Big 12 Basketball picks-January 9th 2009

With the start of conference basketball in the Big 12 this Saturday, Chase McCarthy will look at all the games and pick the winners.

Colorado at (2) Texas

Colorado is a better team than last year with the addition of shooting guard Alec Burks. But with Dexter Pittman and Damian James in the frontcourt, they will dicate the paint and make Burks and Higgins shoot. If Colorado gets hot from 3, they may have a chance but I don't think it will be enough.

Winner: Texas

Nebraska at Texas A&M

Doc Sadler's team never scores a ton of points but what they have done well is defense. Roland being out for the rest of the season, they lose his offensive presense. One thing that is going well for the Aggies is they get this game at home. I think the defense of Doc Sadler is going to make A&M uncomfortable but they win a close game.

Winner: Texas A&M

Texas Tech at Oklahoma State

Texas Tech had that great win against Washington, but that was in Lubbock. The two games the Red Raiders have lost were on the road. Gallagher-Iba is a tougher place to play than Wichita State and New Mexico. Oklahoma State is a strong team and I expect them to handle their business at home.

Winner: Oklahoma State

Oklahoma at Baylor:

From being preseason ranked to 5 non-conference losses against less than stellar opponents, the Sooners have definitely been very unimpressive. Baylor has lost only one game and that was in Orlando against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Expect many jump shot in this game but who wins the battle of the boards, wins the game. Baylor averages 9 more rebounds a game and at home I will take the Bears.

Winner: Baylor

Game of the Week: (10) Kansas State at Missouri

Kansas State is a top ten team and with only one loss, they look to compete for a conference title. Missouri has the second longest home winning streak in the Big 12. Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen are the stars of this team but look for the Wildcats to look inside for the majority of their points. Missouri has yet to have a consistent big man to stop anyone with size. The positive is that if Missouri can get the Wildcats to run with them, they have a good chance to win. I believe KSU will have a big day from the two forwards Curtis Kelly and Jamar Samuels and will take home the victory and end the home winning streak of the Tigers

Winner: Kansas State

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This week, all eyes are on Manhattan, Kansas for the Sunflower Showdown. This game will help clarify the muddled Big 12 North race. Chase McCarthy will analyse key positions and matchups and predictions of the game.


Quarterback: Todd Reesing vs. Grant Gregory

Grant Gregory is an amazing story. Gets a sixth year of eligibility after backing up Matt Grothe at South Florida for three years. Comes in and plays very well against Iowa State. He has 203 rushing yards and 665 yards passings for the year. Todd Reesing has become a Jayhawk legend. He will leave KU with the career passing yards record and go down as one of the best quarterbacks at Kansas even though he did get benched last week. I have to go with experience
here.

Edge: Kansas

Running Back: Jake Sharp vs. Daniel Thomas

One of these players is closing in on 1,000 yards rushing. If you are thinking Jake Sharp, you are wrong. Daniel Thomas has been another junior college sucess for Bill Snyder. He is the Wildcats' best offensive weapon because its easier to get him the ball than Banks since he is also the quarterback in the Wildcat formation. He gives the Wildcats the best chance to win every saturday. Jake Sharp has been battling injury and has been non-existant since the UTEP game. Coach Mangino has said that Sharp is battling injury for the rest of the season, but I doubt a healthy Jake Sharp is better than Daniel Thomas.

Edge: Kansas State.

Wide Receiver: Desmon Briscoe vs. Brandon Banks

To me, this is like saying to you prefer KFC or Taco Bell as your best fast food? To me its hard to say which one I like better. Both are amazing athletes. Brandon Banks has 5 kickoff returns for a touchdown and has 524 yards receiving. Dezmon Briscoe has 841 yards receiving that has him tied with Missouri's Danario Alexander for top receiving yards in the Big 12. Both are huge parts in each team's offense that I really can't choose who is better, so I will call this one a push

Edge: Push

Offensive Line:

Kansas State is ranked 72nd in Sacks allowed, Kansas is ranked 88th. Both teams do a mediocre to poor job protecting the quarterback. But Kansas's defense is ranked 11th in sacks while K-State is ranked 58th. I think the pass rush of Kansas will prove to be too much for the Wildcats' offensive line in the end.

Edge: Kansas

Defense:

Both teams are pretty even on the defensive side. Kansas State plays better against the pass but
gave up 60 more yards passing than their average against the Sooners. Expect Reesing to throw for at least 300 yards. Kansas also averages only 99 yards on the ground, expect that to be more
with Valentine and Thomas running the ball. Neither team has an advantage here.

