Sports Talk with The Commissioner

Commissioner:  We have Jack, A.K.A “Super Fan” on the line from Brooklyn Park.
Jack: Commissioner, since Iowa State has started 3-0 for the second straight year.   What do you think are the odds that the Cyclones will go 12-0 in 2012? 

Commissioner:  Wrong! About      -500%.   I appreciate your confidence and hutzpah Super Fan, however, The Big XII ranks as one of the toughest football conferences in the county with 5 teams currently ranked in the top 20, and currently has 3 Heisman Trophy canidates.   However, after starting 3-0 last year, and reaching a bowl game.   A 3-0 start puts the Cyclones ahead of where I had them slated before the season started, and Iowa State may be on the way to another bowl game.   Next up: Texas Tech will prove to be a true measuring stick.  Win and I’ll be all a grin, lose and we’ll be in the booze.

Commissioner: We have Mike on the line from Johnston.  

Mike: Commissioner, how do you feel the Iowa State defense has played this year?

Commissioner:  Great question Magic Mike.  But, Wrong!   Iowa State’s defense is currently ranked 13^th nationally in the ESPN defensive rankings.   ISU has two outstanding linebackers and secondary that has shown some impressive ability.   However, the untold secret to the Cyclone’s defense is the play of Kirby Van Der Kamp the ISU punter.   So far this season, 13 of Van Der Kamp’s punts have landed inside the 20-yard line.  A 59 yard punt in the second quarter against Western Illinois was Van Der Kamp’s long on the year.  The guy has 19 punts this season. Not a single one of them has been returned by an opponent.  That’s enough to get even a lesbian tailgater excited to give Van Der Kamp a pedicure.

Commissioner: We have Terri on the line from Ames.

Terri: Commissioner, did you see that the Iowa State Women’s Volleyball team upset the Number 1 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team?

Commissioner: Buffering….Buffering….Wrong, Wrong, Wrong…We must have a poor connection, or perhaps a loose ponytail band.   The Commissioner only enjoys watching volleyball every four years, and only if it is held on a beach by females in very skimpy outfits.   I was glad I caught the score on the Twitter, however I admit it did give me a warm fuzzy only because it was Nebraska.   As for volleyball I get just about as excited as I have while watching that homosexual volleyball scene in Top Gun.  There is 3 minutes and 21 seconds of my life that I could have been watching football.  Out.

Gerry Sandusky
Ravens Announcers

First off, your name could be Gerry Sandusky.   The Gerry Sandusky that is the radio announcer for the Baltimore Ravens.   How would you like to say, “No not the Pedophile from Penn State,” every time you get introduced to someone new.  

Requested by Brian Netten

You could be Mike Markuson, Offensive line coach at Wisconsin that was fired after only two games.  Last year’s Big Ten Champions Wisconsin Badgers were held to 35 yards of rushing and 207 total yards by the Oregon State Beavers last week, and lost 10-7.

 

 

Christmas Pictrue Bo Pelini - Nebraska Head Coach

 

You could be one of the many teams upset in College Football last week.   Upsets: LA-Monroe 34, over (8) Arkansas 31; Oregon State 10 over (13) Wisconsin 7; (22) UCLA 36 over (16) Nebraska 30; (24) Arizona over (18) Oklahoma State 38, 59; Utah State 27 over Utah 20.

You could be the ACC.   This week Notre Dame agreed to commit or get engaged with the Atlantic Coast Conference for all sports except for football.  Make no mistake this indicates a major move of Notre Dame to get associated with a relevant football conference if the need ever arise   "I think it says a lot a program like Notre Dame to want to come and I'm sure they could have their pick of conferences and for them to choose the ACC I think is a great thing," said Clemson's Dabo Swinney. "They're making a commitment to play five conference games even though they won't be a football member right now. For them to make that commitment I think that's very strong. It's exciting, it further secures this conference's strength of schedule and moving forward as we get into the playoff scenarios."

That schedule will provide the Irish the flexibility to continue its traditional games against Big Ten opponents Purdue, Michigan and Michigan State along with their annual series with Navy and Southern California if it chooses. However, the school also plays regular games against Boston College and Stanford, meaning there likely will be some major modifications.

We have monitored the changing conference landscape for many months and have concluded that moving to the ACC is the best course of action for us," Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick said in a statement. "We are able to maintain our historic independence in football, join in the ACC's non-BCS bowl package, and provide a new and extremely competitive home for our other sports."  Translation:  See Ya Big East, I’m going to get engaged with The ACC and sleep around until I absolutely have to share everything I own – including a large television contract. 

