking over for Sam B. Richardson at quarterback in late October, Joel Lanning ranked fifth in the Big 12 in QBR for the remainder of the regular season. Coach, can you talk about Lanning?
"He's big, athletic and played his tail off. I couldn't have been more impressed watching him those last couple of games. As the year went on, it looked like he threw the ball better and they trusted him. If his development continues with the wideouts they have coming back, that's a good-looking offense." -- Big 12 head coach
Mike Warren, Iowa State's first Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the year, torched rivals with five 100-yard games in conference play. Despite gaining 2,512 yards as a senior at Oklahoma's Lawton High, he got no other Big 12 offers. Coach, can you talk about Warren?
"Warren had one of the most impressive seasons among Big 12 backs. After the changes and injuries that Iowa State faced last year, he consistently performed. A number of Big 12 schools screwed up in letting him sign that far north." -- Big 12 defensive coach
[h=3]Kansas Jayhawks[/h]Coach David Beaty's winless debut wasn't a surprise, but it also couldn't have gone much worse, beginning with dropping a 41-38 heartbreaker to FCS South Dakota State in the season opener. Coach, can you talk about the state of the Kansas program?
"He took over a disaster, but I think he did a good job. They'll get some guys, but it's going to take a long time. They have to give him some time. He's going to need about eight years to get that program right. And it's not easy up there." -- Big 12 head coach
The Jayhawks can be an unexpected test in Lawrence, despite a 2-20 Big 12 home record over the past five years. Baylor, TCU, Texas and Oklahoma State have all barely escaped with single-digit wins. Coach, can you talk about facing the Jayhawks on the road?
"They're spooky. Unless you're Texas, Oklahoma or Baylor and you can go up there and overwhelm them athletically, you kind of have to watch it with them. You can go up there, they'll have like 20,000 in the stands and they can get you." -- Big 12 head coach
Kansas nearly pulled off the upset of the year, falling at TCU 23-17 in mid-November. The Jayhawks' tightest conference loss was a sign Beaty has his young players buying into his energetic approach. Coach, can you talk about how it's even possible to turn this thing around?
"First, you find guys who want to be there. Then you recruit, recruit, recruit, with an eye on competing in Year 3 or 4. You have to teach them to compete. Teach them how to win." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Oklahoma's opponents realize the same thing Baker Mayfield's teammates have known for some time now: The former walk-on quarterback is the heart of the Sooners (and their playoff chances). Dylan Coulter for ESPNJun 8, 2016
-
ESPN Staff
This story appears in ESPN College Football 2016, on newsstands June 7.Order online today!
The phrase comes up in most college football press conferences:
"Coach, can you talk about ... ."
We took that broad question and went to Big 12 coaches to ask for their honest assessments on the hottest topics for each conference team.
Here's an unfiltered -- and anonymous -- breakdown of how opponents view their conference brethren (presented by predicted order of finish):
[h=2]Big 12[/h][h=3]Oklahoma Sooners[/h]
Oklahoma tailback Samaje Perine, pictured, will join fellow running back Joe Mixon in the Sooners' backfield. Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY SportsSamaje Perine and Joe Mixon are one of only six returning Power 5 running back tandems that rushed for at least 2,000 yards last season. Coach, can you talk about the two running backs?
"I think Mixon is still behind Perine in production and physicality. When OU needed something, it was Perine who was getting the ball. But if Mixon can close the gap between the two, watch out." -- Big 12 defensive coach
Last season QB Baker Mayfield led the country in passing efficiency late in games, completing a sizzling 71.2 percent of his passes in the second half and overtime. Coach, can you talk about Mayfield?
"The mentality that he brings rallies up the whole team. Sometimes he doesn't do it the way you'd draw it up, but he gets the job done. He's got good enough skills to make people miss when he runs, and he throws the ball accurately. A dangerous quarterback." -- Big 12 offensive coach
The Sooners had the only defense in the Big 12 that finished with more interceptions (20) than TD passes allowed (19). Zack Sanchez, however, had seven of those picks. Coach, can you talk about Oklahoma's secondary?
"I know they lost a big-name guy [Sanchez], but I think their defensive back unit will still be very strong again. They have one terrific corner [Jordan Thomas] coming back, and they do a great job developing defensive backs. The scheme they run, it helps that, because they're very aggressive; they'll sit on routes." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]Oklahoma State[/h]
Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph led the Cowboys to a 10-0 start last season. Ben Queen/USA TODAY SportsQB Mason Rudolph passed for 352 yards and five TDs in a win over TCU, but road games at Texas and West Virginia (one TD, five picks) showed that Rudolph's arm might be suspect. Coach, can you talk about Rudolph?
"He's a good player, but he doesn't scare you. I don't think he's dynamic like, say, the kid at Texas Tech [Patrick Mahomes]. He's a pocket passer and he doesn't have a cannon. He's not Brandon Weeden, even if they want him to be." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Oklahoma State has forced 75 turnovers since Glenn Spencer took over as defensive coordinator in 2013, ranking third in the conference. Coach, can you talk about attacking the Oklahoma State defense?
"You have to do a good job of deciphering coverage. Glenn will do some different things, like go with a prevent look on second-and-10, so you have to do a good job in practice, because you never know what you're going to get." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Rudolph helped OSU get out to a 10-0 start last season, but the Cowboys lost to Baylor and Oklahoma after he hurt his foot and then suffered a third straight loss to Ole Miss in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Coach, can you talk about how Oklahoma State can be less reliant on Rudolph?
"You know [Rudolph] is a competitor because he makes big plays when they need them. They won so many close games. You have to give him credit, because he didn't have a consistent running game. The key for him this year is they have to develop a running game. He needs help." -- Big 12 offensive coach
[h=3]Baylor Bears[/h](Editor's note: Interviews were conducted before coach Art Briles was fired.)
