BIG XII Preview

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All-Big XII Fantasy Team 2001:  GO

For more on these teams, see the 2000 Fantasy Info below.

Big XII schedule in 2000: GO   |   All-Big XII Fantasy Team 2000:  GO

Team Breakdowns:

South
Baylor | Oklahoma | Oklahoma State | Texas | Texas A&M | Texas Tech 

North
Colorado | Iowa State | Kansas | Kansas State | Missouri | Nebraska
 

Team Previews

Baylor Bears

What Baylor has going against them is, for the most part, clear.  They play in a brutal conference, typically have an anemic offense (like last year's less-than 19 pts. per game scoring average) and compete against teams like Texas, A&M and Texas Tech for in-state talent (not to mention Oklahoma, which manages to grab its share of Texas talent each year).  They start each season with low expectations as far as Wins, which has to hurt team preparation.  

What they have going for them is not so clear.  This year, though, it has gotten clearer.  They have a good running game, with standout talent Darrell Bush most notable among their backs.  They now seem to have an answer at QB, as well, with ex-Lonhorn Greg Cicero.  (Cicero lost out to now-starter Applewhite for the QB spot, and then transferred to JUCO before ending up right across the conference at Baylor.)  Andra Fuller looks to be the answer at receiver, also, if he can repeat what he showed during the spring.  

They also seem to have done something about that team expectation item above; spring practices were reportedly upbeat, and all players seem to be responding well to coach Steele's philosophy and optimistic outlook.

The defense looks better this year, as well.  Baylor feels they have found the tools to run their front seven defense, with Ryan Gillwater at the nose Charles Mann at the end, and Kris Micheaux at LB.  The defensive backfield should be stronger this year if CBs Wilturner and Baxter get some help at the safety spots.

Not everything was good this spring, though, with recent news of FB Derek Lagaway suffering a season-ending injury during a motorcycle accident.  The Bears will have to find an answer to that loss, if they hope for the running game to be at the level they were expecting coming into the season.

Things look much better now than they did earlier this year.  Many questions about filling in for lost starters, and whether the potential for a surprising season was there, have been answered. To see what we had to say about Baylor this spring, click here:  GO

Colorado Buffaloes

On the positive side, Colorado will all be much improved this season.  On the negative side, Colorado's schedule and level of talent look to point toward a 4- or 5-loss season.  

The Buffaloes play the projected top two teams in the PAC-10 -- USC and Washington -- as well as  the three best in the Big XII -- Nebraska, Kansas State and Texas -- who also figure in many preseason Top 5's.  Then there's that game against Colorado State, which proved to be a sore beginning to last season.  If they can pull out half of these games, it will be fantastic season for Colorado.  

Those aren't the only negatives that come to mind, though.  The Buffs roster isn't set yet for opening day, with plenty of questions looming for coach Barnett.  First is perhaps the QB slot.  At present the race for the starting QB spot seems to be a dead heat between Bobby Pesavento and Zac Colvin.  This has to work itself out, and soon, or Barnett will have to deal with the usually problematic situation of having two QBs of equal talent competing for the status of the Starter. 

Colvin and Pesavento have company in the backfield, too.  The starting RB job, which earlier this spring seemed to be a lock for standout back Cortlen Johnson, has become more foggy since the surprising start of stud recruit Marcus Houston.  This situation bears watching, as the Buffs backfield has of late worked best when it is a one-horse show.

Defensively things are better, but not great.  Most notable among the questions on that side of the ball is the health of star LB Jashon Sykes.  He comes into the season as a favorite as All-American Linebacker, but recent shoulder surgery throws an unwelcome doubt over his status.  the Buffs need a strong LB crew -- and a healthy Sykes -- to anchor their defense.

All in all, it looks like another disappointing year for Barnett.  While ex-head coach Rick Neuheisel heads into the season with many writers naming his Washington Huskies the sleepers for the coming season, new head man Barnett is being referred to as leader of a still slumbering program at CU.  

At this point it looks like the Buffs best hope is to hand conference rivals NU or KSU a damaging loss, after saving face by not allowing Colorado State to come away with back-to-back wins.  A repeat of last season's 7-win record would seem likely.  

To see what we had to say about Colorado this spring, click here:  GO

Iowa State Cyclones 

Life after the Davis boys is going to be hard on Cyclones fans.  Oddly, though, it might be easier than it has been all these years with a Davis suiting up at RB.  Certainly no reflection on the value of the Davis RBs, but instead a testament to the ability of coach McCarney to find a talented signal caller, then change up the offense to accent his skills and cover up for the loss of talent at RB.  