 

 

You could be an Iowa Fan: I guess you could call this game an upset last weekend, at least by Vegas standards.   Iowa State Cyclones 9, Iowa Hawkeyes 6.   How does it feel to be upstaged in the so called Hawkeye State? 

Suck It...Iowa Fan. 

 

Your Team name could be the Western Illinois Leathernecks.    Last week: The LeatherNecks had four interceptions on Saturday, two by Martinez Davis who returned one for a touchdown, as the Leathernecks improved to 2-0 following a 27-17 victory over Indianapolis on Saturday (Sept. 8) at Hanson Field.  The WUI secondary, has been hit hard by injuries.  Three defensive backs - Chris Boone, Tyler West and Keith Enderlein, all three, fifth year seniors will be out for the season. Boone and West have suffered knee injuries, while Enderlein, who had an interception against Butler, has suffered the third concussion on his career. This should open up the ability for Iowa State to move the ball against the LeatherNecks.   

Iowa State was an underdog the first two weeks against Tulsa and Iowa but not so fast my friends that won’t be the case this week against the Western Illinois Leathernecks.  In the last two years Iowa State has been an underdog 13 times and has come up 7-6 as an underdog.   The good news is when Iowa State is favored they typically take care of business.   I expect Iowa State to spread the playing time around among many players on the first and second teams.  Iowa State 41-14.

 

Finally your name could be Brian Netten, but you could look like Barry Manilow and sing like that Wong Kid from American Idol. 

 

EnCYcloPETEYah: Iowa State v. Iowa...

Here is the latest entry from the EnCYcloPETEYah:

Hate Week: Iowa v. Iowa State Football Game...

From the outset the game on Saturday looks to be pretty equal on paper.  But, the Hawkeyes are favored by 3.5 for a couple of reasons: the game is played is being played at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, and because Iowa always gets an extra 2 point edge because of the unwarranted Big X bias. 

There are three major factors in this game:

1.       Defensive line play.   Both Iowa and Iowa State have fairly inexperienced defensive lines, the caliber of a fishing net used by Jesus and his merry men.   Both teams gave up significant defensive rushing yards in their respective games last week.   This could mean long drawn out drives with either defense spending significant time on the field. 

2.       Quarterback play.   Both teams have Senior Quarterbacks directing their offensive units.    Steele Jantz the ISU signal caller directed the Cyclones thru a 3 overtime victory last year at Jack Trice Stadium.   The nod could go to Jantz who looked good in the game against Tulsa, but this is where the Kinnick faithful dawning black and gold will tip the scales toward the Iowa QB James Vandenberg.   Let’s call it a push



New Cy-Hawk Trophy

3.       Turnovers.  I know what you are thinking way to go out on a limb Commissioner, next you’ll say whoever scores the most points is likely to win.   Well it goes without saying the team with the most turnovers typically loses the game.   In the last two games at Kinnick Stadium Iowa has held a 6-2 turnover advantage.  

Both of these clubs are defensively minded.   Both teams like to play close games and typically win close games.   Both clubs are well coached.   This games looks like a tight one.  I’ll call the score: 24-27.   It is too close to call who will win – that way I can claim I knew it either way.  

If the Cyclones win, I’ll be talling the number of times I hear Hawk Fan say, “We need to take Iowa State off the schedule – it does nothing for us.”  If you can't beat them take your ball and go home.

Attached is the new Hawkeye Logo:

I'd Rather Blank Than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeyes...

No major upsets in College football for the first week.   There were a few close games and maybe a close call.   South Carolina 17 Vanderbilt 13; (13) Michigan State 17 (24) Boise State 13; (21) Stanford 20 San Jose State 17; (12) Wisconsin 26 Northern Iowa 21; Iowa 18 Northern Illinois 17.   Three of these close ones come from the Big 10 conference, I’m not sure what that says other than a nice little observation.   Two blow out wins (19) Oklahoma State 84, Savannah State 0; (7) Florida State69, Murray State 3. 

The biggest game of the week was (2) Alabama 41, (8) Michigan 14.   Alabama is definitely rolling with the Tide.  Head Coach Nick Saban has his team on a whole different level of reloading.   Expect Alabama or LSU to play for the national championship again this year.   There are basically four top teams currently in my opinion: Alabama, LSU, Oregon, and USC.  I’m hoping the Big XII can close the gap and become a part of this conversation for national championship.   Expect, Oklahoma or Oklahoma State, and Florida State to be part of the discussion soon later this year.   I'm just not sure they can close the gap as it stands today.

