Baylor
Last Year
Baylor had high hopes of making their first bowl game in 15 years until star QB Robert Griffin injured his knee in Game 3 and was lost for the season. Coach Art Briles kept them fighting, and they were rewarded with a late win over Missouri, but ended the season 4-8 (1-7 Big 12), matching 2008's record. The offense struggled without Griffin, finishing 101st in scoring and 85th in total yardage. With the offense struggling, the defense spent too much time on the field down the stretch and finished 72nd in scoring and 94th in total yardage. They also managed only 18 sacks and 10 interceptions. The season was a disappointment but Briles, who was successful at in-state Houston, seems to have the team pointed in the right direction.
Offense
Griffin was off to a fine start (65.2% comp, 481 yds, 4 TDs) before his injury, and his replacement Nick Florence (62% comp, 1786 yds, 6 TDs, 9 INTs) isn't in his class. Both are back this season, although the big questions are whether Griffin's mobility has been greatly affected and can his knee hold up to a pounding. A better running game would help, as Baylor only managed 100.6 ypg (3.5 avg) last season. Senior Jay Finley was oft-injured last season, limiting his production to 370 yds and 1 TD on 79 carries. He is capable of better when healthy. He'll be backed up by junior Terrance Ganaway (68-200-5). When the Bears use a Fullback, they have 295 lb ex-DL Kaeron Johnson. On the offensive line, Philip Blake is one of the better Centers in the Big 12 and he'll be joined again this year by LT Danny Watkins and RT Ivory Wade, who played LG in 2009. These are a solid pairing. The new Guards will be sophomore Cameron Kaufhold and junior John Jones, both of whom have some experience. This is big (avg 308lbs), solid group and should be better next season. The receivers have good potential too. Kendall Wright led the team with 66 catches for 740 yards and 4 TDs from the slot last season. He also ran for 132 yards and a TD on 28 carries. Lanear Sampson (29-297-2) also returns after a solid season. The new starters will be senior Krys Buerck (2-8-0) in the other slot and sophomore Terrance Williams (3-61-0) on the outside. When a TE is used, Brad Taylor (13-166-1) and H-Back Jarred Salubi (19-153-0) are solid options. The backs aren't used much in the passing game, but Finley has proven he is up to the task in the past. This offense should be good as long as Griffin holds up and isn't too rusty after missing spring camp. Florence should be better after starting last year and there may be less of a dropoff if he's called upon again in 2010.
Defense
The defense returns 5 starters but could improve with a little production on offense. The line returns 2 starters, although Penn State transfer NG Phil Taylor (25 tkls, 2 tfls, .5 sack) was something of a disappointment. At 355 lbs he should be more than capable of stuffing the run inside, but suffered with poor conditioning. Joining him this season will be junior Tracy Robertson (22 tkls, 2 tfls, 3 sacks), who started 7 games at End last year. Zac Scotton (22 tkls, 1 sack) returns at End but must apply some pressure to opposing passers. Sophomore Gary Mason will also be charged with that task. The linebackers are a good group led by the sole returning starter WLB Antonio Johnson (77 tkls, 4 tfls, 2 sacks, 1 INT) at the position. He has proved to be something of a playmaker. The SLB will be junior Elliott Coffey (35 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack, 1 INT) who played regularly in the rotation last season. The new MLB is senior Chris Francis (45 tkls, 1 sack). There is solid depth here too. The secondary returns two experienced CBs in Chance Casey (36 tkls, 4 PBUs, 2 INTs), who started 6 games last season, and Clifton Odom (33 tkls, 6 PBUs, 1 INT), who started four. Tim Atchison will start at FS (42 tkls, 2 tfls, 5 PBUs, 1 INT) having previously played Corner. The SS will be senior Byron Landor (46 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1 sack, 1 PBU) who started 3 games in '09. The experience in the secondary could be irrelevant if the pass rush doesn't improve though.
Special Teams
Redshirt freshman Aaron Jones will be the kicker this season after beating out incumbent Ben Parks (1 missed PAT, 4/8 FGs -41 long) in the spring, but he is untested in games. Punter Derek Epperson averaged 44.8 per punt last season (35.9 net) but also had 3 blocked. He was still voted 1st Team Big 12. That shouldn't change this season. Williams was a solid kick returner last season with an average of 24.1, but Buerck needs to do better on punt returns (6.5). Kick coverage is mediocre and punt coverage is poor. This unit needs to improve this season.
