The Big10 is an enigma - the non-conference record is mediocre (similar to the big8, actually), but the bowl record is either superb or severely bad . . .think two years ago going 6-1 (one loss? #3 Iowa to a vastly superior "#4" USC team), then last year's 3-3 'showcase' . . . so yeah, I think the SEC is still top dog, no doubt.
The Big8's 2nd-tier teams just don't do it in bowls, and it's hard for me to put either conference on a pedastal until that happens; win when it matters. That's why you play the game, says Herman Edwards.
UT is pitiful - honestly, I'm done talking. It gets me upset.
The reason why OU destroys TTU? Same reason why other good teams destroy TTU: if you prepare for the system, and have a plan plus the athletes to run with them, you can systematically crush them. It's a 'lite' pro-style run and shoot, with fewer reads and generally weak-armed but accurate QBs. Pressure on the slow-ass QB, along with keeping your DBs at home in spite of some bizarre formations and motion, leads to things like "24-55, 270 yds, 2 tds, 3 ints, L" (just like every season against the sooners?)
For A&M I'll take your word, but I really think the talent level is down. Franchione is solid, but I don't know if the TCU system translates to the BigBoys(c). I like the guy, so hopefully it does.
USC is prime for a mid-season upset . . . Oregon State, perhaps? Maybe ASU, if they play in Tempe? We shall see.
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Originally posted by ktsnake
TTU is a mystery... They beat Texas more often than Texas beats them... but that's Texas for ya. If someone wants to beat TTU, just look at what Oklahoma does to them. Everytime OU's played 'em, they've been totally shut down.
With the talent they recruit at Texas, it's hard not to rank them in the top 10. But the coaching is just pitiful. They've changed DC's, but I'd say it's their HC that is the problem.
As for the Big 10, I'd say it's debatable. They have their cupcakes -- Indiana and Northwestern. They only really have two teams that are perennial contenders for the NC -- Michigan and Ohio State. I'd say the Big XII has its two perennial contenders and then a few more "outside shots" than does the Big 10 in Nebraska, K-State, A&M. Laugh at me now, but A&M will be back this year. Francione basically sacrificed last year by redshirting most of the players that were worth a crap with the exception of their QB, McNeal.
I think the Big XII will be a very different conference this year. Not on par with the SEC, but it's starting to get pretty close. In 2-3 years, it'll be a much scarier minefield.
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By the way, just watched USC drop to Cal-Berkley on ESPN Classics. Yeah, what a great team. Maybe they'll get knocked off this year by Arizona.
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