My alma mater The Iowa State Cyclones handled the Tulsa Hurricane quite easily at home after coming from behind in the early part of the second quarter.  Iowa State 38 Tulsa 23.   Next up is the cross state rival Iowa Hawkeyes.   Don’t let the scare for Iowa fans with Northern Illinois be any indication of the outcome for the upcoming game.  The Cyclones haven’t won in Iowa City at Kinnick Stadium since 2002.  

Contrary to the belief of many Iowa Hawkeye fans the talent level between The Iowa Hawkeyes and The Iowa State Cyclones has merged to a closer level over this past decade.   I grew up in Southeast Iowa and many of my closest relatives are Iowa Hawkeye fans including my father and sister.   This has led me to add a new section to the column called: I’d Rather ______ Than Lose to The Iowa Hawkeyes.

 
I’d rather have a Mike Tyson face tattoo than Lose to The Iowa Hawkeyes.

I’d rather go antiquing over a long weekend with Nathan Lane and my mother than Lose to The Iowa Hawkeyes.

I’d rather have hemorrhoids and diarrhea at a tailgate than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

I’d rather be forced to take a pack of 13 year old girls to a Justin Bieber concert than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

I'd rather take a shower in a Penn State sanctioned facility than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

I’d rather stay out in the sun until my outers look like a 3 day old pudding skin than Lose to The Iowa Hawkeyes.

I’d rather be asked by the dentist to chew aluminum foil bubble gum than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

I’d rather have infantigo on my groin region for a year than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

I’d rather be asked to have a political debate with a Kardashian than Lose to the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Icon : Squawk By A Hawk App

Check this out: I’m not sure if you have heard, there is a new application for the IPad and IPhones called the Squawk from a Hawk App.   It tracks the number of times you hear any Iowa Hawkeye fan cry before or after an Iowa Football Game.  

The Commissioner Has Turned On the Fasten Seat Belt Sign

Saturday the Cyclones will launch into their season against The Tulsa Golden Hurricanes.   I guess we get to see which is stronger a hurricane or a cyclone.  

The Cyclones have arguable the strongest team the Cyclones have seen in the Paul Rhoads area.   However, since the Big XII added both TCU and West Virginia two top 25 teams to the conference this year the Cyclones may not show it in the win column.  

Let’s quickly review the safety precautions:  Be certain you have hidden all carry in items under a coat, or sweatshirt. Use caution when opening alternative beverages, and please close them securely, as items may shift during an exciting play by the Cyclones.

Iowa State has 7 returning starters on the offensive side of the ball and 5 on the defensive side.   Although Paul Rhoads has been building his team on defense, we should see improved offense this year by the Cyclones.   The beauty of having a defensively minded team is that it keeps games close and you always have a chance.   This has been proven by our Rhoads coached team over the last three years.

If you are seated in an exit seat, you must be able to stand up and down.  You must be able to do this without blocking the view of the person behind you, thus possibly causing harm to yourself, or causing a distraction for others.

Courtney Messingham, offensive coordinator; replaces Tom Herman, who left to be Urban Meyer's offensive coordinator at Ohio State.   Messingham was the receivers coach in 2011 before he took over the offensive coordinator and play calling responsibilities in 2012.  Expect the same no huddle spread offense that was exhibited during the 2012 season.

Cellular phones may only be used to sext or check other scores around the league while play is active on the field. Certain electronic devices may not be used at any time, such as devices that vibrate or cause loud unexpected outbreaks in screams or shrieks.  Approved electronic devices, may be used after the game to celebrate a big win, at your own personal discretion.

The Quarterback controversy seems to have been solved.   Paul Rhoads announced that senior Steele Jantz will be the starting quarterback for the 2:30 kickoff with Tulsa on Saturday.   Jared Barnett, sophomore saw significant playing time last year.   Hopefully, Jantz has learned how to control the ball and stay healthy in the off-season and we don’t have a need to use Barnett as much as last year.  

Smoking is not allowed during this flight.   If you must smoke, please do it outside the stadium.   Smoking is strictly prohibited and will only be allowed in the form of a victory cigar after a big win, or something else that might fit in a pipe.   Example: Oklahoma State University 2011.  

