IOWA STATE CYCLONES

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 3-9 (6-5 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Gene Chizik, 2nd year
STADIUM: Trice Stadium (Grass)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 7  DEFENSE - 7
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 28  LOST: 23

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 38.50 (58th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  S DAKOTA ST
9/6  -  KENT ST
9/13  -  at Iowa
9/20  -  at UNLV
10/4  -  KANSAS
10/11  -  at Baylor
10/18  -  NEBRASKA
10/25  -  TEXAS A&M
11/1  -  at Oklahoma St
11/8  -  at Colorado
11/15  -  MISSOURI
11/22  -  at Kansas St

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 3-9, 14-22 (39%)
Overall ATS: 6-5, 15-18 (45%)
at Home ATS: 4-2, 9-8 (53%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 2-3, 6-10 (38%)
vs Conference ATS: 5-3, 12-12 (50%)
Non-Conference ATS: 1-2, 3-6 (33%)
as Favorite ATS: 0-2, 2-9 (18%)
as Underdog ATS: 6-3, 13-9 (59%)
Over-Under: 4-7, 15-18 (45%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: -13.6 (112nd of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: -6.4 (86th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 31 (82nd of 119)
Turnover Differential: -0.58 (101st of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

Gene Chizik’s first year was marked with highs and lows. The Cyclones beat archrival Iowa, but then suffered a six-game losing streak (although Iowa State almost upset Oklahoma, leading 7-0 in the fourth quarter before losing 17-7). The team came back with a two-game winning streak with victories over Kansas State and Colorado, but then lost the season finale to Kansas, 45-7. Unfortunately, it won’t get much better. Iowa State suffered massive losses in key skill positions, and there will be much learning on the job.

OFFENSE

Quarterback Bret Meyer ended his career ranked fourth all-time on the Big 12 career charts in total offense (10,422 yards), third in total plays (1,923) and third in passing yards (9,499). Yup, that’s a big loss. Wide receiver Todd Blythe finishes his career with three of the top 10 single-season receiving yard totals in school history. Blythe’s 31 career touchdown catches ties for third in Big 12 history. Blythe completed his career with 176 catches for 3,096 yards, both school records. Yup, that’s a big loss. So now what? Well, there are some bright spots. Chizik had to be pleasantly surprised by the play of quarterback Phillip Bates in the spring game. While Austen Arnaud was supposed to be the heir apparent, it was Bates who went 15-for-27 for 140 yards and two touchdowns, while Bates was just 7-for-21 with three interceptions and one touchdown. So that’s a battle that will play itself out. Senior wideout R.J. Sumrall (54 catches, 434 yards) provides a solid target. The running game will be good. Iowa State returns three backs who each had at least one 100-yard game in 2007, including sophomore Alexander Robinson, who came on strong late in his first collegiate season, rushing for 391 yards and six touchdowns on 95 carries over the last four games. The backs will be running behind an experienced offensive line. In his first year on the job, Iowa State offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Robert McFarland was forced to totally rebuild a line that started five seniors in 2006. Despite having to bring together a quintet of new starters in his system, McFarland’s efforts paid off and all five linemen return this year.

DEFENSE

Iowa State defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt’s unit made its biggest strides against the run. With a pair of senior defensive tackles, Athyba Rubin and Bryce Braaksma, and standout senior linebacker Alvin “Ace” Bowen as starters, Iowa State improved from 89th nationally against the run in 2006 to 44th nationally last fall. Unfortunately, that trio is gone, as is linebacker Jon Banks. The linebacking corps is thin, and much will be expected of the new players that step in. But the defensive line is anchored by Kurtis Taylor, who brings 41 tackles and 6.5 sacks back with him.  Iowa State should be solid in the secondary, where all four starting defensive backs return.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Iowa State has limited experience on special teams.  The departure of four-year starter Bret Culbertson at placekicker leaves a big hole at a high priority position. He was perfect on all 100 extra-point attempts during his career. Mike Brantner is established as a punter who has started the past two seasons. His 40.2-yard average on 125 career punts ranks ninth in school history. Sumrall, Allen Bell and Zac Sandvig are the kick

PREDICTION

The Cyclones should come out of the gate in decent shape thanks to non-conference games against South Dakota State and Kent State, although there are trips to Iowa and UNLV. But a .500 season overall might not be asking for too much considering the Big 12 schedule avoids Oklahoma and Texas, and includes Baylor.

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KANSAS JAYHAWKS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 12-1 (11-1 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Mark Mangino, 7th year
STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (Turf)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 6  DEFENSE - 9
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 42  LOST: 16

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 40.08 (46th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  FLA INTERNATIONAL
9/6  -  LOUISIANA TECH
9/12  -  at S Florida
9/20  -  SAM HOUSTON ST
10/4  -  at Iowa St
10/11  -  COLORADO
10/18  -  at Oklahoma
10/25  -  TEXAS TECH
11/1  -  KANSAS ST
11/8  -  at Nebraska
11/15  -  TEXAS
11/29  -  vs. Missouri (Kansas City)

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 12-1, 25-12 (68%)
Overall ATS: 11-1, 23-11 (68%)
at Home ATS: 6-0, 13-5 (72%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 5-1, 10-6 (63%)
vs Conference ATS: 7-1, 16-8 (67%)
Non-Conference ATS: 4-0, 7-3 (70%)
as Favorite ATS: 9-1, 15-4 (79%)
as Underdog ATS: 2-0, 8-7 (53%)
Over-Under: 5-7, 17-17 (50%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: +26.4 (1st of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +21.7 (4th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 56 (8th of 119)
Turnover Differential: +1.62 (1st of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

What else is there to say about the 2007 Kansas football season? Mangino brought the Jayhawks full circle in his sixth season, as he promised he would do. Few believed him; now there are no doubters. Kansas led the Big 12 in scoring offense at just over 42 points a game, rolled to 11 consecutive wins before falling to Missouri, which knocked it out of the national championship picture, but still drew a BCS bid and rebounded to beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. There are some adjustments that need to be made on offense, but virtually everybody is back on defense and trips to Oklahoma and Nebraska appear to be the only stumbling blocks on the schedule.