Next Season
This could be the year the Bears break their bowl drought. Their OOC schedule has a trip to TCU which probably won't go well, but FCS Sam Houston State, Buffalo and Rice and more than beatable. The South division schedule is always harsh, although Oklahoma State is in transition, but they get both Kansas teams and Colorado from the North. They have some talent across the board and can pull off 6 or 7 wins, but they need a full season from Griffin, the rebirth of the running game and a pass rush to make it happen. Anything less than 3-1 start to the season will hurt too.
Oklahoma
Last Year
Oklahoma had high hopes for another National Championship run last season, but BYU put paid to those dreams early on knocking out QB Sam Bradford and beating the Sooners 14-13. Bradford tried gamely to come back but gave up after three games. Freshman Landry Jones was thrust into the spotlight and it was a bit much expecting him to replicate Bradford from the get-go. He was somewhat inconsistent but had a decent season. RB DeMarco Murray's injury woes didn't help the cause either. OU went just 8-5 (5-3 Big 12) and ended up in the Sun Bowl (which they won) instead of a BCS bowl. It wasn't an awful season – the defense was superb as usual and WR Ryan Broyles was excellent as a sophomore. But Sooner fans expect better, and this team has the talent to compete every year, regardless of injuries, and last season was a major disappointment.
Offense
Landry completed 58.1% of his passes for 3198 yards and 26 TDs, although he did throw 14 interceptions (5 against Nebraska). He will be better this season with a year's experience and starter's reps in spring and fall camp. He'll be backed up by redshirt freshman Drew Allen who was one of the top HS QBs in the country. DeMarco Murray (171-705-8) should be at full strength when the season kicks off and if he can stay healthy, he has the talent to have a monster season. Senior Mossis Madu (5-117-0) backed up at slot receiver last season, but returns to give Murray a breather when needed. When OU uses a Fullback, redshirt freshman Marshall Musil will step in. The line was inconsistent last season and brings back three starters, but only two make the 2 deep this year. LG Stephen Good and C Ben Habern will be joined by junior LT Donald Stephenson, sophomore RG Tyler Evans and senior RT Erik Mensik (who has also started at TE!). Cory Brandon is the odd man out. This is a line with plenty of experience and depth. Ryan Broyles (89-1120-15) was excellent in the slot last season, and should be even better with a more experienced QB throwing to him. Broyles is a threat to score whenever he has the ball in his hands. Dejuan Miller (36-434-1) also returns and should improve his production. The third receiver will be freshman Kenny Stills. There is talent and experience in reserve too, but they must cut out the drops which were a problem last season. The Tight End is a big part of this offense and junior Trent Ratterree (11-152-0) will start, although fellow junior James Hanna (6-48-0) should see plenty of action too. Murray (41-522-4) is a big part of the passing game, and Madu (7-69-0) is more than capable too. This unit could explode this season.
Defense
Only 5 starters return from last season's 8th ranked unit, and Gerald McCoy's (#3 draft choice) presence in the interior line will be missed most of all. His running mate from last year, Adrian Taylor (37 tkls, 3.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks), returns to help solidify the middle. Joining him will be sophomore Jamarcus McFarland (8 tkls, 2.5 sacks). Jeremy Beal (70 tkls, 8 tfls, 11 sacks, 3 PBUs, 1 INT) reclaims his spot at one End and will be joined by junior Frank Alexander (23 tkls, 5.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks, 2 PBUs) who was a valuable part of the rotation in '09. WLB Travis Lewis (109 tkls, 8.5 tfls, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, 1 INT) is the sole returning Linebacker, but he's a good one. Redshirt freshman Tom Wort will man the middle and much is expected of him. The SLB will be sophomore Ronnell Lewis (22 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 1 sack). The talent here is unquestioned, but there is a severe dearth of experience. SS Sam Proctor (44 tkls, 1 tfl and 2 PBUs) and FS Quinton Carter (88 tkls, 2.5 tfls, 5 PBUs, 4 INTs) both return from last season's squad. Carter was 2nd Team Big 12. Sophomore Demontre Hurst (14 tkls, 1 sack, 2 PBUs) and senior Jonathon Nelson (42 tkls, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, 3 INTs) will be the corners. This defense is loaded with talent, as an Oklahoma defense should be, but there are a lot of young players taking key roles and it could be costly this season.