The Running back position may be the deepest on the squad.  James White; junior, Jeff Woody; junior, and backing them up is Shontrelle Johnson; junior who suffered a neck injury in 2011.   James White is the lightning with 4.5 speed, Jeff Woody is the thunder at 240 and 45 heavier than White.   While Johnson is the hail, don’t know when it will show up but when and if he does he will cause a lot of damage.  

Exits on each row are at either end.  Only use exits at halftime or once the game has been completed.  If there is a sudden loss of electrical power, it is probably the end of the game.   That would be a signal that it is time to leave.  

The Wide Receiver core has one returning starter Josh Lenz returning starter.   Keep an eye out for Albert Gary, and Freshman Quentun Bundrage.   Jarvis West, and Jerome Tiller former Quarterback could provide some major impact at times too.  We have deeper group of receivers with more speed.  The Cyclones have two experienced quarterbacks so expect more offensive movement up and down the field at least between the 20’s. 

If there is a sudden loss of vision during a play, Please review the big scoreboard for the replay.   Make sure you have reviewed the play and fully understand the outcome before trying to explain the results to a female or toddler.   Once play has resumed you may begin cheering and observing the play on the field. 

Defensively Iowa State will be returning 5 starters including Linebackers Jake Knott and A.J. Klein who have received national recognition as a standout Linebacker duo.   The Cyclones will be improved on defense.  However, don’t expect the defensive line to provide too much pressure on opposing quarterbacks.   Expect Knott and Klein to have beefy tackle numbers this year.  The good news is Iowa State has built its program on defense which keeps us in most games.  Expect another big upset this year which has been the trend in the last 3 years.  

We recommend reviewing all of the safety information, which can be found at the entrance to the stadium or on the large scoreboard in the north end zone. If you are unable to understand the safety instructions, turnover the card and read the instructions in English.

The biggest question and sore thumb for the Cyclones has been the kicking game.  We have Cole Netten a true freshman and with a redshirt season available with Edwin Arcoe, junior college transfer has two years to play and could go this year.   Kicking in Jack Trice is no easy feat, particularly in October and November when rain, wind, and snow always factor into the performance.   However, the kicking game and special teams is an area where Paul Rhoads must have his eye.  And never rule out a Jim Walden style trick play from Rhoads.  Rhoads certainly has made the Cyclones more fun to watch over the past couple years.

To prepare for kickoff, please store your tray table, in the upright and locked position, and discontinue the use of all electronic devices.   We’ll be cruising at an altitude of 0 to 18 inches.   Our next stop will be a warm weather bowl location yet to be determined.   (Not to jinx it – last year I said, no way the Cyclones make a bowl game and they did.  Happily I was wrong, therefore my real projection is 5-7 for the 2012 Cyclone Football Team.)

Sports Talk with The Commissioner

Commissioner:  We have Tom on the line from Baltimore, Go ahead Tommy.

Tom:  I would like to thank you for taking my call.   How do you feel Big XII Football compares with the other major football conferences? 

Commissioner:  CLICK.  Wrong Thomass.   Let’s review the facts here people.   The Big XII has 6 teams in the Top 25.   That is 60% of the teams in the conference.   The SEC has 6 in the Top 25 (5 in the top 10).  That is 42.8% of their conference teams.   The Big Ten (scandal league) has 5 ranked teams.   That is 41.6% of their conference teams.   Pac 12 has 3 in the top 25 (2 in top 5).   That is 25% of the conference teams.   ACC has 3 in the Top 25.   That is also 25% of the conference schools.    The Big XII ranks as one of if not the toughest football conference in the country.  Thanks for the call Thomass.  

Commissioner:  We have Mike on the line from Johnston.   Go ahead Magic Mike.

Magic Mike:  Commissioner, Iowa State has had a quarterback controversy in the weeks leading up to the football season.   Even though Paul Rhoads has named Steele Jantz the starter, who do you think deserves the starting spot :Jared Barnett, sophomore or Steele Jantz, Senior?

Commissioner:  Click, Wrong.   That was a wells constructed question, but the Iowa State coach got this one wrong.   Barnett is the right answer.   If the competition for the starting QB spot was as close as the coach wanted us to believe you have to go with Barnett.   Barnett is a sophomore and the future of your program.   Jantz in 2011 had 10 TDs and 11 Ints, while Barnett had 6 TDs and 6 Ints.  They were virtually the same.   Go with youth and the future of the program.   But, no worries – Barnett will see plenty of playing time this year.   Tulsa is a good program and is obviously giving the coach some concern, he can’t overlook or lose this game.   So, he went with maturity and experience, even though Jantz is a Junior College transfer.  

