Big 12 Week 12 Predictions

Last Week: 5-0

Season: 48-15

Texas Tech 38 Oklahoma St 35

Kansas 21 Iowa State 20

Oklahoma 55 West Virginia 24

Kansas State 56 Baylor 21

Big 12 Week 11 Predictions

Last Week: 3-2

Season: 43-15

Texas Tech 45 Kansas 17

Texas 34 Iowa State 28

Oklahoma State 42 West Virginia 38

Oklahoma 48 Baylor 24

Kansas State 41 TCU 24

Big 12 Week 10 Predictions

Last Week: 2-3

Season: 40-13

Oklahoma 31 Iowa State 14

Texas Tech 41 Texas 17

West Virginia 45 TCU 41

Baylor 34 Kansas 31

Kansas State 48 Oklahoma State 28

Big 12 Week 9 Predictions

Last Week: 3-2

Season: 38-10

Texas 48 Kansas 21

TCU 38 Oklahoma State 31

Texas Tech 31 K-State 27

Iowa State 44 Baylor 41

Oklahoma 24 Notre Dame 20

Big 12 Week 8 Predictions

Last Week: 3-2

Season: 35-8

Texas Tech 31 TCU 13

Baylor 42 Texas 38

Oklahoma 52 Kansas 10

Kansas State 34 West Virginia 28

Iowa State 31 Oklahoma State 20

Big 12 Week 7 Predictions

Last Week: 3-1

Season: 32-6

Oklahoma 31 Texas 24

Kansas State 27 Iowa State 14

Oklahoma State 52 Kansas 21

West Virginia 45 Texas Tech 31

Baylor 52 TCU 28

Big 12 Week 6 Predictions

Last Week: 4-0

Season: 29-5

Iowa State 24 TCU 17

Kansas State 52 Kansas 17

Texas Tech 31 Oklahoma 20

West Virginia 45 Texas 35

Week 5 Big 12 Predictions

Last Week: 3-2
Season: 25-5

West Virginia 55 Baylor 31

Texas Tech 31 Iowa State 27

TCU 34 SMU 10

Texas 34 Oklahoma State 17

Week 4 Big 12 Predictions

Last Week: 8-0
Season: 22-3


Baylor 41 Louisiana-Monroe 28

TCU 31 Virginia 20

West Virginia 58 Maryland 17

Kansas 24 Northern Illinois 23

Oklahoma 34 Kansas State 17 

Week 3 Big 12 Predictions

Last Week: 5-3
Season: 14-3

Baylor 56 Sam Houston State 24

Iowa State 31 Western Illinois 10

Kansas State 56  North Texas 14

Oklahoma State 55  Louisiana-Lafayette 21

TCU 41 Kansas 17

Texas 24 Ole Miss 21

Texas Tech 59 New Mexico 10

West Virginia 62 James Madison 20

Texas Tech - Texas State Review

After Texas State's historic upset over Houston, the Red Raiders were put on upset alert by many college football beat writers. Texas Tech did not take long to put an end to any thoughts of an upset. The Red Raiders jumped out to a 28-0 lead before the Bobcats can answer, rolling to a 58-10 victory. The Red Raider offense was more than efficient as they scored on every drive but one, and did not punt the entire game.

Offensive Player of the Game: Seth Doege 
Doege was 25 of 32 for 319 yards and 5 touchdowns in less than 3 quarters of play. He was accurate the entire time he was on the field and had completions to 10 different receivers.

Defensive Player of the Game: Cody Davis 
It looked like Texas State was on their way to take the early lead before Cody Davis intercepted a pass from Shaun Rutherford and took it it 88 yards the other way to give Texas Tech the early lead. It was Texas Tech's first pick six since Jarvis Phillips had a 87-yard interception return in 2010 against Texas, nearly 2 years prior. Davis also had four tackles.


You can view the entire game below.

