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October 7, 2009
An intriguing Big 12 North battle will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday night: Nebraska (3-1) at Missouri (4-0).
I want to know who everyone's taking. Feel free to post your score prediction below.
My prediction: Nebraska 28, Missouri 27.
For more analysis on Thursday night's game, along with a preview for the rest of the action taking place in the Big 12 this weekend, check out the latest edition of ConferenceChatterTV below:
The Big 12 continues to put up monster offensive numbers in 2009.
After the non-conference season, the conference occupies four of the top 10 spots in scoring offense. They are:
- 1. Texas: 49.5 points scored per game
- 6. Kansas: 40.5
- 9. Nebraska: 39.25
- 10. Oklahoma State: 39
The conference also represents nine of the top 20 scoring offenses in the country.
Some of the best skill players continue to play in the Big 12. KUSports poster suttonku posed an interesting question in my blog last weekend: He asked me to rank the wide receiver crews in the Big 12.
Here are my rankings, based on production on the field this season:
1. Kansas
Dezmon Briscoe, pictured above, leads all Big 12 receivers with 110 yards per game. Kerry Meier possesses the surest hands in the conference and averages 6.75 grabs per game, fourth in the conference.
Meier has really turned it on lately, with 18 catches and three scores in his last two games (compared to nine catches and no scores the first two games).
Johnathan Wilson (15 catches, 189 yards) has had some issues with drops, but is still one of the better third wide receivers in the conference. True freshman Bradley McDougald (18-180) is an outstanding fourth option. Meier, a senior, is gone after this year and there's a good chance the junior Briscoe will be gone to the NFL. The future of the KU receiving corps is safe with McDougald.
2. Texas
Jordan Shipley leads the conference with 36 receptions through four games. I think he has an NFL future in the right system. He's three inches taller than Wes Welker, but could play a similar role in the right offense.
Malcolm Williams (7-73) hasn't blossomed into the big-play, deep threat UT envisioned, but he's still only a sophomore. And at the factory that is Texas, there are plenty of other options. Like sophomore Dan Buckner (pictured above), who's probably been the most pleasant surprise for UT this season with 23 receptions, 294 yards and four scores. Buckner and Shipley's 59 combined receptions are more than any other two receivers on the same team in the Big 12.
Converted quarterback John Chiles (15-155-2) gives UT quality depth that only Kansas can match in the Big 12.
3. Texas Tech
The Red Raiders have a plethora of options through the air in Mike Leach's pass-happy attack. Tech has 17 passing touchdowns, more than any team in the Big 12.
Junior Lyle Leong has five TD grabs, while emerging deep threat Tramain Swindall has four. Alexander Torres is second in the conference with 29 catches.
And I haven't mentioned Detron Lewis (22-285-2) or Ed Britton (18-174-1). It could be argued the Red Raiders have the most receiver depth in the Big 12. They just don't have a star as polished as Briscoe or Shipley.
4. Missouri
Danario Alexander and Jared Perry (pictured above) form a respectable 1-2 combo for the Tigers. Alexander (29-404-4) is showing no signs of weakness in his surgically repaired knee, while Perry (25-381-5) is showing no weakness in his surgically repaired shoulder. The duo has formed an immediate rapport with quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
5. Oklahoma State
Dez Bryant, pictured above, was ruled ineligible by Oklahoma State on Wednesday, and his status for this weekend's game against Texas A&M is questionable. When Bryant, who has 17 catches for 323 yards and four scores, does play, he's one of the best receivers in college football.
Oklahoma State's only problem is it doesn't really have a second receiving option. If the Cowboys did, they would be considerably higher in my rankings.
6. Oklahoma
The Sooners, with Ryan Broyles (23-346-7), could be higher on the list. However, Broyles will miss the next 2-4 weeks with a fractured left shoulder blade. That leaves Brandon Caleb, Cameron Kenny and Mossis Madu.
7. Texas A&M
Similar story to Oklahoma. With Jeff Fuller and Ryan Tannehill, the Aggies form one of the most underrated WR duos in the conference. With Fuller out possibly another month with a broken leg, the Aggies enter the rankings a little lower.