Fired coach Art Briles' offensive system has always caused problems, but it became nearly impossible to stop when he began landing NFL-level athletes.Coach, can you talk about the overall talent in the program?
"They're getting in the same game as Oklahoma and Texas. They've recruited well. People don't like to hear it, but it's the truth. Offensively, their talent is as good as anyone's. Defensively, they're probably a few classes behind." -- Big 12 head coach
The result of the talent increase has been an offense that has averaged an FBS-best 3.24 points per drive and 7.18 yards per play since 2011. The Bears' 1.11 points per drive and 3.53 yards per play on a sloppy, muddy field in a driving rainstorm against TCU a year ago were Baylor's lowest marks during that span.Coach, can you talk about trying to match Baylor's offense?
"You kind of know you have to score more. I guess the only way to stop them is chilly weather and a monsoon." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Corey Coleman, the 2015 Biletnikoff Award winner, left early for the NFL, but junior KD Cannon easily slides into the No. 1 wideout spot. In his first two seasons, he caught 108 passes for 1,898 yards (17.6 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns. Coach, can you talk about facing Cannon?
"He has size, speed and strength. He kind of reminds me of the way Justin Blackmon used to be at Oklahoma State, the way he can kind of control a game. He will seem quiet, then you look up and he's over 100 yards." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]West Virginia Mountaineers[/h]Defensive coordinator Tony Gibson has a 3-3-5 system built for the spread-heavy Big 12. Last season, WVU allowed 24.6 points per game, second only to Oklahoma in the conference, and it ranked fourth in the nation in interception percentage per pass attempt (5.1). Coach, can you talk about facing the West Virginia defense?
"It's high risk, high reward. Before, their system was an advantage, but more people are doing similar things. A few years ago, we'd see that look maybe 20 to 30 percent of the time. This year, we'll probably see it 70 percent of the time." -- Big 12 head coach
One of the few proven players on defense, Noble Nwachukwu is poised to become a three-year starter for the Mountaineers. Coach, can you talk about planning to face Nwachukwu?
"He's a very solid player, but he's not a guy like Emmanuel Ogbah or Eric Striker. He's a guy who can make plays, and you have to account for him, but we didn't spend as much time talking about him." -- Big 12 offensive coach
In a departure from Dana Holgorsen's pass-heavy reputation, the Mountaineers relied on the run last season, gaining more first downs on the ground (172) than through the air (150) and averaging 4.77 yards per carry. Coach, can you talk about what to expect from West Virginia's offense?
"It will be interesting to see if he returns to that Mike Leach style. I think they weren't sure if they had the quarterback, but we'll see what they do this year." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]Texas Longhorns[/h]The Longhorns ranked last in the Big 12 in passing in 2015, finishing with just nine touchdown passes -- the same total as Navy, which runs a triple-option offense. Coach, can you talk about Texas' QBs?
"To be honest, that position right now is the difference between them winning six games and them winning 10 games. You can hone in on what they do and cheat your coverage because of their quarterbacks' inability to throw the football." -- Big 12 defensive coach
Coach Charlie Strong brought in offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert, a disciple of Art Briles' fast-paced philosophy, from Tulsa to improve the Longhorns' passing game. Coach, can you talk about Texas' personnel in the new offense?
"It's not as easy as people think it is to put that in. You have to be able to practice it the right way. Do they have a quarterback to run it? Who knows? We will have to wait and see. That system didn't become great until [former Baylor quarterback] Robert Griffin started running it." -- Big 12 offensive coach
As a true freshman, Malik Jefferson recorded nine tackles in each of his first three games, then followed that up with two sacks in the Longhorns' upset of Oklahoma. Coach, can you talk about Jefferson?
"He's unbelievably talented. I think he's going to be one of the best players in the league. Great size, great athleticism, very instinctual. Can rush off the edge, can play the run, can drop into coverage. An excellent player." -- Big 12 offensive coach
[h=3]TCU Horned Frogs[/h]Kenny Hill replaced Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M and threw for 511 yards and three TDs against South Carolina in his first start. But he struggled against Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Alabama -- throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions -- and lost his starting job, sparking questions about his performance against top teams. Coach, can you talk about Hill taking over?
"I like Hill and what he did at Texas A&M, but he has a ways to go to fill Trevone Boykin's shoes. They may need to make up [the difference in production] in other ways." -- Big 12 offensive coach
TCU has had the Big 12's top defense since joining the conference in 2012, allowing a league best in points per drive (1.66) and yards per play (5.25) in conference games over that time. Coach, can you talk about how you game-plan for TCU's defense?
"Gary [Patterson] does a good job stopping the run, using run fits, clogging up the middle. They're just not going to let you run it. You have to be able to throw the ball against them if you want to have success." -- Big 12 head coach
Last season against Texas, KaVontae Turpin had 138 receiving yards and hauled in four touchdowns, the most in a game by a freshman in Big 12 history. Though he's just 5-foot-9 and 152 pounds, Turpin will again be counted on as an all-purpose threat. Coach, can you talk about whether Turpin is up to the task?
"He's shifty, a playmaker. He has the skills that fit in our league. And he has that chip on his shoulder." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]Texas Tech Red Raiders[/h]Since Patrick Mahomes took over as starting QB in November 2014, he has tossed 50 touchdowns. No returning quarterback in college football has thrown for more over that span. Coach, can you talk about Mahomes?
"He's the best quarterback in the Big 12, from seeing the field and distributing the ball to being able to run. He's big and tough to bring down. I really like his skill set. Now that he has given up baseball [he played outfield and pitched for the Red Raiders], I think he's going to be even better." -- Big 12 defensive coach
Last year, David Gibbs became Texas Tech's seventh defensive coordinator in as many seasons. The team showed little improvement, finishing next to last in the country in stopping the run. Coach, can you talk about Texas Tech's defense?
