Big 12 Review/Preview 2008: Week One

This is a weekly blog where I will briefly review the last game and preview the next for each and every Big 12 team.  Here is 2008’s first edition.

Baylor

Review:  Last year was not a great year for the Bears.  The offense struggled, the defense got picked apart, and they lost their head coach.  Can anyone bring Baylor up to the top of the Big 12?

Preview:  The Bears’ first game under new head coach Art Briles is today.  They get a home game against a very talented team in Wake Forest.  The Bears need to have a strong night from whoever their QB is, and they need some receivers to shine in Briles’ spread offense.  The defense needs to improve a lot from last year.  At least it’s a home game.

Colorado

Review:  The Buffs had their ups and downs last year.  They upset the conference champ, Oklahoma, but they got creamed by Missouri on the same field, 55-10. 

Preview:  Coloradohas a home matchup versus in state rival, Colorado State on Sunday.  Darrell Scott needs to show why he is such a highly touted recruit, while Cody Hawkins has to improve upon his impressive 2007 campaign.  The defense doesn’t have to shut them out, just slow them down.

Iowa State

Review:  The Cyclones had a disappointing year in 2007, but it’s not like it wasn’t expected.  Can they rise above expectations in ’08?

Preview:  The Cyclones take on South Dakota State at home.  They don’t need to be amazing, but they can’t overlook their FCS opponent.  As long as they bring the B game, they should win with relative ease.

Kansas

Review:  The Hawks shocked the world last year, with a great offense, great defense, and a very favorable schedule.  Can they do it again with a tougher schedule?

Preview:  They play Florida International, one of last year’s worst teams.  Although they should be improved, Kansas will have an opportunity to play some new players and get them some good experience.  The offense should roll, while the defense should be fine.

Kansas State

Review:  K-State had a disappointing year, and Ron Prince is trying a quick fix, signing 19 JUCO players for this year.

Preview:  North Texas comes to the Little Apple, led by Todd Dodge and his high octane attack.  The Wildcats should really watch out for this team as the offense should be much improved from last year, as well as the defense of North Texas.  Josh Freeman really needs to step it up and shine, as do the receivers after losing Jordy Nelson to the NFL.  The defense needs to slow down the attack of North Texas, no easy task. 

Missouri

Review:  The Tigers finally broke through last year and won the North.  They have huge expectations this year, being picked to win it all by some experts. 

Preview:  Mizzou takes on Illinois, another top 25 program.  The offense needs to pick up where it left off from last year, which won’t be easy considering they lose five players.  The defense should be great, returning ten starters.  They can’t let Juice Williams beat them on the run.

Nebraska

Review:  They had one of the worst seasons in school history, as the defense was absolutely atrocious.

Preview:  The Huskers take on Western Michigan, a favorite to win the MAC.  This won’t be easy, but if the defense improves a little, Joe Ganz and the offense will have to prove the doubters wrong.

Oklahoma

Review:  Bob Stoops’ title of Big Game Bob has almost been stripped after recent BCS losses…can he prove his doubters and finally win a BCS game?

Preview:  The Sooners play Chattanooga in Norman.  If the Sooners bring their D game, they should still win comfortably.

Oklahoma State

Review:  The Cowboys had a decent year last year, but it could have been better.  They need to improve on last year’s mistakes to have a shot at the big boys.

Preview:  They travel to Washington State.  The offense needs to be as good as last year’s, while the defense really needs to step it up in order to get this win on the road against a Pac-10 opponent.

Texas

Review:  The Longhorns didn’t have their best year last year, losing to OU and not winning the South.  Could this be their year?

Preview:  Texas will play Florida Atlantic.  They will be pumped up for the home opener, and the offense should be clicking.  The defense will have a challenge in QB Rusty Smith and his offense.

Texas A&M

Review:  The Aggies had a down year and fired the head coach.  Can new coach, Mike Sherman improve the Aggies in one year?

Preview:  The Aggies get Arkansas State at home.  Everything would have to go wrong for them to lose this one, even with the new offense of Mike Sherman.

Texas Tech

Review:  The Red Raiders had a decent year last year, but they should be even better in ’08.

Preview:  TTU plays another high powered attack in Eastern Washington, but they should outclass them on offense.  The defense brings back experience and should be able to hold Eastern Washington to under 20.

PREDICTIONS

WF@BU-Wake Forest 38 Baylor 28—Wake Forest’s offense is too much for the defense, but the Baylor O raises some eyebrows in it’s debut.

CSU@CU-Colorado State 17 Colorado 27—Colorado’s offense plays well enough to beat their rival.  Darrell Scott has a decent first game.

SDSU@ISU-South Dakota State 10 Iowa State 34—Iowa State’s defense plays well and the offense does too in the season opening W.

FIU@KU-Florida International 6 Kansas 59—Kansas obliterates the Golden Panthers…not even close.

NTU@KSU-North Texas 31 Kansas State 34—Kansas State overlooks the Mean Green and nearly blows it’s cupcake game.

UI@MU (St. Louis)-Illinois 17 Missouri 24—The Tigers defensive experience gives them the edge in a hard fought battle.

WMU@NU-Western Michigan 17 Nebraska 44—The Huskers defense shows lots of improvement from last year and the offense plays great.

UC@OU-Chattanooga 3 Oklahoma 69—The Sooners run away with this one in a game that is never close.  The second team is in by at least half time.

OSU@WSU-Oklahoma State 31 Washington State 28—The Cowboys take one away from Wazzu on a game winning drive in the fourth quarter.

FAU@UT-Florida Atlantic 9 Texas 38—Howard Schnellenberger will never again call Texas’ defense weak.

UAS@TAMU-Arkansas State 10 Texas A&M 45—The offensive attack looks great in Sherman’s first game as head coach.

EWU@TTU-Eastern Washington 17 Texas Tech 59—Eastern Washingtonhas no answer for Crabtree, Harrell, or the Red Raider defense.

That’s it, please comment below……