Texas Longhorns: Oklahoma State Cowboys
Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the Big 12:
Baylor Bears
What they’re selling: The new 45,000-seat, $250-million on-campus stadium that will open in 2014. Recruiting is an arms race, and players like fancy stadiums and locker rooms, and Baylor’s upgrade puts them finally on the same level playing field as everybody else in the Big 12.
What they're missing: Help on defense -- specifically at defensive line and defensive back.
Iowa State Cyclones
What they’re selling: Paul Rhoads. He grew up miles from the campus and has helped turn around Iowa State with a physical and fundamentally sound style of football.
What they're missing: A true home-run threat at receiver.
Kansas Jayhawks
What they’re selling: Charlie Weis. He’s taken risks (juco infusion), repaired relationships with area high school coaches and widened KU’s recruiting pool.
What they're missing: Wins. When you’ve won only one conference game in three years, a little bit of everything is missing.
Kansas State Wildcats
What they’re selling: Bill Synder. The plan has worked for years in Manhattan. K-State doesn’t care how many stars a player has attached to his name, a player only earns an offer from K-State unless Snyder personally signs off on it after a lengthy review. It’s a plan that produced a No. 1 BCS ranking and a Big 12 championship in 2012.
What’s missing: I’ve been told by coaches for years that the most difficult position to recruit is defensive tackle. That’s why you often see even average defensive tackles rack up double-digit offers, and finding good depth at defensive tackle has been very difficult to do at K-State.
Oklahoma Sooners
What they’re selling: Oklahoma is proud of its football tradition, and few schools can match the Sooners’ track record for success, facilities and ability to prepare you for the next level.
What they're missing: A renewed focus on evaluating players. It’s what differentiated Bob Stoops’ staff when they started, and it’s how they found players like Sam Bradford, Josh Heupel, Juaquin Iglesias and Donald Stephenson. All at the time were considered to be three-star recruits but wound up being impact players for the Sooners.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
What they’re selling: Their ability to evaluate and develop offensive talent.
What they're missing: Elite players in the Lone Star State. With the best facilities in the conference, it might be just enough to get kids to visit.
Texas Longhorns
What they’re selling: Few in the nation can offer up the type of atmosphere, fan base, tradition and total student-athlete package like Texas can.
What they're missing: A true a difference-maker at quarterback. The last two Heisman Trophy winners have come from Texas high schools, and the Longhorns didn’t recruit one heavily and recruited the other as an athlete.
TCU Horned Frogs
What they’re selling: The Horned Frogs recruit to their style of smash-mouth play on both sides of the ball and don’t care how many stars a recruit has. It hurts them some in the recruiting rankings, but it helps them win a lot of ball games.
What they're missing: BCS conference depth. Heading into their second season in the Big 12 after a 7-6 season, the biggest thing the Horned Frogs need to do is to build the roster to be able to compete year in and year out in the BCS conference.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
What they’re selling: The Red Raiders went through a transition that brought Kliff Kingsbury to Lubbock, and the early reception has been nothing short of positive.
What they're missing: The Red Raiders have never had issues putting up points on people, but under Tommy Tuberville and Mike Leach there was little defense being played.
West Virginia Mountaineers
What they’re selling: WVU is a force in the Atlantic region, can recruit well in Pennsylvania and is arguably one of the best schools at identifying offensive talent in the JC ranks.
What they're missing: The 2014 class will have to be all about rebuilding in Morgantown, as the needs are mounting while several impact players have moved on.
Baylor Bears
What they’re selling: The new 45,000-seat, $250-million on-campus stadium that will open in 2014. Recruiting is an arms race, and players like fancy stadiums and locker rooms, and Baylor’s upgrade puts them finally on the same level playing field as everybody else in the Big 12.
What they're missing: Help on defense -- specifically at defensive line and defensive back.
Iowa State Cyclones
What they’re selling: Paul Rhoads. He grew up miles from the campus and has helped turn around Iowa State with a physical and fundamentally sound style of football.
What they're missing: A true home-run threat at receiver.
Kansas Jayhawks
What they’re selling: Charlie Weis. He’s taken risks (juco infusion), repaired relationships with area high school coaches and widened KU’s recruiting pool.
What they're missing: Wins. When you’ve won only one conference game in three years, a little bit of everything is missing.