"It's been so many years in a row where they've had a new DC. That's going to hurt you. But Gibbs will do a hell of a job. He's a really good coach. It's not going to happen overnight. But I think he'll get that thing going." -- Big 12 offensive coach
After finishing second in the nation in passing last season, Texas Tech brings back all but one key target, but that guy happens to be Jakeem Grant, the school's all-time leading receiver. Coach, can you talk about Tech's passing game?
"Kliff [Kingsbury] did a great job of game-planning ways of getting Jakeem the ball in space. But there's not a guy there now that can make nine guys miss and go 90 yards. They're going to have a different mindset. Kliff might have to be a little more patient." -- Big 12 offensive coach
[h=3]Kansas State Wildcats[/h]Joe Hubener, who had never started a game at QB, even in high school, became the starter by default. He lost the job late in the year to receiver-turned-QBKody Cook. Coach, can you talk about the Kansas State QBs?
"Bill Snyder offenses have always excelled with second-year QBs. This year could be different, because the one that started last year due to injuries [Hubener] may not be the best QB to run what he wants to run. They may be faced with the dilemma of a year's worth of experience at that position versus going through the growing pains of another first-year guy." -- Big 12 defensive coach
Kansas State topped the conference in time of possession. As a result, the Wildcats were able to keep explosive Big 12 offenses sidelined. Coach, can you talk about K-State's style?
"When you get the football, it puts that much more pressure on you to get points. And they do such a great job, they're going to find a way to run the football. They're just really tough to play, especially on the road up there." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Kickers Matthew McCrane and Nick Walsh and returner Dominique Heath are back on another vintage K-State special-teams unit. Coach, can you talk about their special teams?
"The thing I worry about when getting ready for Kansas State is their special-teams coach [Sean Snyder]. I'd hate to win on offense and win on defense, then have a big play or a big return win the game for them. That's what happened to West Virginia at the end of the year." -- Big 12 head coach
[h=3]Iowa State Cyclones[/h]The Cyclones have not escaped the bottom three in the Big 12 in scoring since 2005. Last year, Toledo averaged 35 points per game, 10 more than Iowa State averaged. Coach, can you talk about the new staff?
"With [incoming Iowa State coach Matt Campbell's] background and what he did at Toledo, that will help. In this day and age in the Big 12, you've got to be able to score and you've got to be able to keep up. That's the path they're taking. I think that will help them." -- Big 12 head coach
After taking over for Sam B. Richardson at quarterback in late October, Joel Lanning ranked fifth in the Big 12 in QBR for the remainder of the regular season. Coach, can you talk about Lanning?
"He's big, athletic and played his tail off. I couldn't have been more impressed watching him those last couple of games. As the year went on, it looked like he threw the ball better and they trusted him. If his development continues with the wideouts they have coming back, that's a good-looking offense." -- Big 12 head coach
Mike Warren, Iowa State's first Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the year, torched rivals with five 100-yard games in conference play. Despite gaining 2,512 yards as a senior at Oklahoma's Lawton High, he got no other Big 12 offers. Coach, can you talk about Warren?
"Warren had one of the most impressive seasons among Big 12 backs. After the changes and injuries that Iowa State faced last year, he consistently performed. A number of Big 12 schools screwed up in letting him sign that far north." -- Big 12 defensive coach
[h=3]Kansas Jayhawks[/h]Coach David Beaty's winless debut wasn't a surprise, but it also couldn't have gone much worse, beginning with dropping a 41-38 heartbreaker to FCS South Dakota State in the season opener. Coach, can you talk about the state of the Kansas program?
"He took over a disaster, but I think he did a good job. They'll get some guys, but it's going to take a long time. They have to give him some time. He's going to need about eight years to get that program right. And it's not easy up there." -- Big 12 head coach
The Jayhawks can be an unexpected test in Lawrence, despite a 2-20 Big 12 home record over the past five years. Baylor, TCU, Texas and Oklahoma State have all barely escaped with single-digit wins. Coach, can you talk about facing the Jayhawks on the road?
"They're spooky. Unless you're Texas, Oklahoma or Baylor and you can go up there and overwhelm them athletically, you kind of have to watch it with them. You can go up there, they'll have like 20,000 in the stands and they can get you." -- Big 12 head coach
Kansas nearly pulled off the upset of the year, falling at TCU 23-17 in mid-November. The Jayhawks' tightest conference loss was a sign Beaty has his young players buying into his energetic approach. Coach, can you talk about how it's even possible to turn this thing around?
"First, you find guys who want to be there. Then you recruit, recruit, recruit, with an eye on competing in Year 3 or 4. You have to teach them to compete. Teach them how to win." -- Big 12 offensive coach
Even though Stoops said that the OU offense is "light years ahead of last year," if they lose Mayfield they are screwed. Since Mayfield is a baller, I don't have a good feeling at all about OU's QB situation this year. Baylor is probably in better shape than anybody in the country with two great QB's. But their probably going to need both. Briles was a brilliant offense coach, but if there was a knock on his offenses it's that they aren't QB friendly. He runs the QB way too much in that system, and they've all ended up getting hurt at some time, dating back to RG3.
Got my Phil Steele in the mail Saturday. His presason Big 12 order of finish:
1.Oklahoma
2.TCU
3.Baylor
4.Texas
5.Okie St
6.Kansas St,
7.West Virginia
8.Texas Tech
9.Iowa St.
10.Kansas
I like OU much better when they are in the Rodney Dangerfield role of getting no respect, like last year. I think defense is going to be the Sooners main problem this year after losing some key players off of that unit. The offense should be about the same if they can keep Mayfield healthy and their young receivers perform up to expectations. TCU looks like the team that can overtake them for the number one spot. Plus they play each other in Fort Worth this year. And TCU is due.
1.Oklahoma
2.TCU
3.Baylor
4.Texas
5.Okie St
6.Kansas St,
7.West Virginia
8.Texas Tech
9.Iowa St.
