That's Quack-tastic! Big XII in drivers seat for National Title

The Big XII may rank fourth in the Sagarin Conference rankings ahead of the Big Ten and ACC, but outside the top 4 teams, this conference is terrible. And yet, thanks to three ligaments in Dennis Dixon's knee (which I will say, sucks. He was fun to watch.) Oregon's National title hopes are gone, falling on the road at lowly Arizona. (A gift from younger Stoops to older Stoops)

The Oregon loss pretty much assures that the Big XII Champion is going to be playing for the National Title. I thought that Oregon was going to end up getting screwed anyways, because of the strength of schedule and voters boost that the Big XII Round Robin winner would get. As the new #2, #3, and #4 in the BCS with Texas most likely climbing into the top 10 before everything said and done, the Big XII has the most top heavy conference in the country. Am I saying they are the best teams in the country, definitely not. But when you have to get up for three games a season as opposed to every single one in the SEC, it makes it a little easier to run the table.

Assuming Missouri can get a road win at Kansas State this week, and Kansas can beat the streaking Cyclones of Iowa State, the Kansas and Missouri will meet as the #2 and #4 teams in the BCS with the winner moving on to the Big XII Championship game. This is the biggest game the Big XII North will have seen since the Nebraska-Colorado days, if not ever. It is certainly the first time the North has mattered in the last 5 years.

If Oklahoma can survive two dangerous offensive teams that can't play a lick of defense in Texas Tech (in Lubbock) and Oklahoma State (at home) then Oklahoma will be playing the winner of the North showdown for the right to play in the National Championship. If everything holds up, that game will be #2 vs. #3 in the BCS Rankings in a game that will be the first Big XII Championship game anyone has cared about in five years.

What does all this mean for Texas? Well it means that Texas got another fortuitous bounce in their improbable (and undeserving) darkhorse candidacy for the BCS. Oregon might not drop behind Texas in the BCS standings, but if Dennis Dixon is injured I don't think they can win both of their last two games at UCLA and vs. Oregon State. The loss also allows for Arizona State to control their destiny in the Pac-10. If they can win this weekend against USC, they will knock USC out of the BCS and lock up the automatic bid for the Pac-10, exactly what Texas would want. This is getting to the point of silliness as Texas continues to march towards a BCS birth. I still think that if Oklahoma wins the Big XII Title, a 10-2 Texas gets the nod from the BCS bowls because of their fan base, over a 2-loss Missouri or a 1-loss Kansas. Unfair? Yes. Am I going to complain? No.

A few other notes on the Oregon game:

- Was it me or did watching Brady Leaf (younger brother of Ryan Leaf) play just have a sense of impending doom about him? The Leaf cross has to be a heavy one to bare, and while I'm sure he is a talented player, I had a sick sense of enjoyment watching him lose and not comeback in that game. He's a Leaf, you just want to see if he's going to get drunk, yell at reporters, and throw interceptions.

- The Ryan Leaf sideline interview was priceless. For most people I'm sure it was seeing a late 90s celebrity being unearthed for an awkward appearance. However, being in Texas I did know that Leaf had landed on his feet (if you can call it that) as a volunteer Quarterbacks coach at West Texas A&M. While this is just too easy to make jokes about, Ryan Leaf reminds you that before you laugh, they are 11-0, #4 in the country in Division ? and are getting great quarterbacks play. Thank you for that resume reading Ryan, but don't call us, we'll call you. He did a solid job of holding it together and not looking too excited to be back on the football map for his 5 minutes of fame, until of course he told Chris Fowler that he missed him. I don't think I'm the only one that found that to be an extremely uncomfortable moment. If only he could have tried to kiss Erin Andrews.