Special Teams
Kicker Patrick O'Hara (6/9 FGs – 47 long) took over the job at Kicker from Jimmy Stevens (11/13 FGs – 39 long) and will keep it, at least to start the season, in 2010. Punter Tress Way (45.7 gross, 40.3 net) was 2nd Team Big 12 last season and should vie for 1st Team honors in 2010. Mau averaged 21.4 ypr returning kicks but must improve on that. Broyles will help out there and also return punts, where he excels (31-492-1). The kick coverage unit allowed a TD but was otherwise sound, the punt coverage was fantastic (1.8 ypr). If O'Hara (or Stevens) can solidify the kicker spot, this should be a good group again in '10.
Next Season
The Sooner faithful expect the team to compete for National Championships every season with no excuses. That young defense will have to grow up in a hurry, because after the season opener at home to Utah State, they play home to Florida State and that tricky Air Force offense, then off to Cincinnati and back home to face Texas before a bye week. After the bye they face the potent offenses of Missouri and Texas A&M away, and Texas Tech at home. Unless the defense gels quickly, there could be shootouts galore in store. It would be easy to write off the Sooners, but it's never a good idea. Texas are in a similar situation, as are many other rivals. A 10 win season and a trip to the conference championship is probably in the offing.
Oklahoma State
Last Year
This was meant to be the Cowboys year. They were loaded on offense and defense and were a trendy dark horse for the Big 12 championship. Early in the season, things started to go wrong. The defense got shredded by Houston in an early loss, star RB Kendall Hunter suffered an injury-plagued season, top WR Dez Bryant was suspended for the season by the NCAA and Zac Robinson struggled without his favorite target. They got hammered by Texas and Oklahoma and then lost to similarly struggling Mississippi in the Cotton Bowl. It wasn't all bad – they finished 9-4 (6-2 Big 12), Keith Toston had a fine season filling in for Hunter and they may have discovered their QB of the future in Brandon Weeden. But the opportunity for a championship may have passed for the immediate future.
Offense
QB Zac Robinson's career came to a disappointing close in his final season when he completed 59.8% of his passes for 2084 yards and 15 TDs against 12 interceptions, well short of his capabilities. He missed some time due to injury and looked lost at others. 26 year old junior Weeden (62.5% comp, 248 yds, 4 TDs, 1 INT) played well when given the chance and led a comeback victory against Colorado. He'll be handed the keys to the offense this season and he has a strong arm and the maturity to handle the responsibility. OSU is changing to a system akin to Texas Tech's, and Weeden appears to be a good match. Backing him up will be freshman Johnny Deaton. Another player who could be primed to succeed in the new offense is RB Hunter (89-382-1). He had 1555 yards and 16 TDs in 2008 and is an excellent receiver. If he can stay healthy, he should have another big year. Sophomore Travis Miller (13-59-0) is the chief reserve. When the Cowboys need a Fullback, senior Bryant Ward will step in. Only RG Lane Taylor returns from last year's line, and he is a sophomore, so veteran leadership could be a problem on the line. Joining him will be juniors LT Nick Martinez, LG Jonathon Rush, C Grant Garner and redshirt freshman RT Parker Graham. They are all inexperienced, as is the depth. Hubert Anyiam (42-515-3) is the lone returning starter in the receiving corps. He'll be joined by junior Josh Cooper (20-234-1), who started 4 games and sophomores Tracy Moore (11-183-3) and Justin Blackmon (20-260-2). The group gained some valuable experience last year and should perform well in 2010. Depth could be a problem though. Pencil a big "?" beside this offense this season.
Defense
The defense returns more starters than the offense, but that's just 3. Both Defensive Ends return from a defense that mustered a decent 29 sacks, but they had just 8 of them. Ugo Chinasa (30 tkls, 3 tfls, 6.5 sacks, 2 PBUs) was the better pass rusher. Jamie Blatnick (28 tkls, 2 tfls, 1.5 sacks) needs to step it up this season. The new tackles will be a pair of seniors, Chris Donaldson (9 tkls, 1 sack) and Shane Jarka (18 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks). Neither is too experienced, as with the reserves, but they are much bigger. All the Linebackers will be new this year, although MLB Orie Lemon is a former starter who missed last year due to injury. He had a fine '08 season and the team hope he can recapture that form. The SLB will be junior James Thomas (18 tkls), while the weakside will be manned by Justin Gent (27 tkls, 2 tfls, 1 sack, 1 PBU). Experienced depth is a concern. SS Markelle Martin (45 tkls, 1 tfl, 11 PBUs) is the sole remaining member of last year's starting secondary. Junior Johnny Thomas (25 tkls, 1 PBU) will man the Free Safety spot. The corners will be sophomore Brodrick Brown (7 tkls), who started 1 game last year, and senior Andrew McGee (32 tkls, 1 tfl, 6 PBUs, 1 INT), who also started a game and played in 10 others. This is a very inexperienced unit and could struggle this season.