Commissioner:  We have Terri on the line from Ames.

Terri: Commissioner last year the Cyclone Lady Cross Country team finished 7^th in the country.   How do you think they will do this year?

Commissioner:  ZZZ zzz ZZZ.  Snore.

Terri: Commissioner?????

Commissioner: Huh, oh I must have doozed off there for a minute.   Click!!! Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.   This is a College Football show.   It sounds to me like you have lost a little more air out of your big top.   That’s all we have for today. 

Commissioner's Report - The Big XII Preview.

Big 12 Preview 2012

The College Football Preliminary Rankings boast 5 teams ranked in the Top 20 and 6 teams in the Top 25 from The Big 12.  This is equal number of ranked teams as the SEC.  This year The Big 12 begins football competition this fall with changes in the lineup.   Texas A&M and Missouri both exited the Big 12 for the SEC, and their Big 12 spots were filled by TCU and West Virginia.  Time will tell, but at first look this is probably good from a competition perspective and not as good from a television and viewership perspective.   Meaning we gave up great metropolitan areas with strong fan bases to add two teams that have consistently been in the top 20 for the past decade.    I’ll attempt to preview the Big 12 this fall and I’ll go alphabetically:  

1.       Baylor – Baylor Gonna Make a Bowl?   They had a story book year last year with a Heisman Trophy winner and a 10-win season.   Don’t expect the same plot this year.  Although the Baylor Bears have turned the corner and still have a good deal of talent it will be nearly impossible to repeat the story line from last year.   The Bears will be reloading in the skill positions.   They slide back this year and fight for a bowl game.   Prediction:  No bowl.  5-7 with 2 conference wins: Kansas and Texas Tech (Iowa State is in Ames).

2.       Iowa State – Upset At The Cyclones Again.  In Ames the Story is Paul Rhoads.   Rhoads calls Iowa State his dream job, and there are probably two people in the U.S. that would say that: Paul Rhoads and his mother.   Rhoads enters his 4^th year as head coach -- a typically pivotal year in college coaching.   You graduated the first three years of inheritance and now the fruits of your recruiting labors begin to show their talent.   Iowa State has attended a bowl game in two of three years of Paul Rhoads’ clipboard and whistle wielding.   Iowa State loses some of their skill positions and line talent.   But, they bring back their two nationally recognized linebackers: Jake Knott and Kevin Klein.    Iowa State kept 6 games within less than 6 points last year and won all 6.   That is good defense.   That will be a difficult task to replicate like the Baylor 10-win season.    But, don’t count Iowa State out, Rudy; they have been known for the upset since Paul Rhoads’ coronation as head coach.  Prediction:  5-7 and no bowl game.   To get to the Promised Land, Iowa State needs to pull off another major upset just to equal the 6-6 season from last year.

3.       Kansas –No Weisenheimer.  Charlie Weis is the new head man in Lawrence.   Charlie coached recently at Notre Dame and was the offensive coordinator/under study of Bill Bel-a-Prick, Head Man of the New England Patriots.    Weis wouldn’t have considered the Kansas job for a million dollars or some(x) variable thereof, before his poor performance with the Notre Dame Job.   The Kansas football head coaching job is a long grinding turnaround situation and I don’t believe Weis has the temperament or the patience to make it happen.   They will be an improved offensive team this year with nowhere to go but up.   However, Kansas continues to be the doormat of the Big 12.   One notch above Iowa State and Texas Tech.  Prediction: 4-8.   But, it could be worse if the Jayhawks don’t come out hitting the non-conference games with precision.   It will be tough to do with a new coach, and a new system.   No bowl game. 

4.       Kansas State – These Cats Have Nine Lives.  Grandpa Bill Snyder, who turns 73 this year with his second stint, is back in the saddle and calling the shots in Manhattan, KS.   Kansas State finished 2^nd in the Big 12 last year under Snyder and was projected in the bottom half.  Kansas State was one of the big surprises of the conference last year, but don’t expect them to sneak up on anyone this year.   They are projected by some experts to be top 5 in the Big 12.   It will be difficult to repeat the performance from last year.   But The Cats return their skill players and Bill Snyder as head coach which is good for another bowl of canned kitty food.   Prediction:   They are bowl bound with 7-8 win season.    Even with good talent, this maybe a difficult year.   They have a lot of game @ the big boys.   Unless the pygmies sprinkle magic fairy dust, no way they repeat with a 10-win season even with great talent.   The schedule is stacked against them.  Mid- Level Bowl game.

