Cowboys Ride For Free - All PostsAn Oklahoma State Cowboys bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48613/cowboys-fave.png2022-09-01T21:54:56-05:00http://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/rss/current/2022-09-01T21:54:56-05:002022-09-01T21:54:56-05:00COWBOY FOOTBALL: Oklahoma State 58, Central Michigan 44
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Central Michigan at Oklahoma State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dbYHyFcFARwun0G5iV-I--PwMYY=/0x63:2591x1790/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71315588/usa_today_18965370.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p><em><strong>I know what I said...shut up. I wasn’t all that wrong.</strong></em></p> <p id="7bh2fQ">Ok fine...the PTSD from past events was too much for me.</p>
<p id="W8bEMM">I was wrong, but not by a whole lot.</p>
<p id="Q1U0kq"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com">Oklahoma State</a> started slow, but a Tom Hutton - Brennan Pressley gem gave the defense the opportunity it needed to flex a little muscle. One safety and a quarter later OSU was well on its way to a comfortable blowout and I suppose some exorcizing of the demon of the untimed down.</p>
<p id="3Jzauu">Spencer Sanders (Ian Nikkel’s favorite player) had himself a game, torching a not-so-great Central Michigan defense for a number of touchdowns in the first half.</p>
<p id="cxDaqy">The most surprising event of the first half was the Cowboys’ final possession.</p>
<p id="VoQo0h">With 43 seconds remaining, the ENTIRE OSU football community left for the halftime break. They would return to discover that the Cowboys took just three plays and no timeouts to put seven more points on the board.</p>
<p id="tSGvFP">Oklahoma State would take just two plays to score to start the second half and we were all eagerly awaiting the appearance of one Gunnar Gundy with OSU leading 51-15.</p>
<p id="Pm2uvh">Not so fast...the Chips went right down and scored, then the Cowboys’ offense went stagnant.</p>
<p id="kFZYNp">At this point, the game kind of became unwatchable, probably as Gundy desired. Oklahoma State wasn’t far enough ahead for HCMG to be comfortable trotting out the backup QB, but at the same time was perfectly OK letting the defense stall out the game. This resulted in exactly what we can’t stand, with the Chippewas slowly working their way back into the game.</p>
<p id="MucyAA">SS would account for six TDs on the night, four passing and two rushing. He finished 28-41-0 FOR 406 yards passing and would also lead the team in rushing along with the longest run from scrimmage, although this was an anemic effort for that part of the offense for most of the night until Dominic Richardson got a few chunk plays on OSU’s last TD drive. Sure, Central Michigan stacked the box, but the offensive line looks a little suspect and the running backs don’t look explosive at this point. </p>
<p id="XrjYGd">Brayden Johnson had a career night with 166 yards receiving and a score.</p>
<p id="RI0Cpr">I know it’s great that Oklahoma State got the win, but this game was perfectly set up for a full fourth quarter of backups and some rest while protecting the starters (primarily Spencer Sanders) at 51-15. Alas, Gundy and crew managed their way into a way tighter than desired situation in the last five minutes with Central Michigan actually trying an onside kick down 14 at 58-44. They would get the ball back but go four and out with the Cowboys then running out the clock.</p>
<p id="bNvTv8">The Chippewas’ Daniel Richardson quietly had quite a night, finishing 36-49-1 for 424 yards and 4 TDs. OSU’s secondary and LBs were not the greatest in coverage but the front seven were fairly solid in the run game against the #1 rusher in Division I last season, Lew Nichols III. Tackling was an issue however, with the Cowboys struggling to wrap up in space on a number of occasions.</p>
<p id="gfSRnZ">Central Michigan’s offense would end up outperforming OSU on the night, with Oklahoma State starters forced to reenter the game late.</p>
<p id="IqpTys">Always good to get the opening win, but OSU needs to clean up quite a bit of stuff against a Power 5 opponent next week.</p>
<p id="t6VNwo"><em><strong>GO POKES!!!</strong></em></p>
https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/9/1/23333773/cowboy-football-oklahoma-state-51-central-michign-22-big-12Robert Whetsell2022-08-30T20:08:11-05:002022-08-30T20:08:11-05:00Big 12 Preseason Power Rankings: No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Big 12 Media Days" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jWhFOywnm17N-DHLAb5vNe-f0yQ=/0x0:8256x5504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71305167/usa_today_18695761.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>OU is experiencing more turnover than it has in a long time. Will the new era yield good results in the Big 12?</p> <p id="eeGRat">*The 2021 season produced two new title contenders in the Big 12 Conference as Baylor and <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/"><strong>Oklahoma State</strong></a> faced off in the Big 12 Championship Game. The conference announced plans to replace Texas and Oklahoma in 2025 by adding Houston, UCF, Cincinnati and <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/"><strong>BYU</strong></a> in 2023. The 2022 season will be the last season of the Big 12 Conference as it’s been known for the last decade.</p>
<p id="2cXZdZ">There will inevitably be more seismic shifts this season after <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/"><strong>UCLA</strong></a> and USC announced intentions to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference. Whether the Big 12 adds more schools or has more members poached by other conferences remains to be seen, but this will be the last year with just 10 member institutions in the conference. Next up in the Big 12 preseason power rankings is the Oklahoma Sooners. You can read previous installments of this series below.</p>
<p id="ABtr8V"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/28/23318290/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-3-oklahoma-state-cowboys-football">No. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys.</a></p>
<p id="ufRswO"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/25/23310812/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-4-texas-longhorns-football">No. 4 Texas Longhorns.</a></p>