Big 12 Prediction Week 2

Last Week: 9-0
Season: 9-0

Iowa 34 Iowa State 31

Kansas 31 Rice 30

Kansas State 30 Miami 27

Oklahoma 49 Florida A&M 10

Oklahoma State 41 Arizona 28

TCU 41 Grambling State 13

Texas 45 New Mexico 7

Texas Tech 41 Texas State 10

Texas Tech- Northwestern State Review

Defensively, this is one of the most encouraging game I've seen in some time. The Red Raiders held the Demons to 13 rushing yards and 84 yards overall. The 44-6 victory was the first time Texas Tech held an opponant without a toucdown since the 2007 season opener when they defeated SMU 49-9. It was also the fewest points they have held an opponent to since defeating SMU 35-3 in the 2006 season opener. The offense did it's job but as usual there were some questionable play calls by Neal Brown.

Offensive Player of the Game: Bradley Marquez
With Darrin Moore and Javon Bell out, Marquez started in their place. He lead all receivers with 7 catches and 92 yard, including several third down conversions.Both were career highs for Marquez.

Defensive Player of the Game: Kerry Hyder
Hyder only had 3 tackles but he also had 2 pass deflections and caused problems for Northwestern State all night. Hyder was in the backfield contently and was key in causing penetration in the offensive line.  

Big 12 Predictions Week 1

Baylor 35 SMU 28
This game will be close, but Baylor will pick off Garrett Gilbert at the end of the game to seal it.

Iowa State 34 Tulsa 27
Iowa State will pull out the win in this close game and make coach Paul Rhoads so proud.

Kansas 38 South Dakota State 21
Kansas will get one of there very few wins.

Kansas State 52 Missouri State 10
Snoozer

Oklahoma 56 UTEP 17
Another snoozer

Oklahoma State 63 Savannah State 7
Still snoozing

Texas 31 Wyoming 17
Quarterbacks will continue to dissapoint, but the running game will lead Texas to victory.

Texas Tech 62 Northwestern State 7
Tech has improved defense and more experienced offense. Northwestern State is an FCS team that is 10-23 over the last 3 seasons. Moving on. 

Conference Winner Predictions

ACC: Clemson
Clemson won the ACC last season and I expect them to repeat. The Tigers return starting QB Tajh Boyd who threw for 3828 yards and 33 touchdowns. They also return 1000-yard rusher Andre Ellington as well as explosive receivers Sammy Watkins and DeAndre Hopkins. I do have concerns about their defense which 29 points per game including 70 to West Virginia. However their defense didn't keep them from winning the ACC last year. They also bring in a Top 10 recruiting class which should include some early contributors.
 
Big East: Louisville
The Big East is bad. Without West Virgina the Big East could finish the season without a ranked team. That said, I believe that Louisville will win the Big East this year. The Louisville offense was sluggish last year, but with a year under his belt, sophomore Teddy Bridgewater should be able to make some better decisions and limit the turnovers. Bridgewater's first career pass was an interception, but he got better as the year went on. The question is will his offensive line give him enough protection. The Cardinals O-Line gave up 41 sacks last season. Unlike the offense, the defense was solid, a trend which I expect to continue. Louisville was 17th in the NCAA in points allowed, giving up only 20 per game. However Preston Brown is the only experienced linebacker returning, some younger players will need to step up.
 
Big 10: Michigan
Michigan made a big turnaround last season under first-year coach Brady Hoke. Last season the Wolverines made it back to a BCS bowl for the first time since the 2006 season, defeating Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Denard Robinson returns for his senior year after running for nearly 1200 yards and passing  for over 2100 yards, combining for 36 touchdowns. Michigan also returns 1000-yard rusher Fitzgerald Toussaint. Michigan had one of the bests defenses in the nation, ranking sixth in points allowed. The Wolverines will need to find a replacement for wide receiver Junior Hemingway. Expect Jeremy Gallon and Roy Roundtree to up their production.
 
Big 12: Oklahoma
As usual Oklahoma will be the favorite to win the Big 12, they have had some serious problems with their receiving core. Trey Franks, Jaz Reynolds, and Kameel Jackson have all been suspended for an extensive amount of games, leaving Kenny Stills as the only OU wide receiver who had a catch last year. Fortunately for OU they are bringing in the country's best wide receiver class including spring standout Trey Metoyer who will more than likely now be their number two receiver. Oklahoma lost leading tackler Travis Lewis but look for Corey Nelson to step up. The Sooners are strong at most positions and return QB Landry Jones.

