2014 Big 12 Football Preview

Today is the start of the Big 12 Media Days at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Since this is the same day that the Dallas Cowboys begin Training Camp out in Oxnard, California this is the day that football is officially back. Now I love football. I really do. But if you've followed my blog at all, then you know I'm a baseball guy. But since the Texas Rangers haven't been good at all this season (come on number 1 overall pick in the Draft next year. Let's get healthy and re-stock our farm system. We'll be back in 2015), then I'm getting more and more excited for football season this season. I'm going to run down every team in the Big 12 and preview their season. Now the previews will not be my opinions. I don't know enough about every team to preview them all. But I will give you my prediction as to how the standings will round out at the end of the season.

1. Oklahoma State Cowboys: The Oklahoma State Cowboys finished the season with a 10-3 record and won 10 of their first 11 games. As usual, Oklahoma State had one of the best offenses in the country, averaging 39.1 points per game and a defense that ranked 19th in the country in points allowed. Mike Gundy continues to take Oklahoma State to new heights, as he’s led the program to double-digits wins in three of his last four seasons. Still, it always feels like Oklahoma State is a bounce or two away from playing for a national title. We’ll find out just how good Oklahoma State is going to be opening weekend against Florida State. But if you can’t wait that long, it’s tough to imagine OK State being as good as last season. The Cowboys lost way too much experience, have no true answer at quarterback and have an extremely young defense. Oklahoma State is still going to score its points and remain competitive but don’t expect a Big 12 title or anything crazy. (Read more at http://sportschatplace.com/cfb-picks/2014/07/20/college-football-preview-the-2014-oklahoma-state-cowboys#xJccWzgcTGFiMdbo.99)


2.Oklahoma Sooners: The Oklahoma Sooners won double-digit games for the fourth straight year under head coach Bob Stoops and capped their season off with a BCS bowl victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Sooners finished second in the Big 12 and had wins over ranked opponents such as Notre Dame, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. The Sooners have now won 10 or more games in seven of their last eight seasons, and you can bet the Oklahoma fan base is expecting to be one of the four teams making the playoffs this season. In a conference that isn’t loaded with great defensive teams, Oklahoma will have the chance to bully its way through the Big 12. The Sooners should have the best defense in this conference and that’s going to be good enough to win a lot of the games on their schedule. Oklahoma now just needs consistent production from its offense and for Knight to start scratching the surface of his potential. Oklahoma has more than enough to win the Big 12 and is worth a look to win the national championship with the odds we’re getting. (http://sportschatplace.com/cfb-picks/2014/07/20/college-football-preview-the-2014-oklahoma-sooners)


3. Baylor Bears: The Baylor Bears continue to take steps forward under head coach Art Briles, as they reached a BCS bowl for the first time in program history and won 11 games, which were the most in school history. Baylor had the best scoring offense in the country, averaging 52.4 points and improved its defense to where it ranked fourth in the Big 12. At one point the Bears looked to be a national championship contender as they started the season with nine straight victories. With now four straight bowl appearances and 37 wins in the last four seasons, Baylor has proven it is more than capable of being a powerhouse football team. It won’t be easy to repeat as Big 12 champs in a conference that continues to improve year by year. However, Baylor has a shot with a potential Heisman winning quarterback and an offense that can score at the drop of a hat. Baylor’s defense is going to have to mature before our very eyes and come up with the timely stops needed to secure games. There are question marks with this team and this version of Baylor may not be as talented as last years. But there’s still more than enough for Baylor to go bowling for the fifth straight season. (Read more at http://sportschatplace.com/cfb-picks/2014/07/20/college-football-preview-the-2014-baylor-bears#B0GoLYVD3zux8KZP.99)


4. Texas Longhorns: The Texas Longhorns experienced another mediocre season with an 8-5 record and a loss in a bowl game. It was the fourth straight season the Longhorns failed to win double-digit games, and it pretty much forced head coach Mack Brown to step down from a position he’s held since 1998. Former Louisville coach Charlie Strong has taken over the head coach position and will begin this new chapter with this historic program. Getting off on the right foot will be critical considering Texas is a program that’s tired of settling for second and third best.A new head coach and a mystery at quarterback don’t spell a championship season for Texas. It also doesn’t help that the Longhorns have a tough Big 12 schedule that also includes UCLA and BYU. Texas may very well experience another up and down season. However, if there’s any team capable of surprises, it’d be Texas. The talent is always on this team and it’s what gives Texas a chance to beat anybody any given week. However, while I just don’t expect much this season from the Longhorns, there will be plenty of chances to make money off this team. (http://sportschatplace.com/cfb-picks/2014/07/21/college-football-preview-the-2014-texas-longhorns)


5. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Overall, the Red Raider offense looks to be a better unit in 2014, as Webb looks much improved. The offensive line will likely be much better and deeper as well, which likely will result in improved numbers in the ground game. On defense, it’s still a bit of a mystery, as the Red Raider coaching staff will have to wait until fall camp to see the revamped defensive line — heavy with junior college transfers — in action. If these players do live up to their hype, things could be looking up on defense, and overall, for Texas Tech in 2014. - (See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/2014-college-football-preview-and-predictions-no-41-texas-tech-red-raiders#sthash.xojvqt3X.dpuf)


6. Kansas State Wildcats: Kansas State started 2-4 last year, but there was no shame in losing to North Dakota State, Texas, Oklahoma State or Baylor. The Wildcats played better over the final seven contests, finishing with six victories in that span, with the only loss coming against Oklahoma. With 10 starters back, Kansas State has a chance to build off that total in 2014. K-State finished 2013 strong by winning six of seven. The Wildcats will need to take advantage of that momentum with an early trip to Iowa State and a home game with Auburn looming before October. If they do, it could be a special season in Manhattan. (See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/2014-college-football-preview-and-predictions-no-20-kansas-state-wildcats#sthash.aq5IJQtQ.dpuf)


7. Iowa State Cyclones: Iowa State must improve significantly on both sides of the ball if it hopes to bounce back from last season’s disappointing three-win season. With Mangino on the staff, there is legitimate hope for better production on offense. There are some nice pieces at the skill positions for the former Kansas head coach to work with. Defensively, however, there are major issues. The staff will be relying on several junior college transfers — always a dangerous proposition. If the Cyclones want to reach a bowl game in 2014, they will have to do it by simply outscoring the opposition. (See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/2014-college-football-rankings-66-iowa-state-cyclones#sthash.TJNIjEDv.dpuf)

8. TCU Horn Frogs: It became clear to coach Gary Patterson during the Horned Frogs’ second year in the Big 12 that major changes were in order on the offensive side of the ball. His defense, long a program hallmark, was maintaining its success in the new league. But the Frogs missed the postseason for the first time since 2004 largely because the offense — which had moved the ball with ease in the Frogs’ final years in the Mountain West — failed to produce. If the offense, under new leadership, can make modest gains, the Frogs could emerge as a surprise contender in the Big 12. TCU went 4–8 in 2013, but the Frogs lost four games by a combined 11 points, including one in overtime. In two other 10-point losses, TCU had a chance to win late in the game. With better play at quarterback and along the offensive line — two areas that underperformed in 2013 — TCU will be in position to win a few more of those close games and put itself back into postseason play. (See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/2014-college-football-rankings-39-tcu-horned-frogs#sthash.Css2fh2v.dpuf)

9. West Virginia Mountaineers: It may be summer in Morgantown, but the heat has been on Holgorsen for a couple of seasons. In 2012, the Mountaineers went 2–6 after a 5–0 start that included a win at Texas. Last year, WVU finished 4–8 and out of the bowl picture. Athletic director Oliver Luck felt compelled to issue a statement after the latter “difficult and trying” season and backed the coach, if seemingly only for this season, adding he has “high expectations” for 2014. The problem for Holgorsen is that the Mountaineers might be better, but that might not translate into a sterling record. WVU opens with Alabama, visits Maryland and plays a full Big 12 schedule. (See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/2014-college-football-rankings-67-west-virginia-mountaineers#sthash.Uef5eLab.dpuf)

10. Kansas Jayhawks: During his first two years at KU, Weis was careful to not set specific win total goals for his rebuilding football team. That’s changed this season, as he enters Year 3 with the most talent he’s had and a solid base of upperclassmen. “Before you can be a perennial winning program, the first thing you’ve got to do is get to .500,” Weis says. Though this probably isn’t a “bowl or bust” season for the Jayhawks, Weis likely will need to improve his win total to avoid the hot seat in the third year of a five-year contract. (See more at: http://athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25/2014-college-football-rankings-predictions-78-kansas-jayhawks#sthash.sP9YL8L3.dpuf)

Ok so there are other websites' previews of the Big 12 for the 2014 Football season. Now here is my prediction as to how I think the standings will shape up.

