Big XII Weekend Capsule: Week 6, Part 1

Upset specials across the Big XII, as the Longhorns started off the week with a Big Monday win over #3 Kansas. However, the excitement didn't stop as upsets were rampent in mid week action. Missouri won on the road in overtime against Nebraska and the part duex coaches showed some life as Texas Tech knocked off #18 Kansas State at home and Oklahoma State managed to steal one from Baylor at home. The upsets knocked Baylor out of the Big XII Championship race and brought the bottom a little closer to the top.

Colorado (10-13) (2-7) at #3 Kansas (23-2) (8-2)

- How do you win when your opponent takes 60 shots and you take 33? Make 66% of them and go to the free throw line 29 times. Colorado did just that in their upset win against Oklahoma last week. They also finally got some scoring from people not named Richard Roby. If Colorado can score in the 70s instead of the 50s, they have a chance to win because of their defense. But now, coming back to reality, they get to face Kansas, after a loss for the second time this season. It will probably end up much like the first time. After watching Kansas in the Texas game, they are the best team in the conference, by far. They are deep and talented and they play unselfish basketball. There are four things that could derail this team's season.

1.) PG Play - Russell Robinson and Sharron Collins have gotten outplayed in their two losses this season. These two need to combine to stop the opposing point guard from scoring and controlling the pace of the game. They didn't do it against Jacob Pullen or DJ Augustin.

2.) Go to player - Who do you go to when you need a basket? There is no one that stands head and shoulders above the rest as the guy who is going to take the last shot. It hurt them in the Texas game and it will continue to be a problem if they're not up 20.

3.) Too much perimeter - I was amazed how good everyone on Kansas is around the basket. It seemed like Texas worked on taking away the inside game in the second half and Kansas became more perimeter oriented. Kansas moves the ball too well and is too talented up front for anyone to stop them from getting to the basket.

4.) Out worked - Like any great team, they are prone to getting outworked by a good team. Kansas got outrebounded 23-12 in the second half, which is just unexcusable for a team as strong inside as Kansas. They are talented, but they need to come out and out work their opponents if they want to win the big games.

Prediction: #3 Kansas 77, Colorado 54

Oklahoma State (12-12) (3-7) at #16 Texas A&M (20-4) (6-3)

- The Cowboys are the prime example of the difficulty of winning conference road games. They haven't won any road games this season and it probably won't start Saturday. Oklahoma State got a big win over Baylor on Wednesday and are hoping to try and build any kind of momentum to save their season. Against the Aggies they will need to win the guard battle. Eaton, Harris, and Anderson have to be better offensively and defensively than Sloan, Kirk, and Carter. They also need Marcus Dove and Ibrahim Thomas to stay out of foul trouble against the big Aggie front line. Texas A&M has won five straight games after losing three straight. They have gotten back to their principals of defense and interior play and it has saved their season. The biggest advantage their front line gives them is the rebounding edge and taking away second chance points. The Aggies outrebounded Missouri 41-21 last week. If they can keep Joseph Jones out of foul trouble, which they only seem to do against Texas, then this A&M team is one of the toughest outs in the country.

Prediction: #16 Texas A&M 67, Oklahoma State 58

Nebraska (14-8) (3-6) at Iowa State (13-12) (3-7)

- A battle of bottom dwellers as neither team can get their season on track. Nebraska finally got a huge game from Aleks Maric, but no one else stepped up to help, and the Huskers lost again. Maric is a force inside, but all season he has failed to get any consistent help from the rest of the team. Iowa State has lost four straight and six of their last seven as they have come close, but can't get into the win column. Iowa State needs to get better guard play and should turn to Diante Garrett as their starting point guard. He may be a freshman but he can score and does more for the offense than Peterson. Iowa State also needs to attack inside. They have three forwards and a center in their lineup but still get away from attacking teams in the paint. They need to go at Maric and overwhelm him. They should have too much talent for this Nebraska team to handle.

Prediction: Iowa State 65, Nebraska 61

Last week: 5-1
Overall: 23-7

Big XII Weekend Capsule: Week 5, Part 1

The Big XII experienced a return to normalcy this week as the conference began to sort itself out. Kansas, Kansas State, Texas, Baylor, and Texas A&M all won and created some seperation from the rest of the conference. Kansas is still the favorite to win the title, but spots two through five will be a complete dog fight. This weekend's games are rather tame as Baylor's trip to Kansas is the only one worth noting.