8. Kansas State
Brandon Banks (23 catches) is K-State's best receiver, while Attrail Snipes (22.9 yards per catch) is a solid deep threat. After Banks, however, no K-State receiver has more than nine catches. The inspired play by quarterback Grant Gregory of late could help these numbers.
9. Baylor
Kendall Wright and David Gettis are solid, but the absence of Robert Griffin for the rest of the season, combined with the uncertain status of backup Blake Szymanski, could hinder the receivers' production.
10. Colorado
Scotty McKnight's 29 catches are tied for second in the conference, but the inconsistent play at quarterback won't help too much in Big 12 play. And the Buffaloes don't have a proven No. 2 receiver.
11. Nebraska
To the Cornhuskers' credit, they don't really need a star wide receiver because of how well they run the ball with Roy Helu Jr., and how well they use their tight end, Mike McNeill. That's probably why Niles Paul leads Nebraska receivers with only 10 catches on the season.
12. Iowa State
Senior Marquis Hamilton (18-313-2) is a nice presence, but that's about it.
As always, discuss.
Comments
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
Nebraska or Mizzouri...l
Im torn deep down. really.
the Hate for mizzou, combined with what i know about football .... Follow the best running game and best defense tells me Nebraska....
I don't see the score getting that high, I don't think.....
Im going to say 20-13 Nebraska, Helu jr. 150 rushing another 50 receiving....
October 7, 2009 at 11:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suttonku (anonymous) says...
Thank you for answering my question...I think in picking the mizzou game you have to look at the weather because it tells you a lot about the game. Im showing rain and thunderstorms tomorrow night and that favors Nebraska big time, big time. Its no secret that Missouri running back Washington has struggled a bit this season and if it's raining that could make it difficult for Mizzou to move the ball. Nebraska has the best running game in the Big 12 right now with Roy Helu. Im going to say that Nebraska has the edge in this game but for some reason I think Mizzou is going to take this one, it could have to do with me wanting Mizzou to win this game (even though I will be watching with about 20 Nebraska fans)...By the way it has been said that Nebraska fans are the best in college football and Im here to tell you that it's a myth. NU fans have a lot of pride but they are so uneducated when it comes to football. I have to sit in the student section with those idiots every home game. They think they know everything about football, it's probably the most annoying time of my life in between plays listening to them cry about calls. If you have the opportunity, come to a game at Nebraska because the stadium is loud and it is amazing but the fans are stupid.
By the way if you would like to come to the game against Texas Tech at Nebraska on the 17th I am selling my ticket LOL.
October 7, 2009 at 11:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suttonku (anonymous) says...
I have seen Kiper's big board, now I want to know what Sorrentino's big board looks like, who are the top prospects for the draft next season? Or maybe have a big 12 big board...
October 7, 2009 at 11:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whitechocolate (anonymous) says...
"come to a game at Nebraska because the stadium is loud and it is amazing but the fans are stupid."
sutton,
How stupid? Celebrity Jeopardy stupid or Jessica Simpson stupid?
I'm feeling risky so I'm going to pick MU 35-24. Gabbert will probably toss his first pick of the season, but MU is a surprise so far and NU isn't back by any means. Plus the game is in Columbia.
Eric, how about ranking the best receiving corp in the the nation?
I may be biased, but I'll take KU's hands over any other roster in the country.
October 7, 2009 at 11:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suttonku (anonymous) says...
Oh man as dumb as you can be...Im sure there are a couple educated NU fans but I have not found one yet...Jessica Simpson stupid...NU fans are like as dumb about football as Simpson is dumb about...well...everything. I have never watched a game with more idiots in my life...Im sure some kids come to the KU games hammered drunk but I have seen more people vomiting in the student section this season than I have any other season. But it's not about the drinking, I can handle that, it's that they just know nothing about the game! I wont be at the Tech game on the 17th because I will be in Lawrence that weekend but the next home game I will try to remember to bring a notebook and write down all the stupid things that I hear them say and then I will post it on kusports.com for all to see.
October 8, 2009 at 12:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kansas22 (anonymous) says...