- Dennis Dixon is an amazing player and he would have cemented the Heisman had he played the entire game, I'm sure of that. However, the collapse of Oregon once he was out of the game speaks volumes about this Ducks team. Many people like to compare Oregon and Dennis Dixon to Texas and Vince Young, and while they are similar players and Vince was the only reason Texas won the National Championship, that Texas team was a lot more talented and I think that without Vince with they could have won with their defense, special teams, and running game against a team in the bottom half of the division. You would have liked to see more from Oregon's defense and offense, being a team that was supposedly going to play for the National Title. Though I'm sure we'll be saying that about Kansas, Oklahoma, or Missouri in the coming weeks.

2007 Season Preview: Oklahoma Sooners

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

2006 proved to be one of the most impressive coaching jobs by head coach Bob Stoops. After the Rhett Bomar scandal, Oklahoma was forced to enter the season without a true quarterback, in Paul Thompson. After losing the Red River Shootout, Oklahoma fell to 3-2, and things looked bleak. However, Stoops was able to lead the Sooners to eight straight victories, a Big XII Championship, and a BCS bowl appearance.

This season, redshirt freshman Sam Bradford takes over the offense that must reestablish themselves as a potent offense in the Big XII. With the injury in 2006 to Adrian Peterson, the Sooners were able to see the talents of senior Allen Patrick (761 yds/4 TD). With Patrick taking over on the ground, it should take a lot of the pressure to carry the team off Bradford. Bradford will also benefit from returning all of his receivers from a year ago, in juniors Malcom Kelly (62 rec/993 yds), Juaquin Iglesias (41 rec/514 yds), and Manuel Johnson (36 rec/378 yds). If Bradford can come in and perform well, he very well could put up the kind of numbers that Colt McCoy put up his first season with the Longhorns. However, all eyes will be on freshman tailback DeMarco Murray, out of Las Vegas. He is being touted as possibly the top freshman running back in the country, and could be a major contributor this season if not the starter by the end of the season. Whether he is or not, this Sooners offense could potentially be a top unit this year. It all depends how Sam Bradford handles the spotlight and uses the weapons he has at his disposal.

Last season the Sooners defense was one of the top units in the country, giving up under 100 yards a game on the ground and under 200 yards a game through the air. However, Oklahoma will have to fill some holes off that defense as they lost their entire linebacking corps as well has half their defensive line. They will rely heavily on their secondary where they return three of four starters from a year ago. Regardless, this is a good defensive system, with an abundance of talent, and Oklahoma's defense should once again be one of the top units in the country.

Like every season, Oklahoma's true test will be the Red River Shootout against #4 Texas. However, they will be tested early as Miami will come to town in week 2. However, they should be able to handle Missouri, #25 Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State at home, and should have too much talent for Miami or Texas Tech. This season will come down to October 6th against the Longhorns in Dallas, TX. If they can come out of Dallas with a victory they will have their eyes set on a National Championship, and if they don't, they will still be in play for a BCS birth.

2007 Season Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.



2006 began to show what Bill Callahan's system was capable of. Brought into overhaul the Cornhuskers outdated offense, Callahan has done just that, looking ready to bring the Cornhuskers back to national prominence after a 9-5 season.

Nebraska has created a potent and balanced offense, mixing Nebraska's traditional power running game, with Callahan's west coast offense. Zac Taylor showed what the Callahan offense was capable of, putting up 3197 yards and 28 touchdowns. This year, Arizona State transfer Sam Keller takes over the Nebraska offense, looking for redemption after his unceremonious exit from the Sun Devils. He takes over an offense returning four of his offensive lineman and all of his receivers from a year ago. Senior receivers Maurice Purify and Terrance Nunn should lead the offense along with junior tailback Marlon Lucky, who should carry much of the load with the departure of Brandon Jackson. If Keller can adjust quickly, Nebraska should be just as good, if not better than a unit that scored 30 points a game and averaged over 400 yards last season.

The only question mark with Nebraska is whether the Black Shirts can reload. They will need to replace their entire defensive line from a season ago, but return senior linebackers Bo Ruud (65 tackles/2 sacks/2 int) and Corey McKeon (69 tackles/1 sack). They will rely on those two as well as their secondary, where they return three starters, to lead the team in 2007. If Nebraska can replenish their front line and stop the run as they have been known for, then Nebraska should once again have one of the top defenses in the Big XII.