#18 Texas A&M (19-4)(5-3) at Missouri (13-10)(3-5)

-The Aggies officially have momentum back on their side as they have found their identity over the last few games. They have gotten back to dominating in the paint, playing hard defense, and using kick outs to their shooters on the perimeter. This is Texas A&M basketball and they have the weapons needed to play it. Byron Davis maybe the biggest surprise of this team as he has completely outplayed DeAndre Jordan to this point and has provided scoring and rebounding when Joseph Jones inevitably gets in foul trouble. The trip to Columbia shouldn't cause too many problems as long as the A&M backcourt can keep from turning over the basketball. The Tigers pulled off a heart-warming win against a sleeping Kansas State team, but were overmatched by the Jayhawks. This one should be another contest that Missouri will need lady luck on their side, if they hope to get a win.

Prediction: #18 Texas A&M 74, Missouri 63

#12 Texas (18-4)(5-2) at Iowa State (13-10)(3-5)

- Another team that poses a dangerous threat to the Longhorns because of their front court play. If Texas can defend the interior this game won't be close, but the Longhorns have yet to prove that they are capable of doing so. If that is the case, then the Longhorns will once again need to shoot well. It would also be nice to see Damion James return to form offensively and become the double double mis-match that he's capable of being. After a good start, Iowa State has struggled. They need to slow the game down and attack the Longhorns in the paint if they have any hope of winning this game. They also need to take advantage of a Longhorns team that seems to start slow in every game. If they can dictate the pace and attack inside, it will be very difficult to come back from any early holes. The biggest question that the Cyclones have to answer, is whether they can do anything to slow down AJ Abrams and DJ Augustin.

Prediction: #12 Texas 74, Iowa State 67

Oklahoma (15-7)(3-4) at Colorado (9-13)(1-7)

- It is always nice to see Colorado on the schedule when you need to bounce back from two straight losses. The injury to Longar Longar definitely hurts this team and will but more pressure on the guards of Oklahoma to step up and accept some sort of the scoring burden that is now facing the Griffin brothers. They also need to have more than four players score in their games. Austin Johnson needs to give this team some kind of contribution from the point guard spot. He was a non-factor against the Longhorns and has been uninspiring for most of the season. As for Richard Roby, he knows how Dwayne Wade feels. An NBA prospect on a terrible team, Roby continues to help his team, all by his lonesome. Colorado needs anyone else to step up and play well to take the defensive focus off of Roby even a little bit. They also are going to have their hands full covering the Griffins in the post. Hopefully three Colorado players at once will be enough to stop Blake Griffin. It should be a low scoring affair that even the coaches, players, and families wish they weren't a part of.

Prediction: Oklahoma 52, Colorado 44

Last Week: 4-2
Overall: 18-6

National Signing Day

We're just a day away from National Signing Day. For the most part Texas' recruiting season has ended, as just a few prospects remain to fill out what will be another solid class for the Longhorns.

The one big name left for the Longhorns, is Darrell Scott, running back out of California. Scott has narrowed it down to Colorado (where he has an uncle that plays), and Texas (where he could potentially start thanks to Jamaal leaving). He is widely considered the first or second best running back prospect in the country and would be a huge boost for either program.

A few other surprises may lie ahead for the Longhorns, but most likely Scott will be the only major news of the day. Once the letters are signed we'll take a look at where the incoming freshman fit into the program and when we should expect to see them.

However, recruiting is a completely overhyped beast. Rankings and player ratings are arbitrary and if you're in the top 15, you pretty much are interchangable anywhere in that 15. No one can predict how 18 year old kids are going to react to playing against equal competition for the first time, how they will mentally mature, and how they will handle the environment. Some prospects are the real deal, but some 5-star and 4-stars will never be heard from and some 1-star and 2-star players will become future NFL stars.

Texas' current recruiting class is ranked 10th on ESPN.com, 12th on Rivals.com, and 13th on Scout.com which is surprisingly consistent considering how most of the rankings are. (Ex: Clemson, #4 on ESPN and #13 on Rivals). Which means Texas once again has a solid incoming class that is in the top tier of the country. We don't need Darrell Scott, but it would be nice to bring in a highly touted running back to pair with Vondrell McGee in the backfield, and would give Texas a headlining talent to go with their solid 2008 class.

Big XII Weekend Capsule: Week 4, Part 2

#2 Kansas (20-1) (5-1) at Colorado (9-11) (1-5)

- The Jayhawks are coming off their first loss of the season and they will be taking out all of that anger on the hapless Colorado Buffaloes. Kansas was going to lose a game eventually and this should refocus them and allow them to put a beating on Colorado. Kansas got outplayed against Kansas State. Their combination of Collins and Robinson at point guard was outplayed by Kansas State's freshman point. The Jayhawks also had no answer for Beasley and Walker. The longterm prognosis of this loss isn't any huge weakness as much as it is one bad game and a loss. Colorado doesn't stand much of chance in this game. They're coming of a dismal 41 point performance against Iowa State and are struggling to get production from anyone not named Richard Roby. Two of their next four games are against Kansas, so they should be making themselves comfy in the cellar of the Big XII standings.