QB Sage Rosenfels was a surprise for the Cyclones last season, and is expected to continue his development into this year's offensive star.  He'll need help from the OL, which at the moment doesn't seem to be strong enough a unit to be overly optimistic.  The backfield will also have to step in and produce, with Ennis Haywood and Michael Wagner looking like the two players who should be asked to handle the duties of replacing the departed Davis.

Defense is going to be the strong point of the 2000 Cyclones, though.  That is, if you believe what is coming out of coach McCarney's office.  He is confident that his Iowa State defense is going to be able to handle the conference foes on the slate for this season, and from the look of it we have to agree.  Almost all of the starters return; there is huge talent on the line; and reinforcements in the backfield are scheduled to arrive, highlighted by the return of the injury-scratched DB Jamarcus Powers.  They were a decent unit last year, and should be in the top half of the Big XII in terms of defensive production in 2000.

While it won't be time for Cyclones fans to buy Big XII title game tickets this December, a strong season can wash away too many memories of disappointing years and be just what the doctor ordered.

To see what we had to say about Iowa State this spring, click here:  GO

Kansas Jayhawks  

The Kansas program is another one on the rise in the Big XII.  2000 looks like a good year to be a Jayhawks fan.  With a ton of talent returning, a strong 'D' and RB David Winbush leading the way offensively, things could be very interesting in Lawrence this fall. (And not just because of the soap opera that is BB coach Roy Williams' sports life.)

Winbush is being looked to as leader of the ground game, and occasional spark elsewhere when the Jayhawks have the ball.  He shouldn't disappoint.  But perhaps the most important part of a successful KU season is the production of QB Dylen Smith.  The QB position has been crying out for a star for some time now, and KU may have what they have been waiting for.  If he fulfills his potential, Smith can join Winbush as a solid 1-2 punch for the Jayhawks' offense.   They'll need help at receiver, but that crew seems to be in decent shape as well thanks to some JUCO transfers and returning players.  

Defense is perhaps the biggest question going in to the fall.  There aren't many stars returning, so look for some new faces to be tried in there before Allen can settle on a solid group to lead the 'D'.  LB Andrew LeClair is the star at this point, and he'll look for help from some fresh faces on the line to mount the necessary pressure to slow down those potent Big XII offenses.

Things are looking up in Lawrence.  How high, is still a question.  Don't be surprised if the Jayhawks come out of September with a couple of wins, then get another couple in October and finish the season with an upset in November.

To see what we had to say about Kansas this spring, click here:  GO

Kansas State Wildcats   

Are Wildcats fans tired of hearing things like this recent snip from ESPN:  "Kansas State, after playing its cream puff early schedule, has a good defense and gets Nebraska at home" (Big 12 offseason report)?  Why the need to stick in the derogatory comment about the schedule, right?  Think it's unfair?  Well, it is and it isn't.

The case for bashing coach Snyder's decisions about non-conference opponents has been well documented elsewhere. There are good reasons to bash him for it.  It has gotten the revitalized Wildcats program into position to challenge for the Big XII title year in and out over the past decade or so, though; so the case against bashing Snyder has that on its side.  Bash it or not, the fact remains that Kansas State comes into this season with a Top 5 ranking in most preseason write ups, and they have brought in the talent necessary to make statements like this one possible: "If they beat Nebraska at home, they'll have a clear shot at the Orange Bowl."

Snyder is perhaps the king of the quality JUCO transfers these past few years, and he's looking for that to continue this season.  Josh Scobey comes to the 'Cats from Northeastern A&M, with 31 TDs already to his name in his two year college career.  Teamed with returning RB/KR David Allen the backfield should be stellar.  With the QB situation still posing some questions -- like Beasley versus Roberson for the starting job -- they'll need production out of the backs early and often.

If Jonathan Beasley can win the QB job for good, he'll enjoy a season of throwing to two of the conference's best receivers, Aaron Lockett and Quincy Morgan.  And when the offense can't punch it in, they'll have the Big XII's best in PK Jamie Rheem to turn it into points in his own way.