Kansas State Wildcats
What they’re selling: Bill Synder. The plan has worked for years in Manhattan. K-State doesn’t care how many stars a player has attached to his name, a player only earns an offer from K-State unless Snyder personally signs off on it after a lengthy review. It’s a plan that produced a No. 1 BCS ranking and a Big 12 championship in 2012.
What’s missing: I’ve been told by coaches for years that the most difficult position to recruit is defensive tackle. That’s why you often see even average defensive tackles rack up double-digit offers, and finding good depth at defensive tackle has been very difficult to do at K-State.
Oklahoma Sooners
What they’re selling: Oklahoma is proud of its football tradition, and few schools can match the Sooners’ track record for success, facilities and ability to prepare you for the next level.
What they're missing: A renewed focus on evaluating players. It’s what differentiated Bob Stoops’ staff when they started, and it’s how they found players like Sam Bradford, Josh Heupel, Juaquin Iglesias and Donald Stephenson. All at the time were considered to be three-star recruits but wound up being impact players for the Sooners.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
What they’re selling: Their ability to evaluate and develop offensive talent.
What they're missing: Elite players in the Lone Star State. With the best facilities in the conference, it might be just enough to get kids to visit.
Texas Longhorns
What they’re selling: Few in the nation can offer up the type of atmosphere, fan base, tradition and total student-athlete package like Texas can.
What they're missing: A true a difference-maker at quarterback. The last two Heisman Trophy winners have come from Texas high schools, and the Longhorns didn’t recruit one heavily and recruited the other as an athlete.
TCU Horned Frogs
What they’re selling: The Horned Frogs recruit to their style of smash-mouth play on both sides of the ball and don’t care how many stars a recruit has. It hurts them some in the recruiting rankings, but it helps them win a lot of ball games.
What they're missing: BCS conference depth. Heading into their second season in the Big 12 after a 7-6 season, the biggest thing the Horned Frogs need to do is to build the roster to be able to compete year in and year out in the BCS conference.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
What they’re selling: The Red Raiders went through a transition that brought Kliff Kingsbury to Lubbock, and the early reception has been nothing short of positive.
What they're missing: The Red Raiders have never had issues putting up points on people, but under Tommy Tuberville and Mike Leach there was little defense being played.
West Virginia Mountaineers
What they’re selling: WVU is a force in the Atlantic region, can recruit well in Pennsylvania and is arguably one of the best schools at identifying offensive talent in the JC ranks.
What they're missing: The 2014 class will have to be all about rebuilding in Morgantown, as the needs are mounting while several impact players have moved on.
Question of the Week: Let's talk trades 
May, 9, 2013
May 9
10:00
AM CT
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Free agency might be a long way off from never in college football -- at least as far as players are concerned. Coaches, they come and go. Players stick.
But now the time has come to change all that, if only for a day and if only for the purposes of this week’s question of the week. With that in mind and those rules set, here then is the aforementioned question: If you, as Texas’ general manager, could trade for one player within the Big 12, who would it be? And who would you give up for that player?
But now the time has come to change all that, if only for a day and if only for the purposes of this week’s question of the week. With that in mind and those rules set, here then is the aforementioned question: If you, as Texas’ general manager, could trade for one player within the Big 12, who would it be? And who would you give up for that player?
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Darrion Johnson is getting a fresh start at Navasota, and he couldn’t be happier.
The four-star defensive back is in his second week at the Class 3A school after his abrupt transfer from Brenham (Texas) High School, and the move hasn’t hindered his recruitment much.
The four-star defensive back is in his second week at the Class 3A school after his abrupt transfer from Brenham (Texas) High School, and the move hasn’t hindered his recruitment much.
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The NFL draft is done, and you can find some raw data at the bottom of this post, but here are a few thoughts:
Here's the ranking of players drafted, by Big 12 team.
1. Oklahoma -- six players
2. West Virginia -- three players
2. Texas -- three players
2. Kansas State -- three players
5. Iowa State -- two players
5. TCU -- two players
7. Baylor -- one player
7. Kansas -- one player
7. Oklahoma State -- one player
10. Texas Tech -- zero players
Here are the conference rankings:
1. SEC -- 63 players
2. ACC -- 31 players
3. Pac-12 -- 28 players
4. Big 12 -- 22 players
4. Big Ten -- 22 players
6. Big East -- 18 players
Here is the full list of the 22 players from the Big 12 who were drafted:
- You can see our thoughts on the first round here, so today, we'll focus on the rest of the draft.
