Will the Big 12 Be a Rushing Conference in 2010?
4 comments so far
February 19, 2010 by
Two years ago, the talk was about all the good quarterbacks in the Big 12 and the pinball-like numbers they were ringing up in the passing game. But things can change quickly in college football and those standout signal callers don't have obvious replacements. Colt McCoy of Texas, Todd Reesing of Kansas, Zac Robinson of Oklahoma State, and Grant Gregory of Kansas State all depart after their senior seasons in 2009. Among the returning starters for 2010, Taylor Potts of Texas Tech must adapt to a new coaching staff and Blaine Gabbert will have to perform without receiver Danario Alexander to throw to. Alexander accounted for about half of Gabbert's passing yards and more than half of the touchdowns. In fact, the top three receivers (in terms of receptions) in the conference were all seniors.
Sure Texas A&M's Jerrod Johnson and Oklahoma's Landry Jones could build on some promising seasons. And Baylor's Robert Griffin could make his presence felt again. But you tend to wonder if teams will be compensating for the lack of production at quarterback by relying on the running game. Ten of the top 12 rushers in the conference were underclassman in 2009. And talented young running back recruits abounded for the Big 12 on signing day, and may find themselves in the mix early.
It's not just the running backs that could put up the yards either. It's pretty clear that Nebraska will have more designed run plays for the quarterback as part of the offense in 2010. Jerrod Johnson and Iowa State's Austen Arnaud each rushed for more than 500 yards in 2009. You'd certainly expect more rushing from a Robert Griffin than Baylor's Nick Florence.
Then there's the offenses. Despite what we hear out of Lubbock, it's hard to believe any coach will throw the ball as much as Mike Leach did. Both Kansas State and Iowa State seem more committed to the run game under their new leadership and it would be no surprise to see Kansas rely on big back Toben Opurum moreso than whoever will replace Reesing.
No the triple option won't replace the spread in the Big 12, but what we see in 2010 may look a bit more like three yards and a cloud of dust than a fast break on turf.
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Greg Morrow Feb 19 10
Maybe the lil experiment with wide open offenses and "glass jaw" defenses has run it's course.
Definitely has, in the heartland.
Just love the way it seems Nebraska will try to do it.
Ideally, I'd like Zack Lee back to run things since he likely will still have the best command of the offense, as a manager.
With a strong, healthy senior I-Back, a "live wire" sophomore and possible a short yardage or better guy like Robinson, (and his weight gain) it once again comes down to the fatties up front.
Especially replacing the cerebral Hickman, with an undersized Caputo.
darren Feb 19 10
Steve, good points about the conference's offensive transition.
Hey, anyone remember all the talk about last season being the "year of the quarterback" in the Big 12...now, not so much this year.
I think Nebraska will be the most emblematic of the culture shift conference wide. 2 years ago, they threw it all over the park. This year, it was transitional. In 2011, they will be a "run first" attack almost certainly.
Gabbert and MU may be the Big exception to the rule. Part of me thinks their offense will rely heavily on his throwing, no matter the losses a wide out.
huskerdj Feb 19 10
One of the things that needs to be a part of equation is that the defenses have learned how to play the spread style offenses. Look at Nebraska - more defensive backs that can also play like linebackers. One of the things that hurt this year was or offensive line. I think that the coaches have taken steps to improve that through recruting over the last couple of years. I think that we will see a similar leap forward in our offense next year that we saw in our defense last year. Of course I am the eternal optimist. How many days until spring practice starts ;-)
GBR
Dwayne Feb 20 10
Its the realization that this staff can control the tempo with a strong ground game, weather that's spread formation or double tights. The best defense is a physical ball controlling offense. And the second best defense is a Bo Pelini defense. Missouri is screwed. The Gabbert boys will have a strong-hold on QB1 for the next 5 years there and the elder didn't do too much to impress me last season. I see K State, in the short-term, having more success than Missouri.