<p id="7VF6RS"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/23/23297375/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-5-kansas-state-wildcats-football">No. 5 Kansas State Wildcats.</a></p>
<p id="sx5tYD"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/10/23281222/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-6-tcu-horned-frogs-football-2022">No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs.</a></p>
<p id="w5fRf2"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/3/23290911/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-7-iowa-state-cyclones-football">No. 7 Iowa State Cyclones.</a></p>
<p id="M5xSba"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/1/23272001/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-8-west-virginia-mountaineers-football">No. 8 West Virginia Mountaineers.</a></p>
<p id="W5DbUd"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/19/23219210/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-9-texas-tech-red-raiders-football">No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders.</a></p>
<p id="uwNSxj"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/13/23205997/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-10-kansas-jayhawks-ncaa-football">No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks. </a></p>
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<p id="XjVcjB"><strong>No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners</strong></p>
<p id="0k7G3w">Oklahoma enters uncharted waters this season, right before it enters more uncharted waters when it jumps to the SEC in the coming years. The Sooners haven’t had to replace a coach that left Norman for sunnier skies and sandier beaches in 75 years. Greener pastures didn’t seem like the right fit considering Oklahoma has plenty of pastures. </p>
<p id="hx9vcp">OU thought it would be best to bring in a familiar face in Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. Although Venables doesn’t have head coaching experience, he is familiar with Norman as the former defensive coordinator of the Sooners. Venables will need to work fast as he has to build the program and culture from the ground up.</p>
<p id="k70guV">According to <em>The Athletic’s </em>Max Olson, Oklahoma has to replace 68% of its production on offense and 60% on defense. There is little in the way of returning proven playmakers. The talent is there, but the players and the coaching staff are unproven. That makes Oklahoma’s floor uncharacteristically low for this season. The ceiling is still as high as a College Football Playoff berth because of the talent. </p>
<p id="b60COY"><strong>Offense</strong></p>
<p id="iW59k9">UCF transfer Dillion Gabriel will start at quarterback for the Sooners. New offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby brought Gabriel in to replace Caleb Williams after the two briefly worked together at UCF. Now Gabriel and Lebby have teamed up in Norman to provide some familiarity to a team mired in change.</p>
<p id="AJ2Mhf">Gabriel will need to stay healthy as there isn’t much depth behind him. True freshman Nick Evers has plenty of potential, but that potential won’t be realized this year. Junior college transfer General Booty might be known more for his name than being the top junior college quarterback as a freshman last season, but Booty has no experience at the DI level. </p>
<p id="bJWcuN">Former Tennessee transfer Eric Gray will play a larger role this season after the departure of Kennedy Brooks. True freshman Gavin Sawchuk could play a larger role as well. The Sooners also return Marcus Major, but Gray will be the primary playmaker for this group.</p>
<p id="HMRpTE">Oklahoma lost a ton of talent at receiver, but retained (in my opinion) the best receiver from last season. Marvin Mims has been criminally under-utilized while at Oklahoma. Now, the Sooners have no other option than to feature him. Mims and Theo Wease give OU a dynamic one-two punch at receiver. Drake Stoops also returns while the Sooners added Missouri transfer JJ Hester and Arizona State transfer LV Bunkley- Shelton in the transfer portal. </p>
<p id="tofv5i">Hester and Bunkley- Shelton should provide some depth, but Mims and Wease will be the stars at receiver. Brayden Willis returns at tight end and true freshman Jason Llewellyn could contribute as well. </p>
<p id="cN65ix">Guard Chris Murray and tackle Anton Harrison return on the offensive line this season, but the Sooners need to develop more talent and consistency up front. Savion Byrd should get his chance to shine. Byrd is super talented, though young and inexperienced. </p>
<p id="cQQGos">California transfer McKade Mettauer will start at left guard with three years of experience under his belt with the Golden Bears. Of note, Mettauer’s younger brother, Mabrey, is a highly recruited quarterback at The Woodlands (TX) High. OU landed an impact transfer at left guard and may get a quarterback out of it in the future as well.</p>
<p id="lRW35e">Andrew Raym figures to start at center and Wanya Morris should fill out the starting group up front. TCU transfer Tyler Guyton figures to get a fair share of reps, but OU will need to develop some depth behind the starting group.</p>
<p id="UPUMTE"><strong>Defense</strong></p>
<p id="AVJpvJ">Defense is Venables speciality. In other words, this defensive unit should be the exact opposite of what it was under Lincoln Riley and Alex Grinch. The defensive unit used to be a turnstile for opposing players waiting for their turn to score a touchdown. OU had historically good offenses to offset the miserable defense. That should change under Venables.</p>
<p id="IV8ttD">There is good depth at edge rusher with Reggie Grimes and Ethan Downs impressing the staff in spring ball, according to <em>The Athletic’s </em>Max Olson. Hawaii transfer Jonah Laulu will also play a big role. Marcus Stripling gives OU four players that can get after it at defensive end.</p>
<p id="Sk9QNA">Jalen Redmond returns on the interior defensive line. OU also brought in Tulane transfer Jeffrey Johnson to help on the interior. If the Sooners can develop some depth behind those two, the defensive line should be in good shape.</p>
<p id="pkBKgF">DaShaun White and David Ugwoegbu will lead the linebacking corps as players returning with plenty of experience at OU. Danny Stutsman also returns and should play a larger role this season. Freshmen Kip Lewis and Kobie McKinzie could play a role and provide some depth if needed. </p>
<p id="hSe2Qa">Woodi Washington will lead the secondary after a strong close to last season. DJ Graham will also get a shot to play a larger role after a solid sophomore season. OU brought in two transfers to help out in Lousiville transfer Kani Walker and Wyoming transfer CJ Coldon. Those two, along with Jaden Davis, should provide the cornerback position with depth. </p>
<p id="i1LzqN">Billy Bowman is a name to keep an eye on at safety. Bowman is young, but has a ton of talent and could emerge as a star at the position. North Carolina transfer Trey Morrison and Key Lawrence will also play larger roles at safety this season. </p>
<p id="WnPnfv"><strong>Schedule</strong></p>
<p id="LdlTjt">Oklahoma has key games against Baylor and Oklahoma State at home this season. Even more importantly, both of those games come later in the year. Oklahoma has started slow the past few seasons. Even though the majority of players and coaches from those teams are gone, adjusting to all the turnover won’t be easy. I could see OU struggling in big games against Kansas State and Texas early in the season before closing strong late in the year.</p>
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<p id="f43hzt">Oklahoma is the team with the most question marks coming into the season. It is also the team with the most variance. Those question marks coupled with that amount of talent makes this season hard to predict for the Sooners. OU could win a Big 12 championship, but could also miss out on playing in the championship game altogether. The schedule does set up favorably for OU. The talent is unmistakeable, but talent doesn’t always win. Just ask Texas.</p>
<p id="PQQtiQ">Disclaimer: I will be posting my picks weekly on Tallysight once again this year. This is just my best guess as of July and these picks are subject to change once I see what actually ends up playing out on the field.</p>
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https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/30/23320297/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-2-oklahoma-sooners-football-big-12ryanharris22022-08-29T15:16:53-05:002022-08-29T15:16:53-05:00PICKS FROM JOE’S: The Negative Nancy Edition
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<img alt="Syndication: The Oklahoman" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GQhfeAKGUKJxHl06QbRh12lXYi4=/0x0:4316x2877/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71298887/usa_today_18889206.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nathan J Fish/The Oklahoman / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p><em><strong>I’m not having any of this namby-pamby hype crap due to a severe case of PTSD.</strong></em></p> <p id="OnGDVn">Well Well Well...fancy seeing you here…</p>
<p id="FyHNds">It’s been a while since we last met, back when OSU came within inches of creating a college football playoff debate AGAIN, then going on to take down a team with a bigger logo than the Cowboys, then Gundy reminding everyone that <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com">Oklahoma State</a> has a logo too.</p>
<p id="c0R6lz">Which one is he referring to? We have a LOT of logos…</p>
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<p id="wlMLyn">As we approach the beginning of that part of football season that I hate…the non-conference schedule, because I have to write about too many games…let us rejoice in the fact that Texas is back. I don’t care what anyone says, Texas is back. If they aren’t back, what are we even doing here?</p>
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<p id="WUEQvx">Enough of this, I have ten games to discuss…</p>
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<h1 id="N8sfjJ"><strong>Thursday, September 1</strong></h1>
<h2 id="fEcj7L"><em><strong>West Virginia at #17 Pittsburgh (7pm ET, ESPN, Pitt -7, O/U 51)</strong></em></h2>
<div id="LAJjM9"><blockquote>Coming off a season where they became "the stupid mountain people" per the Ten12 Podcast, the Mountaineers have a chance to jump on their hated rivals and get things going in the opposite direction than things have been going since Dana went home. Those things need to change otherwise West Virginia will just become Texas Tech East of the Mississippi.<br><br>Of course then Texas Tech would just complain about being copied.<br><br>I'm going for the upset, Pickett is no longer in Pittsburgh. Over/Under is a complete guess.</blockquote></div>
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<h1 id="kKoa2O"><strong>Friday, September 2</strong></h1>
<h2 id="V2CwRL"><em><strong>Tennessee Tech at Kansas (8pm ET, ESPN+, No Line or O/U at this time)</strong></em></h2>
<div id="6yoa1c"><blockquote>In my opinion this is the most important game of the week. Why?<br><br>Because if Kansas is "back" you know what that means…</blockquote></div>
<div id="gLlLqw"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6T92-6ysD94?rel=0&start=96" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="48RcB7">
<a href="https://www.frogsowar.com"><em><strong>TCU</strong></em></a><em><strong> at Colorado (10pm ET, ESPN, TCU -10.5, O/U 55.5)</strong></em>
</h2>
<div id="KOSvWb">
<blockquote>Quietly a sneaky important game on the Big 12 landscape with Gary Patterson ejecting to Texas and Sonny Dykes taking over.<br><br>With all the conference movement taking place and the Pac 12 now getting raided, it would be great if TCU could take one for team to convince Colorado to come home.<br><br>HOWEVER…while both of these teams are a total crapshoot right now, I have way more confidence in the Horny Lizard People but that's a big line for an opening game on the road at high altitude. TCU wins but Buffs cover and the over/under is off limits.</blockquote>
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<p id="4zJW19">All the remaining games take place Saturday, September 3.</p>
<h2 id="M1YIDj">
<em><strong>SE MO State at </strong></em><a href="https://www.widerightnattylite.com"><em><strong>Iowa State</strong></em></a><em><strong> (2pm ET, ESPN+, No Line or O/U at this time)</strong></em>
</h2>
<div id="obYTPp"><blockquote>Here comes the Cyclones' annual "We can screw up just as bad as Kansas State can" non-conference game with a multi-directional FCS cupcake. The Brock Purdy era is gone and now we wait to be introduced to the next player that will be playing for the Bloody Mustard Whirly Birds for a thousand years.<br><br>Let's move on…</blockquote></div>
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<h2 id="sXxYoh"><em><strong>UTEP at #9 Oklahoma (3:30pm ET, FOX, OU -31.5, O/U 57)</strong></em></h2>
<div id="S3zqXF"><blockquote>Brett Venables is back. What are the chances that's the same as Texas being back?<br><br>Wouldn't bet on it.</blockquote></div>
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<h2 id="A6xZRN"><em><strong>Albany at #10 Baylor (7pm, ESPN+, No Line or O/U at this time)</strong></em></h2>
<div id="hXhrqR"><blockquote>The Bears are doing their usual non-conference tango, bringing in an opponent they found under the tarp. This should be on the LHN.</blockquote></div>
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<h2 id="ud7emI">
<em><strong>South Dakota at </strong></em><a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com"><em><strong>Kansas State</strong></em></a><em><strong> (7pm ET, ESPN+, No Line or O/U at this time)</strong></em>
</h2>
<div id="IHLXZ1"><blockquote>The last time these two got together the Wildcats were busy getting lathered 24-12 through the first three quarters before mounting a fourth-quarter comeback and surviving a last-second Coyotes FG attempt for a 27-24 win (go ahead, queue up the Wil E Coyote memes).<br><br>No more Skylar Thompson, Colin Klein as the OC…this smells fishy to me. Wouldn't touch it. Think KState gets the win.</blockquote></div>
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<h2 id="L0x9xE">
<em><strong>Murray State at </strong></em><a href="https://www.vivathematadors.com"><em><strong>Texas Tech</strong></em></a><em><strong> (8pm ET, ESPN+, No Line or O/U at this time)</strong></em>
</h2>
<div id="m1PX6Q"><blockquote>Yosemite Sam has new leadership.<br><br>Again.<br><br>What kind of "Racers" are Murray State?<br><br>Meh…</blockquote></div>
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<h2 id="ZM7oUa"><em><strong>UL Monroe at Texas (8pm ET, LHN, Texas -38.5, O/U 66.5)</strong></em></h2>
<div id="QZgujG"><blockquote>It should be a crime to deprive so many of this. How can we truly enjoy the annual "Texas is back" fiasco if you carry it on the equivalent of local access cable.<br><br>No way I'm touching that line on the Longhorn side. The over/under looks a little more inviting but since I can't watch, screw it. Please give me an upset…</blockquote></div>
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<p id="VgpAhI">And last but not least….back to Thursday, September 1...</p>
<h2 id="idwxLN"><em><strong>Central Michigan at Oklahoma State (7pm ET Thursday, FS1, OSU -21, O/U 59)</strong></em></h2>
<div id="aZCRcd"><blockquote>Take your PTSD pills folks, cuz this is about to be way more than any of us want.<br><br>This is a decent opponent that's given OSU way more than they have wanted the last couple of times they have played, and with Gundy's penchant for being super-conservative in these early games there would need to be something really strange happen for this not to be way closer than any of us want, so that line and O/U are just begging for suckers to jump on Oklahoma State.<br><br>There's been more hype than I'm comfortable with as a long-time Cowboys fan, so I'm going full negative on this one.<br><br>The bloom comes off the rose quickly this season. Saddle up, cuz I'm writing the recap.</blockquote></div>
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<h1 id="JJj9Tp"><em><strong>GO POKES!!!</strong></em></h1>
https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/29/23325940/picks-from-joes-the-negative-nancy-edition-big-12-football-oklahoma-stateRobert Whetsell2022-08-29T11:20:37-05:002022-08-29T11:20:37-05:00OSU will slide back in football recruiting rankings, but don’t panic
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<img alt="Syndication: The Oklahoman" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VLX49MjG-Y4ByfqvNyaRh_QBreE=/0x0:4694x3129/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71297720/usa_today_18929627.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nathan J. Fish/The Oklahoman / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
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<p>Let’s check on Cowboy football recruiting with summer coming to an end.</p> <p id="ibKbnu">With summer ending and the season beginning, now is as good of a time as ever to check in on how recruiting is doing. This class will slide back from recent recruiting finishes because it will be a smaller class, but there is no reason for panic or concern.</p>
<p id="rqVOqZ">Oklahoma State signed the No. 30 and No. 29 class in the nation, respectively, for the class of 2021 and 2022, the two most recent classes to sign. OSU currently ranks No. 59 in the nation with 11 commitments for the class of ‘23 and it could be tough to get the class into the top 40.</p>
<p id="fMMTOU">Here’s why that’s OK: Mike Gundy and the staff have loaded up at key positions. Most of OSU's highly rated recruits are typically quarterbacks and receivers; maybe the occasional defensive lineman. They’re likely set for the future at RB and WR and possibly quarterback.</p>
<p id="iTUdEf">Let’s start with quarterback. Spencer Sanders has one final ride (unless he takes his Covid-year and returns next season) before true freshman Garret Rangel, redshirt freshman Gunnar Gundy and incoming freshman Zane Flores compete for the job, unless Gundy goes to find a quarterback in the portal. Rangel was a four-star recruit; Gundy is, well, Gundy; Flores is the quarterback committed in this current cycle. Ranked No. 450 nationally, Flores is currently OSU’s second-highest rated commitment for 2023.</p>
<p id="qoMdGd">The embarrassment of riches at receiver is even deeper. Bryson Green, Blaine Green, Jaden Bray and John Paul Richardson all saw significant snaps as true freshman last season. Brennan Presley was a sophomore last season. This season, OSU will add Tayln Shettron — a top 10 recruit in program history — and the explosive Braylin Presley, to the mix. The Pokes also signed Stephon Johnson and Mason Gilkey at receiver. </p>
<p id="4I2MYA">OSU is young, deep and talented at the receiver position. Cameron Heard of Houston Furr HS is the lone Cowboy commit at WR for the class of ‘23 at the moment; other receivers may look at the depth chart and feel blocked by all the young talent currently in the program.</p>
<p id="Tt2O1A">That leaves running back, where the Pokes are young and talented like the receivers, but the RB group doesn’t have near as much experience. The leading returning rusher is Spencer Sanders. The leading returning rusher among running backs is Dominic Richardson, who carried 79 times for 373 yards last season. Beyond that, Jaden Nixon carried 14 times for 122 yards, all in “garbage time.”</p>
<p id="2F0gab">Those two should get regular carries next season in addition to standout Ollie Gordon, who is an early enrollee from the class of 2022 and impressed in spring practice. CJ Brown is also a highly recruited running back from the class of ‘22 that should see some time next season. The room is inexperienced but has several options. Adding a solid running back in the class of ‘23 would help, but the biggest need is experience and the portal might be better suited to help with that.</p>
<p id="xlNOT6">With a quarterback already committed in the class of ‘23 and the potential that the staff may not want to sign many receivers, OSU’s class is likely to slip from where it has been the past two years. Depth is needed on both lines; OSU has three defensive linemen and two offensive linemen committed so far.</p>
<p id="F5Wjra">Looking at who OSU has offered at each position, here’s who I’d like to see them add to the class, if possible. At running back, every player OSU has offered at that position has committed to another school with the lone exception being John Randle Jr. of Wichita (KS) Heights. Randle, a four-star back, should be a familiar name. His father, John, played at Kansas and his uncle, Joseph Randle, is a name Pokes fans should remember well.</p>
<p id="bPNVpK">Randle currently has no listed favorites and no crystal ball predictions. Per his Twitter account, he has visited Kansas State and Texas. OSU’s chances — and interest beyond a scholarship offer — are unknown. One back I would be interested to see receive an offer is Owen Allen of Southlake (TX) Carroll. Allen has reported offers from Air Force and Army. He has run for 5,474 yards and 83 touchdowns in his three years at Carroll and another 2,000-yard season would place him in the top 25 rushers in Texas state history.</p>
<p id="pPLylz">If OSU decides to take another receiver — which is likely but probably not the main focus — Morgan Pearson of Ardmore (OK) Plainview would be a good fit. He’s a three-star ranked No. 688 in the nation and would go with the more Oklahoma-heavy theme the staff has adopted in recent years. He’s a recruit of similar ilk to Gilkey.</p>
<p id="4Q2XFF">On the offensive line, Ethan Thomason of Fort Collins (CO) Rocky Mountain is the only realistic offer OSU could land. BYU is considered the favorite for the three-star recruit according to 247, but OSU is in the mix. Jack Endean is the only commitment at OT. </p>
<p id="v6Dr5O">Recent success in the defensive secondary could pay off on the recruiting trail. Perhaps the highest-rated recruit left on OSU’s board is four-star safety Warren Roberson of Red Oak (TX) High. At No. 264 in the nation, Roberson would be OSU’s new highest-rated recruit. Roberson has Florida, SMU, TCU and USC in his top five along with Oklahoma State. </p>
<p id="z1kxAt">With 11 recruits currently in the fold and such a young roster already, the Cowboys class could be close to done. Mike Gundy said at media days that OSU would likely take three or four more commitments. Since then, Pro Kick Australia punter Hudson Kaak issued a commitment. I would think Gundy is still looking to add three or four players, but this will be a smaller class.</p>
<p id="zfMCCX">The depth and back-to-back successful classes are why it’s OK if this class doesn’t finish as high as normal. The average recruit rating in this class is 87.00 currently. For the class of ‘22, it was 87.61 and it was 86.60 for the class of ‘21. This class is on par with those that came before it, the total number of commitments just won’t be as high.</p>
<p id="XSawbJ">It’s scary to see a class ranked closer to Kansas than Baylor, but Mike Gundy is still the head coach. He will continue to find those diamonds in the rough. The transfer portal will also help to plug holes. If the average rating holds true, this class will be a success no matter where it finishes in the rankings. </p>
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https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/29/23169504/osu-will-slide-back-in-football-recruiting-rankings-but-dont-panic-big-12-footballMatt A. Harris2022-08-28T14:24:17-05:002022-08-28T14:24:17-05:00Big 12 Preseason Power Rankings: No. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Oklahoma State fell inches short of a Big 12 title in 2021 and hopes to return to Arlington for another shot this December.</p> <p id="eeGRat">The 2021 season produced two new title contenders in the Big 12 Conference as Baylor and <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/"><strong>Oklahoma State</strong></a> faced off in the Big 12 Championship Game. The conference announced plans to replace Texas and Oklahoma in 2025 by adding Houston, UCF, Cincinnati and <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/"><strong>BYU</strong></a> in 2023. The 2022 season will be the last season of the Big 12 Conference as it’s been known for the last decade.</p>
<p id="2cXZdZ">There will inevitably be more seismic shifts this season after <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/"><strong>UCLA</strong></a> and USC announced intentions to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference. Whether the Big 12 adds more schools or has more members poached by other conferences remains to be seen, but this will be the last year with just 10 member institutions in the conference. Next up in the Big 12 preseason power rankings is the Oklahoma State Cowboys. You can read previous installments of the series below. </p>
<p id="MjFAsn"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/25/23310812/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-4-texas-longhorns-football">No. 4 Texas Longhorns.</a></p>
<p id="YiUXqi"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/23/23297375/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-5-kansas-state-wildcats-football">No. 5 Kansas State Wildcats.</a></p>
<p id="vH3Ecl"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/10/23281222/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-6-tcu-horned-frogs-football-2022">No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs.</a></p>
<p id="RiCb6x"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/3/23290911/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-7-iowa-state-cyclones-football">No. 7 Iowa State Cyclones.</a></p>
<p id="gTgENz"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/1/23272001/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-8-west-virginia-mountaineers-football">No. 8 West Virginia Mountaineers.</a></p>
<p id="NLcvfk"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/19/23219210/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-9-texas-tech-red-raiders-football">No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders.</a></p>
<p id="aIhAp9"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/13/23205997/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-10-kansas-jayhawks-ncaa-football">No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks.</a></p>
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<p id="RxbloW"><strong>No. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys</strong></p>
<p id="JQaPDM">Oklahoma State made a run to the Big 12 championship game a year ago after beating Baylor and Oklahoma at home to secure the top spot in the conference after the regular season. OSU will have to face Baylor and OU on the road this season, making the path back to Arlington a little more complicated. </p>
<p id="42fNjp">The Cowboys will also have to deal with turnover on a defensive unit that ranked as one of the best in all of college football last season. Expectations are high in Stillwater this season and the results of the road games against Baylor and Oklahoma may determine if the season is a success or not. </p>
<p id="63u2Wz">OSU lost more talent in the transfer portal than it gained. The losses of cornerbacks Tanner McCalister (<a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>) and Jarrick Bernard-Converse (<a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a>) hurt the secondary. Mike Gundy wasn’t able to replace that talent in the secondary through the transfer portal, but Gundy did replace departed defensive coordinator Jim Knowles (Ohio State) with Auburn defensive coordinator Derek Mason. </p>
<p id="mlFbQE"><strong>Offense</strong></p>
<p id="dabxQ5">Spencer Sanders returns for another year captaining Oklahoma State’s offense. It will be Sanders’ fourth full season as the starting quarterback. There was definite improvement from Sanders last year, though he did struggle when the offensive line struggled. </p>
<p id="ku5URr">Backup quarterback Shane Illingworth transferred to Nevada in the offseason and has the talent to be a starting quarterback. Unfortunately for Illingworth, that opportunity never materialized at Oklahoma State. That means Gunnar Gundy and true freshman Garret Rangel will fill the backup quarterback role this season. Gundy will get his shot if anything happens to Sanders. Rangel has plenty of talent, but he will be the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option, much like Illingworth was for a few games early in 2020. </p>
<p id="Let5f9">Oklahoma State’s situation at running back is similar to 2016 when the Cowboys used as many as five different players before Justice Hill and Chris Carson seized the majority of the reps. Dominic Richardson should be the day one starter as the player with the most experience. Richardson looked good against TCU last season, but so did everybody else on offense. Redshirt freshman Jaden Nixon is included in that group as he ripped off a long touchdown run against the Horned Frogs in limited action. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jaden Nixon might have just broken a tackle from every single player on the TCU defense on this TD run <br><br>cc: <a href="https://twitter.com/CowboyFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CowboyFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/tR6KkXrzl9">pic.twitter.com/tR6KkXrzl9</a></p>— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1459736573692588037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2021</a>
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<p id="cid1m3"><a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M</a> transfer Deondre Jackson joins Richardson and Nixon as a player with little experience. Jackson recorded just three carries in two seasons at Texas A&M. Behind those three players are true freshmen Ollie Gordon and CJ Brown. I am excited to see Gordon play and I think he could contribute right away. I got to watch Gordon play in high school and he came into Stillwater with a body nearly ready for college football. </p>
<p id="rQBASm">I would bet that Richardson, Nixon and Gordon are the three players getting carries by the end of the season. Either way, this group needs to find a playmaker before making the trip to Waco for the first conference game of the season. Somebody needs to step up in the non-conference portion of the schedule. </p>
<p id="Y1WxiN">The wide receivers are young and talented, but lack a clear top option for Sanders to throw to. Sanders liked to spread the ball around last year, but he had a top option in Tay Martin. Brennan Presley returns for his junior year and will be a star in the slot, but the Cowboys need a threat on the boundary. Offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn is one of the best at developing receivers, so youth at receiver isn’t the biggest concern for Dunn on offense.</p>
<p id="dqL0HN">That option might be Brayden Johnson, who missed all of 2021 with an injury and returns as a super-senior. Jaden Bray, Bryson Green, Rashod Owens and John Paul Richardson all contributed last year despite being freshmen. All will be expected to play a big role this season, but at least one needs to fill Martin’s role. If one of those guys can’t step up, true freshman Talyn Shettron could be the guy. Shettron should get a decent amount of snaps regardless. </p>
<p id="3Y14UI">Blaine Green will be the primary receiving threat at cowboy back after contributing as a true freshman last season. Braden Cassity returns and will be used as a blocker from the cowboy back position. </p>
<p id="12khKG">Gundy hammered the transfer portal to help address the offensive line. Oklahoma State has to replace Josh Sills and Danny Godlevske up front. Cole Birmingham will move from left tackle to left guard so Caleb Etienne can slide into the starting lineup at left tackle. Hunter Woodard returns at right tackle. There is returning experience at center as both Preston Wilson and Joe Michalski have played the position. </p>
<p id="ojtKup">Jake Springfield has plenty of experience at tackle, but Oklahoma State could also go with a newcomer. Junior college transfer Tyrone Webber enrolled early and should play a role. USC transfer Casey Collier and Vanderbilt transfer Jason Brooks Jr. will get a shot to play and could eventually start. There is depth along the offensive line, but Gundy needs to figure out which combination of five guys plays the best together. He will have three games to figure that out before having to face Baylor. </p>
<p id="BSaaot"><strong>Defense</strong></p>
<p id="QRuqOI">Oklahoma State is losing eight starters from one of the best defensive units in college football a year ago. Replacing players such as Malcolm Rodriguez won’t be possible. Gundy has said as much. Addressing the linebacking corps and secondary will be important, but Mason does inherit one of the most talented defensive line groups in the country.</p>
<p id="J15QpL">Collin Oliver is the star of that group after a breakout freshman season. Oliver was named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year last year and should only get better this season. Brock Martin and Tyler Lacy return on the defensive front, and Trace Ford returns after missing the 2021 season with an injury. Brendon Evers, Tyren Irby, Kody Walterscheid and Sione Asi all return and have experience as well. </p>
<p id="GQgu5D">That group will need to get pressure and live in the backfield because there are plenty of new faces behind them. The Pokes will have an entirely new look at linebacker after Rodriguez and Devin Harper graduated to <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> picks. Mason Cobb has impressed Gundy and the coaching staff and figures to play a big role. So does junior college transfer Xavier Benson. Lamont Bishop will also get his shot to play after playing in a reserve role the last few seasons. </p>
<p id="f4VVAJ">The secondary is in better shape with more returning experience than the linebackers have to work with. Korie Black and Jabbar Muhammad played a decent amount last season as the coaching staff anticipated those guys taking over full time at cornerback this season. Jason Taylor II will lead the secondary as the most experienced returning safety. </p>
<p id="IRyi5J">The other two starting spots in the secondary will be up for grabs for a number of guys. Seniors Thomas Harper and Trey Rucker will get their shot to claim the spots. Redshirt freshman Kendal Daniels was a top recruit and will get a fair shot and claiming a spot as well. Kanion Williams and Sean Michael Flanagan have mostly played on special teams, but figure to get a few snaps and an opportunity to prove themselves. </p>
<p id="j78B0U"><strong>Schedule</strong></p>
<p id="PQiacB">A relatively easy non-conference schedule works for and against the Cowboys. All three games are at home and only one is against a power five opponent. One on hand, OSU should get a chance to rotate in plenty of players and figure out who the best 11 are on each side of the football. On the other hand, OSU doesn’t get to ease into the conference schedule. There are two must win games for the Cowboys to get back to Arlington: Baylor and Oklahoma. </p>
<p id="f6e0bG">Baylor will get BYU on the road in non-conference and plays four games before meeting OSU on Oct. 1. The Bears travel to Ames for a game with Iowa State on Sept. 24 while Oklahoma State has a bye week. Time will tell if that will work in Oklahoma State’s favor or not. The Pokes do get Texas at home for homecoming, but will have to play Kansas State on the road for the Wildcats’ homecoming. The actual travel isn’t bad as OSU will only play games in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. </p>
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<p id="qOrulK">I think every game on Oklahoma State’s schedule is winnable. I don’t think Oklahoma State will win every game. Playing Baylor and Oklahoma on the road will be tough. Making it back to Arlington for the Big 12 championship game will be even tougher. Even if OSU splits with Baylor and OU, navigating the rest of the Big 12 schedule won’t be easy. </p>
<p id="LaDFIp">Ultimately I think OSU’s season will come down to the offensive line and Spencer Sanders. If the offensive line protects Sanders, especially against BU and OU, the Cowboys should be fine. I am not as concerned about playmakers emerging at running back, receiver, and in the secondary. The offensive line and linebackers will need to perform for this team to have a chance at a return trip to Arlington.</p>
<p id="XUPMyn">Disclaimer: I will be posting my picks weekly on Tallysight once again this year. This is just my best guess as of July and these picks are subject to change once I see what actually ends up playing out on the field.</p>
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https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/28/23318290/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-3-oklahoma-state-cowboys-footballryanharris22022-08-25T15:58:32-05:002022-08-25T15:58:32-05:00Big 12 Preseason Power Rankings: No. 4 Texas Longhorns
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Big 12 Media Days" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Fge7dSeX7KZiuV48b1qOnBWXOto=/0x0:8256x5504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71285433/usa_today_18695762.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Texas is already off to a bad start and the season hasn’t even started yet. </p> <p id="eeGRat">The 2021 season produced two new title contenders in the Big 12 Conference as Baylor and <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/"><strong>Oklahoma State</strong></a> faced off in the Big 12 Championship Game. The conference announced plans to replace Texas and Oklahoma in 2025 by adding Houston, UCF, Cincinnati and <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/"><strong>BYU</strong></a> in 2023. The 2022 season will be the last season of the Big 12 Conference as it’s been known for the last decade.</p>
<p id="2cXZdZ">There will inevitably be more seismic shifts this season after <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/"><strong>UCLA</strong></a> and USC announced intentions to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference. Whether the Big 12 adds more schools or has more members poached by other conferences remains to be seen, but this will be the last year with just 10 member institutions in the conference. Next up in the Big 12 preseason power rankings is the <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a>. You can read previous installments of the series below.</p>