Edge: Push

Special Teams:

Kansas State's special teams are led by Brandon Banks. He is 9th in the Nation in kickoff return average and first in kickoff return touchdowns. Kansas State is fourth in the nation in Kickoff return yards. Kansas does not have a single threat to return the ball for a touchdown ranking 10th in the conference and 99th nationally in Kickoff return yards. The Kansas kicker, Jacob Branstetter, has kicked the ball for a touchback 16% of the time. For KU to be successful in this game, they must kick the ball out of the end zone 100% of the time.

Edge: Kansas State

X-factor: Bill Snyder and home field advantage

Bill Snyder hasn't lost a game in his stadium since 2005. Granted he retired in 2005 but still the statistic is true. Kansas hasn't beaten Bill Snyder in Manhatten since 1989, Snyder's first season. The last time Kansas even came close to winning in Manhatten with Snyder at the helm was 1993 in a 10-9 loss. Bill obviously doesn't have the talent that he used to have, but his coaching has gotten his Wildcats to this point. It might play a big factor in Saturday's game.

Prediction:

Kansas is coming into this game struggling to get something positive going for their team. Its very possible for this team to finish 5-7 after starting the year 5-0. Kansas State is playing very well now and have seem to found something that works for them that wasn't present when they played close to UMass and lost to Louisiana-Lafayette. This is a huge rivalry game for the two teams because not only is it bragging rights until next season, but will have a huge effect on the team that loses and may keep that team out of a bowl game. In the end, Daniel Thomas runs for 165 yards and two touchdowns, Banks runs a punt return for a touchdown and hold off a late rally by the Jayhawks and KSU wins.

Official Prediction: KSU 35-27

At least basketball season has started.......

Big 12 North Talk Radio's Preseason Basketball Ranking

Kansas maybe considered the top team in the Big 12 and the country, but how do the other programs in the Big 12 North stack up against each other. Will Kansas State be a champion? Can Missouri replicate last season's run? big 12 North Talk Radio will be ranking the Big 12 North from 6 down to 1 to see who can make an impact and possibly overthrow Kansas as the top program in the North.

6. Colorado Buffaloes

Returning starters: 4

Projected Big 12 record: 4-12

Postseason: None

The Colorado Buffaloes have not made the tourney since 1998, don't expect that to change this year. The Buffaloes do return four starters but the problem is thats from a team that finished 1-15 in conference play last year. After Richard Roby's departed in 2008, someone needed to step up in his place. That role is now occupied by Cory Higgins. Averaging 17.4 PPG, he is a bright spot on a very bad team. The rest of his teammates need to step up if they want to get out of the basement of the Big 12. Until they do, the buffaloes stay at the bottom of the list.

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Returning Starters: 2

Projected big 12 record: 6-10

Projected Tournament: NIT

Doc Sadler is back for his fourth season in Lincoln but his Cornhuskers are in rebuilding mode. Cookie Miller transferred to Miami of Ohio (Really, he did) and have 9 scholarship players that came in this past offseason. The youth factor on this Cornhusker team that may prove to be their doom in Big 12 play. But the reason I have them ahead of the Buffaloes is one thing: Defense. Sadler always has a well coached team who plays great defense. He may not have a height advantage on many teams but what his team lacks in height, they make up in discipline and heart. I see the Cornhuskers going 6-10 with an upset win or two mix in.

4. Missouri Tigers

Returning starters: 2

Projected big 12 record: 8-8

Post-season tourney: Bubble NCAA/ Top seed in NIT

The Missouri Tigers were the surprise team of the nation last year and rode that success to the Elite Eight. But with the departure of Carroll and Lyons, the Tigers have to find someone to replace their presence and scoring on the floor. The favorites right now are Keith Ramsey and Laurence Bowers. Even if those guys are half as good as Carroll or Lyons were, it most likely won't be enough for teams built with great frontcourts to have their way with the Tigers. Tiller and Taylor are going to be the leaders of a great backcourt, but the inexperience in the frontcourt will cost the Tigers. Expect an 8-8 season from the Tigers and a possible NCAA Tourney Bid.

3. Iowa State Cyclones

Returning Starters: 4

Predicted Big 12 record: 9-7

Postseason: Ncaa tourney 11 seed.