10.Kansas
I like OU much better when they are in the Rodney Dangerfield role of getting no respect, like last year. I think defense is going to be the Sooners main problem this year after losing some key players off of that unit. The offense should be about the same if they can keep Mayfield healthy and their young receivers perform up to expectations. TCU looks like the team that can overtake them for the number one spot. Plus they play each other in Fort Worth this year. And TCU is due.
That's low for wvu...I look for us to be in the upper half......one thing I find interesting..the wvu ad tried to resign holgs to a longer deal but he passed on it hoping to resign after this year. Basically if he wins less than 7 everyone will want him out and he knows it. To roll the dice like this he must think they will be ok.....7 home games, basically 8 when you add the neutral game in dc...
I'm also liking WV this year. They are on the "good year" of their Big 12 scheduling with TCU, OU and Baylor all at home. Definitely top 5 potential. They also catch TTU in a bit of a sandwich spot. That will be a big game for them if they want to move into the top 5. With an experienced QB like Skyler Howard I like their chances of pulling off a couple of road wins..
Clover, you have to consider the conference they are in. The Big 12 is the best offensive conference in the country. The only conference I would consider as good or better on offense is the Pac-12. So EVERY team is going to give up a ton of yards. WV actually gave up just 389 ypg last year. Which ranked them 3rd in defense in the Big 12 behind only OU and Texas. They held their opponents to 64 yards below their season totals LY. I don't expect them to be near that good this year, but I expect their offense to be much improved. Especially in the passing game. The team that i don't think has any business being placed in front of them is KSU. I think WV will beat KSU at home to at least claim the 6th spot. If they can get just one upset on the road they'll most likely move into the 5th spot...
Good points GS......especially about the conference and offense.
Interesting opener with Missouri. Tigers have a good defense but questionable offense.
Mounties have a good offense with questionable defense.
Off hand I can't remember the line but I would tend to favor WV straight up since they
have home field advantage.
Sidenote: SaturdayEdge...check it out guys, GS and others present some good info.
Interesting opener with Missouri. Tigers have a good defense but questionable offense.
Mounties have a good offense with questionable defense.
Off hand I can't remember the line but I would tend to favor WV straight up since they
have home field advantage.
Sidenote: SaturdayEdge...check it out guys, GS and others present some good info.
WV does have 2 games that I think could make or break their season. The Mizzou game you mentioned and their Big 12 opener at home vs KSU. If WV drops either of those games I don't think it looks very good for them or Holgersen. I also tend to favor WV over a Mizzou team with a first year coach. Most teams who lose a longtime coach take a hit in their first year under a new coach. I also think this could possibly be Snyder's last year at KSU if he doesn't get things turned around. KSU is on Phil Steele's most improved list, so I could be wrong about them. The Cats are always a wildcard in the Big 12. But they have to make some big improvements in areas and keep people healthy. They gave up 50+ points 3 times last year, and literally had to outscore every one of their opponents except Kansas, and beat WV by one point in the last game of the year to become bowl eligible. I'm not crazy about any of their QB's, but they are more experienced. As usual, with all of the JUCO's they have, I won't know how good they really are until I see them play.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: Texas Longhorns[/h]Jun 22, 2016
With the season just weeks away, we’ve been reviewing the schedule for each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with Texas:
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 4: Notre Dame (10-3)
Sept. 10: UTEP (5-7)
Sept. 17: at California (8-5)
Big 12 home games
Oct. 15: Iowa State
Oct. 29: Baylor
Nov. 12: West Virginia
Nov. 25: TCU
Big 12 road games
Oct. 1: Oklahoma State
Oct. 22: Kansas State
Nov. 5: Texas Tech
Nov. 19: Kansas
Big 12 neutral site games
Oct. 8: Oklahoma (Dallas)
Gut-check time: We’ll see what kind of pride this Texas team has in its season opener against Notre Dame. They haven’t forgotten the 38-3 stomping they received from the Fighting Irish in South Bend last season. This time, Texas has a new offensive coordinator and (probably) a new QB. With a Sunday night time slot, there will be a lot of eyeballs on this rematch. A win by any margin would be huge for Charlie Strong and for his players’ confidence.
Trap game: Believe it or not, Texas hasn't defeated Kansas State in Manhattan since 2002. That qualifies their Oct. 22 meeting as a trap game no matter how good the Wildcats are this season. They should be better as long as they have better luck with injuries. Texas survived a messy 23-9 game against K-State a year ago in the rain, but it was a lot closer than the final score suggests. This year’s game won’t be any easier.
Snoozer: Texas follows up a pressure-packed opener against Notre Dame with a home game against UTEP. It is unlikely to be memorable. The Miners won five games a year ago but beat only one FBS team (Rice) with a record better than 3-9. They haven’t played a close game against Texas since 1933, a 22-6 loss in an era when their school was named Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy.
Final analysis: This schedule is no cakewalk. The Notre Dame and Cal games in September will set the tone. Win those games and there will be momentum. Lose them both and this can devolve into another roller coaster season featuring weekly hot-seat chatter and enormous pressure. There are no bye weeks during the Big 12 slate, either. Remember, this is a team whose best players are sophomores, so the Longhorns still have a lot of growing up to do. The Sterlin Gilbert offense will have to get rolling quickly, because there are so many big games early on -- like starting off Big 12 play with Oklahoma State and Oklahoma -- and the road schedule is a tough one.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: TCU Horned Frogs[/h]Jun 20, 2016
The countdown to college football is well underway.
Preseason magazines have hit the newsstand and newcomers are arriving at campuses across the conference. With the season just over the horizon, we'll be reviewing the schedules of each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with TCU.
