Big 12 Roundtable: Corn Nation Edition

by Brandon Cavanaugh on Apr 29, 2008 7:42 PM CDT in Nebraska Husker Football

Once again I sit at a chair next to the Big 12 Roundtable. Matt from The Crimson and Cream Machine challenged us to speak of spring and what hope may or may not spring eternal. Blankman sayeth:

Who are some of the new faces that emerged in the spring who could be serious playmakers for your team this fall?

A good question. I think that Nebraska’s offensive linemen as a whole stepped up large in the spring and made some great strides. I also think that Lance Thorell stepped up, but he could be this year’s Garth Glissman (also known as the guy we don’t hear about after the Spring Game). I loved what I saw out of WR Curenski Gilleylen.

What is your biggest concern following the spring?

The defensive front seven. Injuries and departures not to mention flat out inexperience plagues this bunch. Not to say they will be an entire liability, but they do need to step up. If Ndamukong Suh can come back and regain his former glory, that will help immensely along with the addition of incoming linebacker Will Compton who looks to vie for immediate playing time at MIKE.

Any major changes (philosophy, coaching or personnel) that you are concerned or worried about?

Yeah, Barney Cotton. This guy’s got about as much between the ears as Mr. Potato Head except I think I’d trust Mr. Potato Head more with my offensive line.

Looking over the 2008 which home and away game will be the most difficult?

Home: Missouri
Away: Oklahoma with Texas Tech a close second

Time for your way too early predictions (Yes, you can change them in August). Rank how you see your division finishing up next season.

Missouri

Nebraska

Colorado

Kansas

Kansas State

Iowa State

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Comments

I've ran a bunch of numbers

And the only thing constant in all of my Big XII predictions is that Oklahoma and Texas are always at the top while Baylor and Iowa State are always at the bottom... you just can never tell about the rest of the teams. Missouri will probably lead the North, but I think you can put Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado in any order behind Mizzou. Or just put a margin of error (+/- 2) in light of the political season.

http://doombob.com

by doombob on Apr 29, 2008 10:49 PM CDT reply actions

The reason

...that I put Mizzou in front of Nebraska is due to the fact that I feel the Tigers currently have the edge mentally on Nebraska. That and Nebraska's need for a step up from seven individuals on the defensive side of the ball.

If that changes, the game for the Missouri-Nebraska Bell determines the North.

by Brandon Cavanaugh on Apr 29, 2008 11:03 PM CDT reply actions

wow

you're a lot more optimistic about 2008 than I am.

I figure Kansas and Colorado may finish ahead of us.

I always set my expectations low, though, so I can be pleasantly surprised instead of heart broken and disgusted.

That and last year I drank the kool aid. I drank all of it too. So much there ain't none left for this year!

Go Big Red!

by Jon Johnston on Apr 29, 2008 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Kansas

...was a one shot wonder. Lightning will not strike twice for Mangino especially with his dual threat Talib gone. Colorado's got some potential, but with Hawkins pulling the trigger, I'll take Watson & Pelini vs. him and anyone he wants to bring to the table.

by Brandon Cavanaugh on Apr 29, 2008 11:56 PM CDT reply actions