OFFENSE

Quarterback Todd Reesing should be a strong candidate for a number of national awards after throwing for 3,486 yards and 33 touchdowns in his first season as a starter in 2007. He was second-team All-Big 12, and has plenty of targets to choose from, including wide receivers Dezmon Briscoe, who recorded 43 receptions for 496 yards and a freshman school record seven touchdowns, and Dexton Fields, who led Kansas in receptions in each of the last two years, pulling in 63 for 834 yards and six touchdowns in 2007. Kansas runs the one-back set but Brandon McAnderson has moved on and he accounted for 106 yards per game last year. But Jake Sharp had 147 carries for 821 yards and seven scores as a backup last year. Sharp ran for 100-plus yards on three occasions, including a season-best 127 yards on just 13 carries against Toledo. Reesing should have plenty of protection, though, as the three interior linemen are back. Left guard Adrian Mayes, center Ryan Cantrell, who earned All-Big 12 honorable-mention honors, and right guard Chet Hartley each started all 13 games. The tackle positions will be up for grabs with a number of players competing for time, including junior-college transfer Nathan D’Cunha. Matt Darton and Ian Wolfe each started one game at tackle during 2007.

DEFENSE

With nine starters returning from a group which ranked in the top 15 in the nation in scoring (fourth), rushing (eighth) and total defense (12th), the Jayhawks should be just fine. Kansas returns three of its four starters along the front, but the lone loss is tackle James McClinton, an Associated Press second-team All-America pick. Among the returnees are defensive ends John Larson and Russell Brorsen, who accounted for 43 and 36 tackles, respectively. Inside, Caleb Blakesley started all 13 games and finished with 13 tackles. Todd Haselhorst (17 tackles) and Jamal Greene (7) will compete for the position vacated by McClinton. All three linebackers return. Joe Mortensen is in the middle, where he made 106 tackles. Mortensen earned All-Big 12 first-team honors, while ranking second in the Big 12 in tackles for loss (1.15 per game) and ninth in tackles (8.15 per game). James Holt made 99 stops and Mike Rivera added 96 tackles. Three starters return in the secondary as well as two others who started at least three games each, but the Jayhawks lost Consensus All-American Aqib Talib, who declared early for the NFL draft.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kansas will need to replace both of its kickers in four-year punter Kyle Tucker and three-year placekicker Scott Webb. Tucker punted 228 times in his four years, while Webb finished his career as one of the top kickers and scorers in school history. No player on the roster has kicked at Kansas, but 2008 signee Alonso Rojas served as the punter at Bowling Green in ‘06. The return game features Marcus Herford, who ranked 15th in the NCAA with a 28.7 kick-return average.

PREDICTION

Kansas plays a weak non-conference schedule, although a trip to South Florida could be tricky. The Jayhawks end up with a decent Big 12 slate, with the trip to Oklahoma looming large. They might not be undefeated in November again like last year, but the Jayhawks will certainly be in the mix for the conference title and a BCS bowl bid.

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KANSAS STATE WILDCATS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 5-7 (5-6 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Ron Prince, 3rd year
STADIUM: KSU Stadium (Turf)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 7  DEFENSE - 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 44  LOST: 16

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 40.83 (36th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  NORTH TEXAS
9/6  -  MONTANA ST
9/17  -  at Louisville
9/27  -  LA LAFAYETTE
10/4  -  TEXAS TECH
10/11  -  at Texas A&M
10/18  -  at Colorado
10/25  -  OKLAHOMA
11/1  -  at Kansas
11/8  -  at Missouri
11/15  -  NEBRASKA
11/22  -  IOWA ST

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 5-7, 17-19 (47%)
Overall ATS: 5-6, 17-17 (50%)
at Home ATS: 2-3, 12-6 (67%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 3-3, 5-11 (31%)
vs Conference ATS: 4-4, 13-11 (54%)
Non-Conference ATS: 1-2, 4-6 (40%)
as Favorite ATS: 2-5, 8-8 (50%)
as Underdog ATS: 3-1, 9-9 (50%)
Over-Under: 8-3, 20-13 (61%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: +4.3 (49th of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +2.2 (56th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 38 (58th of 119)
Turnover Differential: +0.33 (33rd of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

In his third year, head coach Ron Prince has a team built to win now, but whether it can in the rugged Big 12 remains to be seen. Like many teams, where graduation and attrition takes its tolls, the Wildcats were hit by both, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Prince responded by loading up on junior-college transfers; as many as 20 could be on the roster come fall, helping fill the gaps. Quarterback Josh Freeman is back to guide the offense, but who he’ll throw to is also a question mark. Last year, the Wildcats jumped out to a 5-3 start before faltering with four consecutive losses down the stretch. At the very least, they now know one more win means the difference between a bowl game and spending the holidays on the couch.

OFFENSE

Jordy Nelson was second nationally in receptions (10.2) and receiving yards (133.8) per game, trailing Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech. Nelson concluded his Kansas State career ranking second in receptions (206), second in receiving yards (2,822) and third in touchdown receptions (20). He is a big loss to an offense that needs consistency, but look for Deon Murphy and Ernie Pierce to step up. Freeman finished his sophomore campaign with a Kansas State single-season record 3,353 yards of total offense. Freeman’s 5,133 career passing yards is fourth in school history. He is one of just five Kansas State quarterbacks to top the 5,000-yard passing mark in a career. James Johnson rushed for 1,106 yards, the first Wildcat to run for 1,000 yards since 2004, but he’s gone also. Running back Leon Patton, who set the school freshmen rushing mark with 609 yards, will have a heavier load this fall. Four of the five offensive linemen are back, led by left tackle Alesana Alesana.

DEFENSE

This is where Kansas State might feel the pinch of graduation. Three of the four starting defensive backs are gone, creating some churn in that unit. Of course, that might not be an altogether bad thing. Last year, Kansas State gave up 27 touchdowns through the air, an average of 259 yards passing per game, and 12.5 yards per catch. Middle linebacker Reggie Walker is back to anchor the middle, but he’ll have to roam without teammate Justin Roland. But, all is not lost. The Wildcats do return senior defensive end Ian Campbell, one of eight Big 12 defenders to be named to the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. Campbell, a two-time team captain and All-Big 12 performer, enters his senior season as one of the top defensive linemen in school history and currently has 16 sacks and 28.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons. Campbell, who was also a candidate for the Nagurski Trophy, tied the single-season school record with 11.5 sacks in 2006 and currently needs just two more to enter the school’s top 10 career list. Last season, Campbell totaled 45 tackles (11 for loss) and a Big 12-best four fumble recoveries. The defensive end also recorded 4.5 sacks and one interception, in which he returned for a score in a win at Texas.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Murphy is the team’s top punt returner, and he’s excellent, having average 17.5 yards per return last year and taken one back for an 80-yard touchdown. Patton handles the kick-return duties. Brooks Rossman was 22-for-28 on field goals last year.

PREDICTION

Every year, somebody gets the you-know-what end of the stick when it comes to Big 12 scheduling. Meet this year’s team. Texas A&M, Kansas and Missouri are road games; Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas Tech come to Manhattan. It’s going to be hard for Kansas State to build the kind of momentum needed to forge a winning season.

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MISSOURI TIGERS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 12-2 (10-3 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Gary Pinkel, 8th year
STADIUM: Faurot Field (Grass)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 6  DEFENSE - 9
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 38  LOST: 20

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 38.33 (60th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  vs. Illinois (St. Louis)
9/6  -  SE MISSOURI ST
9/13  -  NEVADA
9/20  -  BUFFALO
10/4  -  at Nebraska
10/11  -  OKLAHOMA ST
10/18  -  at Texas
10/25  -  COLORADO
11/1  -  at Baylor
11/8  -  KANSAS ST
11/15  -  at Iowa St
11/29  -  vs. Kansas (Kansas City)

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 12-2, 27-12 (69%)
Overall ATS: 10-3, 23-14 (62%)
at Home ATS: 3-2, 11-6 (65%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 7-1, 12-8 (60%)
vs Conference ATS: 6-3, 13-12 (52%)
Non-Conference ATS: 4-0, 10-2 (83%)
as Favorite ATS: 8-2, 17-8 (68%)
as Underdog ATS: 2-1, 6-6 (50%)
Over-Under: 8-5, 22-15 (59%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: +16.6 (11st of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +20.6 (5th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 59 (3rd of 119)
Turnover Differential: +0.93 (11th of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

How much more fabulous could 2007 have been? Well, we’re nitpicking here, but we could revisit that debate about whether the Tigers, the Big 12 North champions, were more deserving of a BCS Bowl bid than Kansas, especially considering Missouri beat the Jayhawks. Instead, it was a 12-2 campaign highlighted by a blowout win over Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. Missouri has some pieces of the puzzle to replace on offense, especially at running back, but nearly all the pieces are in place on defense. Even better, there’s a confidence in the program now, a confidence that head coach Gary Pinkel has been preaching since year one when he famously said the program shouldn’t be satisfied with close losses.

OFFENSE

It all begins and ends at quarterback with Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel, who set school records for total offense (4,559 yards), passing yards (4,306) and touchdown passes (33) in a season. He finished second in the Big 12 and seventh nationally, averaging 325.6 yards of total offense. Missouri was fifth nationally in total offense (490.3 yards per game), ninth in passing offense (314.1) and eighth in scoring offense (39.9 points per game). Two of Daniel’s three starting receivers from last year are back, including the fabulous Jeremy Maclin, who caught 80 balls for just over 1,000 yards and snagged nine touchdowns. The other returnee is senior Tommy Saunders, who caught 41 passes for 397 yards and one touchdown. Running back will be an issue. Tony Temple, who rushed for 1,135 yards, including 281 yards and four touchdowns in the Cotton Bowl, is gone. Senior Jimmy Jackson, who gained 331 yards and scored seven touchdowns, is at the top of the depth chart coming out of spring. Sophomore Derrick Washington (184 yards) will also get a fair share of carries. As for the line, well, it will need to be tweaked. Missouri loses center Adam Spieker, tight end Martin Rucker and left tackle Tyler Luellen, who did a solid job of protecting Daniel’s blind side. But Chase Coffman is a solid replacement at tight end, and Kurtis Gregory and Colin Brown formed a strong 1-2 punch on the right side of the line.

DEFENSE

The Tigers are loaded here. Nine players return, including defensive ends Stryker Sulak and Tommy Chavis, who will anchor the line with tackle Ziggy Hood. Defensive linemen Chris Earnhardt and Terrell Resonno have already shown promise. Weakside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, middle linebacker Brock Christopher and strongside linebacker Van Alexander are all excellent. This is a good run-stopping group, especially when you throw Luke Lambert into the mix, which will come in handy when the Tigers have to go on the road and face Texas. Missouri allowed only 122 yards per game rushing last year, and its hard-hitters forced 28 fumbles (16 recovered). It allowed 166 yards on the ground to Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game loss. Both cornerbacks (Carl Gattis and Castine Bridges) are back, as is safety William Moore. The secondary had 18 picks last year, including eight by Moore, and allowed 18 touchdown passes, almost half the total that Daniel himself threw for the Tigers.  In the spring game, the No. 1 defense was on the field for five first-half possessions and allowed just 31 total yards and let the offense cross midfield just once. Potential problem: Weatherspoon (shoulder), Moore (shoulder) and Alexander (knee) are all coming off surgery.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Really, this is the only area that needs to be addressed. Placekicker Jeff Wolfert is consistent, but last year’s punting game was brutal. Punter Adam Crossett averaged just 31.4 yards per kick, good for 111th in the country. Senior Jake Harry gets first dibs on the job this year.

PREDICTION

Texas, Texas, Texas, Texas. This is where Missouri’s season will turn, when it heads to Austin to take on the Longhorns. The non-conference schedule is cake, save for a season-opening game versus Illinois at a neutral site. The conference slate includes a trip to Nebraska, but that isn’t so bad any more. Beating Texas might mean the difference between playing in another conference title game.