Special Teams
Kicker Dan Bailey made 13/18 FGs (51 long) last year and should be better this year. Punter Quinn Sharp averaged 45.1 gross but a 36.0 net. With Perrish Cox off to the NFL, new returners must be found. Victor Johnson will return kicks this season after returning 8 for 145 yards last season. Cooper will return punts. Kick and punt coverage was very poor in 2009, but Cowboys' special teams tend to be good so there's no reason to suspect otherwise this year.
Next Season
The Cowboy's have a relatively easy OOC schedule with weak Washington State and Louisiana-Lafayette, but it could be a mistake to overlook Troy and Tulsa. They also get Nebraska and the two Kansas teams from the North. With only 5 starters in total back and a severe lack of experience across the board, the Cowboys could be propping up the division this season. If the Cowboy's make it to a bowl game, it will be a tribute to Coach Mike Gundy.
Texas
Last Year
The Longhorns were poised for a championship run last season (aren't they always) before graduation would rob them of key starters and they'd need to reload. They came close, really close. Texas went 13-1, beating all before them, including a closer than expected victory over Nebraska in the Big 12 Championship game before falling foul of Alabama in the National Championship game. Losing QB Colt McCoy 5 plays into the final hurt, especially as relatively untested freshman Garrett Gilbert was forced to step in and play. He played well under the circumstances, throwing 2 TDs and getting UT within a FG before 'bama pulled away. Texas fans will always wonder how it would have gone if McCoy had remained, but it's hard to say as both coaches changed their game plans accordingly. To be honest, both O and D Lines were being shoved around and the Tide ran for over 200 yards. Otherwise, the season was a resounding success. Coach Mack Brown has done a superb job here and constantly reloads with equivalent talent to that departing.
Offense
Colt McCoy ran the offense to perfection, competing an amazing 70.6% of his passes for 3521 yards, 27 TDs and 12 interceptions. He also had enough mobility to take off now and again and provide a running threat. Unfortunately he's gone and the Garrett Gilbert (45.5% comp, 310 yds, 2 TDs, 4 INTs) era begins after a brief audition. By all accounts he got over the shock of the big game and had an excellent spring. Brown is changing the offense back from the spread to a more traditional power running game, which is better suited to Gilbert's skill set. With Sherrod Harris quitting the team, the primary backup will be a freshman. UT has plenty of talented backs on the roster for their new running attack, but none seem capable of being a bell-cow. The sole possibility is last season's leading rusher, Tre' Newton (116-552-6), but he has yet to grasp the job with both hands. Vondrell McGee (56-300-2) and Foswhitt Whittaker (53-212-4) will be the reserves. Cody Johnson (87-335-12) will be the Fullback. This is a good group of backs and should be effective in a committee approach. The line only returns two starters, LT Kyle Hix and Michael Huey who is switching to LG, although junior C David Snow has starting experience. Seniors RG Tray Allen and RT Britt Mitchell have received valuable playing time in the rotation. There is plenty of talent but not a lot of experience in reserve. Top receiver Jordan Shipley moves on, but the receiving corps should be solid with Malcolm Williams (39-550-2) and James Kirkendoll (48-461-6) returning. Senior John Chiles (34-319-3) started 7 games last season and will start this season if he isn't beaten out by one of Texas' promising talents. This group is loaded with talent and experience, although they need to cut down on their drops. TE will be either sophomore Barrett Matthews or senior Greg Smith (6-48-0). Both will see plenty of playing time. The backs are thrown the occasional pass and that may increase this season.