Craig Brackins is the obvious storyline of the 2009-2010 Iowa State squad. He shocked many people in his decision to come back for another year in college. The starting line-up is mostly intact and many pick the Cyclones as a darkhorse to win the Big 12 North. I believe that while the conference at the top is too strong for the Cyclones to win the regular season title but they can make a run in the Tournament. I see the Cyclones going 9-7 in the Big 12, making it into the NCAA Tournament with a first round loss.

2. Kansas State Wildcats

Returning Starters: 4

Predicted Big 12 Record: 11-5

Postseason: Ncaa Tournament 5th seed

The Kansas State Wildcats return Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen. This 1, 2 punch in the backcourt is one of the best in the Big 12. The Wildcats also return a frontcourt with size in Colon. Also a highly ranked recruiting class highlighted by 6'9" Forward Wally Judge. This Wildcat team looks very strong and maybe just as good or better than the 2007-2008 squad with Walker and Beasley. Look for the Wildcats to make a sweet sixteen run and make noise in the Big 12.

1. Kansas Jayhawks

Returning starters: 5

Predicted Big 12 record: 15-1

Postseason: NCAA tournament top overall seed

The Kansas Jayhawks have been voted preseason #1 for the second time in the AP poll and third time in the Coaches Poll. With the return of all 5 starters who averaged 4 stars coming out of high school, its no surprise the Jayhawks are picked by many to be National Champions. Being picked to win the National Championship and winning the national championship are two different things. It all depends on who is in their bracket, who they play and how well they play. Look for the Jayhawks to lose maybe 5 games total this year and I expect them to be cutting down the net in April 2010.

Big 12 on Fox?

Now this isn't a leak from a source or a guarantee this will happen. But after reading the potential deal to expand NBC universal is a great idea, but I thought of an idea. Why doesn't the Big 12 sign a contract with Fox to have one gamer a week during the conference season broadcast on Fox

1. Fox won't be broadcasting the BCS bowls after this season

Beginning in 2010, ESPN owns the rights to broadcast the BCS Bowl. That means the Cotton Bowl is would become the only game broadcast on FOX. If FOX wants to be a leader in sports. It needs to get more college football games broacast and what better way to do that then to get the Big 12 game of the week.

2. What does Fox broadcast on saturday afternoons that would draw more than college football?

I checked Fox.com and found out that they do not even have national broacast on saturday afternoons. So its up to the channels themselves to show re-runs or movies on their networks. That obviously isn't a huge ratings draw. It would be a great investment for the Network to get the Oklahoma-Texas game and other big matchups in the Big 12.

3. It doesn't have to affect the Fox Baseball schedule.

If you only begin televising conference games for the Big 12, they do not start until October. Fox has exclusive rights to the ALCS and World Series. Most, if not all of these games are at night. Having an afternoon college football would not effect the World Series schedule. An afternoon game would begin at 3:30 ET and be over by 7PM ET. The World series doesn't begin until 7:30 ET or 8 ET.

This not only the smart thing to do financially for the Big 12 and FOX network, but its gets all conference games in the Big 12 broadcast (1 on Versus, 2 on FSN, 2 on ESPN, 1 on Fox). I think the Big 12 should look into this issue, because its what is best for the conference.

Big 12 North Talk Radio's Midseason Big 12 North Coaches Ranking.

Many teams are heading in the right direction, some are not. In Big 12 North Talk Radio's first blog posting on SB Nation, We will rank the Big 12 North Coaches here. The rankings are on a scale of 1-10 measured in three areas: past success as head coach, current record and outlook for the rest of the season, recruiting and outlook for the future of the program. We take the average and from there we rank 1-6 the coaches and determine their status in the program. Here is the rankings:

via petesonthehotseat.com

1. Bill Snyder - Kansas State

Past Success: 9

Current Success: 7

Future Success: 7

Average: 7.67

Bill Snyder is one of the greatest coaches of all time. To build a program like he did at K-State is remarkable and will most likely never be duplicated. Some questioned bringing the old man back to coach again but he obviously still has that ability to lead a college football program. He most likely won't coach them to a bowl game this season since Kansas State needs 7 wins to be bowl eligible but its not out of the question yet. The future of this program looks good with the commitment of 4 star Adam Davis and 4 star DeMarcus Robinson and the Addition of Chris Harper, the dual threat quarterback from Oregon. The future looks bright for the Wildcats.