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 3: South Dakota State (8-4)
Sept. 10: Arkansas (8-5)
Sept. 23: at SMU (2-10)
Big 12 home games
Sept. 17: Iowa State
Oct. 1: Oklahoma
Oct. 29: Texas Tech
Nov. 19: Oklahoma State
Dec. 3: Kansas State
Big 12 road games
Oct. 8: Kansas
Oct. 22: West Virginia
Nov. 5: Baylor
Nov. 25: Texas
Gary Patterson's Horned Frogs could be looking at a big start if they can win their Oct. 1 game vs. the Sooners. Ray Carlin/USA TODAY SportsGut-check time: Oklahoma comes to Fort Worth on Oct. 1 for a game that will certainly help shape the Big 12 championship race. If the Sooners knock off Ohio State and Houston in September, they'll surely be one of the top-ranked teams in the country And if the Horned Frogs can take care of business in this game, their path to an 8-0 start looks fairly manageable. Like most of their meetings since TCU joined the Big 12, this game has all the makings of another classic that goes down to the last minute.
Trap game: The first month of TCU’s schedule could provide some solid tests.Arkansas must replace a lot of key pieces on offense, but will still give the Frogs a fight in Week 2. SMU played them close for more than three quarters last year in Fort Worth -- the score was 42-37 midway through the fourth -- and will try to replicate that effort. Iowa State will be more competitive, and South Dakota State did knock off Kansas a year ago. Can TCU put up big points on those foes and get rolling while breaking in a new starting QB?
Snoozer: In 2014 and again last year, Kansas found a way to play a tight game with the Frogs. The close battle in 2015 was a little easier to explain -- Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson were out with injuries -- but that game was still in Fort Worth and the winless Jayhawks still held them to 23 points. I doubt Gary Patterson will let his players sleep on KU again or take their Oct. 8 game for granted.
Final analysis: All in all, it’s a favorable schedule on paper. Patterson and his staff will love the fact that TCU plays 10 of its 12 games inside the state of Texas. Getting two bye weeks in the middle of the conference slate will be beneficial. Big games against Baylor, Oklahoma State and Texas in November -- when the College Football Playoff committee will be watching closely -- can help boost the resume at the right time. The Frogs will have to hope Kansas State has a strong season, because we know those Dec. 3 data points are significant. There are a lot of reasons to like TCU as a Big 12 title contender, and the schedule is one of them.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: Oklahoma State Cowboys[/h]Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State have the talent and schedule to contend for the Big 12 title this fall. Brett Deering/Getty ImagesJun 20, 2016
With the season just weeks away, we’ve been reviewing the schedule for each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with Oklahoma State:
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 3: Southeastern Louisiana (4-6)
Sept. 10: Central Michigan (7-6)
Sept. 17: Pittsburgh (8-5)
Big 12 home games
Oct. 1: Texas
Oct. 8: Iowa State
Oct. 29: West Virginia
Nov. 12: Texas Tech
Big 12 road games
Sept. 24: at Baylor
Oct. 22: at Kansas
Nov. 5: at Kansas State
Nov. 19: at TCU
Dec. 3: at Oklahoma
Gut-check time: The tone for Oklahoma State's season will be decided at the end of the first month, when the Pokes take on Pitt, travel to Baylor, then face off against Texas. Especially in light of Baylor's off-the-field troubles, those are three winnable games. None, however, will be easy. If the Cowboys can sweep through the three-game stretch, they could emerge as a viable contender for the Big 12 title and possibly even the College Football Playoff. But if they stumble more than once, the team's preseason goals could be out the window before Oct. 2.
Trap game: With a Power 5 non-conference opponent coming to Stillwater, the Cowboys will be fired up for Pitt. They better be careful, however, not to overlook Central Michigan. The Chippewas played Oklahoma State tough in Michigan last year, and return a quarterback with NFL potential (Cooper Rush). Central Michigan has enough firepower to give the Cowboys a scare, if they get caught looking ahead.
Snoozer: This is the most lackluster opener the Cowboys have had in awhile. Southeastern Louisiana went 3-5 in the Southland Conference last season, and fell 16-2 to Incarnate Word as part of a four-game losing streak to end the season. Oklahoma State should be able to get the backups some experience out of the gate.
Final analysis: This is an Oklahoma State schedule with a few tough tests early, capped with a monster set of obstacles down the stretch. The Baylor trip figures to be the key one. If the Cowboys can escape Waco with a win, they could be taking on TCU and Oklahoma in November for the second straight year for a shot at the Big 12 title.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: Oklahoma Sooners[/h]Bob Stoops faces a relatively balanced schedule in 2016. AP Photo/Charlie NeibergallJun 15, 2016
The countdown to college football is well underway.
Preseason magazines have hit the newsstand and newcomers are arriving at campuses across the conference. With the season just over the horizon, we'll be reviewing the schedules of each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with Oklahoma.
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 3: at Houston (13-1)
Sept. 10: Louisiana-Monroe (2-11)
Sept. 17: Ohio State (12-1)
Big 12 home games
Oct. 15: Kansas State
Oct. 29: Kansas
Nov. 12: Baylor
Dec. 3: Oklahoma State
Big 12 road games
Oct. 1: TCU
Oct. 22: Texas Tech
Nov. 3: Iowa State
Nov. 19: West Virginia
Big 12 neutral site game
Oct. 8: Texas
Gut-check time: The Sooners will spend back-to-back weekends in Dallas/Fort Worth to start Big 12 play in early October. Oklahoma visits TCU on Oct. 1 before its annual Red River Showdown with Texas. The Sooners lost to the Longhorns and barely managed to survive against the Horned Frogs during their College Football Playoff season a year ago. Those meetings this season will come after a nonconference slate that features Houston and Ohio State. If the Sooners drop a game during September, their difficult October start could be an opportunity to get back on the right track or have their national title hopes completely demolished before mid-October.
