Kansas University athletic director Lew Perkins on Sunday officially announced the hiring of Turner Gill as the next coach of the KU football program.
For my reaction on the Gill hiring, including quotes from former KU running back Brandon McAnderson and current freshman wide receiver Erick McGriff, check out the latest edition of ConferenceChatterTV below:
What do you think of the hire? Be sure to make your opinion known in our online poll.
Bowl season is just around the corner, but the Big 12 won’t participate in any bowls until Dec. 28. The conference went 4-3 in bowls last season. The best postseason showing in the history of the conference was 5-3.
I’ve organized the following Big 12 bowls in terms of their appeal. The conference bowl game I’m most excited to watch will be listed as No. 1. Predictions to come next week.
1. Texas vs. Alabama, BCS Championship
When: Thursday, Jan. 7
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: Pasadena, Calif.
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Dec/13/Big_12_Nebraska_Texas_Footba2.jpg
AP Photo: Texas coach Mack Brown, left, has a word with quarterback Colt McCoy
Reasoning: Kind of obvious — the stakes. Texas is wanting to prove it belongs in the title game against an Alabama team that smoked Florida in the SEC Championship. The SEC has won the last three BCS titles. The last non-SEC team to win it all was Texas in the 2005 season.
2. Oklahoma vs. Stanford, Sun Bowl
When: Thursday, Dec. 31
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: El Paso, Texas
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Dec/13/stanford_bw.jpg
AP Photo: Stanford running back Toby Gerhart runs against USC
Reasoning: It seems a bit off to rank the Sun bowl as the second-most interesting Big 12 bowl game this season, but what’s not to like about this one? I’m really curious to see how Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart (1,736 rushing yards, 26 TDs) fares against an Oklahoma defense that surrenders only 13.50 points per game, seventh in the country.
3. Oklahoma State vs. Mississippi, Cotton Bowl
When: Saturday, Jan. 2
Time: 1 p.m.
Where: Dallas
Reasoning: This is the Big 12’s second most prominent bowl, and any Big 12-SEC matchup instantly grabs my attention. Texas Tech was embarrassed last year in this bowl, and it was Mississippi that did the embarrassing with a 47-34 victory. Let’s see if the Cowboys can have a little bit more success.
4. Nebraska vs. Arizona, Holiday Bowl
When: Wednesday, Dec. 30
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: San Diego
Reasoning: This game won’t have a whole lot of offense, so bet the under. Nebraska actually moved up a spot in the AP poll from No. 21 to No. 20 with its loss in the Big 12 Championship to Texas. Arizona is at No. 22, and Wildcats coach Mike Stoops has a variety of Big 12 ties (Oklahoma assistant, 1999-2003; Kansas State assistant, 1992-1998).
5. Texas A&M vs. Georgia, Independence Bowl
When: Monday, Dec. 28
Time: 4 p.m.
Where: Shreveport, La.
http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/blogs/entry_img/2009/Dec/13/Texas_AM_Colorado_Football.jpg
AP Photo: A&M coach Mike Sherman, left, with quarterback Jerrod Johnson
Reasoning: The inconsistent Aggies are at least fun to watch. Their quarterback, Jerrod Johnson, threw more touchdown passes (28) than any other quarterback in the Big 12 this season. We’ll get three Big 12-SEC matchups this holiday season, which is generous. This game should produce a lot of points.
6. Texas Tech vs. Michigan State, Alamo Bowl
When: Saturday, Jan. 2
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: San Antonio
Reasoning: To see if the Red Raiders can win this game by a ton. Michigan State will be plagued by suspensions, resulting from a fight outside of a campus dorm in East Lansing, Mich. Eight players are suspended, including three starters. Time for the pirate coach to take advantage and make up for a poor showing in last year’s Cotton Bowl.
7. Missouri vs. Navy, Texas Bowl
When: Thursday, Dec. 31
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Where: Houston
Reasoning: Missouri should have played in a higher-ranking bowl, but the Insight passed the Tigers up for Iowa State and their loyal-traveling fan base.
8. Iowa State vs. Minnesota, Insight Bowl
When: Thursday, Dec. 31
Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Tempe, Ariz.
Reasoning: This will be the third time in four years Minnesota plays in the Insight Bowl. The Gophers have lost the previous two times out.
That should be all for now, friends. As always, discuss.
