An early look at the Big 12

Baylor: The Bears have a lot of work ahead of them after putting up a big doughnut in conference play on '07 as they prepare for new offensive and defensive schemes under new head coach Art Briles. Briles brings with him a reputation for having a big play offense and though he may need some time to get the recruits he needs to make his vision work, he does have some current potential already in hand. QB Kirby Freeman transferred from Miami after last season and will bring serious competition to the position as he battles last year’s starter Blake Symanski. Blake (6-4/206) had a productive first year as a starter for the Bears throwing for 2,844 yards and 22 td's but it's his 18 int.'s is what opens the door for Freeman (12td's/ 16int's). True freshman Robert Griffin brings additional depth and athleticism to the position. Baylor is, and has not been, very productive in their ground game for a long time now, finishing higher than 100 nationally only once in the past five years. There is hope however with the return of four offensive linemen including Jason Smith, JD Walton and Dan Gay along with true freshman Courtney Green, who is a three star recruit, and could fill the final void that has the line looking much stronger than last year. The Bears could also have a good one-two punch at running back with Jay Finley and Jacoby Jones. Finley had 223 yards and 2 td's rushing last season but his ability as a receiver out of the backfield is going to add a needed dimension to the offense. Jones is more of a bullish runner who will not take many to the house but can get the tough and necessary yards. Baylor finished next to last in the Big 12 in almost every defensive category, allowing 37 points per game and 461 total yards. The pass defense that gave up 279 yards a game last season lost it's two starting corners and now depend on two sophomores Cliff Odom and Antareis Bryan to improve upon last years results. The wide receiver position may be the brightest point for the Bears and will need to live up to the hype if Briles is going to have the offense he in-visions. Ernest Smith and Davis Gettis can both fly, in fact Gettis is a three-time 400m champion. The Bears are looking up from the cellar of the Big 12 but with some explosive player in place and a new system being implemented, the Bears and their fans have possibilities and after a 3-9 season, some possible is all you can ask for.

Iowa State: In his second year as the Cyclones head coach, Gene Chizik is asking his players for just a few things this spring, aggression and more aggression. He has both sides of the ball playing a more physical style of ball but look for a more finesse brand of offense come this fall. The Cyclones have lost a number of receivers in the past few years but they have re-loaded for ’08 and you can look for a three wide set as they try to take advantage of their skill players. Marquis Hamilton (6-3/221) can leap and has some great playmaking ability and RJ Sumerall is the go-to-guy underneath. The QB battle is one that has drawn a lot of attention and rightly so, as Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates battle it out for the starting nod. The fact is that the Cyclones could go with a two quarterback set as Arnaud (big arm) and Bates (mobility) compliment each other very well. RB Alexander Robinson is one of the players that coach Chizik is asking more from, and he wants him and the entire backfield to run more downfield and more aggressive. Robinson and Jason Scales look to improve upon ’07 and their 123 yards a game average. Given the likelihood of the spread offense, they should be able to do just that. LB Jesse Smith is one of only three starters returning from last years front seven and the former walk on is loving his new role as the leader on defense. He, like many of the players on the team, is being called upon to be much more physical in his play. The starters at OLB have yet to be determined but Michael Bibbs and Josh Raven have been running with the first unit thus far. If there is one area that has shown plenty of passion this spring it has been the defensive line. The competition is red hot and nobody has solidified their spot yet but the competition has brought plenty of intensity to the field. After winning just two conference games (3-9 overall) last season, Gene Chizik has his players practicing cleaner and harder than last season. It has been a long known fact that you "play how you practice" so only time will tell just how much dust the more intense Cyclones can kick up in ’08.."

Nebraska: Bo Pelini returns to Nebraska in 2008 after a very successful stint as LSU D-coordinator and his very first job will be returning the defense to the level of success he had there in 2003. Finishing the 2007 season at 2-6 in the Big 12, the Huskers needed some new blood and Pelini has already seen a lot of movement. DT Seth Jensen has left the team (personal reasons), LB Kyle Moore has transferred and LB Austin Stafford has yet to report to practice. The bulk of the changes have occurred on the defense while the offense looks to be in good shape this year, especially after the season that Marlon Lucky had last year. The west-coast, pass-happy offense hampered his overall production and he could have an even bigger year in ’08. Keep an eye peeled for sophomore tailback Roy Helu, who has been electric this spring. The players that have embraced Pelini on the defensive side of the ball have really made some early impressions on the new staff. DE Pierre Allen (6-5/265) has been a pleasant surprise but OLB Cody Glenn (6-0/230) has been the real standout and is already running with the first team. Senior Tyler Wortman has joined Glenn as a starting OLB this spring. QB Joe Ganz (6-1/200) is the starting quarterback but the race for number two has gone back and forth between Patrick Witt and Zac Lee. The receiving corp. lost two very good players last season, so Nate Swift (6-2/200) and Todd Peterson (6-4/210) lead a young group into ’08 and will have ample opportunity to make their mark on the program. The offensive line looks to be as great as ever with a lot of experience across the board. Led by senior guard Mike Huff (6-4/300) they have a chance to be one of the better units in the country. The offense looks to be more balanced in ’08 but the defense is where the spotlight will be focused this season in Lincoln. If the past is any indicator, they will play with more attitude under Pelini and with attitude being the fuel for a defenses fire, perhaps, just perhaps there is some "Black" in the near future in Lincoln.