- What a nighmare spot for Geno Smith to land after a rough drop out of the first round. Sure, he might be able to earn some early playing time for the Jets, and it's not hard to see him beating out a couple of first-round picks in Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow, but the Jets are a complete zoo with six quarterbacks on the roster, and Chaz Schilens (what??) and former TCU receiver Jeremy Kerley as their top targets in the passing game. Good grief. Smith won't be pressured to play early, but it's hard to imagine him walking into a worse situation as a rookie quarterback, with no one to really learn from, tons of distractions and a zoo-like atmosphere on a Jets team that isn't expected to come anywhere close to the playoffs next season.
- On the flip side, how happy is Sam Bradford after this weekend? And how awesome is Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey getting to continue playing together? The Rams just gained an entire state as a fan base. You'll be able to see plenty of St. Louis games in West Virginia, I'm betting. Don't be surprised if both of those guys are starters in Week 1 for a team badly in need of receivers after losing Danny Amendola to the Patriots. Austin is obviously more physically gifted, but Bailey has great hands and knows how to play the position. You don't catch 25 touchdown passes on accident.
- Meanwhile, great landing spot for Landry Jones, who stuck around Oklahoma an extra year, passing up a first-round grade from the advisory committee. He appeared to regress this year, falling back to the fourth round. Walking into a place where he had to start early with few weapons would be a tough spot for any quarterback, even though Jones, with four years of starting experience, would be as ready as anyone. Instead, he'll sit behind Ben Roethlisberger, and considering how much Roethlisberger gets hit, don't be surprised if Jones is forced into starting duty once or twice next season. On a random note: Jones' landing spot is a little funny considering his wife played with Roethlisberger's little sister, Carlee, on the women's basketball team at Oklahoma.
- How perfect is Arthur Brown going to the Ravens? It's too bad he won't get to learn from Ray Lewis firsthand, but you can bet Lewis will have a hand in Brown's development. Brown is mean, fast and smart. That fits the Ravens perfectly.
- Jerry Jones loves him some Big 12 offensive skill talent. Dez Bryant blossomed this season, but the Dallas Cowboys went out and grabbed running back Joseph Randle and receiver Terrance Williams, the league's top rusher and receiver. I don't see Randle as a star in the NFL, but a solid contributor. Williams, though, will be fascinating to see in an offense thin at receiver behind Bryant. Miles Austin has had health issues, and Bryant has, too. Keep an eye out for Williams to make a splash in an offense that loves to throw it around. Randle will be backing up a familiar face in ex-Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray.
- Great fit for Kenny Stills in New Orleans. The Saints have several aging receivers there to teach Stills a thing or two, but enough passes to get him some early experience. I'm betting on Stills as a 1,000-yard receiver in Year 3.
- Very cool reunion out in Arizona with Alex Okafor joining his old teammate, Sam Acho, on the Cardinals. It will be fun to see those guys on the field.
- Texas Tech was the only Big 12 team without a player drafted.
- Very shocked to see Oklahoma's Tony Jefferson and Iowa State's Jake Knott go undrafted. More so with Jefferson, who left school early and had great physical gifts. ESPN had him as the No. 5 safety in the draft at one point, but he wasn't among the more than 20 safeties drafted. Very odd. I have to wonder what's going on there. Has to be something other than his physical skills. He didn't necessarily show a lot of improvement throughout his career, but he was an All-Big 12 talent who made 100+ tackles this season. More on the Big 12's notable undrafted players later this morning.
- Not a good year for the Big 12 in the draft, with an all-time low 22 players drafted, but you also have to consider that it's just the second year that the league had just 10 teams. Texas A&M and Missouri had a combined eight draft picks, helping the 14-team SEC set an all-time record for draft picks by conference. By eight selections, of course. Generally, not a good trend for the Big 12. Most alarming: The SEC East and SEC West both had more draft picks than any other conference in college football. Good grief.
Here's the ranking of players drafted, by Big 12 team.