Prediction: #2 Kansas 79, Colorado 54

Iowa State (13-8) (3-3) at Nebraska (12-6) (1-4)

- Outside of Kansas State (who we knew would be good, just not that good) Iowa State has been the surprise team out of the Big XII. While they have played well, they need to take advantage of this game as A&M, Texas, and Oklahoma are looming on the horizon. Iowa State has been helped by their interior scoring, but if they hope to upset any of their upcoming opponents they will need to find some outside scoring to give them some balance on the offensive end. Nebraska finally got their first win in the Big XII, though I don't know how excited you can get about a four point win against the team formerly known as Missouri. I don't really know what to say about what Nebraska other than getting new players to go along side Aleks Maric. I'm sure he's counting the days until he can get out of Lincoln.

Prediction: Iowa State 68, Nebraska 61

Oklahoma (15-5) (3-2) at #23 Texas A&M (17-4) (3-3)

- After dropping their first two in conference, Oklahoma has reeled off three straight wins behind the play of stud freshman Blake Griffin and the surprising play of his older brother Taylor Griffin. The two have combined to reak havoc in the paint and give Oklahoma a formidable identity. They are playing well right now, but still need to get more consistent and improved guard play if they hope to move up the charts in the Big XII. This game should be extremely physical since both teams love to attack inside. Texas A&M got the win to turn their season around and it should stay with them for a few weeks. The win was big for the Aggies who were playing anything but their best basketball, but most importantly they found their identity in the victory. They got back to pounding the ball inside with Joseph Jones, DeAndre Jordan, and Byron Davis and using them to open up the three point shooting of Carter, Sloan, and Kirk. A&M had been relying on their perimeter players to create, something that they hadn't been asked to do in the past. A&M was able to pound the ball inside, kick it out for open threes, and then drive once the defense extended to guard the threes. This style of play is what they do best and makes them a force to contend with in the conference.

Prediction: #23 Texas A&M 68, Oklahoma 64

Big XII Weekend Capsule: Week 3, Part 1

The big story is obviously the 5 OT thriller in College Station on Wednesday, as Baylor announced their presence as a contender in the Big XII and the loss signaled real trouble for the Aggies. Not to be lost in all the excitement is a convincing win by Kansas State, and another blowout victory for Kansas.

Nebraska (11-5) (0-3) at #2 Kansas (19-0) (4-0)

- Something has to give, right? Or not. Nebraska comes into this game winless in conference play and it isn't going to change heading into the Phogg. Aleks Maric had 21 and 9 in a two point home loss to Baylor, but until he can get any consistent production from his backcourt, Nebraska will stay in the cellar of the Big XII. Kansas has won their four conference games by an average of 20 points a game. Kansas is content attacking teams inside with Dorell Arthur and Darnell Jackson, but this team has weapons galor and the only thing that can stop them, is themselves.

Prediction: Kansas 86, Nebraska 63

#18 Texas A&M (15-4) (1-3) at Oklahoma State (10-8) (1-3)

- All kinds of problems for the Aggies, who drop their third straight in conference play and are reeling. Freshman standout DeAndre Jordan was moved to the bench for the Baylor game which has to be a disappointing sign for the Aggies, who needed him to be a productive player on the offensive end, which he just hasn't been yet. The one positive was the play of sophomore Byron Davis who scored 30 points and had 14 rebounds in the starting role against Baylor. The real problem with this team continues to be the inability to fill the void left by Acie Law. Donald Sloan and Dominique Kirk are capable players, but no one has stepped up to provide the mental toughness, leadership, and late game heroics that Law provided the Aggies. They had hoped Josh Carter would have stepped up to become their go to guy, but he has relied to much on his streaking shooting and hasn't become that all-around swingman that the Aggies needed him to become. While Oklahoma State has also lost three straight in conference, it isn't as much of a surprise as it was for Texas A&M. It is a rebuilding year as the Cowboys rely solely on freshman James Anderson to provide their offensive fire power. Byron Eaton has continue to improve as a tough, physical point guard, but the Cowboys are in dire need from a more consistent offensive production from Terrell Harris and Marcus Dove. Anderson seems to be the only player that can create his own shot and is a dangerous threat each time down the floor. The Cowboys will stay in games because of their defense, but they will need more help for Anderson if they hope to start picking up in the win column.