The 2007 season will determine whether Nebraska is a Big XII contender, or merely the favorite to win the Big XII North. That question will become a lot clearer before the season begins as they must visit last year's ACC Champs, Wake Forest a week before #1 USC comes to Lincoln. Depending on how those games turn out, Nebraska will be heading into a manageable Big XII schedule, as they will host Oklahoma State and #25 Texas A&M, and must go to #4 Texas, and Missouri, which could very well decide the Big XII North. While they probably will fall short against USC, Nebraska has the chance to make a statement in the Big XII this season.

2007 Season Preview: Texas A&M Aggies

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

2006 was a make or break season for Dennis Franchione and the Aggies. Following an a 4-0 start against an easy schedule the Aggies proved themselves against #19 Missouri and at Oklahoma State. The 8-1 start gave confidence to an extremely young offense and defense, that allowed Texas A&M to put themselves back on the map with a season ending victory over the Longhorns. With a majority of the offense and defense returning the Aggies look poised to build on their success from a year ago.

The offense is once again led by junior Stephen McGee. The dual threat quarterback led the Aggies with 2295 yards, 12 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions while running for 666 yards and 2 touchdowns. While he needs to improve in his passing ability, he does not turn over the ball, and is dangerous on the ground. The Aggies have no shortage of threats on the ground with sophomore tailback Mike Goodson (847 yards/4 TD) and bruising junior tailback Jorvorskie Lane (725 yards/19 TD) all returning to an offense that averaged over 200 yards a game on the ground. The Aggies also return tight end Martellus Bennett, who is focusing only on football now, and should be ready for a breakout season. All of this is made possible by one of the top offensive lines in the Big XII, as they return four starters from a year ago, with the fifth seeing playing time in every game last year. Left Guard Kirk Elder and Center Cody Wallace are both Big XII first team performers from a year ago. This unit began to improve as the season wore on last year, and if McGee can establish a downfield passing game, this could be one of the most effective units in the Big XII.

The Aggies have been hoping for the return of the Wrecking Crew for some time now. In 2007 they could have a unit that approaches those levels, as they return 8 starters from a unit that matured and improved as the year went on. They are led by senior linebackers Mark Dodge (51 tackles/0.5 sacks/2 int) and Misi Tupe (54 tackles, 2 sacks), and defensive lineman Chris Harrington (59 tackles/7.5 sacks). They also feature a young, but experienced secondary featuring three juniors and a sophomore. If they can build on the progress they made last season this defense could be one of the top units in the Big XII.

While hopes are high in Aggieland, the Aggies will be tested all season, and will really have to overachieve to contend in the Big XII. With games at Miami, Texas Tech, #20 Nebraska, #8 Oklahoma, and Missouri, the Aggies would be fortunate to emerge from that with a winning record. Regardless of what happens the Aggies will have November 23rd circled on the calendar as they look for two straight against #4 Texas. It will be very difficult for this team to improve upon last year, even though the product on the field will be much improved.

2007 Season Preview: Texas Tech Red Raiders

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

2006 was a bit of a disappointment for the Red Raiders as they were surpassed by Texas A&M in the pecking order in the Big XII South. The season was marred with inconsistent play, with losses to Missouri at home and Colorado on the road. However, the Red Raiders are ready for 2007 with the return of junior quarterback Graham Harrell, ready to build on an outstanding season in 2006.

Graham Harrell leads an offense that averaged 360 yards through the air per game. Coming off a season where he threw for 4,555 yards and 38 touchdowns, Harrell should only build those numbers, and is eyeing 5,000 yards this season. While Harrell loses his top two receivers, there are plenty of receivers waiting in the wings, ready to reap the benefits of playing in Mike Leach's offensive system. The system continues to put points on the board, making stars of whoever lines up. Look for junior tailback Shannon Woods (926 yds/10 TD) and senior receiver Danny Amendola (48 rec/487 yds/5 TD) to emerge and lead this offense.