31-24 Nebraska wins. I think Nebraska would blow out Mizzou if it were being played in Lincoln, but since it is being played in hell i think Mizzou should keep it close. Dez Bryant being ruled ineligible could be bad news for KU. That was an extra loss I had for Mizzou, but without Dez it becomes a very winnable game for MU. After looking at the schedules for the top 3 teams in the North though, I think we really need Mizzou to beat Nebraska. If Nebraska makes it past MU with a win I really only see them losing 2 games in the Big 12, one being versus KU. KU, on the other hand, has to play at Texas Tech, against Oklahoma (with or without Bradford this is still an extremely tough win for KU), at Texas and then the Border War in KC. It's already obvious KU will need to beat Nebraska in order to have any real shot at the North title because they are going to lose a couple Big 12 games, most likely OU and Texas. But Nebraska losing this one could greatly help our chances.
Anyways, this is a big game that Kansas fans should definitely have some interest in. I think we need the tiggers to pull this one out in order to feel more comfortable about our chances in the North. However, rooting for them is damn near impossible so don't count on that.
October 8, 2009 at 2:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mikeowens (anonymous) says...
For the love of Susan! Missouri 33, Nebraska 27.
October 8, 2009 at 3:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rasta_meta (anonymous) says...
I actually think Mizzou will win this game, but I do think it will be close.
October 8, 2009 at 5:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
afmoore06 (anonymous) says...
What are the chances that OSU re-instates Bryant? It looks to me initially that the university, not the NCAA, suspended him. This leads me to believe that he could return before the end of the season. Hopefully by the time OSU plays mizzou....
October 8, 2009 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kuwells (anonymous) says...
N 24
MU 23
And the MU QB Goober throws a couple of INTs
October 8, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kenhil (anonymous) says...
Sutton - have you been to a game at Texas? I don't think so or you would be giving Nebraska more credit. UT fans...hands down the most uneducated fans I have ever come across. I have been to a game at Nebraska and have Husker fan friends and it's not even close. UT fans have no idea what's going on in the game and if a play doesn't result in a touchdown for them, something went horribly wrong (should have been a penalty, need to change quarterbacks, fire the offensive coordinator, etc...). I do have UT fan friends and they (the educated ones) will take offense to this but a majority of the UT fans are pretty terrible. There are a ton of them and they come out in droves wearing burnt orange so I will give them credit for showing up, but man they wear me out. Going to a UT game and tailgating is the popular thing to do so most most have no idea what they're doing there. They love to bash every other team than theirs because UT is #1 at everything and if they aren't then somebody else cheated. Wow...done with my rant.
This will be a close game tonight and I'm glad we're getting to see these two teams play each other first. I'm not sold on either team yet though so it's tough to pick a winner. I'll take Nebraska since I believe they will be able to pound it out on the ground and MU's young QB might be a bit overwhelmed. NU 17 - MU 13
October 8, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bg_duck1 (anonymous) says...
Sutton- I'm going to the nebraska-tech game the 17th and I will be sitting in the student section so i will let you know how dumb or not the neb fans are.
I agree Kenhil on not being sold on either team but i think methzurah will pull this one out tonight b/c they are at home but it will be close
October 8, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hawkinator (anonymous) says...
Neb 28 Miz 24
October 8, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suttonku (anonymous) says...
Yeah I actually live in Texas but go to Nebraska and I do agree that UT fans are pretty dumb but I have met a few that were pretty educated and I seriously have not spoken to one educated NU fan, now this is only my second year here but I lived in Nebraska for four years before moving to Texas...Yes bg_duck1 let me know what you think...Make sure you sit near the dbag frat kids that go to school here for best results.
October 8, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
matt_tait (Matt Tait) says...
Nice work, Eric.
I agree with whitechocolate, it would be cool to see how KU's receivers stack up against the rest of the nation. I, too, think KU might have the best corps.
As for tonight's game, I'm going with the Huskers.
Better coach, better talent and revenge for last year's beating.
NU 31, MU 21
October 8, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suttonku (anonymous) says...
Oh I disagree with better talent...I think Helu is great and Suh is a beast but thats about all Nebraska has...their QB and WRs are not very good. Mizzou has the better QB and WR, of course its a downpour in Columbia which favors the running game and Nebraska.
October 8, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says...