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NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 5-7 (3-9 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Bo Pelini, 1st year
STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (Turf)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 6  DEFENSE - 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 52  LOST: 28

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 42.33 (22nd toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  W MICHIGAN
9/6  -  SAN JOSE ST
9/13  -  NEW MEXICO ST
9/27  -  VIRGINIA TECH
10/4  -  MISSOURI
10/11  -  at Texas Tech
10/18  -  at Iowa St
10/25  -  BAYLOR
11/1  -  at Oklahoma
11/8  -  KANSAS
11/15  -  at Kansas St
11/28  -  COLORADO

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 5-7, 22-16 (58%)
Overall ATS: 3-9, 16-20 (44%)
at Home ATS: 2-5, 10-9 (53%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 1-4, 6-11 (35%)
vs Conference ATS: 2-6, 11-14 (44%)
Non-Conference ATS: 1-3, 5-6 (45%)
as Favorite ATS: 1-5, 10-11 (48%)
as Underdog ATS: 2-4, 6-9 (40%)
Over-Under: 6-6, 20-16 (56%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: -4.5 (82nd of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +1.9 (60th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 40 (54th of 119)
Turnover Differential: -1.42 (117th of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

Bo knows. Or at least, the Nebraska faithful hope he knows. Big Red fans got what they wanted when Tom Osborne returned as the athletic director, firing Bill Callahan and hiring Bo Pelini, who stepped in for the 2003 Alamo Bowl when Frank Solich was fired and, thusly, has a 1-0 mark before he even sets foot on the sideline. It’s going to be a tough year for the Cornhuskers, especially as Pelini begins to do what he does best, which is rebuild the defense. Still, Nebraska fans need to be patient. It will come, but it certainly won’t be an overnight success.

OFFENSE

Nebraska's biggest losses came at receiver and tight end, where the Huskers must replace four veteran wideouts and three tight ends who saw significant playing time. Of course, Pelini will be abandoning Callahan’s insistence on running a pro, passing offense, and the Huskers will return to the run. Still, if it has to pass, Nebraska has a solid quarterback in Joe Ganz, who was superb in relief during the season's final month, throwing for 15 touchdowns in the final three games and producing the top two passing days in school history in the last two games. Ganz brings more mobility to the position than Nebraska’s past two starters. On the season, Ganz threw for 1,435 yards, 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions and rushed for 93 yards and three touchdowns. Nebraska returns all of its I-backs from the 2007 season, along with part-time starter Thomas Lawson at fullback. Marlon Lucky heads up an impressive group of I-backs, as he is the Big 12's leading returning rusher and led all running backs in the nation in receptions last season. Lucky gained 1,0199 yards and scored nine touchdowns and hauled in 75 passes for 705 yards and three touchdowns. Senior Nate Swift (36 catches, 520 yards, three touchdowns) and Todd Peterson (18, 359, 5) will be counted on to replace receivers Maurice Purify and Terrence Nun, who combined for 1,266 yards and 10 touchdowns. Nebraska should be OK on the offensive line. Center Brett Byford and tackle Carl Nicks are big losses, but Nebraska returns a total of 67 career starts at the offensive line positions, including 32 starts from the 2007 season. Several players could get a look at center during spring practice, but Nebraska has ample depth and experience at the guard and tackle spots.

DEFENSE

Lots of work needed here. The Huskers were No. 12 in the Big 12 in sacks, and as a result of poor pressure up front, Nebraska came up with just 11 takeaways as the team finished 117th in the nation in turnover margin. All four starters on the line are back, but they shouldn’t feel too comfortable given that amazing sack stat from last year. Defensive tackle Ty Steinkuhler (6-3, 280) needs to make like dad, former Nebraska star Dean Steinkuhler, and start throwing his weight around. All the linebackers are gone, making this unit a wide open competition. The Husker coaching staff faces the task of replacing four veteran linebackers who combined for 702 career tackles and 78 starts in their careers. Phillip Dillard enters his junior season as the most experienced performer in the linebacking corps. The Huskers have a pair of returning starters back in the secondary in safety Larry Asante and cornerback Armando Murillo. What they don’t have is much proven depth in this group.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Alex Henery was perfect on 45 extra points and eight field goals in 2007, and punter Dan Titchener has downed 42 punts inside the 20-yard line in the last two years. The returners are decent, but nothing special.

PREDICTION

It’s going to be better. Pelini has his work cut out for him, but it’s going to be better than last year. He does have five consecutive home games to open the season. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Virginia Tech and Missouri are two of them. Still, it’s highly possible Nebraska could rebound with a bowl game if it can play at least .500 ball in the conference.

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SOUTH DIVISION

BAYLOR BEARS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 3-9 (4-7 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Arthur Briles, 1st year
STADIUM: Casey Stadium (Grass)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 9  DEFENSE - 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 48  LOST: 20

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 44.92 (7th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  WAKE FOREST
9/6  -  NORTHWESTERN ST
9/13  -  WASHINGTON ST
9/19  -  at Connecticut
10/4  -  OKLAHOMA
10/11  -  IOWA ST
10/18  -  at Oklahoma St
10/25  -  at Nebraska
11/1  -  MISSOURI
11/8  -  at Texas
11/15  -  TEXAS A&M
11/29  -  at Texas Tech

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 3-9, 12-23 (34%)
Overall ATS: 4-7, 13-19 (41%)
at Home ATS: 2-3, 4-11 (27%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 2-4, 9-8 (53%)
vs Conference ATS: 2-6, 8-16 (33%)
Non-Conference ATS: 2-1, 5-3 (63%)
as Favorite ATS: 2-0, 5-2 (71%)
as Underdog ATS: 2-7, 8-17 (32%)
Over-Under: 6-5, 15-17 (47%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: -18.8 (117th of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: -13.0 (111th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 24 (96th of 119)
Turnover Differential: -1.50 (119th of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

It was a typical year for Baylor, starting out 3-1 before hitting the Big 12 schedule, where it always seems to falter. But new head coach Art Briles, who comes over from a successful stint at Houston, is optimistic. And he should be. The Bears have three players vying for the starting quarterback job, all of whom are capable of running the spread, and four of the top five receivers from last season are back. The problem will be Baylor’s ambitious schedule. In addition to the always rugged conference slate, for some reasons the Bears pumped up their non-conference schedule with Washington State and bowl game participants Wake Forest and Connecticut.