Defensively they're in good shape as well.  It's speed first again in KSU, and the secondary looks ready to be one of the best units in the country again this year.  They're only question seems to be in the middle of the defensive unit, with the line coming back for the most part and looking solid.  Some LBs have to step to the front of the stage and make some plays, especially in the one or two tight games KSU has on their schedule this season.

To see what we had to say about Kansas State this spring, click here:  GO

Missouri Tigers  

Oklahoma again seems to be setting a trend in Big XII (Big 8, pt. 2) football.  That is, if you take the new face of Mizzou as being influenced by the look -- and success -- of the new Sooners offense.

This time, the Sooners-influence doesn't manifest in a run-run-run again offense, but rather a throw-throw-run once in a while one.  Yes, Missouri is going to the air.  (Sounds almost as unbelievable as last year's headlines here that read, "Sooners ready to air it out.")  To get there, they brought in Western Michigan offensive brain power, Bill Cubit.  (And if Mizzou can equal or better the success seen in the air game at WMU, they should do just fine with their new look offense.)

The lucky recipients of the new game plan are receivers John Dausman and Travis Garvin.  They will get their chance to shine early and often.   Keep the name Justin Gage handy, as well; Gage seems set to play the role OU's Brandon Daniels did for the Sooners last season, all purpose athlete who can run amock and take advantage of the spread offense formations.  The fortunate back who will benefit from less men in the box is still a question, though many see Zack Abron as the front runner.  His abilities fit the wide open style of offense better than returning RB Zain Gilmore, and this combined with his strong showing earlier this off season may lift him into the number one spot.

The word on who will lead the new 'O' and whether this change in style benefits the position or puts more pressure on the signal caller is, well there isn't a definite one as yet.  In either case.  Returning QB Kirk Farmer seems the obvious choice.  He's coming back from a broken leg suffered during last season, and took part in most of the spring workouts.  He played well, both considering his time off and his overall performance.

Whether the O line can make the jump to the new wide open style of offense remains to be seen, as well.  Tigers fans have to be willing to allow the Mizzou program some time to adjust to the new game plan, and the line may need the most time.  Their play is all based on timing and support for each other, which takes reps.  Practice ones and game reps.  They are an experienced bunch, with three returning starters, which may help or hinder the transition.

Defense will be pressed hard with the shift in offense, as they will likely be on the rough end of a few more three-and-outs, and worse, turnovers, to be expected from the wide open style.  The secondary returns plenty, so they should allow the front seven to key on stopping the run.  Most notable member of that group is DE Justin Smith, who needs a huge season to help the team make it through its Offense's growing pains.

To see what we had to say about Missouri this spring, click here:  GO

Nebraska Cornhuskers  

Everything's coming up Oranges for the Huskers this January, we think.  

Aside from the usual, Will they let K State sneak a game from them? (no matter how strong the Wildcats are, they always seem to be a fair underdog to NU), the biggest question for the Huskers this summer will be, How good is Thunder Collins?  When you have Dan Alexander and Correll Buckhalter back there already, fans don't have too huge a worry when it comes to the remaining backfield members, though.  Especially when one of the guys back there is the superior talent of QB Eric Crouch. 

What's left to say about Nebraska that hasn't already been printed ten times over in the summer press already?  They will score, and score often.  Opponents' offenses will be lucky to get double-digit possessions in a game this year, as the methodical Husker ground game chips away at yardage as steadily as it chips away at the defense's resolve.  Expect a ton of 80+ yard scoring drives, with the occasional breakout run for score.  Merciless as always, strong as they've been in quite a while.

Defensively, it goes much the same as last year's (and recent years') previews.  They have size and speed and experience -- the Trifecta for defensive coordinators across the country.  They have potential Outland Trophy winners on the O line, and guys that can ruin several contenders' shot at an Outland Trophy by posting a few sacks and hurries and tackles behind the line on the D line and linebacking corps.  End Kyle Vanden Bosch leads this group, with Carlos Polk heading the LB crew.  The secondary will miss the Browns (Ralph and Mike) but they bring back plenty of talent, many with game experience.  They expect to be fine.  (Of course when you can count on the level of pressure that front seven should deliver each week, it's easy to feel a bit more comfortable.) 

Nebraska is the glamour team and should be in Miami for the national championship game, but the conference has several teams that could make it tough for the Huskers.