Hey tait and whitechocolate, it would be really difficult to find another team in the country with a better WR corps than KU. I don't know if I'm the best source for ranking national WR's outside the Big 12, but I will say that A.J. Green of Georgia looks like one of the most polished receivers I've seen this season. Again, though, does Georgia have the depth of KU at WR? Not likely. For what it's worth Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard and LSU's Brandon LaFell are projected first-round WR's, but I've not seen them play.
October 8, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says...
Also, I'm sure many of our loyal KUSports.com followers will be watching Nebraska-Mizzou tonight. Feel free to use this blog to post your thoughts as the game progresses. I'm off of working desk, so I should be able to stop by throughout the night. Hope everyone enjoys the game.
October 8, 2009 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whitechocolate (anonymous) says...
My girlfriend is watching 'Fringe' and says I cannot watch football until afterwards.
Until then I have to check the scores online. Still 0-0. Gabbert sacked twice and fumbled once.
October 8, 2009 at 8:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says...
haha, that's understandable. If it makes you feel any better, you're not missing a whole lot. With the weather, it's been a really sloppy battle. Special teams miscues everywhere. I sense a defensive TD coming at some point in this one. Only 2-0 MU, close to half. Whoever took the under in this one has to like where they're at.
October 8, 2009 at 9:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
im still good... mizzou can manage a field goal, and touchdown and a two point conversion to get 13.... now how am i going to get Nebraska 20 points......
October 8, 2009 at 9:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says...
Same here. That 28-27 doesn't look like it's going to happen. That was an extremely gutsy call to go for it on 4th and goal as the half expired. 9-0 seems like a decent cushion in this game. Thoughts?
October 8, 2009 at 9:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
what are we supposed to have learned in the first half .... other than rain deters not only the passing game
October 8, 2009 at 9:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rawkhawk (anonymous) says...
Both teams aren't looking that great...the rain has to be the biggest factor. It still seems like Reesing would be a little more effective than these QB's...
October 8, 2009 at 10:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says...
Wow, how many INT's has the Neb dropped in this game?
October 8, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
Maybe. then again... we have a dumptruck for a tailback in toben Opurum.... though i don't see us run many non-shotgun sets..... this would be a difficult scenario for us too
October 8, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whitechocolate (anonymous) says...
Three by my count.
October 8, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
and just like that the skies parted, and the heavens said.... YOu have waited long enough.... have some football, mud soaked humans
October 8, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says...
Haha, quality comment, wayward. Agreed. Finally some action in this one. After all those dropped INT's, big Suh finally grabbed one. That guy has NFL written all over him. Looks like we're going to have one come down to the wire here, folks.
October 8, 2009 at 10:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
my prediction was 20-13 Nerbaska.
October 8, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
im still good... mizzou can manage a field goal, and touchdown and a two point conversion to get 13.... now how am i going to get Nebraska 20 points......
That's how !
October 8, 2009 at 11:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says...
This has been an absolutely masterful game plan by the Neb. in the second half. Still much game to be played. But yes, very impressive scoring prediction, sir!
October 8, 2009 at 11:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
Just like Mizzou...trying to rain on my parade.... BOOO !!!!!
October 8, 2009 at 11:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
esorrentino (Eric Sorrentino) says...
Neb's defensive line was awesome. Difference in the game, IMO. Very impressive performance. And the stadium clears out rather quickly...
October 8, 2009 at 11:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
Ted Miller: Kansas? Who have they beaten?
October 8, 2009 at 11:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rawkhawk (anonymous) says...
muck fizzou...
October 8, 2009 at 11:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
Seriously.... APparently because Nebraska won their first conference game... the Big 12 North is decided.... Who has Kansas Beaten..... everyone they have played ted
October 8, 2009 at 11:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waywardJay (anonymous) says...
Ted Miller: Impressive win for N.
Is Texas looking at its Big 12 title game foe?
October 8, 2009 at 11:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stravinsky (anonymous) says...
Impressive fourth quarter for Nebraska for sure, but I have to like our chances after watching that game. Nebraska's offense looked absolutely awful for three quarters, and they made mistake after mistake on both sides of the ball.
That was the sort of game where you really had to wonder how both teams didn't manage to lose. Seriously, like five dropped interceptions for Nebraska.
October 9, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )