Big 12 Bookend

October 16th, 2009 by James Lawrence

Review

Missouri and Nebraska started the weekend early, playing a sloppy slugfest in a torrential downpour. The final stats were just what you’d expect in this kind of game, and I wouldn’t read much into it aside from the fact that you’ll want to check weather reports before starting players in a fantasy league. Niles Paul (pictured left, thanks Icon SMI) had a surprisingly strong showing, particularly for the circumstances, catching 6 passes for 102 yards and a TD.

You’re a victim of your own success when completing 82% of your passes for 265 yards qualifies as an off week. But that’s exactly what Colt McCoy had against a Colorado defense that’s certainly hasn’t been spectacular. Leading WR Jordan Shipley caught 11 passes for 147 yards and a TD, and scored another TD off a punt return. The Buffs’ offense was limited to 127 yards the entire game.

Oklahoma State-Texas A&M featured plenty of offense, and the real standout here was Keith Toston, rushing for 130 yards and gaining another 74 receiving. Jerrod Johnson was held in check on the ground, but threw for 273 yards and 3 scores.

Against Kansas State, Texas Tech backup QB Steven Sheffield merely threw for 490 yards and 7 TDs. Yes, seven TDs. Three Tech receivers caught between 97 and 100 yards’ worth of receptions, and all scored a touchdown (Detron Lewis scoring twice). Lewis and Swindall remain the most consistent producers.

Sam Bradford didn’t put up the numbers we would have expected against Baylor a year ago, but fantasy owners would be happy with 389 yards and a TD. Chris Brown chipped in 95 yards rushing to go with 2 scores.

Kansas QB Todd Reesing had another monster game, throwing for 442 yards and 4 TDs while scoring another TD on the ground. Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier each had a pair of TD receptions to go with 186 and 142 yards, respectively. The bright note for Iowa State was 293 yards passing and 67 yards rushing for Austin Arnaud, with 3 TD total.

Previews

The marquee matchup is Texas vs Oklahoma, being played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. A year ago this was an offensive shootout, but I expect the production by both offenses to be lower this year. For one, 80 points scored just doesn’t fit the series history, even recent history. (28-21 Sooner win in ’07, 28-10 Longhorn win in ’06) Additionally, both teams are dealing with injuries on offense (OU LG Simmons is out and WR Broyles unknown, UT may be without RB McGee and RB Newton) while both defenses have looked much stronger than they did last season. In general, Texas has been struggling to run the ball as effectively as they did a year ago, and Oklahoma has been struggling to protect the passer against talented foes. Shipley is an auto-start for me, but most of the other players should see reduced numbers if this is the mid-scoring game I expect.

Mike Leach is undecided on whether to start Sheffield or Taylor Potts at QB. Either one will have a huge game throwing the ball, as it is the Texas Tech air raid. Were I a betting man, I’d bet on Sheffield starting this week. No reason for Leach to risk Potts when Sticks played so well last week. Lewis and Swindall should be the primary receivers again.

Todd Reesing, Dezmon Briscoe, Kerry Meier, Austin Arnaud, and Keith Toston should all have big weeks.

Roy Helu might not get his usual amount of carries if Nebraska falls behind early. Note that I am picking Tech to win this game. If you think Nebraska is going to come out on top, then obviously Helu would have to have a good day on offense to make that happen

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