C-USA: Tulsa
Tulsa's only conference loss came to Houston, and without Case Keenum and Kevin Sumlin I expect Houston to fall off a bit. The Golden Hurricane lose quarterback GJ Kinne, and the battle for the starting spot will come down to Kalen Henderson and Nebraska transfer Cody Green. I expect Green to secure the spot. Tulsa returns all 3 contributing runningbacks: Ja'Terian Douglas, Ted Watts, and Alex Singleton. Douglas averaged almost 8 yards per carry last season. Tulsa also returns their top two receivers: Willie Carter and Bryan Burnham. The Golden Hurricane lost their best defender, linebacker Curnelius Arnick as well as linebacker Alan Dock. I expect Cody Wilson and DeAundre Brown to join Shawn Jackson as the starting linebackers.

MAC: Ohio
Dual-threat quarterback Tyler Tettleton was very impressive last season, passing for more than 3300 yards and rushing for nearly 700 yards. Unfortunately the bulk of his receiving core is gone. Donte Foster will be expected to step up as the number one receiver, while the other spots are wide open. Runningback Donte Harden, who ran for nearly 1000 yards is gone. However, the Bobcats return Beau Blankenship and Ryan Boykin who combined for nearly 900 yards. The Bobcats return most of their defense and Gerald Moore is a guy who can make a lot of plays.

MWC: Boise State
The Broncos lose their starting quarterback and runningback, but that's never slowed them down before. Kellen Moore broke several records including most wins in a career by a starting quarterback. Whoever comes next won't be able to replace him, but the Broncos will still put up a lot of points. With TCU gone I don't see anyone who can stop Boise State from winning the Mountain West in their last season before heading to the Big East. Joe Southwick will most likely be the starting QB this season.  Matt Miller, Mitch Burroughs and Geraldo Boldewijn make up a solid receiving core. DJ Harper should be the starting runningback with Drew Wright also getting carries. The really question mark is the defense, which only returns one starter. The defense won't be as good as it was last season but expect it to be good enough.

Pac 12: USC
Would not have picked the Trojans to win the Pac-12 if Matt Barkley wasn't returning. He gave up being a top 10 draft choice to come back his senior year citing "unfinished business". Barkley will be one of the frontrunners for the Heisman and he has the guys around him to do it. First, USC returns prolific receivers Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. The two combined for 184 receptions for 2435 yards and 26 touchdowns. Also return starting tight end Randall Telfer. USC gets back 1000-yard rusher Curtis McNeal who averaged nearly seven yards-per-carry last season. At linebacker USC brings back Freshman All-Americans Hayes Pullard and Dion Bailey. Monte Kiffins defense should continue to improve. USC will be a serious title contender as they are now bowl eligible.

SEC: Alabama
The Crimson Tide is looking to repeat as National Champions. They lost Heisman finalist Trent Richardson and a bulk of their defense to the NFL, but Alabama has the talent to reload. Eddie Lacy will be the top back, with Jalston Fowler and Dee Hart also receiving carries. The two of them will need to step up big as Alabama is a run-first team. The Crimson Tide will have some new faces at receiver, as Kenny Bell's 17 catches for 255 yards is the most of any returning receiver. Bama will have familiarity at QB, as AJ McCarron returns for his second year as starter. The defense will be the real question mark as the Crimson Tide lost 6 defenders to the NFL and several others to graduation. However, Nick Saban has never failed to field a top tier defense.

Sun Belt: Arkansas State
The Red Wolves are looking to repeat as Sun Belt champions. With Hugh Freeze leaving for Ole Miss, Auburn OC Gus Malzahn takes over as head coach. Seasoned quarterback Ryan Aplin returns for his senior season, but still needs to limit the turnovers. He's also a threat on the ground and was the Red Wolves' leading rusher last season. Former Auburn starting runningback Michael Dyer transferred to Arkansas State, but is no long with the team. I'd expect Frankie Jackson to be the starter at runningback this season, but that isn't set in stone. Aplin loses his favorite target, Dwayne Frampton. However, he gets back his number two and three targets: Taylor Stockemer and Josh Jarboe. Expect Arkansas State to once again have one of the better defenses in the Sun Belt.

