by Isaac, The World of Isaac
Now that we've established Oklahoma as the best team in the land, its time to take an in-depth look at their coeds, cheerleaders, and fans...
Not because we're perverted, but because we're men and that's what men do.
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Monday, September 29, 2008
Hot Oklahoma coeds
1 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 3:27 PM ET
Similar Topics: Babes, Isaac, Oklahoma
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggFriday, July 11, 2008
TOP 10 NAME CANDIDATES FOR THE NEW OKLAHOMA CITY NBA TEAM
by DMtShooter, Five Tool Tool
According to the World Wide Lemur's Bad Tooth podcast, the current leading candidates for the new name are the Barons, Thunderbirds, Thunder and Outlaws. I'd go into why all of these suck canal water, but that should all be obvious from just, well, reading them. So in our continual site mission statement of Making It Better, here are some better options, all of which are actual plural nouns, the way that God intended.
10. Bombers. Works well for three-point shooting and honors the memory of the city's best known transient, Timothy McVeigh. Besides, with the Bullets becoming the Wizards, the Association has a real need for an old-school aggro name.
9. Runners. Kind of a cousin to the Sooners, but with more of a basketball feel. Also a sideways glance at the team's non-specified Seattle history.
8. Kicks. The town is on the famed Route 66, which really needs to be re-recorded as an unfortunate hip hop track... because I'm thinking that the Nat King Cole original won't really work out.
7. Transients. Think of the old-school hobo logos, the fantastic differentiation from every other franchise, and the built-in excuse for when the team tanks. I'll also gladly take Railway Hobos here, though that would be a ridiculously long name.
6. Hornets. Look, the New Orleans team should be the Jazz. The Utah team should be the Choir, or the Bees (Utah has a ton of them), or the Special Underwears. And until someone forces the issue, it's not going to get fixed. The NOOCH experience is the reason why Oklahoma City has a team; honor it.
5. Drillers. Works for the town's oil history, is a common basketball verb, and is a perfect double-entendre experience for when the team suffers its first paternity scandal. Just hire Shawn Kemp to advise, and the headlines write themselves.
4. Blackjacks. It's a club, a card game, and a popular indigenous tree. It also sets up the franchise for their next carpetbagger move in five years to Vegas. Think ahead here, people.
3. Beavers. Three large lakes and many dams belie the town's more or less dust-choked land-locked feel, and it also leads itself to an astounding amount of 12-year-old boy giggles and ironic merch purchases. Besides, kids love beavers, and you can get Jerry Mathers to show up. (He's available.)
2. Twisters. The town has been hit by more tornadoes than any other US metro area, partly because the metro area is very large, and most of the Midwest doesn't have a metro area to get hit. It also lends itself to bad old dance numbers and a possible Tropicana sponsorship.
1. Thieves. It's what everyone will be thinking of them for at least the first ten years after the Seattle move, and it gives them kind of a bad guy Raiders vibe. Besides, getting steals is a good thing in basketball, and you could have the NBA's first sexy mascot (i.e., a girl in a catsuit).
Vote for your favorite, or add your own name candidate, in the comments...
0 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 1:58 AM ET
Similar Topics: bill simmons, DMtShooter, lists, NBA, Oklahoma, sports, stabbing out ears, strange team names, the world wide lemur
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggThursday, July 3, 2008
FIVE REASONS TO BE EXCITED ABOUT THE SONICS' MOVE TO OKLAHOMA CITY
by Jarrett Carter, Stet Sports Blog
It's official: the Seattle SuperSonics are no longer in Seattle. With my only experience of a local team leaving being the Baltimore Colts in the 80's, I can only imagine how much it sucks.
Despite how much the team sucks.
But it's a sure bet that the basketball-rabid folks in Oklahoma City are raring to go for their new squad. If not for the fact that Kevin Durant will put Oklahoma on the map for more than Sooners and Cowboys, then for the following five reasons.
5. Instant Nightlife Upgrade. - Oklahoma City. Where Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World as a nightlife destination happens.
4. Look Ma, We're a Real Sports Town Now! - Some places are just made for college sports. Any town that boasts having the U.S. Softball Hall of Fame is one of those places.
3. Black folks can be millionaires, too. - Since the Hornets already spoiled them, let's bring back some more rich black guys and hope the forecast doesn't call for rain.
2. Because the Jonas Brothers are only in town for one night. - It's either them, or Roy Cooper's World Championship Jr. Calf Roping.
1. Because Jeff Capel can't do it alone. - There has to be more basketball in the state than the Sooners. There just has to be.
0 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 12:07 PM ET
Similar Topics: Jarrett Carter, NBA, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, sonics, sports
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggMonday, April 14, 2008
TOP 10 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEW OKLAHOMA CITY SONICS FANS
by DMtShooter, Five Tool Tool
Tonight in Seattle, the Sonics played what might have been the last game in their 41-year history, overcoming a late deficit to beat Dallas for their 19th win against 62 losses. On the very real chance that the team has played their last game ever in the Pacific Northwest, here's 10 suggestions for their vibrant and exciting future in America's heartland.
10. Don't win or contend for a championship. Clearly, it didn't do enough for Seattle, who won in the late '70s and had one of the better teams that lost to the Jordan Bulls. That kind of competence just increases the expectations for ownership.
9. Whore yourselves out for a new crib every 10 to 15 years. So what if the local economy might be failing, businesses aren't interested in ponying up for luxury boxes, the product on the court is terrible and the decision to continually upgrade facilities is prima facie absurd? Without a Major League franchise in the Big 3 Sports, your community will be deigned (horrors!) Minor League. You know, like how Jacksonville and Green Bay are more important than Los Angeles and the 5 Boroughs of New York City. (And no, New Jersey is not a borough.)
8. Go to every game, but don't get too attached. After all, Europe has no teams yet, and neither does Vegas. Also, it's not like your town is a gateway to the Pacific Rim, with all of those talented tall Chinese players and strong investment capital. Boy, it's a shame that the NBA doesn't have a team in Seattle, don't you think?
7. Make Clay Bennett feel very, very welcome. He's the man that brought you stolen basketball, Kevin Durant, and the lasting hatred of any number of passing-through NBA players, who are just thrilled as pie to give up time in a beautiful city for your podunk town. It's all good. Besides, you people like gunplay, don't you?
6. Personalize those new jerseys. Let's face it, any free agent that's worth anything is going to want to go ply their trade for an owner that doesn't throw his fans under the bus, and a team that doesn't play in a one-team town without world-class trim or nightlife. So don't get your hopes up with jersey purchases that will always be obsolete in 1 to 3 years. Put your own name on the back and save time and anguish!
5. Study up on how being the middle city in a 3-city or more franchise feels. Track down some Kansas City A's fans, or Milwaukee Brave boosters, or anyone who has ever rooted for a Larry Brown coached team. It will help prepare you for that next stage of fandom!
4. Suck up to David Stern. He's stuck his neck out for you, and as there are increasing signs that he's losing his faculties along with his PR skills, you really don't want to get in on his bad side. Why, look what he's done to the people who used to root for the Sonics!
3. Strengthen those rationalization muscles. Why limit yourself to rooting for some other city's franchise, when there is a whole wide world of stuff to horn in on? Maybe it's time to sleep with your neighbor's wife, knock over a liquor store, or defraud an orphanage. Just remember these magic words: "If we didn't do it, someone else would have!"
2. Accept losing. Up to 41 times a year, you'll get to see a professional basketball team from the world's best hoops league in your little town. Plus, whatever the home team trots out there. It's just like being a Knicks fan!
1. Kill yourselves. You do realize you live in Oklahoma, you've just been given someone else's franchise, and you're going to be played like a fat girl who puts out in 5 to 10 years, right? Take the McVeigh Way out, Okies. (And while you are exiting stage right, any chance of one of who more heavily armed types taking out Bennett or Stern with you?)
0 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 12:53 AM ET
Similar Topics: crime, DMtShooter, NBA, Oklahoma, sonics, sports
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggFriday, January 4, 2008
CALLING YOU OUT!: RAPID FIRE
by WCT, The Ship of Fools
“Calling You Out!” is a periodic segment where WCT takes people to task for irresponsible journalism, foolhardy activities, or just general douchebaggery. Nothing is sacred, no one is spared, watch your ass mister! You could be next!