5.       Oklahoma – “O – U – Again”.   Oklahoma is stacked like a Playboy centerfold, but not nearly as bitchy and outspoken as Texas.   They will very likely win the conference.  Landry Jones, the Heisman Trophy candidate, returns for his senior season at Quarterback; therefore the Sooners will be blowing across the mid and lower plains with little effort.   They are easily a top 5 team in the country, currently ranked #4.   As long as they stay healthy, OU could be in the running for a National Championship.   However, last year Oklahoma started the season with a #1 National Ranking and folded mid-season to Texas Tech and Baylor.   I don’t expect Head Coach Bob Stoops to allow that to happen this year.  Oklahoma plays in a top 4 bowl, very possibly for the National Championship.

6.       Oklahoma State – Not As Big Of Guns, but Stillwater Loaded.  The Cowboys of Stillwater will have a very difficult time repeating their 12-1 season in which they won the Big 12 in 2011.   They lose their starting QB and standout receiver Justin Blackmon.   They will be difficult to replace, but Head Coach Mike Gundy looks to have this team on the right track.   I would predict a nice 8-4 or 9-3.  Their schedule is very favorable this year.   Big Time Bowl Game

7.       Texas – Hey Look At ME.   No longer the bully of the Big 12, at least on the field.   Texas was 5-8 in 2010 missing a bowl game and 8-5 in 2011.   An 8-game win season in Austin is considered a big time failure or the look of a runway model covered with acne, and chocolate chip hips.   Although Texas has as much talent in the stable and money in the coffers as any team in the country, they face a schedule that is criss-crossed like a state fair quilt.   They start with 3 gimmies, into a bye and then face OSU on the road, WVU Home, and OU home.   If they get through that stretch intact they face the lower half teams in the Big 12 to only end with TCU at home and KSU on the road.  I predict Texas is 8-5 again this year and head coach Mack Brown has to load up the Mack Truck.  Bowl Game and New Coach.

8.       TCU – Horned UP over TCU. The Horned Frogs join The Big 12 Conference for the first year after joining the Big East and leaving before even playing a game.   TCU has built a strong program and owned the Mountain West.   However, this isn’t Kansas anymore.   The first part of TCU’s schedule is favorable with 5 of the first 7 games in the Dallas Fort Worth area and another game being held in Waco, Texas.   But, the second half of their season could be brutal:  OSU (a), WVU (a), KSU (h), Texas (a - crosstown), Oklahoma (h).   TCU has a talented program, but they haven’t experienced the depth of talent in the Big 12 and we’ll see how the second half of the season wears on them.   TCU comes out of the chute ranked #20.   They could see a see a nice 9-3 season or 7-5 season.   Time will tell how durable their team will be.   I suggest closer to 8-4 until they have gam-eplanned against all new teams never faced before in the Big 12 for a few years to regain their confidence.   Bowl Game

9.       Texas Tech – Lubbock or Leave it.   Second year head coach Tommy Tuberville missed a bowl game last year.   Typically coaches get a 4-year try to work their recruiting classes through their system; however this is a pivotal year for The Red Raiders.   Their schedule starts off with some creamy soft serve but mid-season is murderous.    Tuberville is facing a number of off-field issues which won’t help the coach or the team.   I predict Texas Tech is no better than 5-7 a far cry from an 11-1 season in 2008.   At the end of the season, Texas Tech is shopping for a new cut of beef.   No Bowl Game.

10.   West Virginia – Them Hills are Filled with Gold and Blue.   The Mountaineers join the Big 12 for their freshman season.    WVU begins the season ranked #11 with a Heisman Trophy Candidate Quarterback  Geno Smith.  West Virginia will be a high scoring threat this year and be a good fit with the high octane offenses of the Big 12.   However, defensively the Mountaineers will be challenged to hold the Big 12 offenses under 30 a game.   Prediction:  WVU ends up 7-5 or 8-4 in regular season play if they stay healthy against teams used to playing with deeper rosters of talent and week in/week out challenging match ups.   Prediction: WVU comes out with a strong showing in the Big 12, finishes in the Top 20 and captures a solid Bowl Bid, but not #2 as some project.