Defense
7 starters return but the 4 who left were key performers and team leaders. NT Kheeston Randall (23 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 sacks) and redshirt freshman Calvin Howell should man the middle effectively and will be joined on the outside by returning starter Sam Acho (63 tkls, 4 tfls, 10 sacks, 3 PBUs) and sophomore Alex Okafor (22 tkls, 2 tfls). 2 Linebackers return from last year, SLB Keenan Robinson (74 tkls, 3.5 tfls, 1.5 sacks, 4 PBUs) and WLB Emmanuel Acho (49 tkls, 8 tfls, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 INT). Joining them will be a new MLB, probably senior Jared Norton who has the most experience. Last year Texas had one of the top secondaries in the country and that should continue despite the loss of star FS Earl Thomas. Both corners, Curtis Brown (53 tkls, 2 tfls, 15 PBUs, 1 INT) and Aaron Williams (44 tkls, 4 tfls, 2 sacks, 6 PBUs, 3 INTs) as well as Chykie Brown (48 tkls, 3 tfls, 2 sacks, 8 PBUs, 2 INTs) who played in nickel formations. FS Blake Gideon (62 tkls, 2 tfls, 5 PBUs, 6 INTs) will be joined by junior SS Christian Scott, who missed most of last season due to now resolved academic issues. The defense should be solid this year if it can gel quickly before the schedule gets tricky.
Special Teams
Last season's Punter, Justin Tucker (40.4 gross, 34.1 net), will move to kicker this season. The hope is he can replace excellent graduate Hunter Lawrence. Experienced senior John Gold will (44.1 gross last season) will replace Tucker at Punter. DJ Monroe was a super Kick Returner (33.6 avg and 2 TDs) and Marquise Goodwin will help after averaging 21.8 and scoring a TD too. Shipley will be missed at Punt Returner and the hope is Aaron Williams can replace his production. Coverage teams had their lapses, allowing a TD by punt and kick return, but were solid otherwise. Kicker is a question mark heading into the season, and could be a problem down the road in close games.
Next Season
There are some key losses on both sides of the ball (and special teams) and the schedule gets tough in a hurry. Visits from Rice and Wyoming should help the new starters get up to game speed before a trip to Texas Tech. Visits from UCLA and Oklahoma see them into the bye week, then a trip to Nebraska follows. The rest of the season is relatively easy apart from their annual season-ender at home to Texas A&M. Texas haven't won less than 10 games since 2000, and it's unlikely it will happen this year. There is too much talent for them to lose to, say, Baylor, and there are really only four teams on the schedule who could beat them. That said, an injury to Gilbert or a rash of injuries on the O-line could change things in a hurry.
Texas A&M
Last Year
Last season QB Jerrod Johnson fulfilled the promise shown in the season before and had a fine year, breaking many school records in the process. The rebirth of the Aggies running game was a pleasant surprise too after rushing for just 89 ypg in '08, they gained 184 ypg. Still they managed just a 6-7 (3-5 Big 12) record, including a 44-20 loss to Georgia in the Independence Bowl. The reason for this was the defense, which leaked yards and points at a greater rate than their high octane offense. They were 19th in scoring and 5th in yards gained nationally, but were 105th in points allowed and total yardage. This was still an improvement over the '08 season (4-8) and with some good recruiting, it looks like coach Mike Sherman has them pointed in the right direction.
Offense
Johnson completed 58.8% of his passes for 3579 yards and 30 TDs against only 8 Interceptions. He also showed off his mobility, rushing for 506 yards and 8 TDs. He should be even better this year with most of his supporting cast from last season returning. The running back battle hadn't been decided in spring camp, but it doesn't matter which of Christine Michael (166-844-10) or Cyrus Gray (159-757-5) wins, as both are excellent. Regardless of who is the nominal starter, they will combine for an excellent 1-2 punch. The line is the sole question mark going into the season as there are only two returning starters, Guards Evan Eike on the left and Patrick Lewis opposite him. Senior Matt Allen, a former LSU transfer, started 6 games at Guard last season but will move to Center. The tackles will be freshman Luke Joeckel, who won the job in spring camp, on the left and sophomore Brian Thomas, who saw action in 12 games last season, on the right. The Aggies are in good shape at receiver with a blend of talent, depth and experience. Jeff Fuller is the best of the bunch – he caught 41 passes for 568 yards and 7 TDs in just 7 games last season (he was injured). Senior Terrence McCoy (7-77-0) played in every game last season as a reserve. Sophomore Ryan Swope (19-172-1) will be the third starter. They will be capably backed up by Uzoma Nwachukwu (40-708-6), who started last season, and Tannehill (46-609-4). Redshirt freshman Hutson Prioleau will start at TE. Gray caught 28 passes for 226 yards and 2 TDs in '09, and should continue to be a productive receiver this year. If the line gels quickly, this offense will be tough to stop.