Trap game: Oklahoma's final road game of the season could be a real problem. The Sooners travel to West Virginia to face a Mountaineers squad that is talented on offense and features a defense that will be experienced by the time late November rolls around. Milan Puskar Stadium can be unkind to visiting teams so Oklahoma's visit, which comes on the heels of a matchup with Baylor the week before, could place the Sooners on upset alert.
Snoozer: The only reason for Sooners fans to be excited about Oklahoma's home opener against Louisiana-Monroe will be the unveiling of the revamped Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Sooners' first game in their updated facility is sandwiched between a much-anticipated opener against Houston and a visit from Urban Meyer and Ohio State. There should be plenty of room to stretch out and grab a nap by the time this game reaches the final quarter.
Final analysis: Even though the various tests in Oklahoma's schedule could be the main obstacle standing between the Sooners and another College Football Playoff appearance, Bob Stoops' team has a slate that is relatively balanced. The back-to-back contests with TCU and Texas are probably the toughest two-game stretch of the year and stands as the squad's only consecutive weeks away from Norman during the entire season. The Sooners' unyielding commitment to scheduling tough nonconference games makes this schedule a difficult task, but it is not a challenge that is impossible to overcome.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: Kansas State Wildcats[/h]Jun 16, 2016
With the season just weeks away, we’ve been reviewing the schedule for each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with Kansas State:
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 2 (Fri.): at Stanford (12-2)
Sept. 17: Florida Atlantic (3-9)
Sept. 24: Missouri State (1-10)
Big 12 home games
Oct. 8: Texas Tech
Oct. 22: Texas
Nov. 5: Oklahoma State
Nov. 26: Kansas
Big 12 road games
Oct. 1: West Virginia
Oct. 15: Oklahoma
Oct. 29: Iowa State
Nov. 19: Baylor
Dec. 3: TCU
Gut-check time: Kansas State's season could be determined by a three-week swing in early October. That's when the Wildcats face Texas Tech, OU and Texas in back-to-back-to-back weeks. The Wildcats have played extremely well against Tech in recent years, have defeated the Sooners in Norman in two straight meetings there and had every opportunity to beat the Longhorns in Austin last season. If the Wildcats can go, say, 2-1 during that stretch, they could emerge as a darkhorse Big 12 title contender. However, if they get swept in those three games, they could be fighting again just to get to a bowl game.
Trap game: Florida Atlantic went just 3-9 last season. The Owls, however, took Florida to overtime in the The Swamp and had Miami on the ropes in the second half before the Hurricanes pulled away. This could be a dangerous game in Manhattan for K-State if the Wildcats have any hangover from the Stanford trip.
Snoozer: Missouri State went 1-10 last year, with its lone win coming against a school by the name of Chadron State. There's a reason why this game won't be on TV. The Bears are one of the worst FCS teams in the country.
Final analysis: This is not an easy schedule for Bill Snyder, with five Big 12 road games and a difficult nonconference opener. But if the Wildcats can hang tough in Stanford, and gain confidence win or lose, they'll have a good chance to post a better win-loss record than they did last season.
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Max OlsonESPN Staff Writer
With the season just weeks away, we’ve been reviewing the schedule for each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with Texas:
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 4: Notre Dame (10-3)
Sept. 10: UTEP (5-7)
Sept. 17: at California (8-5)
Big 12 home games
Oct. 15: Iowa State
Oct. 29: Baylor
Nov. 12: West Virginia
Nov. 25: TCU
Big 12 road games
Oct. 1: Oklahoma State
Oct. 22: Kansas State
Nov. 5: Texas Tech
Nov. 19: Kansas
Big 12 neutral site games
Oct. 8: Oklahoma (Dallas)
Gut-check time: We’ll see what kind of pride this Texas team has in its season opener against Notre Dame. They haven’t forgotten the 38-3 stomping they received from the Fighting Irish in South Bend last season. This time, Texas has a new offensive coordinator and (probably) a new QB. With a Sunday night time slot, there will be a lot of eyeballs on this rematch. A win by any margin would be huge for Charlie Strong and for his players’ confidence.
Trap game: Believe it or not, Texas hasn't defeated Kansas State in Manhattan since 2002. That qualifies their Oct. 22 meeting as a trap game no matter how good the Wildcats are this season. They should be better as long as they have better luck with injuries. Texas survived a messy 23-9 game against K-State a year ago in the rain, but it was a lot closer than the final score suggests. This year’s game won’t be any easier.
Snoozer: Texas follows up a pressure-packed opener against Notre Dame with a home game against UTEP. It is unlikely to be memorable. The Miners won five games a year ago but beat only one FBS team (Rice) with a record better than 3-9. They haven’t played a close game against Texas since 1933, a 22-6 loss in an era when their school was named Texas College of Mines and Metallurgy.
Final analysis: This schedule is no cakewalk. The Notre Dame and Cal games in September will set the tone. Win those games and there will be momentum. Lose them both and this can devolve into another roller coaster season featuring weekly hot-seat chatter and enormous pressure. There are no bye weeks during the Big 12 slate, either. Remember, this is a team whose best players are sophomores, so the Longhorns still have a lot of growing up to do. The Sterlin Gilbert offense will have to get rolling quickly, because there are so many big games early on -- like starting off Big 12 play with Oklahoma State and Oklahoma -- and the road schedule is a tough one.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: TCU Horned Frogs[/h]Jun 20, 2016
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Max OlsonESPN Staff Writer
The countdown to college football is well underway.
Preseason magazines have hit the newsstand and newcomers are arriving at campuses across the conference. With the season just over the horizon, we'll be reviewing the schedules of each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with TCU.