1. Oklahoma

2. Baylor

3. Oklahoma State

4. Kansas State

5. Texas

6. TCU

7. Texas Tech

8. West Virginia

9. Kansas

10. Iowa State

So here is my thinking on my standings prediction. Oklahoma is coming off a great end to the 2013 season and they lost very few players. Now I understand Baylor is coming off winning their first ever Big 12 Championship, however, they have lost a lot of players on their defense and a few key players on their offense. And on top of that, Baylor has to travel to Norman to play Oklahoma this season. It's going to be a very hard road for Baylor to repeat as the conference champions. Now I'm not saying that Baylor can't do it. They most certainly can, but it's going to be hard. Oklahoma State, I believe, will slip up against Baylor and someone else along the way while Texas, who I believe will be good again in the next few years, aren't ready to make the jump this year under new head coach Charlie Strong. On average, most first year coaches don't make the team a contender. We'll know more about what kind of coach Charlie Strong is in a few years when his recruits are the starters for the Longhorns. As for the rest of the conference, TCU will make the biggest jump in the standings. They will win a few games they aren't expected to win, including over the Texas Tech Red Raiders who won't be as good this season as people are thinking. And then after Tech, it falls off. West Virginia won't be very good, Kansas will be normally bad in football, and Iowa State will bring up the rear of the conference standings. All in all the Big 12 will send the top 4 teams to bowl games. Now I'm a big Longhorn fan. Hook 'Em Horns!!! But I believe they will miss a bowl game this season under Coach Strong. We get started on August 27th. College football is almost here folks. Let's get going!!!

2014 Dallas Cowboys Preview

We are two weeks away from NFL teams heading to their respective training camps and most people can't wait. Now I'm more of a baseball fan myself, but since my Texas Rangers have been hit with the injury bug so hard and are already out of any kind of playoffs running, then I too am getting excited about NFL training camp beginning and the season getting underway. So let's take a look at the 2014 Dallas Cowboys.

The last 3 years in a row, the Dallas Cowboys have finished a mediocre 8-8. They haven't improved...they haven't gotten worse. They have stayed dormant. But I believe their off-season has actually been very good to at least help them improve. Now how many games will they improve? I don't think much right now, but we'll take a look at their schedule and I'll predict each game later on. Right now let's take a look at who they've added and who they've lost this off-season.

OFFENSIVE ADDITIONS:
The Cowboys, in my opinion, had an excellent draft this year. They added a big man to the already improved offensive line when they took offensive lineman Zack Martin from Notre Dame with their 16th overall pick. Many people were upset they didn't take Johnny Manziel, but I believe for once Jerry Jones the General Manager took over instead of Jerry Jones the owner for the good of the team. The Cowboys needed to stay away from the 3-ring circus that Johnny Football has already become and they did just that. Zack Martin will be put on a line that already includes guys like Travis Fredrick and Tyrone Smith looks VERY good for the Cowboys for years to come.

All the reports that I'm hearing and reading are saying that Tony Romo will be 100% healthy come training camp. Romo has received a lot of flack for his play, including from me. But his supporters keep saying he is a top quarterback despite his inability to make big plays in big games. But with the improved offensive line, Romo will have no excuse if he doesn't play well. And waiting in the wings in case he doesn't play well or is hurt are 2 guys that have experience and want to prove they still belong in the NFL: Brandon Weeden and Caleb Hanie. Weeden ended up being a bust with the Cleveland Browns, but reports from OTAs are that Weeden has really stepped up his game and is playing better than he ever has. I hope that's the case. As for Hanie...I feel he is a good 3rd string. He has experience and he's won a couple big games when he was with the Chicago Bears. So the additions of Weeden and Hanie are ok as Romo's backups.