One knows what to expect out of the Texas Tech offense, but it is on the defensive end where Texas Tech must prove itself. Teams find success running the ball against Tech, keeping their high-powered offense off the field. 2006 was no different as teams averaged 151 yards on the ground a game. This season will be no different as Texas Tech returns only one defensive lineman and one linebacker from a season ago. Tech will once again rely on their safeties, junior Darcel MacBath (75 tackles, 3 int) and senior Joe Garcia (87 tackles, 1 int). They will also need senior linebacker Kellen Tillman (42 tackles, 1 int) to step up. However, Texas Tech's defense will once again struggle this year to support their offense.

Texas Tech will benefit from having Texas A&M and Oklahoma visit Lubbock in 2007, but must go on the road against Oklahoma State, #4 Texas and Missouri. Texas Tech will also struggle to stop offenses like Oklahoma State, Texas and Missouri. Ultimately they will fall short in the shoot-outs if their defense cannot come up with a stop when they need to. However, they will once again be a dark horse in the Big XII South, with Mike Leach's air it out offense.

2007 Season Preview: Missouri Tigers

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

Missouri was the big surprise of 2006 behind the arm sophomore Chase Daniel and a high-powered offense. After starting the season 6-0, Missouri stumbled down the stretch, finishing the season with an 8-5 record, falling short in the Big XII North. Chase Daniel was the surprise of the Big XII, leading an offense that scored over 30 points a game, averaging over 400 yards of offense.

In 2007, Chase Daniel returns to lead the offense once again. He looks to build on a season where he threw for 3,527 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only 10 interceptions. He will have the same supporting cast back as they return senior tailback Tony Temple (1063 yds/7 TD) as well as his top 3 targets from a year ago. Senior receiver William Franklin led the way with 48 catches, 829 yards, and 6 touchdowns, while dual threat tight ends, senior Martin Rucker (53 rec/511 yds/5 TD) and junior Chase Coffman (58 rec/638 yds/9 TD) will continue to cause match up problems for every defense they face. The offensive line returns the entire left side in a unit that was solid a year ago. With all the same faces Missouri can only improve in what is an extremely dangerous offensive juggernaut.

The defense is where the question marks lay with this Missouri team. Last year they were able to dominate weaker opponents, but were unable to stop high caliber opponents. The defense has many holes to fill as they lost their top three tacklers from a year ago. They will rely heavily on junior linebacker Brock Christopher (87 tackles), and a defensive line that returns three starters. The secondary will also need to replace to starters from a year ago.

Missouri's season will begin in October when they host #20 Nebraska and visit #8 Oklahoma in consecutive weeks. If they can split those two games they will be well on their way towards a Big XII North Championship, if not a Big XII Championship. The offense should be superb again this year, but their season will come down to whether Chase Daniel can play like a champion in big games, and if Missouri can have an above average defense. They should be a contender, but their defense will really have to over achieve for them to make it to the Big XII Championship.

2007 Preseason Preview: Kansas State Wildcats

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

Kansas State looks to build on a 7-6 season in 2006, and their marquee win over #4 Texas at home. If Kansas State looks to build on their 2006 success, then they will need to improve on offense where they only averaged 115 yards a game on the ground and 200 yards a game in the air. They also must resemble the team that was able to knock off Texas and win three straight games twice during the season, and less like the team that struggled on offense and turned the ball over.

On offense they once again turn to sophomore Josh Freeman, who showed flashes of being the quarterback of the future last season, but was far too inconsistent as evidenced by his 6 TD and 15 Int. He is still a very raw talent, that needs to come a long way to be able to lead this offense. To aide his progress, Kansas State needs a big season out of their running game, and sophomore Leon Patton (609 yds/6 TD) and senior James Johnson (403 yds/2 TD). The offensive line will also need to come together as a unit as left guard still remains a question mark, and only two starters return from a year ago. However, the success of this unit will fall squarely on the shoulders of quarterback Josh Freeman, and how he has improved from a year ago. He has the ability to be a star, but still needs to become a better decision maker, and more accurate passer.