To see what we said about the 'Huskers this spring, click here:  GO

Oklahoma Sooners  

The sophomore season is waiting in the wings for second year head coach Bob Stoops and his crew, and their QB gem Josh Heupel.  Along with the pressures of following up a stellar season with the brand new offense the Sooners put together in '99, there are the added challenges of a monstrous schedule (preseason Top 10 -- for some, top 5 -- Nebraska, Kansas State, and Texas all appear on the schedule, and in successive games) as well as the loss of offensive coordinator Mike Leach.  So it isn't going to be easy to repeat last season's success.

Whether or not they can do it will depend upon whether or not Big XII teams and the rest of their opponents can figure out a solution to the wide open Sooner pass-first offense.  That is, of course, the new Sooner offense, which is likely to be the same as last season's only in its pass-first tendency.  With Leach gone, the O will have a different game plan, and Stoops is counting on it being just different enough to leave 'em guessing a while longer.  Just long enough to allow Heupel and the gang to score a few more times.

Heupel was last season's star, a JUCO transfer who came to wishbone-hearty Oklahoma and threw-- yeah, threw -- for 33 TDs and almost 4,000 yards last year.  There were probably more passes and air yards in '99 than in the entire tenure of famed coach Barry Switzer.  Sooners fans didn't mind, though, and should continue to progress in their wishbone-withdrawal treatments as long as Heupel and Co. can continue to produce wins.

The offense will get help from arguably the best one-two LB combination in the country, in Rocky Calmus and Torrance Marshall.  They join 8 returning starters, so the unit will be experienced.  If they can build on last season's strong performance, look for them to do a good job of holding onto leads put up by that Offense.  If they improved in their weakest area from last season -- weakness in the closing part of games -- it shouldn't be as hard to repeat their 7-4 regular season record. 

Heupel gets help on offense from two receivers likely to garner some all-Big XII team votes: Antwone Savage and Andre Woolfolk.  Their scat back RB Quinten Griffin looks to build on last season's experience and make a name for himself in his role as runner and receiver out of the backfield. He is good, and will give defenses something to regret if they let him free when they double up on the ends or run blitzes. The only real question is the quality of the O line.  Losing a monster like Stockar McDougle has to hurt, and we'll have to wait to see who else is waiting in the wings to shine for the Sooners.

If their preseason rankings from TSN and others are any indication, Oklahoma is close to returning to their rightful place as perennial preseason Top 10.  This year, they'll have to settle for teens-twenties, and a decent shot at the Big XII title game as the south's representative.  

To see what we said about the Sooners this spring, click here:  GO

Oklahoma State Cowboys  

The Cowboys get about half of their offense back from last season, but the good part is 3 of those six are on the O line, and one of the other two is QB Tony Lindsay.  State missed Lindsay a great deal when he went down injured for half of the '99 season.  If he stays healthy this year, and plays to the level he showed last year, Cowboys fans have reason to be optimistic this season.

Lindsay has a good arm and excellent mobility.  He'll make some plays, and give his receivers time to get open.  Who he'll throw to is still a question, though.  Spring cleared the picture  up somewhat, but not enough to say who will get the green light to anchor the receiving corps.  

The RB situation is much clearer, with the Cowboys set to start the season with a solid two-man package in Reggie White and Jamaal Fobbs.  They are getting a lot of press as stars in the State running game, eliciting plenty of comparisons to the Thurman/Barry years when the Cowboys enjoyed grand seasons from their backfield.  White and Fobbs won't be that good, but even getting close could be enough to catapult the team to the winning season they desperately need to get the program back on track.

Defense was a question last season, and got a lot of attention from coach Simmons this offseason.  State suffers from considerable losses on the 'D,' with only 5 starters returning.  On the plus side, they get four back in the defensive backfield, and that unit should be solid. Furthermore, there are high expectations for youngsters on the D line, most notable this spring being End Juqua Thomas.  If they can answer the questions in the front seven, coach Simmons will going Bowlin' this winter.

To see what we said about the Cowboys this spring, click here:  GO

Texas Longhorns  

Where to start?  Easy schedule, dropping Hawaii, Simms versus Applewhite, ...  Nah, we already covered all of those in the News Stand.  Let's just leave it at this: if the Longhorns don't find their way into a BCS Bowl this year, it will be because of sever misfortune or some conspiracy.  And not the type Texans are used to, where their 4-loss team gets a January invite just because they're from Texas.