WAC: Louisiana Tech
The WAC is the weakest conference in college football, and the Bulldogs are heavy favorite to repeat as WAC champions in the conference's last year of existence. Nick Isham stared last season but was replaced by Colby Cameron mid-season. Expect Cameron to get the nod this season. Lennon Creer is gone but Hunter Lee showed plenty of promise as a freshman last season and should be able to take over. Leading receiver Quinton Patton returns for his senior season. Patton had 1202 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Myles White and David Gru will be able to fill the hole left by Taulib Ikharo's departure. Louisiana Tech will most likely steamroll its way through the WAC. 

Texas Tech Ring of Honor

Texas Tech recently announced the creation of the Texas Tech Football Ring of Honor which will honor Texas Techs greatest. The names will be placed on Jones AT&T Stadium, similar to the way the Cowboys Ring of Honor is on Cowboys Stadium. Here is who I believe should be in the first class.

1st Class

Donny Anderson, RB - Anderson played football at Texas Tech from 1963-1965 and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He finished fourth in the 1965 Heisman Trophy race which is tied for the highest ever by a Texas Tech football player. He was a two-time consensus first-team All-America and three time All-Southwest Conference. Additional honors include being named The Sporting News National Co-Player of the Year in 1965, and and being inducted in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Anderson was also a punter and was responsible for the creation of the concept of hang-time. He still holds the Texas Tech career kickoff return yardage record. Anderson was drafted seventh overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 1965 NFL draft, and started for the Green Bay team that won the first two Super Bowls. Texas Tech retired the #44 in Donny Anderson's honor, one of three players to have their number retired.


Michael Crabtree, WR - Some may want to delay his entrance to the Ring of Honor because of how recently he played for Texas Tech, or the short amount of time he was there, but Crabtree's contribution is significant enough to be included in the first class. Crabtree played football for the Red Raiders in 2007 and 2008 and owns almost ever Texas Tech single season receiving record. He is also considered a shoo-in for the College Football Hall of Fame. His catch in the waning seconds to beat #1 Texas in 2008 was the Capital One Play of the Year and cemented his legacy. Crabtree was a two-time unanimous first team All-American and was the first person to win the Fred Biletnikoff Award twice, an award which recognizes the college football's best receiver. He is also the only freshman to win the award. Crabtree was drafted 10th overall by the San Fransisco 49ers in the 2008 draft, and lead the team in receiving last season. In 2008 he finished 5th in the Heisman voting, the highest of any non-quarterback that year. Crabtree was named AT&T ESPN All-America Player of the Year and CBSSports.com Freshman of the Year in 2007. To add to the impressiveness of all his feats, Crabtree never played wide receiver before college.


EJ Holub, C/LB -A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Holub played football at Texas Tech from 1958 to 1960. He was Texas Tech's first two-time consensus All-American; the only other two are Donny Anderson and Michael Crabtree. Holub finished 10th in Heisman Trophy voting in 1960, despite being a lineman. He was drafted 6th overall in the 1961 AFL draft by the Dallas Texans, who became the Kansas City Chiefs a couple years later. Holub was a seven time AFL All-Star and four time All-Pro. He is the only player in NFL history to start two Super Bowls on opposite sides of the line of scrimmage (Super Bowl I at linebacker and Super Bowl IV at center). Holub never used injury as an excuse undergoing 12 knee surgeries during his career. He is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs' Hall of Fame and Texas Tech has retired the #55 in his honor. He was the first Texas Tech player to have his number retired.