Defense
This unit was dreadful at times last year, but returns 8 starters and should be better for the experience. The line returns Tackles Lucas Patterson (23 tkls, 1 tfl) and Eddie Brown (33 tkls, 3 tfls and 4 sacks) who will share the load in the 3-4 defense implemented by new co-ordinator Tim DeRuyter. Sophomore Spencer Nealy (19 tkls, 2 tfls, 1 sack) will man one end with junior Tony Jerod-Eddie (23 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack, 1 PBU), who started 5 games last year and 7 in'08, manning the other side. There is a lack of depth although the new 30 front should help. OLB Von Miller (48 tkls, 4.5 tfls, 5 PBUs) is star of the show, making 17 sacks from the "Joker" position. Opposite him will be sophomore Sean Porter (42 tkls, 3 tfls, 1 sack), who started 2 games last season. Both ILBs, Michael Hodges (67 tkls, .5 tfl, 1 PBU, 1 INT) and Garrick Williams (74 tkls, 7.5 tfls, 1 sacks, 1 INT) return and are capably backed up by Kyle Mangan (70 tkls, 4 tfls, 2.5 sacks, 7 PBUs and 2 INTs). This is the strength of the defense. The secondary was torn apart last season, but should be better for the experience, bad though it may have been. Both cornerbacks, Dustin Harris (40 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, 1 INT) and Terrence Frederick (61 tackles, 3 tfls, 5 PBUs, 2 INTs), return and should be solid in '10. SS Trent Hunter (95 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 3 PBUs) is on the verge of stardom as one of the best safeties in the Big 12. Sophomore Steven Terrell (8tkls) won the FS job in spring camp. There is little experience in reserve due to youth, but there is solid talent.
Special Teams
Kicker Randy Bullock (100% PATs, 12/19 FGs) is steady but could use some improvement. Punting was an issue and has not been decided going into fall. Two Punters, Ken Wood (38.8 gross, 33.3 net) and Ryan Epperson (35.2 gross) were tried last season, and they'll compete with Jared Jarozsweski for the job this year. Epperson is the favorite as he had no punts returned last season (25 att), but that is subject to change. Gray averaged 23.8 per KR and scored a TD last year. He'll be joined by Swope (8-198-0). Dustin Harris will return punts again this season, but only averaged 7.9 in 2009. The kick coverage squad allowed 3 TDs last season and needs a lot of work, but the punt coverage was good. The special teams unit will receive a lot of attention in the fall.
Next Season
The Aggies' OOC schedule starts with three (supposedly) easy games in FCS Stephen F Austin, Louisiana Tech and Florida International which should give time for new players to get up to speed before the bye week. The other OOC game is a revenge match with Arkansas (they lost 47-19 last season) in Arlington. They get Missouri and Nebraska from the North, although both are in College Station, as are Oklahoma and Texas Tech, but they travel to Texas to end the season. If the defense and special teams can pick it just up enough to take the pressure of the offense, the team is good enough to make it to a decent bowl game. With the other teams in the division going through major personnel changes, a trip to the Big 12 Championship wouldn't be too surprising either.
Texas Tech
Last Year
The Red Raiders have a solid program here, having not had a losing record in 17 years and an 85-43 record over the last 10. Last season they were replacing their all-time leading passer (which is an achievement here) and suffered injuries to the position which now means they have not just one competent QB, but two (maybe even three if Seth Doege progresses). Their passing attack was slightly down from the previous 2 seasons but was still excellent, but the running game struggled. They also allowed 31 sacks, their worst in five years. Their run defense improved from the season before, but the pass defense was suspect. They finished the season 9-4 (5-3 Big 12) and beat Michigan State 41-31 in the Alamo Bowl. The big change was the firing of Mike Leach in the off-season, who was replaced with former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. Tuberville got the Auburn within a controversial whisper of the National Championship game in 2004. He's keeping the offense relatively intact, maybe some more running, and it will be interesting to see his impact here.