Before they get to the Big XII title game, though -- and actually, before they even take the field on opening day -- Mack Brown's Longhorns have to settle that little problem we alluded to above.  To Bench or Not to Bench; that is the question.  Does he sit returning starter Major Applewhite and allow upcoming star QB Chris Simms to come in and play, or does he ride Applewhite's considerable abilities one more year and let Simms get some experience in spot duty.  Not sure yet, but we can tell you that either way, he'll have a strong player taking snaps and another one itching to get in there watching from the sidelines.  

Supporting the eventual winner in the QB lottery will be returning starter at RB Hodges Mitchell, and recent recruiting scores Victor Ike and Kenny Hayter.  The running game should have no problem, especially since the Horns sport one of the more highly touted O lines coming into the season.  At receiver, the 'Horns lost Big XII leader Kwame Cavil, but they have a few potential replacements in guys like Montrell Flowers.  No one has stepped out as yet, so it's a matter of wait-and-see for coach Brown.

Defense is again a strong spot for UT.  It starts up front with twin towers at tackle Shaun Rogers and Casey Hampton.  Look for one or both to be in the season ending All-American roster.  They also have last season's Defensive Freshman of the Year Cory Redding at End.  With strength like that in the first wave, the LB crew has an advantage over offenses, and they will use that to improve as the year goes on.  The secondary and LB areas benefit from good returning starters, so the unit as a whole is solid.  

Everything seems to be falling in place for UT -- from their roster to their conference schedule (and with a little help this spring, their non-conference schedule as well).  Now, they just have to play out the season.

To see what we said about Texas in the spring, click here:  GO

Texas A&M Aggies  

The questions this year start at QB, go through the RBs and end at the secondary.  But we'll start on the positive end.

The front seven anchor this team.  The line is solid, bringing back all three from last year's team and adding good depth; the LB crew is another in the long line of no-names at the start of the season, which end up being very well known by season's end.  The secondary is rebuilding, but has a great front seven in front of them to help out.

The questions at RB are, How  good is freshman Richard Whitaker (good enough to unseat the best returning Aggie RB Ja'Mar Toombs, and shift him to FB, at least) and then, How good a FB is Ja'Mar Toombs?  If Slocum turns out to be right in making this roster move, look out for the Aggie running game.

The question at QB is, Who is good enough to lead this team?  The leader out of spring is Mark Farris, but Colby Freeman and Vance Smith aren't far behind.  Too close a call to make Slocum comfortable, but he gave Farris the nod going into the summer.  If Farris makes the jump to solid conference QB, he'll be compared to FSU's Weinke all season long; Farris went the route of minor league baseball only to return to college to try his hand at QB, much like Weinke.  Aggies fans have to be hoping for similar results from their version.

Until the questions above are answered satisfactorily, look for A&M to be slated as third best in the south.  To see what we said about A&M in the spring, click here:  GO

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Tech fans have to be drooling.  They saw what Oklahoma did last season, turning their offense from inept to almost unstoppable.  Now, they have the brains behind that transition, in new head coach Mike Leach.  Now all they need is the firepower to make Leach's system go.

Enter returning RB Ricky Williams and QB Kliff Klingsbury, who seem to have adapted to the new wide open style just fine.  What's not to love, though, from their perspective.  The offense is flash and burn, with the occasional pounding up the middle for usually good chunks of yardage.  They'll have to live with the increase in turnovers likely from this type of game plan, so we'll see how well they can translate it into game situations in a few weeks.

The receivers really shine in this offense, and the Raiders added a JUCO transfer in James Wagner who came running when he saw what they were planning to do in Lubbock this year.  He'll certainly get opportunities to make plays, and excellent speed should allow him to be open deep quite a bit.

The O line will be challenged by this new style of offense.  They get three of their starters back, which could be a plus or minus.  If they can make the transition in blocking styles and gel quickly enough, Klingsbury will have the time needed to get rid of the ball.  If not, it will be a harsh learning curve for the oft-sacked QB.

Defensively the Raiders have a stud in preseason all-American DB Kevin Curtis.  The rest of the secondary is full of questions, though.  Linebackers are faster and designed to put more pressure in the backfield, but they will run the risk of getting overpowered by many teams.  The D line is adequate, but needs to get stronger, fast.  With the style of offense coming in, expect the D to get plenty of work.  All they'll have to do is keep teams in the 20's or low 30's, though, if Leach gets the offensive production they're expecting.

To see what we said about Tech in the spring, click here:  GO

Predicted Finish

Here's how we season the season ending for the Big XII

Big XII Schedule for 2000 season: GO

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