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 3: South Dakota State (8-4)
Sept. 10: Arkansas (8-5)
Sept. 23: at SMU (2-10)
Big 12 home games
Sept. 17: Iowa State
Oct. 1: Oklahoma
Oct. 29: Texas Tech
Nov. 19: Oklahoma State
Dec. 3: Kansas State
Big 12 road games
Oct. 8: Kansas
Oct. 22: West Virginia
Nov. 5: Baylor
Nov. 25: Texas
Gary Patterson's Horned Frogs could be looking at a big start if they can win their Oct. 1 game vs. the Sooners. Ray Carlin/USA TODAY SportsGut-check time: Oklahoma comes to Fort Worth on Oct. 1 for a game that will certainly help shape the Big 12 championship race. If the Sooners knock off Ohio State and Houston in September, they'll surely be one of the top-ranked teams in the country And if the Horned Frogs can take care of business in this game, their path to an 8-0 start looks fairly manageable. Like most of their meetings since TCU joined the Big 12, this game has all the makings of another classic that goes down to the last minute.
Trap game: The first month of TCU’s schedule could provide some solid tests.Arkansas must replace a lot of key pieces on offense, but will still give the Frogs a fight in Week 2. SMU played them close for more than three quarters last year in Fort Worth -- the score was 42-37 midway through the fourth -- and will try to replicate that effort. Iowa State will be more competitive, and South Dakota State did knock off Kansas a year ago. Can TCU put up big points on those foes and get rolling while breaking in a new starting QB?
Snoozer: In 2014 and again last year, Kansas found a way to play a tight game with the Frogs. The close battle in 2015 was a little easier to explain -- Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson were out with injuries -- but that game was still in Fort Worth and the winless Jayhawks still held them to 23 points. I doubt Gary Patterson will let his players sleep on KU again or take their Oct. 8 game for granted.
Final analysis: All in all, it’s a favorable schedule on paper. Patterson and his staff will love the fact that TCU plays 10 of its 12 games inside the state of Texas. Getting two bye weeks in the middle of the conference slate will be beneficial. Big games against Baylor, Oklahoma State and Texas in November -- when the College Football Playoff committee will be watching closely -- can help boost the resume at the right time. The Frogs will have to hope Kansas State has a strong season, because we know those Dec. 3 data points are significant. There are a lot of reasons to like TCU as a Big 12 title contender, and the schedule is one of them.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: Oklahoma State Cowboys[/h]Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State have the talent and schedule to contend for the Big 12 title this fall. Brett Deering/Getty ImagesJun 20, 2016
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Jake TrotterESPN Staff Writer
With the season just weeks away, we’ve been reviewing the schedule for each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with Oklahoma State:
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 3: Southeastern Louisiana (4-6)
Sept. 10: Central Michigan (7-6)
Sept. 17: Pittsburgh (8-5)
Big 12 home games
Oct. 1: Texas
Oct. 8: Iowa State
Oct. 29: West Virginia
Nov. 12: Texas Tech
Big 12 road games
Sept. 24: at Baylor
Oct. 22: at Kansas
Nov. 5: at Kansas State
Nov. 19: at TCU
Dec. 3: at Oklahoma
Gut-check time: The tone for Oklahoma State's season will be decided at the end of the first month, when the Pokes take on Pitt, travel to Baylor, then face off against Texas. Especially in light of Baylor's off-the-field troubles, those are three winnable games. None, however, will be easy. If the Cowboys can sweep through the three-game stretch, they could emerge as a viable contender for the Big 12 title and possibly even the College Football Playoff. But if they stumble more than once, the team's preseason goals could be out the window before Oct. 2.
Trap game: With a Power 5 non-conference opponent coming to Stillwater, the Cowboys will be fired up for Pitt. They better be careful, however, not to overlook Central Michigan. The Chippewas played Oklahoma State tough in Michigan last year, and return a quarterback with NFL potential (Cooper Rush). Central Michigan has enough firepower to give the Cowboys a scare, if they get caught looking ahead.
Snoozer: This is the most lackluster opener the Cowboys have had in awhile. Southeastern Louisiana went 3-5 in the Southland Conference last season, and fell 16-2 to Incarnate Word as part of a four-game losing streak to end the season. Oklahoma State should be able to get the backups some experience out of the gate.
Final analysis: This is an Oklahoma State schedule with a few tough tests early, capped with a monster set of obstacles down the stretch. The Baylor trip figures to be the key one. If the Cowboys can escape Waco with a win, they could be taking on TCU and Oklahoma in November for the second straight year for a shot at the Big 12 title.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: Oklahoma Sooners[/h]Bob Stoops faces a relatively balanced schedule in 2016. AP Photo/Charlie NeibergallJun 15, 2016
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Brandon ChatmonESPN Staff Writer
The countdown to college football is well underway.
Preseason magazines have hit the newsstand and newcomers are arriving at campuses across the conference. With the season just over the horizon, we'll be reviewing the schedules of each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with Oklahoma.
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 3: at Houston (13-1)
Sept. 10: Louisiana-Monroe (2-11)
Sept. 17: Ohio State (12-1)
Big 12 home games
Oct. 15: Kansas State
Oct. 29: Kansas
Nov. 12: Baylor
Dec. 3: Oklahoma State
Big 12 road games
Oct. 1: TCU
Oct. 22: Texas Tech
Nov. 3: Iowa State
Nov. 19: West Virginia
Big 12 neutral site game
Oct. 8: Texas
Gut-check time: The Sooners will spend back-to-back weekends in Dallas/Fort Worth to start Big 12 play in early October. Oklahoma visits TCU on Oct. 1 before its annual Red River Showdown with Texas. The Sooners lost to the Longhorns and barely managed to survive against the Horned Frogs during their College Football Playoff season a year ago. Those meetings this season will come after a nonconference slate that features Houston and Ohio State. If the Sooners drop a game during September, their difficult October start could be an opportunity to get back on the right track or have their national title hopes completely demolished before mid-October.
