Big 12 Gets Tested Right Away
4 comments so far
September 1, 2009 by
Every year, fans and media ask the same question (and always give their own answer): Which conference is the toughest one in the country? Right away this year, we're going to get a few answers that may separate the wheat from the chaff. Week one holds two matchups between ranked opponents and a couple of games between major conferences. Non conference games may not solidly answer questions about the strength of the Big 12 as it compares to other conferences, but we will at least know more about the teams in these games - depending on their outcomes.
Baylor @ Wake Forest » The opener last year at Waco was a 41-13 rout in favor of Wake, but this year, I expect a much closer battle. The key to watch will be if anyone other than Robert Griffin steps up. If he's supermanesque, he can take over this game by himself due to the Demon Deacon's losses on defense. With the most returning starters in the Big 12, this should be a team that shows its experience by not turning the ball over and bringing some great pressure on Wake's offense. This match may be the difference maker for the Bears getting to a bowl game this year.
Missouri vs. Illinois » Chase Daniel and Brad Smith both had impressive debuts in this rivalry game in the past, will Blaine Gabbert follow suit? Maybe, but it's not going to be enough to win. I don't expect a blowout by any means, but I think that Illinois will control the pace from nearly the outset. In terms of talent, both teams have plenty, but experience at QB will be the difference maker as Juice Williams could be the best passer in the Big 10 by the end of the 2009 season.
#3 Oklahoma vs. #20 BYU » The official football opening of Jerry Jones Cowboys Stadium figures to be an exciting one. Let's start off by saying that the Sooners are still a great team, but they may have a few close calls this season due to their young offensive line and receivers. Sam Bradford will need time and people to throw to. This will be the first test with BYU fielding a defensive line and secondary with some good experience. Sooner defense shouldn't run into any major problems, but if the offense can't get into a groove, there might be a scary half of football somewhere in this game for Oklahoma.
#13 Georgia @ #9 Oklahoma State » Dangerous. Straight from Phil Steele's college football guide, "(Coach Mark) Richt is an amazing 30-4 in opponents' home stadiums including 10-2 vs ranked foes." The Cowboys have got some media buzz talking about Zac Robinson leading this team in a dark horse national championship run, but as the saying goes, winning starts at home. The Bulldogs are a dangerous first road block towards the long road to the end of the year. OSU has high expectations, and Georgia has low expectations this year, shaping up to be a recipe for disaster. Cowboys - 13 straight home opener wins, Bulldogs - 8 straight road opener wins. It just about sums up the whole Big 12 vs. SEC battle this year. An unstoppable force (Oklahoma State offense) meets an immovable object (Georgia defense). It's going to be close, but I think the Cowboys will edge one out.
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Matt Sep 01 09
Tom--agree with all of the above except for GA @ OSU.
I just don't honestly see how OSU will be able to squeeze enough improvement from that abysmal defense they fielded last season, and I think their defensive cupboard isn't nearly as well-stocked as what ours was when Bo walked in.
Frankly, I look forward to the day when the T. Boones Farms Pickens experiment in OSU has drawn its last breath, so I obviously may be a tad jaded. :)
And yes, I know I'll be waiting a while.
TenSpeed Sep 01 09
GO DAWGS!!
James Moore Sep 01 09
Georgia's offensive line might be one of the very best in America. They have a luxurious amount of experienced depth and this will allow them to run on Oklahoma State. The Cowboys are still a little small up front and Georgia will be able to pound away with this line and 2 talented Tailbacks. Throw in AJ Green on the perimeter and do not be surprised if Georgia wins this game a little easier than expected. Stillwater will be tough, and there is NO no-huddle teams in the SEC, but the Bulldogs are a VERY dangerous team everytime people look past them. . .
Oklahoma -- Four new starters replacing a truly
fantastic offensive line. How will
they perform? The hopes for the
Sooners rest on how well these new
starters perform. . .
tom Sep 01 09
Matt, I agree with you except for one, point - their linebackers. They return their 3 of the top 4 leaders in tackles on the team at that position. As long as their secondary doesn't get worse, there should be some improvement on defense. All I really want to say is that if they can beat Georgia, then they can hang with Texas and Oklahoma this year, otherwise, they're going to have troubled getting to ten wins. I don't think Coach Mike Gundy is looking past Georgia at all.