Kansas State was led by their defense in 2006, a unit that was solid against the pass and inconsistent against the run. They should once again be an impressive pass defense as they return they return a majority of their secondary from a year ago. They will be led by seniors Byron Garvin (58 tackles/2 sack/2 int) and Justin McKinney (54 tackles). The question mark will once again be when it comes to stopping the run as they lost their top two tacklers from a year ago. They will rely on their defensive ends, junior Ian Campbell (67 tackles/11.5 sacks) and senior Rob Jackson (36 tackles/4.5 sacks). However, they will need to fill the holes at linebacker to match their output of 2006.

2007 Preseason Preview: Oklahoma State Cowboys

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

Entering his third season, Oklahoma State looks ready to contend in the Big XII. Returning most of their starters on offense and defense, Oklahoma State is extremely talented on offense, and hopes their defense is ready to elevate their game as well.

In 2006, the Cowboys had a high octane offense that averaged 35 points a game, that led them to a 7-6 record. It was their run defense that let them down during the year as opponents were able to rack up 146 yards a game. As always their biggest challenge comes from the Big XII South opponents Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech. Oklahoma State will have to improve upon their 0-4 mark against those teams in 2006.

The Cowboys offense will once again led by the electric junior quarterback, Bobby Reid. After throwing for 2200 yards and 24 touchdowns, and running for 500 yards, Reid promises to be one of the most dangerous players in the Big XII. He is not alone as he returns 6'4" senior Adarius Bowman who led the team with 60 catches and 1181 yards. He also will have back junior tight end Brandon Pettigrew (24 rec/310 yards). With Reid's dual threat capabilities, Oklahoma State is able to establish their running game, where they return two of their three-headed running attack from a year ago. Senior Dantrell Savage (820 yds) and sophomore Keith Tolston (631 yds) should continue to build on their success from a year ago. This offense averaged over 400 yards a game last season and should do exactly the same this year. Behind Bobby Reid, this offense could be one of the best units in the country.

The defense is where Oklahoma State has been let down in the past. But with 9 returning starters, this defense looks to be much improved in 2007. The secondary returns all four starters from a year ago and are lead by seniors Martel Van Zant and Donovan Woods. Also, Sophomore Andre Sexton, the team leader in tackles from a year ago, will be back in the secondary. All three linebackers return led by senior Roderick Johnson (69 tackles, 2 sacks) and sophomore Patrick Lavigne (70 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 int). The real question mark on this defense will once again be on the defensive front. The defense last year gave up a 146 yards a game, allowing teams to pound the football and keep the high-octane offense off the field. They will need to be able to come up with big stops against their top opponents, something they could not do in 2006.

The Cowboys open their season with a true test at #13 Georgia. From there, they will face a challenge at Troy in their third game before entering Big XII play against Texas Tech. While Oklahoma State will be extremely dangerous, they won't be able to contend with a difficult schedule that puts them at #13 Georgia, Troy, #25 Texas A&M, #20 Nebraska, and #8 Oklahoma. However, this team will give everyone problems and should have a good chance to knock off #4 Texas when they come to down on November 3rd.

2007 Preseason Preview: Kansas Jayhawks

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

Kansas has been unable to turn the corner and become a Big XII power in the Mark Mangino era. Last season once again showed the inconsistency that they have faced in being a second tier team. Going 6-6 last season was about the status quo, as Kansas has been unable to rise to the top of the Big XII North.

Offensively, Kansas will have to recover from the departure of tailback Jon Cornish, who ran for almost 1500 yards. Stepping into his place will be sophomore Jake Sharp and senior Brandon McAnderson. They will be running behind a line returning both their tackles, anchored by senior tackle Cesar Rodriguez. On the interior line they will be bringing in three new juniors who will have to anchor this offense. After dual threat freshman Kerry Meier led the offense for much of the season, Kansas will move in a new direction after sophomore Todd Reesing won the job this fall. Reesing will return the leading receiver from a year ago, junior Dexton Fields. If Reesing struggles to start the year, Kansas could find themselves mired in a quarterback controversy. Kansas will need to establish the run game to take the pressure off Reesing.

On the defensive side of the ball Kansas returns their top two tacklers from a year ago in linebackers Mike Rivera and Joe Mortenson. They will continue to cause problems in the middle, along with senior defensive tackle James McClinton. Kansas boasts a young and talented defense, with only one senior. The secondary is led by All-Big XII performer Aqib Talib, who led the team with 6 interceptions last season. This is a young unit for Kansas, but they are very talented and return six starters from a year ago. They should be through their growing pains, and could end up being a dominant unit. They will just need to improve in the secondary, and avoid giving up the big play.

Kansas will face an early test in last season's MAC champions, Central Michigan. If they can get past them, they will face a favorable schedule, with an easy non-conference schedule, and a Big XII early schedule featuring Kansas State, Baylor, and Colorado before facing Texas A&M and Nebraska. But if Kansas can figure out their offense and get improved play out of their defense, they have a chance to make a run in the Big XII North, as they don't face Texas or Oklahoma this season. However, there appears to be too much inexperience on the offensive side of the ball for Kansas to challenge Nebraska or Missouri in the North.

2007 Preseason Preview: Baylor Bears

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

Guy Morriss knew what he was getting into when he inherited this Baylor program. He was getting the team that didn't belong in the Big XII, the perennial whipping boy of the Big XII, the butt of every joke, the Baylor Bears. Now entering his fifth season, it is now Morriss' program. Every recruiting class is his, and coming off a 4-8 season, this is Baylor's make or break year.

Last year, Baylor showed signs of turning the corner going 4-4 with wins over Colorado and Kansas State, and close losses to TCU and Washington State. However, it came unraveled at the end of the season losing their last four games, getting beaten by over 26 points in three of them. However, Baylor made progress with a much improved passing game and passing defense. But, the Bears will need to continue to make significant strides to compete in a powerful Big XII South.

On offense Baylor will be starting over on the progress they made last season. The only place Baylor returns any experience is on the offensive line where they return their junior left tackle Jason Smith, junior left guard Dan Gay, and senior right guard Chad Smith. The offensive line will need to provide leadership and protection as the rest of the offense is very inexperienced. Quarterback is still a big question mark for the Bears sophomore Blake Szymanski, who started three games last season, will most likely start the season at quarterback, but redshirt freshman Tyler Beatty is waiting in the wings, should Szymanski struggle. At wide receiver Baylor will have three to five wide at any point during the game. While they have a lot of young talent, junior Thomas White (26 rec/372 yds/2 TD) is the only returning player with extensive playing time at the college level. While they don't feature their running game much, Baylor will rely on senior Brandon Whitaker for leadership, as well as his pass catching ability out of the backfield.

If Baylor is to succeed this season it will be on the shoulders of their defense. Their porous run defense from a year ago should be much improved as Baylor returns three of their front four. Look for that group to be led by sophomore Jason Lamb (38 tackles/1 sack) and senior Geoff Nelson (36 tackles/2.5 sacks). The strength of this Baylor defense will be with their linebacking corps, as all three linebackers, including the team's two leading tacklers are back. Sophomore standout Joe Pawelek (86 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 int) and senior Nick Moore (75 tackles) will anchor this group. The only question marks on this Baylor defense will be in the secondary as senior Alton Widemon is the only player with starting experience. The other corner will be manned by senior Josh Bell, as sophomores Jeremy Williams and Jordan Lake will line up at the safety spots. Baylor's defense should continue to improve as their run defense is stout, but they will struggle against several of the pass happy teams in the Big XII, when they are forced into nickel and dime situations.

Baylor has the chance to start the season 3-1, as they have Rice, Texas State, and Buffalo on the schedule after going on the road against #22 TCU to start the season. With Big XII North opponents Colorado, Kansas, and Kansas State on the schedule, Baylor as the chance to pull off an upset against a Big XII South opponent and take 2 of 3 from the Big XII North, and get their first bowl appearance since 1994. But it all depends on whether the offense can gel and become an effective unit, to take pressure off the defense.

2007 Preseason Preview: Iowa State Cyclones

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

After starting the 2006 season 3-2, Iowa State looked to make a move in the wide open Big XII North. What started out as an optimistic outlook quickly turned into a disaster, as Iowa State started the Big XII 0-7, losing every game by 14 points or more. Only a season ending upset versus Missouri saved Iowa State from the giant conference goose egg. The collapse cost coach Dan McCarney his job as he stepped down after 12 seasons, opening the door for Texas co-defensive coordinator Gene Chizik to take over and usher in the new era of Iowa State football.

They obviously are excited about the Chizik era, as they will unveil new uniforms this season as well as allowing you the fan to vote on their new helmet. After reviewing the options it is pretty obvious, Iowa State will have some of the ugliest uniforms in football. That, and the 1992 Washington Redskins will be jealous. The path this season for Iowa State is an up hill one as they lose 12 starters off of last year's team. From the way last year's team played, it is debatable whether that will hurt or help the Cyclones. Either way, this year looks to be a rebuilding one for Chizik, as he will have to rebuild this program through recruiting. His 2007 class will look to help that process, but he will need to continue to improve on their #60 rating for 2007.

On offense, Iowa State will rely heavily on senior quarterback Brett Meyer (56.4%/2546 yds/12 TD/12 INT in '06). He will have 6'5" senior wide receiver Todd Blythe (34 rec/484 yds/8 TD is '06) returning as well who could be an all Big XII performer. However, outside of Blythe, Brett Meyer will not have much to work with as he only two other starters returning from 2006, in right guard Tom Schmeling (Jr) and senior tight end Ben Barkema (11 rec/106 yds/1 TD in '06). Along the front line Iowa State will be starting over with new faces at four offensive line positions (LT, LG, C, RT). Also, the running duties will be shared by juniors Jason Scales (193 yds/2 TD in '06) and Jason Harris, neither of whom have much playing experience. While the leadership of Meyer will be useful to help aide the rebuilding process, this offense should struggle to establish a running game and keep Meyer upright, with time to throw the ball.

On defense, Gene Chizik will look to make the most improvement on a unit that gave up at least 28 points in 8 of their 12 games. Chizik will begin immediately to try to improve on that, implementing his defense that has garnered him national recognition over the past three years. On the defensive front, Iowa State will have one returner in senior Athyba Rubin, but will have two seniors and two juniors that will see time on the defensive front. That experience should allow Chizik to implement his system at a quicker pace. The Cyclones return outside linebackers Jon Banks (Sr) and the NCAA's leading tackler from a year ago Alvin Bowen (Sr) and will be joined in the middle by sophomore Fred Garrin. In the secondary, Iowa State returns three players in corners Drenard Williams (So) and Chris Singleton (Jr) and strong safety Cale Berg (Sr). This should give Iowa State the experience to build a solid unit around as they will be joined by juniors Brandon Hunley and junior Chris Brown in the secondary. The defense should be much improved over last season with the addition of the defensive minded Chizik, but look for the unit to be inconsistent as they are not the talent that Chizik is used to working with, and it will be a while before Chizik gets the kind of talent that he needs to succeed.