Offense
Taylor Potts (65.7% comp, 3440 yards, 22 TDs, 13 INTs) and Steven Sheffield (74.3% comp, 1219 yards, 14 TDs, 4 INTs) both performed admirably last season are currently embroiled in a fall camp battle to start, due to both being injured in the spring. Whoever loses will provide a first class reserve should the other go down. At RB Baron Batch (168-884-14) is an excellent runner and receiver who could put up some amazing stats in a more run-focused offense. He will probably get more carries this season. His reserve will be Eric Stephens (49-259-2) again this year. They only return two starters on the offensive line in 2010. LG Lonnie Edwards returns, but C Chris Olson may lose his spot to fellow senior Justin Keown in camp. Sophomore LT Terry McDaniel started 4 games last year before missing the rest of the season due to injury and will be back. RG will be sophomore Deveric Gallington who played in 9 games, and the RT will be sophomore LaAdrian Waddle who started 2 games. The line is losing a lot of experience and is changing blocking systems, so there could be teething problems early on. The new players are big and talented and should be okay in the long run. The reserves are inexperienced. The receivers, on the other hand, are anything but. Three starters return and some frequently used reserves. Detron Lewis (65-844-6) led the team in receiving yardage and Alex Torres (67-806-6) led in receptions. Tramain Swindall (55-694-5) also returns. The "new" starter will be Lyle Leong (45-571-9) who plays regularly and led the team in receiving TDs. The top reserves will be Austin Zouzalik (35-469-2), Jacoby Franks (26-313-2) and Harrison Jeffers (27-218-1). This is one of the top units in the nation. When Tech uses a Tight End, junior Adam James (17-154-1) or sophomore Ryan Haliburton will step in. The offense will move the ball and score points but if they want to think about competing for the Big 12, the line has to gel in a hurry.
Defense
6 starters return from last season's 6 starters return from last season's 49th ranked defense, but they're 6 of their better players from '09. Tuberville is a defensive coach and will change to a 3-4 system this season after graduation robbed them of a number of linemen. The Nose tackle spot will be taken by returning starter Colby Whitlock (45 tkls, 5 tfls, 3 sacks, 4 PBUs) who was very good last season. The other tackle will be junior Myles Wade (2 tkls) who played in only 4 games last year but has good size and speed and was a highly rated JUCO. The End will be redshirt freshman Kerry Hyder. The reserves are mostly transfers and JUCOs who have limited experience but decent size. The "Buck" position, their hybrid End/Linebacker will be taken by Brian Duncan (88 tkls, 7 tfls, 5 PBUs), who's started at MLB the last two seasons. It will be interesting to see how he fares as a pass rusher. The other OLB will be senior Julius Howard (29 tkls, 1 tfl, 2 PBUs) who played regularly last season. The inside will be manned by returning starter Bront Bird (56 tkls, 4.5 tfls, 1 sack, 3 PBUs) and junior Sam Fehoko (19 tkls, 1 tfl, 1 PBU). The reserves are inexperienced. New co-ordinator James Willis was Alabama's LB coach last year so he should be able to squeeze the maximum potential out of this group. Both Safeties, Franklin Mitchem (57 tkls, 1 tfl, 3 PBUs, 2 INTs) and Cody Davis (81 tkls, 1.5 tfls, 6 PBUs), and Cornerback LaRon Moore (42 tkls, 4 tfls, 6 PBUs, 2 INTs) return, although Moore will be in a reserve role this season. The new corners will be redshirt freshman Jarvis Phillips and sophomore Will Ford (22 tkls, 1 PBU, 1 INT) who played well when given the chance. This could be a solid group if the line comes together.
Special Teams
Both Kicker Matt Williams (11/14 FGs) and Punter Ryan Erxleben (40.8 gross, 35.0 net) return this season, as do KR Stephens (25.7 ypr) and PR Zouzalik (9.6 ypr). The unit will benefit from the stability. The kick coverage was excellent and the punt coverage was good despite allowing a short TD return. This will be a good group again this year.
Next Season
It will be interesting to see the impact Tuberville has on this team. Leach was turning them into a force to be reckoned with before he was dismissed, although they seemed to lack toughness at crunch time. They had some good wins too, such as that '08 classic against Texas, but to keep '08 in mind they had to beat Oklahoma for a potential BCS Championship shot and got run over instead. Tuberville's Auburn team were physically and mentally tough and this team needs that. They open the season against OOC foe SMU who throw the ball just as much, and their secondary better be ready in time. A trip to New Mexico should secure a win before returning to host Texas. They should be favored in the next four conference games before travelling to Texas A&M, home to Missouri and at Oklahoma. They finish with FCS Weber State and then pass happy Houston, who beat them last year, at home. This is a tricky schedule and there could be a fine line between winning 5 or 10 games. If the line clicks early, and the defense adapts to the new 3-4 approach, Tech could be a conference contender. 8 wins is the most realistic scenario.
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