Trap game: Oklahoma's final road game of the season could be a real problem. The Sooners travel to West Virginia to face a Mountaineers squad that is talented on offense and features a defense that will be experienced by the time late November rolls around. Milan Puskar Stadium can be unkind to visiting teams so Oklahoma's visit, which comes on the heels of a matchup with Baylor the week before, could place the Sooners on upset alert.
Snoozer: The only reason for Sooners fans to be excited about Oklahoma's home opener against Louisiana-Monroe will be the unveiling of the revamped Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Sooners' first game in their updated facility is sandwiched between a much-anticipated opener against Houston and a visit from Urban Meyer and Ohio State. There should be plenty of room to stretch out and grab a nap by the time this game reaches the final quarter.
Final analysis: Even though the various tests in Oklahoma's schedule could be the main obstacle standing between the Sooners and another College Football Playoff appearance, Bob Stoops' team has a slate that is relatively balanced. The back-to-back contests with TCU and Texas are probably the toughest two-game stretch of the year and stands as the squad's only consecutive weeks away from Norman during the entire season. The Sooners' unyielding commitment to scheduling tough nonconference games makes this schedule a difficult task, but it is not a challenge that is impossible to overcome.
[h=1]Schedule analysis: Kansas State Wildcats[/h]Jun 16, 2016
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Jake TrotterESPN Staff Writer
With the season just weeks away, we’ve been reviewing the schedule for each Big 12 team.
We continue the series with Kansas State:
Nonconference opponents (with 2015 record)
Sept. 2 (Fri.): at Stanford (12-2)
Sept. 17: Florida Atlantic (3-9)
Sept. 24: Missouri State (1-10)
Big 12 home games
Oct. 8: Texas Tech
Oct. 22: Texas
Nov. 5: Oklahoma State
Nov. 26: Kansas
Big 12 road games
Oct. 1: West Virginia
Oct. 15: Oklahoma
Oct. 29: Iowa State
Nov. 19: Baylor
Dec. 3: TCU
Gut-check time: Kansas State's season could be determined by a three-week swing in early October. That's when the Wildcats face Texas Tech, OU and Texas in back-to-back-to-back weeks. The Wildcats have played extremely well against Tech in recent years, have defeated the Sooners in Norman in two straight meetings there and had every opportunity to beat the Longhorns in Austin last season. If the Wildcats can go, say, 2-1 during that stretch, they could emerge as a darkhorse Big 12 title contender. However, if they get swept in those three games, they could be fighting again just to get to a bowl game.
Trap game: Florida Atlantic went just 3-9 last season. The Owls, however, took Florida to overtime in the The Swamp and had Miami on the ropes in the second half before the Hurricanes pulled away. This could be a dangerous game in Manhattan for K-State if the Wildcats have any hangover from the Stanford trip.
Snoozer: Missouri State went 1-10 last year, with its lone win coming against a school by the name of Chadron State. There's a reason why this game won't be on TV. The Bears are one of the worst FCS teams in the country.
Final analysis: This is not an easy schedule for Bill Snyder, with five Big 12 road games and a difficult nonconference opener. But if the Wildcats can hang tough in Stanford, and gain confidence win or lose, they'll have a good chance to post a better win-loss record than they did last season.
If the TCU schedule works right, they may catch OU (Oct 1) looking ahead to UT in Dallas with an extra day. They always seem to play OU tough though. And the bye in November before Okie St and UT might be beneficial as well. But they are going to have a physical game against the Hogs early that may test them.
I agree, OU could be a little sleepy going into that TCU game. Although Stoops should know better by now. And the last time the Sooners went to Ft. Worth they lost. The one thing I'll be looking at early with TCU is their offensive play. I don't care what anybody says, there's no way TCU is going to replace Boykin, Green & Doctsun and continue to crank out 40+ points a game. The QB play will determin how far they go. Kenny Hill looked good at A&M, and Foster Sawyer has a year under his belt after replacing Boykin in a couple of games. But neither of these QB's are a guarantee. And they won't be as good as Boykin. They do still have some very talented skill players, but with their defense being much better this year, I expect TCU to be in a few more lower scoring games than they have the last couple of years. When they play Arkansas my money is going to be on TCU if it's around a pickem game. The Frogs are 13-7 ATS in non-conference games, and 10-1 straight up in non-conference games (Arkansas). Plus the home field and coaching advantage will belong to TCU. But I agree, it will be a very physical game between 2 old SWC foes. As for their schedule, round robin schedules are by far the toughest to get through unscathed. It's why I'm against a CG. But as schedules go, TCU's bye weeks are well placed. Their game at Baylor will be tough. TCU is 0-5 straight up as an away underdog. I've already played the over 8.5 wins for this team. Even if they lose to both Baylor and OU, they still have some wiggle room and can trip up one more time and still get to 9 wins. Very doable in my opinion. Especially given that they'll have the best defense in the conference.
It will be interesting to see how Charlie Strong handles his "women problem" after he was fully exposed in Louisville. It's hard to shake-off that stigma once the label is attached. Further..... Longhorn women make their "moves" a lot different than how "bluegrass chicks" go bout Jockeying for position (it's a cultural thing). It will be a challenging year for "ol Charlie" ....on and off the field. He will need to keep his guard-up.
I suspect he will try to play-it close to the vest; We all know how rough those Longhorn women can be....... Rumor has it he's be seeking therapy to inhibit his sex drive.......I hope it works for his sake. and the University and the Big 12 Conference.
I suspect he will try to play-it close to the vest; We all know how rough those Longhorn women can be....... Rumor has it he's be seeking therapy to inhibit his sex drive.......I hope it works for his sake. and the University and the Big 12 Conference.
I think privately GP would tell you that this is going to be one of his best defenses in FTW. Both QB's have multiple years in the offensive system which will be a plus, but I think the role will be to distribute the ball. As you mentioned, they have a lot of really good skill players returning.
I'm interested to see what Stoops does on defense. They lost a lot of top line defenders and all were leadership guys.