Prediction: #18 Texas A&M 62, Oklahoma State 61

Missouri (11-8) (1-3) at Colorado (9-9) (1-3)

- Missouri has not been able to build of their upset of the Longhorns and are 0-4 on the road and have lost 3 straight in conference. They have played terribly on the defensive end, giving up 92 points against Texas Tech this week. They also have relied too much on their outside shot. Against Colorado they will need to attack the undersized Buffaloes with DeMarre Carroll, who got into foul trouble early against Texas Tech. Carroll provides the Tigers with some inside balance to their heavy guard lineup. As is the case with Colorado, their biggest test each game is managing to rebound and defend the paint with only two players over 6'6" that see playing time. Colorado will have to grind it out and slow the pace down against the Tigers, who like to pressure and run. If Colorado turns the ball over, this game could get out of hand. The Buffaloes also need to find some scoring outside of Richard Roby. Roby is the only Colorado player who is scoring night in and night out.

Prediction: Missouri 65, Colorado 59

Last week: 5-1
Season record: 9-3

Big XII Weekend Capsule: Week 2, Part 2

Baylor (14-2) (2-0) at Nebraska (11-4) (0-2)
- In a game where confidence and momentum play such a role in a team's season, this is exactly the start Baylor was hoping for, and exactly what Nebraska did not need from the start of conference play. Baylor has played solid and taken advantage of two winnable road games. Their experience has led the way has Henry Dugat has averaged 19 through the first two games and Aaron Bruce and Kevin Rogers have played well. Baylor needs to continue to rely on their experience until their talented youth can start to exert themselves in conference play. Nebraska's loss to Kansas was expected, but the loss at Colorado kills their early season hopes of being relevant in the Big XII. Aleks Maric needs to do even more than his 16.5 conference ppg for this Nebraska team if they hope to do anything. They will also need more consistent play from their entire roster and someone to step up and be the second and third scoring option on this team.

Prediction: Baylor 77, Nebraska 69

#3 Kansas (17-0) (2-0) at Missouri (11-6) (1-1)
- Missouri of course followed their upset win over #13 Texas by losing at Iowa State this week. Missouri is learning a new system and trying to endure a change in culture for a program warped with scandal. Winning will make it an easier process, but to do that, you need to win the games you can. DeMarre Carroll and Stefhon Hannah are going to produce every game, but the team needs to play consistently to succeed in the conference. They've proven they can beat a good team in Texas, but they need to follow those up by beating teams like Iowa State. And instead of heading into this game sitting pretty at 2-0, they will face an uphill battle after Kansas beats them. This Kansas team has bigger fish to fry as they will be a favorite to win the National Title. They can score inside with Arthur and Jackson, have a premier swing man in Brandon Rush, a great two guard in Mario Chalmers, two great point guards in Russell Robinson and Sherron Collins, and even solid role players in seniors Sasha Khan and Roderick Stewart. This team is dangerous. The only potential road block is the fact that this team underachieves on the biggest stage, but they don't have to worry about that until after Conference play.

Prediction: #3 Kansas 91, Missouri 76

Colorado (9-7) (1-1) at #19 Texas (13-3) (0-1)
- Colorado got a big win against Nebraska this week, but will have a tough time building on it on the road in Austin. What they do have going for them is a disciplined system from Coach Bdzelik, that when followed will cause the Longhorns problems on the offensive and defensive ends. While they only play two players over 6'6", Colorado boasts a stable of big guards (3 starters at 6'5" or 6'6") that will cause match up problems for the Longhorns' small back court. It also helps that Texas has played uninspired basketball over the past month, culminating in an uninspired and atrocious defensive display in Columbia last weekend. With a week to think about the 97 points given up, the Longhorns should come out hungry to play. But the uninspired play is the least of their worries. DJ Augustin has played sloppy over the past several games and he needs to refine his decision making on the court. More importantly, the introduction of Gary Johnson has not gone as smoothly as hoped. It has affected Johnson's play (19 min, 0-4 vs. Missouri) as well as Connor Atchley's play. Atchley has seemingly regressed from the early season form he showed, and much of it can be attributed to the Longhorns once again trying to figure out every one's offensive roles. Equally worrisome has been the inability to find any consistency from the bench. Wangmene has provided solid minutes with his hustle and defense, but the inability of Dexter Pittman, Clint Chapman, and JD Lewis to contribute in any significant way has been disappointing. But we all know the biggest disappointment. It has been the struggles of sophomore guard Justin Mason who's minutes keep dwindling as he loses more confidence, his shot worsens, and his defense begins to slip. Mason needs to find some sliver of hope soon, or he will be lost for the season, and probably out of the rotation. Texas needs to take advantage of these winnable early conference games and get back on track as a team. The first step will be getting back to outworking their opponents, and the rest will come.

Prediction: #19 Texas 71, Colorado 61

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.