OFFENSE

Blake Szymanski started 10 games last season, breaking nearly every Baylor single-season and single-game passing record. He could start again and so could much-heralded recruit Robert Griffin, who skipped his final semester of high school to enroll early in Waco. And so could Kirby Freeman, the fifth-year senior who transferred from Miami (Fla.). Briles has said that nothing was decided in the spring, and that he’ll likely need to evaluate all three until the Aug. 30 opener against Wake Forest. Offensively, the Bears averaged 351.2 yards per game, their highest mark since 1995 (383.3). Baylor must replace running back Brandon Whiaker, who led the team in both rushing and receiving, as well as guard Chad Smith, a two-year starter along the offensive line. The Bears also return eight of their top nine receivers, including four of five players who caught at least 30 balls in tight ends Justin Akers (43 catches, 426 yards) and Brad Taylor (35, 465) and wide receivers Thomas White (34, 475) and David Gettis (31, 407). The offensive line, which allowed just 21 sacks (the program’s fewest since 1995), returns four starters in fifth-year senior Jason Smith at right tackle, fifth-year senior Dan Gay at left tackle, as well as a pair of juniors who started every game in center J.D. Walton and guard James Barnard.

DEFENSE

After playing a 4-2-5 defense the past five years, Baylor has switched to a 4-3 look with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Brian Norwood from Penn State. The Bears return six starters, including their top two tacklers in junior free safety Jordan Lake (120 tackles) and junior linebacker Joe Pawelek (99). The defensive line should be strong as three of the six returning starters are senior tackle Vincent Rhodes, nose tackle Trey Bryant and end Jason Lamb, a trio that started every game in 2007. End Leon Freeman, who led the Bears in tackles for loss (9.5), will likely start opposite Lamb. Joe Pawelek leads a young but talented linebacking corps that must replace two-year starter Nick Moore. Junior Antonio Jones and sophomores Antonio Johnson (a converted defensive end), Chris Francis and Earl Patin, a pair of All-Big 12 freshman selections, solidify the unit. Baylor’s secondary is weak and will have to step up. After all, this was a defense that gave up 462 yards per game last year.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Sophomore Derek Epperson averaged 39.1 yards per punt as a true freshman, but Baylor is a bit shaky here. Sophomore Shea Brewster will take over the placekicking duties, although he was only 3-for-8 last year. The Bears averaged only 18.9 yards per kickoff return and 8.1 yards on punts.

PREDICTION

It’s hard not to root for Baylor, especially with the miserable way it has performed in the Big 12. This is a program that deserves a 4-4 conference season. Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen. The Bears probably won’t even be able to draw on momentum from their non-conference slate.

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OKLAHOMA SOONERS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 11-3 (7-7 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Bob Stoops, 10th year
STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (Grass)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 6  DEFENSE - 4
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 40  LOST: 21

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 43.17 (17th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  UT-CHATTANOOGA
9/6  -  CINCINNATI
9/13  -  at Washington
9/27  -  TCU
10/4  -  at Baylor
10/11  -  vs. Texas (Dallas)
10/18  -  KANSAS
10/25  -  at Kansas St
11/1  -  NEBRASKA
11/8  -  at Texas A&M
11/22  -  TEXAS TECH
11/29  -  at Oklahoma St

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 11-3, 30-10 (75%)
Overall ATS: 7-7, 22-17 (56%)
at Home ATS: 5-2, 11-7 (61%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 2-5, 11-10 (52%)
vs Conference ATS: 3-6, 15-11 (58%)
Non-Conference ATS: 4-1, 7-6 (54%)
as Favorite ATS: 7-7, 18-14 (56%)
as Underdog ATS: 0-0, 4-3 (57%)
Over-Under: 6-8, 18-22 (45%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: +22.0 (2nd of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +23.6 (2nd of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 58 (5th of 119)
Turnover Differential: +0.57 (25th of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

Oklahoma won its fifth league title in six appearances in 2007, both Big 12 records. The Sooners are also the first team to win consecutive Big 12 titles. The Sooners finished the 2007 season with a school-record 80 touchdowns. What does it all mean? Not much, considering the standard by which Oklahoma measures itself. Yes, the Sooners beat then-No. 1 Missouri in the Big 12 title game, but for the second consecutive year the team got spanked in the Fiesta Bowl, this time by West Virginia. It’s a bit of a redemption year for Sooner football.

OFFENSE

Talk about being loaded on offense. Quarterback Sam Bradford had one of the best freshman years in NCAA history. He led the nation in passing effiency at 176.53, just ahead of Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. His 36 touchdown passes broke the NCAA freshman record by seven. He also had consecutive completion strings of 22 and 21 to break Jason White’s school record of 18, and tied a school record twice with five touchdown passes against Miami (Fla.) and Texas A&M. He’ll be throwing to a solid group of receivers, including Juaquin Iglesias, who proved to be one of the nation’s most versatile players last season. He led the team in catches (68) and yards (907). He also rushed eight times for 96 yards (10.9-yard average) and one touchdown. Allen Patrick rushed for 1,009 yards last season to mark the fourth consecutive season in which the Sooners produced a 1,000-yard rusher. Patrick’s feat is impressive given the fact that two of Patrick’s backups, DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown, combined to gain another 1,375. Oh, and you can forget about getting to Bradford. Oklahoma gave up just 14 sacks last season, the lowest total since sacks were recorded at Oklahoma (1992). The Sooners ranked fifth nationally in that category and returns its entire starting line and seven of the eight who were on the two deep last year. The left side is particularly strong with guard Duke Robinson, a consensus All-American last season, and tackle Phil Loadholt.

DEFENSE

The stop unit simply won’t be as strong as it was last year after losing seven starters, including linebacker Curtis Lofton and cornerback Reggie Smith. But, defensive end Auston English emerged last season as one of the nation’s top pass rushers. With 9.5 sacks, English tied with Torrance Marshall (1999) for the 14th-best single-season total in school history. It was the second-best total in the Stoops era behind the 10 by Calvin Thibodeaux (2005) and Dan Cody (‘04, ‘03). English broke a non-weight-bearing bone in his right leg in the Texas A&M game. A rod was inserted and he missed the next three contests, but returned for the Big 12 Championship game and the Fiesta Bowl with the rod still in place. Still, while there might be new faces on the defense, expect them to be the same opportunistic unit. Oklahoma had 19 interceptions for 346 interception return yards and three touchdowns last year. That yardage total ranked No. 3 since Stoops became the coach. The 2002 team put up a ridiculous 516 return yards on 24 interceptions. The 2000 National Champions notched 369 return yards, also on 24 picks. Oklahoma defenders touched the ball 70 times in 2007 (5.4 times per game) with 42 pass breakups, 19 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Garrett Hartley was a Groza Award finalist as a junior and left Oklahoma as one of the most productive kickers in school history. Those who will compete for the kicking job include redshirt freshmen Jimmy Stevens and Matthew Moreland and true freshman Tress Way. Punter Mike Knall is back. Oklahoma led the nation in kickoff returns and will return its two best, Iglesias and DeMarco Murray. Smith must be replaced as the primary punt returner, but Dominque Franks is a solid candidate.

