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Originally posted by KSig RC
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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The Big XII's 2nd tier teams got awful matchups last year. I mean, Kansas -- perennial bottomfeader that won a few games it shouldn't have got matched up with NC State avec Phil Rivers. No one was surprised when Kansas got mutilated.
TTU got a decent matchup with Navy, no complaints
The Cotton Bowl was predictable. Okie State is decent, but against the Sigma Nu Athlete of the Year, Eli Manning-led Ole Miss, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion.
OU-LSU was a close game. Even with White's problems. Thompson should have played, OU's coaching was actually kind of bad. They were getting it done with the run, but once in the red zone kept going to the air...
Texas, WSU -- Washington State, a team that OU destroyed in the Rose Bowl in the previous year beat Texas. That was undoubtedly one of the absolute worst coaching jobs by Mack ever. I guess he's trying to qualify for the Football Coach's Special Olympics.
K-State v. Ohio State was yet another unfavorable matchup. Add the fact that Ell Roberson was on his coach's shit list for his stupidity prior to the game and again, foregone conclusion.
Nebraska won their bowl game... not sure who it was against. All I know is that OU got Pelini after that
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This is why it's tough to rate conferences based on bowls. Too many external factors, too few games, sometimes crappy matchups. I think the Big 10 has a couple of good teams, but is nowhere near as deep as the Big XII.
That being said, I just watched the '77 OU v. Ohio State game. OU won 29-28 on a last second FG in the 4th as time expired -- down to their 3rd string QB and true freshman 2nd string RB. Best part was watching the placekicker lead the OSU crowd in the "block that kick" cheer after Woody iced him the second time