1. Oklahoma -- six players
2. West Virginia -- three players
2. Texas -- three players
2. Kansas State -- three players
5. Iowa State -- two players
5. TCU -- two players
7. Baylor -- one player
7. Kansas -- one player
7. Oklahoma State -- one player
10. Texas Tech -- zero players
Here are the conference rankings:
1. SEC -- 63 players
2. ACC -- 31 players
3. Pac-12 -- 28 players
4. Big 12 -- 22 players
4. Big Ten -- 22 players
6. Big East -- 18 players
Here is the full list of the 22 players from the Big 12 who were drafted:
FIRST ROUND
- Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson, fourth overall, Philadelphia Eagles
- West Virginia WR Tavon Austin, eighth overall, St. Louis Rams
- Texas S Kenny Vaccaro, 15th overall, New Orleans Saints
- West Virginia QB Geno Smith, 39th overall, New York Jets
- Kansas State LB Arthur Brown, 56th overall, Baltimore Ravens
- Baylor WR Terrance Williams, 74th overall, Dallas Cowboys
- Texas WR Marquise Goodwin, 78th overall, Buffalo Bills
- West Virginia WR Stedman Bailey, 92nd overall, St. Louis Rams
- TCU receiver Josh Boyce, 102nd overall, New England Patriots
- Texas DE Alex Okafor, 103rd overall, Arizona Cardinals
- Oklahoma QB Landry Jones, 115th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Kansas State WR Chris Harper, 123rd overall, Seattle Seahawks
- Oklahoma WR Kenny Stills, 144th overall, New Orleans Saints
- Iowa State LB A.J. Klein, 148th overall, Carolina Panthers
- Oklahoma State RB Joseph Randle, 151st overall, Dallas Cowboys
- TCU DE Stansly Maponga, 153rd overall, Atlanta Falcons
- Kansas OT Tanner Hawkinson, 156th overall, Cincinnati Bengals
- Oklahoma WR Justin Brown, 186th overall, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Kansas State FB Braden Wilson, 204th overall, Kansas City Chiefs
- Oklahoma DT Stacy McGee, 205th overall, Oakland Raiders
- Oklahoma DE David King, 239th overall, Philadelphia Eagles
- Iowa State OL Carter Bykowski, 246th overall, San Francisco
The Nike Football Training Camp series will continue outside of Dallas on Sunday. Athletes will trek to Allen, Texas, the home of one of the most impressive high school stadiums in the country. Allen Eagles Stadium, a $60-million facility, opened last year and featured nearly 22,000 fans watching Texas powers Allen and Southlake Carroll clash.
Here are five storylines to watch on Sunday.
Talented DBs aplenty
It’s been said on multiple occasions that the 2014 class may be one of the strongest in years at producing big-time defensive backs in the region. The battle for defensive back MVP has the potential of being extremely competitive with players such as Laurence Jones (Monroe, La./Neville), Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron), Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen), Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) and Arrion Springs (San Antonio/Roosevelt) expected to be in attendance. Chris Hardeman (Houston/Alief Taylor) has committed to LSU, while Dylan Sumner-Gardner (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and Armani Watts (Forney, Texas/North Forney) have pledged to Texas A&M. Deionte Thompson (Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark), a 2015 prospect, has verbally committed to Alabama. All of the DBs will have their shots in one-on-one drills against equally talented ESPN Watch List receivers such as Malachi Dupre (River Ridge, La./John Curtis), K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant) and Texas commit Lorenzo Joe (Abilene, Texas/Cooper).
Here are five storylines to watch on Sunday.
Talented DBs aplenty
It’s been said on multiple occasions that the 2014 class may be one of the strongest in years at producing big-time defensive backs in the region. The battle for defensive back MVP has the potential of being extremely competitive with players such as Laurence Jones (Monroe, La./Neville), Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron), Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen), Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) and Arrion Springs (San Antonio/Roosevelt) expected to be in attendance. Chris Hardeman (Houston/Alief Taylor) has committed to LSU, while Dylan Sumner-Gardner (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and Armani Watts (Forney, Texas/North Forney) have pledged to Texas A&M. Deionte Thompson (Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark), a 2015 prospect, has verbally committed to Alabama. All of the DBs will have their shots in one-on-one drills against equally talented ESPN Watch List receivers such as Malachi Dupre (River Ridge, La./John Curtis), K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant) and Texas commit Lorenzo Joe (Abilene, Texas/Cooper).
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WR Cannon talks training, newest offers
March, 24, 2013
Mar 24
8:02
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
DUNCANVILLE, Texas -- Speed might best define ESPN Watch List wide receiver K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant). His hands might be a close second. His outstanding 4.37-second 40-yard dash time and his 104 catches for 1,597 yards and 25 touchdowns support that.
What Cannon has been recently working on is how to overcome size mismatches against larger defenders in the secondary. At 6-foot-0 and 170 pounds, he knows that at the next level he will go up against cornerbacks and safeties who are 15 or 20 pounds heavier -- and just as quick.
What Cannon has been recently working on is how to overcome size mismatches against larger defenders in the secondary. At 6-foot-0 and 170 pounds, he knows that at the next level he will go up against cornerbacks and safeties who are 15 or 20 pounds heavier -- and just as quick.
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Watch List S ready to see state of Texas
March, 11, 2013
Mar 11
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
This is what Oklahoma fans were afraid might happen. This is why OU fans wanted ESPN Watch List safety Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) to commit to the Sooners by this point.
It was close to happening on a couple of occasions, but Parker stayed patient. And last Wednesday is exactly why he has chosen this path.
It was close to happening on a couple of occasions, but Parker stayed patient. And last Wednesday is exactly why he has chosen this path.
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Ranking the Big 12's nonconference slates
March, 8, 2013
Mar 8
2:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Nonconference schedules can reveal many things. They can be the difference between a BCS championship berth or being left behind, and they can provide a glimpse of future success or future disappointments. Here's a look at the Big 12's 2013 nonconference schedules ranked from toughest to easiest.
1. Oklahoma: Louisiana-Monroe, Tulsa, at Notre Dame
All three of OU’s nonconference opponents won at least eight games in 2012, making the Sooners’ nonconference schedule a solid test as they look to break in a new quarterback. And their visit to South Bend, Ind., could be one of college football’s top matchups in 2013.
2. TCU: LSU (at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas), Southeastern Louisiana, SMU
The opener against the Tigers will be one of the highlight games of opening weekend and raises the overall ranking of TCU's nonconference schedule. It’s an opportunity for TCU to prove itself and send a message for the Big 12. And TCU's home contest against SMU should be a solid test, as well.
3. Texas: New Mexico, at BYU, Ole Miss
After a fairly easy season opener, the Longhorns travel to Provo, Utah, to face BYU in a game that could be tougher than most people expect. Then UT hosts Ole Miss, giving the Rebels a chance to avenge their home loss to the Longhorns in 2012. Facing the Cougars and Rebels in back-to-back weeks will be a tough test for Mack Brown's squad.
4. Iowa State: Northern Iowa, Iowa, at Tulsa
The Cyclones' road test at Tulsa won’t be easy as ISU looks to avenge its Liberty Bowl loss to the Golden Hurricane. This game could be considered a conference matchup in some ways as it will be the third meeting between the two teams in two years. Add rival Iowa to the mix and suddenly ISU has one of the conference’s tougher nonconference slates.
5. Oklahoma State: Mississippi State (at Reliant Stadium in Houston), at Texas-San Antonio, Lamar
The Cowboys' season opener is the lone saving grace in this nonconference lineup. The Bulldogs should be a solid early test for OSU, but neither UTSA nor Lamar should prove to be major hurdles.
6. Kansas: South Dakota, at Rice, Louisiana Tech
Rice, which defeated KU in Manhattan, Kan., last season, and Louisiana Tech will be tough tests for the Jayhawks. Both games should give a glimpse of how much KU has improved in Charlie Weis’ second season at the helm.
7. Texas Tech: at SMU, Stephen F. Austin, Texas State
The Red Raiders' toughest matchup should be its opener at SMU. In Kliff Kingsbury’s first season, Texas Tech will have the chance to get its feet wet in nonconference play even though a Big 12 battle with TCU is sandwiched between its matchups with SFA and Texas State.
8. West Virginia: William & Mary, Georgia State, vs. Maryland (at Ravens Stadium in Baltimore)
Not much of a nonconference slate for WVU, with the Terps as the lone BCS team on the schedule. Things set up well for Dana Holgorsen’s offense as the Mountaineers try to replace quarterback Geno Smith and receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey.
9. Kansas State: North Dakota State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Massachusetts
Louisiana-Lafayette could provide the sternest test for the Wildcats, but there’s no reason why KSU can’t enter Big 12 play undefeated. Their nonconference schedule sets up well for a team looking to replace standout quarterback Collin Klein.
10. Baylor: Wofford, Buffalo, Louisiana-Monroe
It’s unlikely Baylor will get tested before its first conference game. The Bears were recently forced to add FCS opponent Wofford after their game with SMU was cancelled, so Louisiana-Monroe could be their toughest nonconference test. They should pile up the victories but might not know much about their team before conference play.
1. Oklahoma: Louisiana-Monroe, Tulsa, at Notre Dame
All three of OU’s nonconference opponents won at least eight games in 2012, making the Sooners’ nonconference schedule a solid test as they look to break in a new quarterback. And their visit to South Bend, Ind., could be one of college football’s top matchups in 2013.
2. TCU: LSU (at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas), Southeastern Louisiana, SMU
The opener against the Tigers will be one of the highlight games of opening weekend and raises the overall ranking of TCU's nonconference schedule. It’s an opportunity for TCU to prove itself and send a message for the Big 12. And TCU's home contest against SMU should be a solid test, as well.
3. Texas: New Mexico, at BYU, Ole Miss
After a fairly easy season opener, the Longhorns travel to Provo, Utah, to face BYU in a game that could be tougher than most people expect. Then UT hosts Ole Miss, giving the Rebels a chance to avenge their home loss to the Longhorns in 2012. Facing the Cougars and Rebels in back-to-back weeks will be a tough test for Mack Brown's squad.
4. Iowa State: Northern Iowa, Iowa, at Tulsa
The Cyclones' road test at Tulsa won’t be easy as ISU looks to avenge its Liberty Bowl loss to the Golden Hurricane. This game could be considered a conference matchup in some ways as it will be the third meeting between the two teams in two years. Add rival Iowa to the mix and suddenly ISU has one of the conference’s tougher nonconference slates.
5. Oklahoma State: Mississippi State (at Reliant Stadium in Houston), at Texas-San Antonio, Lamar
The Cowboys' season opener is the lone saving grace in this nonconference lineup. The Bulldogs should be a solid early test for OSU, but neither UTSA nor Lamar should prove to be major hurdles.
6. Kansas: South Dakota, at Rice, Louisiana Tech
Rice, which defeated KU in Manhattan, Kan., last season, and Louisiana Tech will be tough tests for the Jayhawks. Both games should give a glimpse of how much KU has improved in Charlie Weis’ second season at the helm.
7. Texas Tech: at SMU, Stephen F. Austin, Texas State
The Red Raiders' toughest matchup should be its opener at SMU. In Kliff Kingsbury’s first season, Texas Tech will have the chance to get its feet wet in nonconference play even though a Big 12 battle with TCU is sandwiched between its matchups with SFA and Texas State.
8. West Virginia: William & Mary, Georgia State, vs. Maryland (at Ravens Stadium in Baltimore)
Not much of a nonconference slate for WVU, with the Terps as the lone BCS team on the schedule. Things set up well for Dana Holgorsen’s offense as the Mountaineers try to replace quarterback Geno Smith and receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey.
9. Kansas State: North Dakota State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Massachusetts
Louisiana-Lafayette could provide the sternest test for the Wildcats, but there’s no reason why KSU can’t enter Big 12 play undefeated. Their nonconference schedule sets up well for a team looking to replace standout quarterback Collin Klein.
10. Baylor: Wofford, Buffalo, Louisiana-Monroe
It’s unlikely Baylor will get tested before its first conference game. The Bears were recently forced to add FCS opponent Wofford after their game with SMU was cancelled, so Louisiana-Monroe could be their toughest nonconference test. They should pile up the victories but might not know much about their team before conference play.
ATHENS, Ga. -- ESPN Watch List wide receiver Demarre Kitt (Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek) recently cut his mammoth offer list down to a top-15 group of schools that he will consider.
“It got crazy at one point with almost everybody that offered me trying to talk to me,” Kitt said. “So I had to cut my list down to 15 schools. After spring practice I will cut it down to eight or 10. At the end of summer I will do five and then go from there.”
“It got crazy at one point with almost everybody that offered me trying to talk to me,” Kitt said. “So I had to cut my list down to 15 schools. After spring practice I will cut it down to eight or 10. At the end of summer I will do five and then go from there.”
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BRENHAM, Texas -- ESPN Watch List cornerback Darrion Johnson keeps his eye on one specific area when he takes in a team's practice during a visit.
Naturally, he watches the defensive backs.
Johnson is looking for several things: how the secondary coach works with his players, what the tempo is like, how physical the players are. Those are all important things for the 5-foot-10, 180-pound cornerback from Brenham (Texas) High School as he gets a feel for what school fits him best.
Naturally, he watches the defensive backs.
Johnson is looking for several things: how the secondary coach works with his players, what the tempo is like, how physical the players are. Those are all important things for the 5-foot-10, 180-pound cornerback from Brenham (Texas) High School as he gets a feel for what school fits him best.
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Texas on top for two Louisiana recruits
February, 23, 2013
Feb 23
8:06
PM CT
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
The Longhorns didn’t come away with any commitments on Saturday, at least not yet, but they did make lasting impressions on two out-of-state ESPN Watch List recruits who made it to Austin.
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K.D. Cannon is already starting to get questions about when he’ll be ready to make a decision.
For the Mount Pleasant (Texas) receiver, the answer is pretty simple: After he’s seen everything he needs to see.
“I’ve got to see all the campuses first before I make my decision,” he said.
For the Mount Pleasant (Texas) receiver, the answer is pretty simple: After he’s seen everything he needs to see.
“I’ve got to see all the campuses first before I make my decision,” he said.
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Bob Bowlsby was in Stillwater on Wednesday for Oklahoma State's game against Iowa State, but turned a whole lot of heads when he told the Associated Press of the Big 12's plans to continue to move toward re-instituting the Big 12 Championship game. The Big 12 will seek a waiver from the NCAA to hold a title game with just 10 teams in the league.
Bowlsby's news is surprising considering it never came up in his meetings with the media during this week's Big 12 athletic directors' meetings.
Reports leaked out this month that Bowlsby had planned to explore the waiver, but this latest news makes it clear that he's serious about bringing back the Big 12 title game, which hasn't been played since Oklahoma beat Nebraska in 2010. Oklahoma State won the outright title in Stillwater in 2011, and Kansas State shared the 2012 title with Oklahoma after both teams went 8-1 in Big 12 play this season.
More on this later today.
"At a time when lots of deregulation is taking place, it seems a little bit odd that the NCAA would be describing how we determine our champions," Bowlsby said Wednesday night, when he watched the Iowa State-Oklahoma State men's basketball game.
"I think it's reasonable to say if you're going to have a champion that you're going to have to designate it in one fashion or another. But to say it has to be between 12 schools or that there has to be divisional play or there has to be a round-robin, we're deregulating lots of things and that certainly is a candidate."
Bowlsby's news is surprising considering it never came up in his meetings with the media during this week's Big 12 athletic directors' meetings.
Reports leaked out this month that Bowlsby had planned to explore the waiver, but this latest news makes it clear that he's serious about bringing back the Big 12 title game, which hasn't been played since Oklahoma beat Nebraska in 2010. Oklahoma State won the outright title in Stillwater in 2011, and Kansas State shared the 2012 title with Oklahoma after both teams went 8-1 in Big 12 play this season.
More on this later today.
Ducks visit Wilson, but he still plans visits
January, 24, 2013
Jan 24
12:27
AM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
In an effort to keep ESPN 150 athlete Dontre Wilson (DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto) committed, Oregon decided to make its trip to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex count.
To quote Wilson’s father Don, “They sent in the army.”
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Best Big 12 in-game atmospheres of 2012
January, 19, 2013
Jan 19
9:00
AM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
This is one of the fans' favorite posts of the year, and I always like looking back on the season in the Big 12. To be fair, my only candidates are games I actually attended. I suspect the Oklahoma-Notre Dame and Red River Rivalry games should be on this list, but I can't attest to personal experience. The list of games I attended is at the bottom of the post. You can click on each game to see our game coverage.
This list is naturally predisposed to include close games, which Bill Snyder Family Stadium didn't see enough of this season. That's why Kansas State fans didn't make an appearance, though games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State weren't far off.
1. Kansas State at Oklahoma: The Sooners fans were in full throat when they realized early on that Kansas State meant business and could win this game. This was one of the best games of the season, and the Sooners fans provided a great atmosphere for it to take place. The team just didn't show up quite as well as the fans.
2. Texas at Oklahoma State: I was down on the field for the final few minutes of this one, including Texas' crazy comeback. Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka made the trip to Stillwater, too, but Oklahoma State fans wanted this one bad. It was obvious. They didn't get the win, but they did earn a lot of respect with a crazy-loud night in Oklahoma.
3. West Virginia at Texas: Odd that the top three games on this list all involved home teams that didn't win, but Texas fans were undefeated and ready for Geno Smith in this showdown of undefeateds. West Virginia got the best of Texas late, but a handful of big plays on defense early ignited this crowd, landing it at No. 3 on our list.
4. Oregon vs. Kansas State (Fiesta Bowl): You've got to love this game and this stadium. The pregame atmospheres for these are always fantastic, and that was the case with the Fiesta Bowl. A kickoff return for a touchdown got the Oregon fans started, and Kansas State's second-quarter rally provided a solid answer for the folks in purple. The second half wasn't quite as intense, but it was still a memorable game.
5. Kansas State at Baylor: Baylor loses points for not filling the stadium here, but the fans who showed were loud and stormed the field after the season-making upset. The second half was delirious, especially when Lache Seastrunk broke it open with an 80-yard score. It seemed like Baylor fans couldn't believe what they were watching, but big play after big play and a huge defensive performance buoyed this crowd.
Games I attended:
This list is naturally predisposed to include close games, which Bill Snyder Family Stadium didn't see enough of this season. That's why Kansas State fans didn't make an appearance, though games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State weren't far off.
1. Kansas State at Oklahoma: The Sooners fans were in full throat when they realized early on that Kansas State meant business and could win this game. This was one of the best games of the season, and the Sooners fans provided a great atmosphere for it to take place. The team just didn't show up quite as well as the fans.
2. Texas at Oklahoma State: I was down on the field for the final few minutes of this one, including Texas' crazy comeback. Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka made the trip to Stillwater, too, but Oklahoma State fans wanted this one bad. It was obvious. They didn't get the win, but they did earn a lot of respect with a crazy-loud night in Oklahoma.
3. West Virginia at Texas: Odd that the top three games on this list all involved home teams that didn't win, but Texas fans were undefeated and ready for Geno Smith in this showdown of undefeateds. West Virginia got the best of Texas late, but a handful of big plays on defense early ignited this crowd, landing it at No. 3 on our list.
4. Oregon vs. Kansas State (Fiesta Bowl): You've got to love this game and this stadium. The pregame atmospheres for these are always fantastic, and that was the case with the Fiesta Bowl. A kickoff return for a touchdown got the Oregon fans started, and Kansas State's second-quarter rally provided a solid answer for the folks in purple. The second half wasn't quite as intense, but it was still a memorable game.
5. Kansas State at Baylor: Baylor loses points for not filling the stadium here, but the fans who showed were loud and stormed the field after the season-making upset. The second half was delirious, especially when Lache Seastrunk broke it open with an 80-yard score. It seemed like Baylor fans couldn't believe what they were watching, but big play after big play and a huge defensive performance buoyed this crowd.
Games I attended:
- Week 1: SMU at Baylor
- Week 2: Miami at Kansas State
- Week 3: Home
- Week 4: Kansas State at Oklahoma
- Week 5: Texas at Oklahoma State
- Week 6: West Virginia at Texas
- Week 7: West Virginia at Texas Tech
- Week 8: Kansas State at West Virginia
- Week 9: Texas Tech at Kansas State
- Week 10: Oklahoma State at Kansas State
- Week 11: Kansas State at TCU
- Week 12: Kansas State at Baylor
- Week 13: Home
- Week 14: Oklahoma at TCU
- Bowls: Oregon vs. Kansas State (Fiesta Bowl) and Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl)
ABOUT HORNSNATION
Sean Adams
Sean Adams has covered the Texas Longhorns and college football for the last 12 years as a writer and radio host. Sean co-hosts "The Big Show" with Erin Hogan each afternoon on ESPN Austin 104.9 The Horn. He lives with his family in Round Rock, Texas. Email him at thisean@gmail.com.
Max Olson
Max Olson joined ESPN in 2012 after covering the University of Nebraska for the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald and high school and college sports for the World-Herald and Rivals.com. Olson is a University of Nebraska graduate and lives in Austin, Texas. Email him at maxolsonespn@gmail.com.
Carter Strickand
Carter Strickland joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the University of Oklahoma for The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman and Washington State University for The (Spokane, Wash.) Spokesman-Review. Strickland lives with his wife and family in Austin. Email him at cstrickland70@gmail.com.
William Wilkerson
William Wilkerson joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering high school sports, college sports and the Texas Rangers over four years at the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram. William is a University of Texas graduate and lives in Austin. He can be reached at wilkerson.espn@gmail.com.