PREDICTION

As it does every year, Oklahoma enters the season as the prohibitive Big 12 favorite and a national championship contender. The offense will certainly do its part, but the big question remains whether the defense can hold up its end. Also, Oklahoma must prove it can win on the road, where it went just 3-3 last year.

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OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 7-6 (6-6 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Mike Gundy, 4th year
STADIUM: Pickens Stadium (Turf)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 8  DEFENSE - 6
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 36  LOST: 20

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 42.00 (25th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  at Washington St
9/6  -  HOUSTON
9/13  -  MISSOURI ST
9/27  -  TROY
10/4  -  TEXAS A&M
10/11  -  at Missouri
10/18  -  BAYLOR
10/25  -  at Texas
11/1  -  IOWA ST
11/8  -  at Texas Tech
11/15  -  at Colorado
11/29  -  OKLAHOMA

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 7-6, 18-19 (49%)
Overall ATS: 6-6, 15-18 (45%)
at Home ATS: 2-3, 7-8 (47%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 4-3, 8-10 (44%)
vs Conference ATS: 4-4, 9-14 (39%)
Non-Conference ATS: 2-2, 6-4 (60%)
as Favorite ATS: 3-2, 8-5 (62%)
as Underdog ATS: 3-4, 7-13 (35%)
Over-Under: 6-6, 20-14 (59%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: +5.1 (47th of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +8.6 (27th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 46 (27th of 119)
Turnover Differential: -0.23 (76th of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

Mike Gundy is a man! A 40-year-old man! OK, OK, no more making fun of coach Gundy and his much-publicized meltdown and rant from last season. It’s hard to forget, but we should also remember that Gundy guided Oklahoma State to a victory in the Insight Bowl against Indiana to finish off a 7-6 season. Moreover, the consensus is that Gundy has the Cowboys on the verge of being a dominant program in the Big 12. This will be a telling year. There needs to be continued improvement, especially with the schedule breaking right.

OFFENSE

Oklahoma State finished 16th nationally in total offense in 2006 and climbed to No. 7 in ‘07. Eight starters return from the unit that ran for 3,161 yards and passed for 3,161 yards while leading the Big 12 in rushing. Last season Oklahoma State’s offense was the second best in school history and plenty of experience and skill return to try for a repeat performance. Zac Robinson is back for his junior season at quarterback after a record-setting sophomore year in which he turned in one of the best seasons in Cowboy history. Now firmly entrenched as the starter, it was Gundy’s switch to Robinson that prompted a newspaper column that sparked Gundy’s tirade, Robinson is established as one of the nation’s top dual threat quarterbacks in the country. He threw for 2,824 yards and ran for 847 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Dez Bryant (43 catches, 622 yards, six touchdowns) is a stud, as is senior tight end Brandon Pettigrew (35 catches, 540 yards, 15.4 yards per reception).  The Cowboys lost first-team All-Big 12 running back Dantrell Savage, who ran for 1,272 yards last season. But sophomore Kendall Hunter had to abandon his redshirt year last season and ended up rushing for 696 yards and four touchdowns. Oklahoma State is coming off a season in which it allowed just 11 sacks in 13 games. With the loss of one starter in David Koenig, but the return of center David Washington (lost in the third game of the season to a broken leg but with two seasons as a starter under his belt), Oklahoma State returns five starters in the offensive line and has added a first-team junior-college All-American to the fold.

DEFENSE

The Cowboys return six starters but Oklahoma State also brought in immediate help with the signing of six junior-college players on the defensive side. Five of those newcomers got to campus early. For the second straight season, the Cowboys must rebuild their defensive line as three starters are gone. Gone from the roster are senior ends Nathan Peterson and Marque Fountain. Both multi-year starters were productive and key elements in the most recent Cowboy defenses. Peterson rated among Oklahoma State’s all-time leaders in quarterback sacks. Waiting in the wings are junior Derek Burton and sophomore Ugo Chinasa. Oklahoma State is also replacing a pair of starting linebackers. But back in the fold is the entire secondary, including cornerbacks Jacob Lacey and Perrish Cox. Quinton Moore (free) and Ricky Price (strong) are the starting safeties coming out of spring, although junior-college All-American Lucien Antoine is in play as well. The secondary has experience, but it must get better.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Maybe the best unit on the team. Oklahoma State has one of the top punters in the nation in Matt Fodge (42.4-yard average) and one of the top kick-return men in the country in Perrish Cox (21.5-yard average, one touchdown).

PREDICTION

Looking for a conference and national sleeper this year? It could be the Cowboys. Non-conference gigs are fairly easy, with Oklahoma State headed to Seattle to play Washington State and hosting Houston, Missouri State and Troy. The problem is, road conference games at Missouri, Texas and Texas Tech are brutal.

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TEXAS LONGHORNS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 10-3 (7-6 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Mack Brown, 11th year
STADIUM: Memorial Stadium (Grass)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 6  DEFENSE - 4
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 47  LOST: 17

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 43.50 (15th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  FLA ATLANTIC
9/6  -  at UTEP
9/13  -  ARKANSAS
9/20  -  RICE
10/4  -  at Colorado
10/11  -  vs. Oklahoma (Dallas)
10/18  -  MISSOURI
10/25  -  OKLAHOMA ST
11/1  -  at Texas Tech
11/8  -  BAYLOR
11/15  -  at Kansas
11/28  -  TEXAS A&M

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 10-3, 33-6 (85%)
Overall ATS: 7-6, 23-15 (61%)
at Home ATS: 3-3, 11-6 (65%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 4-3, 12-9 (57%)
vs Conference ATS: 4-4, 14-11 (56%)
Non-Conference ATS: 3-2, 9-4 (69%)
as Favorite ATS: 6-6, 20-15 (57%)
as Underdog ATS: 1-0, 3-0 (100%)
Over-Under: 9-4, 27-11 (71%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: +11.9 (18th of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +13.7 (15th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 53 (11th of 119)
Turnover Differential: +0.08 (51st of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

Time to start quelling the doubters again. Three seasons removed from a national championship, Texas had another 10-win season, although some have looked at the schedule from last year and wondered if there were any quality wins on the slate. The Longhorns lost back-to-back games to Kansas State and Oklahoma in the middle of the season to effectively end both any national title and conference championship aspirations. They also lost to Texas A&M before closing the year with what seems like an annual trip to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl and a 52-34 win over Arizona State. The faithful need a trip to the Big 12 championship this year.

OFFENSE

Colt McCoy is the fourth quarterback in Texas history to throw for 3,000 yards in a season (3,303). He stands in second place on Texas’ single-season passing list after moving past Vince Young and Chris Simms in 2007. McCoy is an excellent pocket passer who’s also tough and can take a hit. He needs to improve his touchdown-to-interception ratio (22-to-18). And, a new twist: late in the season, Texas seemed to turn him loose a little more and utilize him as a runner. That could be a tough combination for teams to defend, as he gained 492 yards and scored four touchdowns. Texas still hasn’t settled on a replacement for running back Jamaal Charles, who bolted for the NFL, so it very well might be rushing by committee this season. Chris Ogbonnaya (26 carries, 66 yards, two touchdowns) has the most experience because he’s been in there for two years as a third-down back. Vondrell McGee (eight rushing touchdowns in 2007) and Fozzy Whittaker both had good springs. Quan Cosby is back to anchor the receiving corps. Cosby caught 60 balls last year for 680 yards and five touchdowns. Replacing Nate Jones on the other side will be difficult. As for the offensive line, well, what can you say? Year in, year out, whether they go into the season with multiple returning starters of they have to rebuild, the Longhorns produce one of the top offensive lines in all of college football.

DEFENSE

Way too many points. Way, way too many points. The Longhorns gave up 25.2 points per game and an average of 277 yards passing. These were things that needed to be addressed, and this is why Brown brought in defensive coordinator Will Muschamp from Auburn. Suffice to say, it is doubtful Texas will be giving up 371 yards a game again in 2008 under Muschamp. The secondary was the hardest hit. If anything, Texas was opportunistic. It loses nine interceptions with the loss of Marcus Griffin and Brandon Foster, half of the team total. Ryan Palmer and Deon Beasley will have to step up here. Rashad Bobino is back to anchor the linebackers, who teamed with the defensive line last year to do a decent, but not great, job against the run.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Cosby handles both the punt returns and the kickoff returns, and excels at both. Ryan Bailey is back for his senior season after nailing 18 of 22 field goals and all but one of his 59 extra-point attempts.

PREDICTION

As always, Texas’ season will turn on the Red River Rivalry game with Oklahoma. In fact, Texas should be 5-0 going into that game. Missouri, Texas A&M and Oklahoma State are all at home. There’s no reason why Texas shouldn’t be considered a national title contender heading into the season. We’ll find out more on Oct. 11.

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TEXAS A&M AGGIES

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 7-6 (5-7 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Mike Sherman, 1st year
STADIUM: Kyle Field (Grass)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 4  DEFENSE - 5
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 48  LOST: 13

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 39.58 (55th toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  ARKANSAS ST
9/6  -  at New Mexico
9/20  -  MIAMI
9/27  -  ARMY
10/4  -  at Oklahoma St
10/11  -  KANSAS ST
10/18  -  TEXAS TECH
10/25  -  at Iowa St
11/1  -  COLORADO
11/8  -  OKLAHOMA
11/15  -  at Baylor
11/28  -  at Texas

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 7-6, 21-16 (57%)
Overall ATS: 5-7, 18-16 (53%)
at Home ATS: 3-3, 11-6 (65%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 2-4, 7-10 (41%)
vs Conference ATS: 4-4, 14-10 (58%)
Non-Conference ATS: 1-3, 4-6 (40%)
as Favorite ATS: 2-2, 9-8 (53%)
as Underdog ATS: 3-5, 9-8 (53%)
Over-Under: 5-7, 19-14 (58%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: +2.0 (58th of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +6.0 (39th of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 46 (27th of 119)
Turnover Differential: +0.54 (26th of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

It was the best of times . . . oh, let’s not kid each other. There were no good times in College Station last year. Dennis Franchione quickly alienated himself from the alumni, both with the results on the field and the revelations about his ill-fated and ill-timed pay-for-news newsletter. Into the fold comes former NFL coach Mike Sherman, who became the Packers' head coach in 2000, and Green Bay went 59-43 and won three NFC North titles in his six seasons. The Packers also produced two of the four highest-scoring seasons in franchise history under Sherman. But, more than produce on the field, Sherman’s task is to restore some luster to the program.

OFFENSE

Texas A&M ended the 2007 season second in the Big 12 and 13th nationally in rushing yards with 211.6 per game, thanks in large part to one of the best dual threats in the country in Stephen McGee. Last year, McGee rushed for 899 yards and passed for 2,311, with 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Aggies will need just a little better consistency from McGee when he steps back to pass, otherwise the offense is in good hands. Mike Goodson ran for 711 yards last year and had a strong spring game, rushing for 58 yards on the first drive alone. Goodson established himself as the starter at running back, separating from the group that includes Bradley Stephens, Cornell Tarrant and Keondra Smith. They’ll have to make up for Jorvorskie Lane’s 780 yards last season. Junior Martellus Bennett set the school record for career receiving yards by an Aggie tight end. He had 1,246 yards on 105 career catches, which tied for the school record at the position. Alas, Bennett bolted for the NFL. Jamie McCoy now steps in at tight end and Sherman admitted that he doesn’t have a go-to wide receiver yet. The offensive line might be patchwork for the first game or two as Sherman sees what combinations will work in light of the loss of center Cody Wallace and tackle Corey Clark. The line cleared the way for the Aggies to rush for an average of 211 yards a game last season.

DEFENSE

The Aggies are hurting thanks to graduation on the stop unit and the line will be lacking. Tackle Red Bryant and end Chris Harrington were both drafted into the NFL. The linebackers will also be lacking, as starters Misi Tupe and Mark Dodge have moved on. Even with all four of those players on the field, Texas A&M gave up 161 rushing yards last year, ranking ninth in the Big 12. Chevar Bryson will have to anchor the secondary in the wake of the loss of Marquis Carpenter and his four interceptions. The defensive backfield had only eight interceptions total, and gave up an average of 255 yards a game through the air and 22 touchdown passes.  Overall, this is a defense that gave up 415 yards per game last year and had problems playing in front, including blowing a 14-0 lead to Penn State in the Alamo Bowl loss. Before Sherman starts working any miracles on offense, he must address the problems here first.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jordan Peterson, who should also help in the secondary, is the top punt returner. He might also be needed to take the place of departed kick-return man Kerry Franks, who broke the school record last year with 644 yards on 25 returns. Matt Szymanski is back as the placekicker, but he was a shaky 15-for-25 on field-goal attempts.

PREDICTION

Not this year, Aggies fans. You’ll need the 12th man, and the 13th and 14th to contend in the Big 12. But sneaking past the .500 mark and landing in another bowl game is highly likely. Of the four conference road games, three are winnable (Baylor, Iowa State and Oklahoma State). Texas A&M should also sweep its four non-conference games.

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TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

KEY TEAM INFORMATION
2007 RECORD: 9-4 (6-6 ATS)
HEAD COACH: Mike Leach, 9th year
STADIUM: Jones AT&T Stadium (Turf)
RETURNING STARTERS: OFFENSE - 10  DEFENSE - 8
LETTERMEN RETURNING: 61  LOST: 13

2008 GAME SCHEDULE - Strength: 38.17 (61st toughest of 120)
Date   -   Opponent
8/30  -  E WASHINGTON
9/6  -  at Nevada
9/13  -  SMU
9/20  -  MASSACHUSETTS
10/4  -  at Kansas St
10/11  -  NEBRASKA
10/18  -  at Texas A&M
10/25  -  at Kansas
11/1  -  TEXAS
11/8  -  OKLAHOMA ST
11/22  -  at Oklahoma
11/29  -  BAYLOR

3-YEAR SITUATIONAL RECORDS
Situation: 2007 Record, 3-yr Total
Straight Up: 9-4, 26-12 (68%)
Overall ATS: 6-6, 15-18 (45%)
at Home ATS: 3-2, 9-5 (64%)
Away/Neutral ATS: 3-4, 6-13 (32%)
vs Conference ATS: 4-4, 11-12 (48%)
Non-Conference ATS: 2-2, 4-6 (40%)
as Favorite ATS: 5-4, 12-13 (48%)
as Underdog ATS: 1-2, 3-5 (38%)
Over-Under: 5-7, 17-17 (50%)

2007 KEY STRENGTH RATINGS (NCAA Rank)
Scoring Differential: +15.0 (12nd of 119)
StatFox Outplay Factor Rating: +9.9 (23rd of 119)
StatFox Power Rating: 50 (15th of 119)
Turnover Differential: -0.38 (87th of 119)

INTRODUCTION & REVIEW:

The never-at-a-loss-for-words Mike Leach should be running at the mouth with superlatives this year. Texas Tech is loaded and Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree is college football 2008’s version of Montana

OFFENSE

For the fifth time since his arrival prior to the 2000 season, Leach will open spring camp with a senior signal-caller at the controls of his prolific passing offense. Coming off of a strong second season as the full-time starter for the Red Raiders, reigning Sammy Baugh Trophy winner Harrell completed 71.8 percent of his passes during his junior campaign, throwing for a career-best 48 touchdowns and becoming just the sixth player in NCAA history to pass for more than 5,000 yards in a season (5,705). It was this very time last year when the Red Raiders were faced with the tall task of replacing three departed senior wideouts with a cast of unknown, unproven players who were long on potential, but incredibly short on experience. Crabtree emerged, giving coaches, fans, and teammates a glimpse of what could be a very special redshirt freshman campaign. He carried that momentum into the regular season where he smashed school, conference and national records for receiving by a freshman, totaling 134 catches for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns, and becoming the first freshman to ever win the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top receiver. Crabtree headlines a group of returning players that accounted for 65 percent of the catches made by wide receivers in the Tech offense. Short drops by Harrell certainly help in avoiding a sack, but give credit to the offensive line as well. It allowed a mere 18 sacks over the course of the entire season. Four of the five starters are back, including senior left guard Louis Vasquez, who has started 24 consecutive games for the Red Raiders and was an Associated Press first-team All-Big 12 pick.

DEFENSE

If there’s one downfall for the Raiders, it’s that they annually have a difficult time matching up fronts against the Big 12’s bigger teams. Leach has taken steps to address that. Tech actually led the Big 12 in total defense over the regular season’s final eight games. That stretch, not coincidentally, also marked the eight games used as an audition for interim defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill, who inherited the reins prior the Sept. 29 home game against Northwestern Louisiana State. McNeill elevated the group to a third-place finish in the conference in total defense at season’s end, the highest during Leach’s tenure as head coach. On Jan. 22, Leach officially made McNeill permanent in the position. The Red Raiders return their leading sack man, junior Brandon Williams, who led the team in both sacks (six) and tackles for loss (12) during his sophomore campaign, emerging as the team’s top pass rusher. On the other side, rising senior Jake Ratliff started 12 of 13 games at left end. The linebackers are good. The secondary was better. The defensive backfield was one of the most consistent pieces of the Tech team in 2007, allowing a Big 12 Conference-low 188.4 pass yards per contest.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Though he wasn’t always consistent, placekicker Alex Trlica has left some large cleats to fill. Trlica ended his collegiate career with a 41-yard game winning field goal to seal the Red Raiders 31-28 comeback victory in the Gator Bowl over Virginia.

PREDICTION

Here’s another Big 12 sleeper. The Red Raiders could easily be 4-4 in conference play when it’s all said and done. And they could be 7-1. No team is able to match up against Tech’s offense. The question is, will the defense be strong enough to stop the bigger teams? A ninth consecutive bowl game is a given. Here’s a guess it will be a BCS bid.

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