Dave Parks, WR - By time he left Texas Tech in 1964, Parks owned almost ever Texas Tech receiving record. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Parks was the first Red Raider to be named first-team All-America by The Associated Press. He was twice named first team All-SWC and was named to All-America Blocking Team. Parks was draft first overall in the 1964 draft by the San Fransisco 49ers, and is the only Red Raider to be taken number one overall. He was named to All-Pro Rookie team in 1964 after leading NFL in receiving. Parks was an All-Pro in 1965 and 1966, and played in three Pro Bowls. Texas Tech retire the number 81 in his honor.






Gabe Rivera, DT - Also known as Senor Sack, Rivera was a great player on a pretty bad team. Texas Tech won a total of 13 games during his four seasons, but that didn't stop Rivera from being named a consensus All-American and Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year during his senior season. Rivera started 40 games and had 321 career tackles. His 105 tackles in 1982 is most ever by a Red Raider defensive tackle. This year Gabe Rivera became only the fourth Red Raider to be voted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Rivera was drafted 21st overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983 but his career ended six games into his rookie season when he was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident. 

Texas Tech threatens to cancel game to stay of the Longhorn Network.

As almost everyone other the than the ESPN executives predicted the Longhorn Network has been a  huge dud. Now in desperate need for content, ESPN wants to air the Texas Tech - Texas State game on the Longhorn Network. As they should, Texas Tech is manning up and taking a stand. According to Chris Level, Texas Tech is threatening to cancel the game against Texas State if it is scheduled to air on the Longhorn Network. Texas Tech may need the win, but if Tech can't make a bowl without this game, Tommy Tuberville will be fired. That all said, I doubt any of this happens. It is ultimately Texas State's decision and I doubt they want to go through the mess of cancelling this game. It is unlikely the game gets cancel but you have to give Tech's Athletic Department credit for taking a stand against being put on another teams network. I expect there to be "no Longhorn Network" clause in future contracts, for several teams.

2012 Big 12 Predictions

1. Oklahoma - As usual Oklahoma will be the favorite to win the Big 12, they have had some serious problems with their receiving core. Trey Franks, Jaz Reynolds, and Kameel Jackson have all been suspended for an extensive amount of games, leaving Kenny Stills as the only OU wide receiver who had a catch last year. Fortunately for OU they are bringing in the country's best wide receiver class including spring standout Trey Metoyer who will more than likely know be their number two receiver. The Sooners are strong at most positions and return QB Landry Jones.

2. West Virginia - The Mountaineers are expected to be contenders in Dana Holgerson's second season. This will be West Virginia's first year in the Big 12, but they already have the offense to fit right in. Leading the Mountaineer offense is Geno Smith, arguably the best quarterback in the Big 12. Holgerson implemented the Air Raid and WVU hasn't looked back. Runningback Dustin Garrison gained the staring spot last season as a true freshman, but tore both his MCL and ACL during bowl practice. His return isn't guaranteed by game one, but the Mountaineers have a solid back up in Shawne Alston. West Virgina also returns its top three receivers: Stedman Bailey, Tavon Austin, and Ivan McCartney. Austin and Bailey both had more than 1100 receiving yards last season.

3. Kansas State - The Wildcats have never failed to surprise under the leadership of coach Bill Snyder. Kansas State exceeded expectations by a mile last season, finishing second in the Big 12 and accumulating a record of 10-3 with all three loses coming to top ten teams. Quarterback Collin Klein took college football by storm last season. He is not the best of passers, but is an absolute force on the ground. Klein rushed for 27 touchdowns last season, which was 24 more than starting runningback John Hubert. Klein racked up 1141 yards on the ground. Expect much of the same this season.

4. Oklahoma State - The Cowboys won the Big 12 last season and defeated fourth ranked Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl. If not for an overtime loss to Iowa State in a major upset Oklahoma State would have been in the National Championship game. That said, the Cowboys have lost their two best players; Brandon Weeden and two time Biletnikoff winner Justin Blackmon. Weeden and Blackmon were the main reason for Oklahoma State's success last year. True freshman Wes Lunt will takeover as quarterback and Josh Cooper will most likely take over as the number two receiver. The Cowboys return starting runningback Joseph Randle who rushed for 1216 yards last season. The defense gave up plenty of yards last season but made up for it by breaking the NCAA record for most takeaways in a single season. Unless they can accomplish a similar feat this season the defense may have trouble.