DEFENSIVE ADDITIONS:
Once again you can see just how good of a draft that Jerry Jones had when you look at the additions they added to the defense. Defensive End DeMarcus Lawrence was drafted in the 2nd round out of Boise State. From the reports I read about Lawrence, this guy has a lot of upside and potential. Now I know "potential" is a rough word to go on, but "potential" is better than no hope. Right? Also, the Cowboys took Iowa Linebacker Anthony Hitchens in the 4th round of the draft. Watching the video from OTAs, he is a big guy who is quick. His tackling will need to improve in order for him to actually make a difference on the defense but new Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli will make sure Hitchens' tackling ability will be better. Dallas also signed former Chicago Bear Henry Melton. Melton, when playing for Marinelli when he was the DC for the Bears, was a pro bowl defensive lineman. But his career began going downhill after Marinelli left Chicago. They've now been reunited and I believe that Melton feels he has a lot to prove. Watch Melton to have a monster year for Dallas. Now my wildcard pick to have a good year for the Cowboys is Rolando McClain. Dallas traded a 6th round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for McClain, who was reinstated from the retirement list in order to play for the Cowboys. He was a bust when he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders out of Alabama and then never really did much for the Ravens either. But he's in Dallas now and claims he wants to prove he isn't the player that you saw on the field in Oakland. I don't know if he'll be good or not, but for the Cowboys he is a low risk high reward player so why not take a shot on him?

OFFENSIVE SUBTRACTIONS:
The Cowboys really didn't lose much on the offensive side of the ball. They released offensive lineman Phil Costa, but Costa hasn't really been anything but a disappointment. So losing Costa actually helps to improve the offensive line. They also lost wide receiver Miles Austin. Now in 2009, Austin was a relevant part of the Cowboys offensive attack. But injuries over the last several years have slowed Austin down considerably. He isn't the player he was 5 years ago and he needed to go. The Cowboys officially released him at the first of June and he has since signed with the Cleveland Browns. Good for Miles to get on with another team, but he was more of a detriment to the Cowboys than he was an asset.

DEFENSIVE SUBTRACTIONS:
Dallas did lose a couple of guys on defense that I feel will make a bad impact on the team. First of all, they lost line backer Sean Lee to a torn ACL on the first day of OTAs. He will miss the entire 2014 season. That will hurt the Dallas defense. When healthy, Lee is one of the best players in the NFL. His problem has always been though that he can't stay healthy. Lee will be missed for sure, but in order to be competitive the Cowboys will need Hitchens and Lawrence to step up and become play makers. The other player the Cowboys will miss is DeMarcus Ware. Ware signed a 3-year deal with the Denver Broncos a couple days after the Cowboys released him. At the time, it was the right thing to do for the Cowboys to let him go. But with some of the additions the team has added to the defense, I think Ware would have had a massive comeback year if he was on the Dallas defensive line. Ware will definitely be missed in 2014.

So overall I believe the Cowboys have had a really good off-season. Probably one of the first off-seasons in a long time that I've felt good about what the team has done. Here is the 2014 schedule with my predictions for the season:

September 7th vs. San Francisco
My Prediction: Loss

September 14th at Tennessee
My Prediction: Win

September 21st at St. Louis
My Prediction: Win

September 28th vs. New Orleans
My Prediction: Loss

October 5th vs. Houston
My Prediction: Win

October 12th at Seattle
My Prediction: Loss

October 19th vs. New York Giants
My Prediction: Win

October 27th vs. Washington
My Prediction: Win

November 2nd vs. Arizona
My Prediction: Win

November 9th vs. Jacksonville (in London)
My Prediction: Win

November 23rd at New York Giants
My Prediction: Loss

November 27th vs. Philadelphia
My Prediction: Loss

December 4th at Chicago
My Prediction: Loss

December 14th at Philadelphia
My Prediction: Loss

December 21st vs. Indianapolis
My Prediction: Win

December 28th at Washington
My Prediction: Win








So there's my predictions game by game. If you tally it up, I've got the Cowboys going 9-7 on the season. As I said earlier, I believe the Cowboys will improve this season, but not by much. I think overall they are 1 game better than the last 3 seasons. But we will see when they take the field against the San Francisco 49ers on September 7th.