There are just too many people to call out only one person today. I haven’t written this column in over two weeks and I’ve got a great big bowl of hate to distribute. Here’s who should grab a spoon:
The University of Kentucky – Remember back when UK had a coaching staff that was winning the SEC seemingly every other year, taking the team to Final Fours and even winning a National Championship? It seems like it was just yesterday…
Close. It was actually just last year, and the coach’s name was Tubby Smith. Smith, after averaging 26 wins a year, taking the Wildcats to 10 NCAA tournaments in 10 years, winning five conference regular season titles, five conference tournament titles and one national title, was forced out in favor of Billy Gillispie. Gillispie so far has led the ‘cats to a 6-6 start, including losses to Gardner Webb, UAB, Houston, and San Diego. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like their chances this Saturday against arch-rival Louisville. Conference play hasn’t even started yet, and Billy has turned UK from a perennial tournament competitor to a team on the bubble.
And don’t even get me started on their football team, for losing me money by not being able to cover the spread against a Florida State team missing 36 PLAYERS! Disgraceful.
The University of Hawaii – That little pregame dance they do is cute and all, but it loses its luster when they get destroyed in the actual football game that follows it.
What an embarrassment. I cannot believe that they tricked me. All year I talked about how much of a joke this team was and how they were getting fat on a gimmicky offense and terrible opponents forced to fly halfway around the world to play them in the middle of the night. Then they beat Boise State and for some reason I became a believer. Well, I’ll never make that same mistake again. What that Georgia defense did to Colt Brennan (who I still think will be a good mid-level NFL draft pick) was criminal.
Bob Stoops – Speaking of making the same mistake again, is there a team that is consistently more unprepared for its bowl game that the Oklahoma Sooners? Holy crap, that was a boat-race in the Fiesta Bowl. I know that defense is optional in the Big 12, but those WVU running backs and wideouts were running past those OU defenders like they were standing still. Mountaineer FB Owen Schmitt is as tough as they come, and can play for my football team any day, but for the love of god, he should not be flying through your secondary for 60 yard TD runs.
How you can lose four straight BCS bowls (two blowouts and two upsets, including the infamous Boise State game) yet are the first name on everyone’s lips whenever a coaching job opens up is beyond me. Laughable.
Big Ten Haters – For the eight millionth time: Ohio State lost to Florida because Florida was better. They did not lose to Florida because Big Ten teams can’t compete with “SEC speed.” Michigan had no trouble with the “SEC speed” as they were flying up and down the field and hanging 41 on Florida in the Capital One Bowl. And if Wisconsin hadn’t mismanaged the end of the…whatever bowl that was they were playing in against Tennessee (As I previously mentioned, I hate bowls, so I do not care to look it up) then the Big Ten would have been 2-0 against the “speedy” SEC. Ohio State might lose Monday. They might lose by 50. But it won’t be because of a lack of speed.
0 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 9:16 AM ET
Similar Topics: angry rants, Big Ten, Calling You Out, Hawaii, Kentucky, NCAA Basketball, NCAA Football, Oklahoma, sports, WCT
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggMonday, October 8, 2007
FRIED COOKIE DOUGH, SEXY COEDS AND FOOTBALL
by Mike, The Pig Pen
As my friends and I drove into to Dallas for the festivities surrounding Texas/OU weekend, we all knew come Sunday either two things were going to happen. One, we'd be in jail for abusing alcohol, sex, drugs and the 3 A.M. shift at the local Denny's. Or two, we wouldn't be in jail for abusing alcohol, sex, drugs and the 3 A.M. shift at the local Denny's. There's no way around it. Texas/OU. The Cotton Bowl. The State Fair of Texas. And even a little Friday night NHL hockey to jump start the trip. Load a bowl to calm down, and the weekend begins.
The rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is filled with rich tradition which is displayed in an atmosphere unlike any other in sports. From the historic feel of the newly-renovated 78-year old Cotton Bowl to the sexy coeds from Texas and Oklahoma who continue to wear jean skirts so short that they make Paris Hilton and Britney Spears look righteous. But the most prominent distinction between other rivalries across the country and Texas/OU is, of course, the State Fair of Texas.
The biggest fair in the world is home to the Cotton Bowl which means hundreds of thousands of people rang
ing from football fans to butter sculpture enthusiasts invade the fair grounds throughout the weekend. Instead of "tailgating" Texas and Oklahoma fans have the privilege of getting sauced before the game while eating an assortment of indulging foods stretching from fried peanut butter jelly and banana sandwiches to fried cookie dough until kickoff. A sea of maroon and burnt orange, a color which reminds me to wipe my ass, swarm the Midway before entering the now 91,000 seat stadium.
As most of you might know, seating assignments are not as simple as home sideline and away sideline. Instead, the two colors are separated directly down the 50-yard line. A tradition you can't find at any other football game. Nearly 100,000 football fans inside the stadium while thousands upon thousands watch intently on a delayed television directly outside. It's interesting watching a game when you can hear the crowds reaction 10 seconds before you get to see what actually happened. So interesting I even lost $100 to a friend when we decided to start betting on the outcomes to certain plays based on the noise and where it's coming from.
I might as well have shoved a $100 bill up my ass.
When the game ended, fans from the winning team usually hang around the fair grounds for a little bit longer why the losers head home to make some terrible Saturday night decisions. For me personally, it's always pleasing when Texas loses because nothing tickles my fancy more than seeing a mass quantity of Longhorn fans all with this look of confusion and disappointment on their faces. A "We're not a sweet as we f**king think" look just stamped across their forehead. And I love it.
Ah yes, there's nothing better than Texas/OU weekend.
2 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 1:15 PM ET
Similar Topics: NCAA Football, Oklahoma, Red River Rivalry, sports, Texas, The Pig Pen
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggMonday, October 1, 2007
COMPLETELY RANDOM THOUGHTS
by Kyle Smith, Doberman On The Diamond
For some reason, I had a lot of thoughts this weekend my brain was like the monkey exhibit at the zoo - random shit everywhere. I will now present you with some of the most fascinating, mind-blowing musings in blog history ... okay that's not true. But here they are anyway.
- Colorado beats Oklahoma, Kansas State beats Texas. Maybe the Big 12 North doesn't suck as bad as everyone thought, eh?
- I really wish I played rugby in Australia: "An anonymous Bulldogs player reportedly told a Sunday newspaper group sex or 'gang banging' was 'nothing new' for his club or for the code. A local film producer also told public radio this week of a rugby league player urinating on a makeup woman during filming of a commercial to promote the sport."
- If you've never seen the 1936 propaganda film Reefer Madness, do yourself a favor and go rent it today. Freaking hilarious. Seriously, you'll laugh your ass off. Especially if you're high. But don't get the updated version. Watch the one from '36 - they even have it in color if you don't like black and white movies.
- There are no dominant teams in college football this year - and it's made this the best year of football I can remember.
- NCAA '08 is better than Madden '08. By far.
- Chief Justice Clarence Thomas had an extended interview on 60 Minutes last night. The most interesting thing about it? I noticed he and Darth Vader, aka James Earl Jones, have exactly the same laugh.
- Rams coach Scott Linehan is a joke and I hate him.
- Chargers fans think Norv Turner is a joke and they hate him.
- One month until college basketball season!
- My left hand hurts right now for some reason.
- Analysts who use sabermetrics in football are wasting their time.
- Is there a week the New York Giants aren't on national T.V.? Enough already.
- Curb Your Enthusiasm is funnier this season than last season. Having the Blacks (that's the family's name, so calm down) move in with Larry? Brilliant.
- The National League playoffs have some very boring teams to watch. The Phillies are fun, but only in that pinball machine they call a stadium.
- I'm as big a Prison Break fan as there is, but come on, he's got to break out of another jail? Haven't we been there/done that in season 1?
- Hockey started. Just an FYI.
- Due to left hand injury, that is all of the thoughts I can think.
1 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 4:04 PM ET
Similar Topics: Chargers, Clarence Thomas, Giants (NY), Kyle Smith, MLB, movies, National League, NCAA Football, NFL, NHL, Norv Turner, Oklahoma, Prison Break, Rams, Reefer Madness, Scott Linehan, sports, Texas
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggWednesday, August 29, 2007
Texas, Oklahoma and Testicles...A Potentially Volatile Combination
by T, The Angry T
I am sure you are aware that college football is taken very seriously in some parts of the country. I know that when I went down to Ohio State for the big OSU / Michigan game a few years back, fans really gave me a hard time. They razzed me, called me a names, and told me Ann Arbor was a whore. But you know what they didn't do? They didn't rip my testicles off. I am thankful for that, but unfortunately, not everyone was so lucky.
Aggravated assault charges have been filed against a church deacon and University of Oklahoma Sooners fan after officials say he grabbed a University of Texas fan between the legs during a scuffle in an Oklahoma bar.
A couple of months before the annual Red River Shootout between the Sooners and Longhorns, words were exchanged at Henry Hudson's Pub between Allen Beckett, 53, and Brian Thomas. Witnesses said it was because Thomas was wearing a UT T-shirt.
Neither Thomas or Beckett chose to comment, but the police report described what happened to the victim, including graphic details about his injuries that included a torn scrotal sack with partially exposed testicles.
For those of you scoring at home, a deacon is a man of the cloth. He supposedly has the light of Christ shining through him, and apparently Jesus hates the University of Texas. Above is the picture on the Dallas / Fort Worth NBC affiliate Web site, which is supposed to depict what happened.
That looks like a pretty accurate depiction to me, except that there are no testicles in this man's hand, nor is there any blood spewing from this man's groin.
(Editor's Note: Apparently Deadspin and With Leather were all over this story last week. Props to them.)
0 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 10:35 AM ET
Similar Topics: NCAA Football, Oklahoma, scrotum grab, sports, Texas, theangryt
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggFriday, August 24, 2007
Shall He Be Raped?
by Simon, SimonOnSports
This week a news story passed through the blogosphere that made me cringe like no other. One man just simply decided to rip another guys scrotum off his body cause he was wearing the wrong t-shirt. Simply wearing a Texas t-shirt in Oklahoma got one guys nuts ripped off and resulted in 60 stitches. That is a lot of friggin stitches and the story is quite possibly the most painful piece I have ever read. The man's name is Allan Michael Beckett, he's obviously complete scum and he should be coming to a prison near you in the fall.
Now, the question that naturally popped into my head was will he be raped a lot in prison. Morals say the man should be a prime target for rape. I mean he disrespected men everywhere by going for the groin rather than just punching the guy in the face or smashing a pool cue on his back. In addition by grasping on another mans nuts for long enough to tear his scrotum, I'd imagine that is a relatively lengthy time, he showed some gay tendencies. Straight me don't usually hold other men's balls for more than, say never, straight men don't hold other men's balls. The occasional nut tap for pain and/or comedy purposes is the only acceptable time for hand to nut contact.
But the question remains will he get raped. If you were the raper, here's a fact you know, he has enough power and a strong enough grip to rip your scrotum off of your body. That's pretty threatening. It might just be better to find one of the 'broads' that likes it or the typical weak child molesters. But deep down you know that he should be raped most likely more than anyone in the place. B
Than you reach a logical conclusion, Gang Rape. This man should be gang raped, it's safer for all participants. His arms can be held during the process and if somehow he grabs hold of your junk than one of the other participants can give him a punch directly to the throat while the rest jab him in the ribs and arms to loosen his grip. His success rate at ripping off another mans scrotum in a gang rape would be infinitesimally small.
So Allan I hope you enjoy your term in Federal Pound Me in the Ass Prison as someones hole is about to be widened significantly.
0 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 3:15 PM ET
Similar Topics: hate, nuts, Oklahoma, rape, Simon, Texas
Submit to: Yardbarker | Reddit | Fark | Ballhype | Showhype | DiggThursday, August 9, 2007
Big 12 Conference Football Preview
by Kyle Smith, Doberman on the Diamond
The Big 12 XII conference has not seen much change in it's 13 year history. 11 Big XII championship games have been played, and the teams competing in them have not varied much. The Big XII North has been won by Kansas State (3 times), Colorado (4 times) and Nebraska (4 times).
Over in the South division, there has been even less competition, as Texas A&M has come out on top twice, but not since 1998. Only Oklahoma and Texas have represented the South in the Championship game since then, with OU playing 5 times, and Texas playing 4 times.
That could change this year, at least in the North, where Missouri figures to challenge Nebraska for the division crown.
North Division
1. Missouri
The Tigers are led by junior QB Chase Daniel, WR William Franklin and RB Tony Temple, the leading returning rusher in the conference. They also feature the best tight end duo in America with Martin Rucker and Chase Coffman. The Tigers play a spread offense, and they used that to compile the 8th ranked offense in terms of yards last season. They were also in the top 20 for scoring offense, and should be very, very difficult to stop. The biggest question comes on defense, where Mizzou had problems stopping the run. If head coach Gary Pinkel's defense can perform even slightly above average, they should make a run for the North title.
Key stretch of games: vs. Nebraska, at Oklahoma, vs. Texas Tech
2. Nebraska
The Cornhuskers rebounded from a so-so 2005 season and won the North with a 6-2 record. They lost starting QB Zac Taylor, but are hoping Sam Keller, a transfer from Arizona State, can make a seamless transition to head coach Bill Callahan's offense. As usual, the Huskers feature a very good offensive line, but losing RB Brandon Jackson to the NFL leaves another hole to fill. Defensively, the unit features outstanding linebacker Bo Ruud to a unit that returns just 5 starters.
Key stretch of games: at Missouri, vs. Oklahoma State, vs. Texas A&M
3. Kansas State
After winning just 4 and then 5 games the previous 2 seasons, the Wildcats took another step forward under head coach Ron Prince and won 7 games and a bowl appearance in 2006. Young QB Josh Freeman struggled at times, but showed a load of promise as a freshman. He goes in as the starter and should improve exponentially. Defensively, the team returns half of it's starters, but they are a very solid unit led by DB Marcus Watts and DL Ian Campbell.
Key stretch of games: at Iowa State, at Nebraska, vs. Missouri
4. Colorado
Despite winning just 2 games a year ago, head coach Dan Hawkins has a track record of success that should not be overlooked. They return 9 offensive starters from last season, including RB Hugh Charles. Though Charles had a disappointing season, he is still dangerous.
Key stretch of games: vs. Missouri, at Iowa State, vs. Nebraska5. Iowa State
The Cyclones really struggled in Big XII play last season, going just 1-7, with the lone win coming against Missouri when an official blew a call that negated a last second Mizzou touchdown. The league admitted as much, but the victory counted and Iowa State had their only conference win. The team has a new head coach in Gene Chizik, who comes north from his position as Auburn's defensive coordinator. On offense, QB Brett Meyer returns for his senior season. He is a good player and more than capable of leading the offense. His primary weapon will be WR Todd Blythe, a 6'6" weapon who has hauled in over 100 passes in his career. Defense is going to be a chore for Iowa State, as they have a young unit with one outstanding player in LB Ace Bowen, but question marks elsewhere.
Key stretch of games: vs. Kansas State, vs. Colorado, at Kansas
6. Kansas
In Lawrence, head coach Mark Mangino has a defense returning 8 starters, including outstanding corner Aquib Talib. That's the good news. The bad news is, they lost the conference's top rusher in Jon Cornish, have yet to settle on a quarterback, and lost 3 starting offensive lineman from a year ago.
Key stretch of games: at Colorado, at Texas A&M, vs. Nebraska
South Division
1. Texas
Once again, head coach Mack Brown has a powerhouse on his hands with the Longhorns. QB Colt McCoy led Big XII passers in efficiency, and threw 29 TD's against just 7 picks. Also returning are leading rusher Jamaal Charles at running back, and an outstanding group of receivers, led by physical freak Limas Sweed. The offensive line suffered a hit as they lost three outstanding players, but in Texas, you know what they say - they just reload. Defensively, the team returns 6 players, including DT Frank Okam and all 3 starting linebackers. The defensive backfield could be their only area of concern, which will happen when two of your players were picked in the first round of the NFL draft.
Key stretch of games: at Oklahoma State, vs. Texas Tech, at Texas A&M
2. Oklahoma
Head coach Bob Stoops is known as one of the best in college football. There is no doubt he is, but his reputation took a bit of a hit when OU came under sanctions when it was found out two of his players took money for work they didn't do. He can gain some of that rep back by leading a Sooners team to a BCS bowl in '07. That may not be easy to do, as the team lost starting QB Paul Thompson, and all-world RB Adrian Peterson. However, the unit does return 8 other starters, and once they determine who will be under center, they should be solid again. Defensively, 6 starters return, but they lost 3 defensive lineman. The situation is better in the secondary, though, as all starters return.
Key stretch of games: vs. Texas A&M, vs. Baylor, at Texas Tech
3. Texas A&M
9 offensive starters return for head coach Dennis Franchione, as he looks to upgrade from his 9 win season a year ago. Back is QB Stephen McGee, a dual threat player who can throw and run consistently well. Speaking of running, the Aggies also have one of the more fun players in the nation to watch returning in RB Jorvorskie Lane. He is a 6', 260 pound beast who is a chore for anybody to take down. Last year, he ran for an astounding 19 TD's, as he is nearly impossible to stop on the goal line. He and RB Mike Goodson, who ran for over 800 yards, form a potent duo. Defensively, the unit returns just 6 starters, but they do have experience, as 3 seniors will anchor the defensive line, and both starting cornerbacks return.
Key stretch of games: at Oklahoma, at Missouri, vs. Texas
4. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State won 7 games last year under head coach Mike Gundy, an improvement of 3 wins from 2005. The team returns 15 starters, setting them up in good position to be a player in the South division. Among those players is QB Bobby Reid, who can do it all, whether it be running or throwing. He tossed 24 TD's a year ago, and half of those were to WR Adarius Bowman, one of the best wideouts in the nation. Bowman caught 60 passes for over 1,100 yards, and figures to better those numbers in 2007. RB Dantrell Savage, the team's leading rusher last season, also returns, and he is helped by an offensive line returning 4 starters. Defensively, the Cowboys are challenged, and they may have to win games by outscoring everybody else. No starting defensive lineman are back this year, so shoring that position up is a priority.
Key stretch of games: at Texas A&M, at Nebraska, vs. Kansas State
5. Texas Tech
If there's one thing the Red Raiders do, it's throw the football. QB Graham Harrell returns for head coach Mike Leach to lead the nation's 3rd rated passing game. Harrell threw for over 4,500 yards in '06, which was 1,000 more than anyone else in the conference. He also tossed 38 TD's, 9 more than the closest competitor, but threw only 11 picks in over 600 attempts. The team lost two of it's starting wideouts, Joel Filani and Robert Johnson, who combined for 180 catches, but Tech always has receivers at the ready. Defense is another story, as only 5 starters return from middle of the pack unit. There is no senior on the defensive line, but 3 starters return in the defensive backfield. If nothing else, Tech will be fun to watch once again.
Key stretch of games: at Baylor, at Texas, vs. Oklahoma
6. Baylor
Every conference needs it's whipping boy, and Baylor is that in the Big XII. Head coach Guy Morriss' team won just 4 games a year ago, and '07 doesn't look much brighter. The team lost productive QB Shawn Bell, and will replace him with senior Michael Machen, who is going to be 26 in the fall. The leading returning rusher is Brandon Whitaker, who gained just 158 yards and had a 3.9 yards per carry average in '06. Defensively, there is a bright spot in LB Joe Pawelek, a first team all-freshman selection a year ago. However, the team still gave up 5 yards a carry and both starting cornerbacks are gone. The Bears could be in for another long year.
Key stretch of games: vs. Texas Tech, at Oklahoma, vs. Oklahoma State
0 comment(s) Links to this post Posted at 4:13 PM ET
Similar Topics: Big 12, Kansas State, Kyle Smith, Missouri, NCAA Football, Nebraska, Oklahoma, sports, Texas A and M
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