5. TCU - The Horned Frogs have had a disastrous offseason, which will make their transition to the Big 12 more difficult. Tanner Brock, Ty Horn, DJ Yendrey, and Devin Johnson were arrested in a drug bust. Brock was the Horned Frogs' leading tackler in 2010. They also lost runningback Ed Wesley, who left the team for family reasons. However they do return Waymon James and Matthew Tucker, who both ran for more than 700 yards last season. They also return quarterback Casey Pachall and his three leading receivers: Josh Boyce, Skye Dawson, and Brandon Carter. TCU brings along with it the 4-2-5 defense, which produced atrocious results for Baylor and Texas Tech last season. We'll have to wait and see if TCU can make it work in the Big 12.

6. Texas - The Longhorns are bad at quarterback, that's no secret. Bad may be too nice. They were atrocious. Case McCoy and David Ash struggled to complete a pass last year. The incoming quarterback Connor Brewer doesn't look to be much better. Texas really needs to fire their QB scout. Luckily for Texas they have a really good running game and arguably the best defense in the Big 12. Malcolm Brown, Johnathan Gray, and Joe Bergeron should make up a solid runningback core. Though the Longhorns have some playmakers at receiver they are under utilized due to the poor quarterback play. Until they fix their problems at quarterback, Texas will continue to finish in the middle of the pack.

7. Texas Tech - The Red Raiders are coming off their worst season in nearly two decades. Texas Tech looks to bounce back after a 5-7 season ended their 18-year bowl eligibility streak. The Red Raiders return 9 starters on both sides of the ball. After both turns experimenting with position coaches failed miserably, coach Tommy Tuberville decided to bring in an experienced defensive coordinator Art Kaufman. Tech's defense is moving from a 4-2-5 to a 4-3. Look for the defense to be much stronger this year. Runningbacks Eric Stephens and DeAndre Washington are expected to be back in time for seasons beginning. The Red Raiders return QB Seth Doege and their top three receivers: Eric Ward, Alex Torres, and Darrin Moore. If the Red Raiders do not make a bowl game this year, which I believe they will, expect Tommy Tuberville's tenure at Tech to come to an end.

8. Baylor - Do not expect the Bears success to continue this year. Without Heisman winning quarterback Robert Griffin to bail them out, Baylor's 114th ranked defense will be a huge liability for the Bears this year. Baylor also loses starting runningback Terrance Ganaway and star receiver Kendall Wright. Nick Florence is expected to start a at quarterback. He looked great against Texas Tech last season, but most quarterbacks did. Baylor returns two talented receivers in Terrance Williams and Tevin Reese. The Bear's offense will score a lot of points but the defense is going to cost them several games. Expect 6 or 7 wins from Baylor this season.

9. Iowa State - Paul Rhoads is one of the more exciting characters in college football and a solid coach. Even though he will never admit it, Rhoads doesn't have a lot to work with at Iowa State. The quarterback position will come down to senior Steele Jantz and sophomore Jared Barnett. Barnett is a bit more two dimensional than Steele Jantz but both are mobile quarterbacks. Both of them struggled with passing completing only about half their passes. The Cyclones lost leading receiver Darius Reynolds but return Josh Lenz and Aaron Horne as well as the bulk of their runningback core.

10. Kansas - The Jayhawks are the only Big 12 team bringing in a new head coach. Mark Mangino raised the program to relevance including an Orange Bowl victory, before being fired. Turner Gill quickly destroyed all that and was fired after just two seasons. Now former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis takes over as head man at Kansas. He brings with him an experienced defensive coach, in former Dallas Cowboys head coach Dave Campo. Expect Notre Dame transfer Dayne Crist to start at QB. Kansas returns it's top two receivers but JaCorey Shepherd is a receiver I look to make some noise. Kansas lost runningback Darrian Miller but return their other contributing runningbacks: James Sims, Tony Pierson, and Brandon Bourbon. What the future holds for the Jayhawks is unknown, but don't expect an immediate turn around.