2-6 after the jump

via www.columbiamissourian.com

2. Gary Pinkel

Past success: 9

Current Success: 5

Future Success: 7

Average score: 7

Gary Pinkel has won the north and represented the North in the Big 12 Championship. 30 wins in 3 years previous to this season is a remarkable feat with a record 12 wins in 2007. Currently the team is 4-3 with 3 conference losses. The Tigers may not win the north but the next 5 games are winnable. Win those 5 games, the Tigers are 9-3 and in a rebuilding year, that's huge. Blaine Gabbert, when healthy, looks better than Chase Daniel with his arm strength and mobility so the immediate future of the Tigers looks bright. Right now, the Tigers have a commit from 4 star quarterback James Franklin. He has been impressive to say the least. Also with commitments from Nick Demien and Jimmie Hunt, it looks to be an impressive class. Pinkel has had much success with the lesser known recruits but for the Tigers to take the next step, he needs to recruit better

via rankthatcoach.com

3. Mark Mangino - Kansas

Past Success: 8

Current Success: 6

Future Success: 6

Average score: 6.667

Mark Mangino came to a basketball school where no one really cares about football, it was more of a time killer before basketball began. Now its is a major draw on the campus thanks to Mark Mangino. Say what you want about his weight, but the man can coach. He lead the Jayhawks to a BCS Bowl in 07 but the reason he is not higher than Gary Pinkel is because Pinkel has more consistent winning the past three seasons averaging 10 wins per season to Mangino's 8.67 wins per season. Still, Mangino has gotten the right guys for his system and puts out a consistent winner. Currently, problem have arised on the defensive side of the ball for the Jayhawks and with the North race still up for grabs, the Jayhawks need to prove they are the dominant team in the North with victories over Nebraska and Missouri. Mangino's future success is going to depend on how well he can recruit the athletes in his own state and in Texas. He has got one commit in the Rivals.com Kansas top 5 in Geneo Grissom. Also got commitment from 4 star wide receiver Keeston Terry, they also have proven to get talent from bordering states (had an advantage because his dad play for KU). The future beyond Todd Reesing is questionable so they get a 6 because of the questions in the future for KU's offense

via theredzonereport.com

4. Bo Pelini - Nebraska

Past success: 7

Current Success: 5

Future Success: 7

Average score: 6

Bo Pelini was one of the hot new coaches coming out in 2007. He was the LSU defensive coordinator for the National Championship team. Bo was brought in to fix a terrible defense and he did just that. The 2008 Cornhusker defense was one of the best in the Big 12 and its the best defense in the Big 12 right now if you ask for my opinion. The problem is the offense. The Huskers were able to move the ball against the cyclones but poor discipline football by the offense turning the ball over 8 times is unacceptable. Add in their performance against Texas Tech and you wonder if the Huskers can compete with this offense. The defense is amazing and Bo gets the credit for that but the offense is horrible and Bo gets the blame. the Husker have an advantage, they already beat Missouri and get Kansas State at Home. But without an offense, it maybe a tall task to get the north championship.

via gazetteonline.com

5. Paul Rhoads

Past Success: 5

Current Success: 5

Future Success: 6

Average: 5.333

Paul Rhoads was born ten minutes away from Jack Trice Stadium. He is an Iowa man. He is perfect for the Cyclones. He gets a 5 for what he is doing now in Ames and what he did at Auburn. He already has a signature win against Nebraska and is one win away from bowl eligibility. He has a good recruiting class with mostly three stars and out of the 16 commitments, 9 are three stars. Last year, they only had 10 three stars in th entire class. Paul Rhoads has his work cut out for him. Its tough to build a powerhouse at Iowa State. Even Dan McCarney had only 5 winning seasons in Ames. To do this in his first year is amazing. Great things are expected of him, but until he accomplish it, he is 5th on our list.

via jbjsports.files.wordpress.com

6. Dan Hawkins - Colorado

Past success: 4

Current Success: 2

Future Success: 3

Average: 3

Well this sure isn't intramurals Dan Hawkins, but your team is about as good as an intramural team at Texas. Youth seems to be the excuse for Hawkins but he has been there since 2006 and it still doesn't work. He has some success with a Independence bowl birth in 2007 but thats it. He has gotten some talent to Boulder but if you can't coach, you can't win. Most if not all Big 12 north teams want to keep Hawkins around, and with the money problem the CU athletic department is having, they may get their wish.

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