Iowa State will get a chance to ease into their season with winnable matchups against Kent State and Northern Iowa, before they try not to lose their annual rivalry matchup against Iowa. They then will play Toledo before starting their conference slate. Iowa State has a chance to get some experience and some victories in Chizik's new system before they will get rudely awakened by the Big XII conference schedule, starting at #20 Nebraska and Texas Tech, before getting to welcome #8 Oklahoma and #4 Texas into Ames. The true test of this season should be whether Chizik can keep his team together through that treacherous stretch of games. If he can, Iowa State has a chance to end the season on a positive and building note, ending with games at Missouri and Kansas and versus Kansas State and Colorado. If the team can't keep it together and begin to gel under Chizik's tutelage, then don't look for 2007 to be any better than the disaster that was the 2006 season. But hey, at least they have new uniforms.

2007 Preseason Preview: Colorado Buffaloes

In preparation for the 2007 College Football season, Drinking the Forty will look at every team in the Big XII, sizing up the conference for the 2007 season.

After enduring recruiting scandals and disgrace throughout the program, Colorado looked to turn over a new leaf in 2006 with the hiring of Dan Hawkins from Boise State. Heading into the season, Colorado had high hopes for his arrival, looking to become relevant in the Big XII. Those hopes quickly came crashing down with a 19-10 loss in the season opener against Division II Montana State, in Boulder. The opening loss quickly turned in to an 0-6 start to the season. They managed to avoid a winless season with a surprise win versus Texas Tech and Iowa State, but the 2-10 season was looked upon as a great disappointment.

Faced with an even larger rebuilding task than originally believed, Hawkins began to restock the program with young talent and junior college transfers, for short term solutions. Hawkins armed with a tradition rich program and a reputation for building a program was able to sign 28 recruits on his way to the 32nd ranked class by Rivals. Colorado returns most of their defense from a season ago, losing linebacker Thaddeus Washington and a couple players in the secondary. Probably the biggest loss on the entire team was place kicker Mason Crosby.

While most of the offense has returned, there are many new faces, as more talented players have moved to the top of the depth charts. The Buffaloes will start the season with redshirt Freshman Cody Hawkins starting under center. Unproven, he won the job over Junior College transfer Nick Nelson, with his consistency during the preseason. It will make Hawkins' job even more difficult with the lack of talent at wide receiver. Colorado will use as many as ten different players to find any kind of production out of the wide receiver position. Patrick Williams and Cody Crawford are the only wide receivers with any experience or prior production. Also look for contribution out of last year's starting quarterback Bernard Jackson, who has shifted over to Wide Receiver. Hugh Charles is the only recognizable face off this offense. The senior speed back returns after running for 779 yards a year ago. He will split time with senior power back Byron Ellis. The offensive line will also be young, returning two senior tackles, and starting a junior, sophomore, and redshirt freshman at center and the two guard positions.

Colorado will have to rely on its defense if it hopes to have any success this season. Up the middle Colorado returns both of their defensive tackles, in juniors George Hypolite and Brandon Nicholas. They will be relied on to anchor an inconsistent run defense from a year ago. They will be joined on the line with three new ends, in senior Alonzo Barrett, junior Maurice Lucas, and redshirt freshman Marquez Herrod. Colorado returns two of their three linebackers, including standout senior Jordon Dizon (137 tackles, 4 sacks '06). Junior RJ Brown will enter into the lineup, joined by returning outside linebacker, junior Brad Jones (72 tackles '07). The secondary was torched all season by opposing offenses, but the Buffs return three starters off that young unit, in senior corner Terrence Wheatley (5 int '07), junior safety Ryan Walters and senior safety Lionell Harris. They also added junior college transfer, safety Daniel Dykes, who should start along with junior corner Benjamin Burney.

While Colorado should be much improved from the team that took the field in 2006, Colorado still will struggle immensely on offense and doesn't have the talent on defense to compensate. With Colorado State, Arizona State, #19 Florida State, and #8 Oklahoma in the first five weeks, Colorado won't be able to recover from what looks to be a 1-4 start. They should however be able to play better down the stretch as the offense begins to improve in the Hawkins system and benefiting from playing in the Big XII North. However, anything better than 4-8 this season would be a reach in what looks to be a long road ahead for Dan Hawkins and the Colorado Buffaloes.