<p id="xrHOzf"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/23/23297375/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-5-kansas-state-wildcats-football">No. 5 Kansas State Wildcats.</a></p>
<p id="k7ncS5"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/10/23281222/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-6-tcu-horned-frogs-football-2022">No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs.</a></p>
<p id="xiQSM3"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/3/23290911/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-7-iowa-state-cyclones-football">No. 7 Iowa State Cyclones.</a></p>
<p id="gKxtXF"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/1/23272001/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-8-west-virginia-mountaineers-football">No. 8 West Virginia Mountaineers.</a></p>
<p id="5p6JAD"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/19/23219210/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-9-texas-tech-red-raiders-football">No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders.</a></p>
<p id="0PTt6c"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/13/23205997/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-10-kansas-jayhawks-ncaa-football">No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks. </a></p>
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<p id="lbM9FJ"><strong>No. 4 Texas Longhorns</strong></p>
<p id="MKxmWG">When I started writing these team previews several weeks ago I imagined Texas competing with the top teams in the Big 12. The Longhorns have the talent to do so, once again, though the depth might not be there yet. If the starting 11 on both sides of the football are all that’s considered, Texas <em>should</em> be one of the best teams in the nation this year. The problem is UT is already down two starters before the season has even started.</p>
<p id="oV04pj">Geoff Ketchum of <a href="http://Orangbloods.com">Orangbloods.com</a> reported that both transfer wide receiver Isaiah Neyor and veteran offensive lineman Junior Angilau suffered season-ending ACL tears during a preseason scrimmage. </p>
<p id="e8ZOhQ">Angilau has started 34 games for Texas and would have been one of the better offensive lineman in the conference this season. Neyor would have likely been the Horns second best receiver. Instead, Texas will have to play younger players with far less experience at those positions. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Per Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, WR Isaiah Neyor and OL Junior Angilau will miss the 2022 season with injuries suffered in Saturday’s camp scrimmage. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HookEm?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HookEm</a></p>— Jeff Howe (@JeffHowe247) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffHowe247/status/1559298620180123652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a>
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<p id="LjMvaw">Texas had a lot of question marks coming into the season, but now there is even more reason for concern. Losing Angilau and Neyor is no small thing as those two won’t be easy to replace. UT still has plenty of talent, but the physicality and discipline will have to be there as well. </p>
<p id="l4odpc">Everything fell off the rails for Texas last year in the second half of the Red River Rivalry game. Texas couldn’t maintain physicality and lacked discipline as games wore on. The loss to Oklahoma kicked off a six game losing streak. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Longhorns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Longhorns</a> coach Steve Sarkisian:<br>"We did a heck of a job in preparing our team to play (last year). Our team went out and performed early in games at a high level. Where I need to be better is how our players and staff respond to adversity in-game."</p>— Chip Brown (@ChipBrown247) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChipBrown247/status/1554527305317421056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2022</a>
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<p id="5Swnak">Responding to adversity has not been a strong suit for the Longhorns over the last decade. That was a point of emphasis for coach Steve Sarkisian this offseason. That first hit of adversity is already here. </p>
<p id="i9IYF6"><strong>Offense</strong></p>
<p id="EtEUEt">The quarterback competition between <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> transfer Quinn Ewers and Hudson Card has lingered well into August with no clear answer. That’s reminiscent of last season when Card couldn’t separate from Casey Thompson, who has since transferred to Nebraska, in fall camp. </p>
<p id="gu1KHs">Ewers originally committed to Texas before changing course and committing to Ohio State as a junior at Southlake (Texas) Carroll High. When college players were able to profit off of NIL starting the July before Ewers’ senior season, he decided to enroll an entire year early at Ohio State in order to profit. Even though Ewers is a redshirt freshman at UT, he is the same age as a true freshman.</p>
<p id="9tft71">While Ewers rode the bench at Ohio State last year, Card was eventually named the starter at Texas before being benched in favor of Thompson. Sarkisian was quoted in May at a speaking engagement as wanting to decide on a quarterback as soon as possible. That the competition is still going with just two weeks until kickoff and three weeks away from a home showdown with Alabama is a tad concerning.</p>
<p id="9W52bq">There is a ton of potential at the quarterback position, but I have no clue which quarterback will win the job and if that QB will be the one to hold down the job well into the season. That’s a question Sarkisian and the Horns will need to settle early in the season. </p>
<p id="9hp0NI">I saw both Ewers and Card play in high school, though I only saw Card play once. Ewers has all the potential in the world. He could make throws I’ve never seen another high school player make before. His weakness was making poor decisions and forcing the ball into coverage under pressure. If opposing defenses can get pressure on Ewers there is a good chance he will make a mistake. Or, maybe not. I haven’t seen him play since January 2021. Maybe he has improved since then. Either way, that’s an issue he needs to address, especially with the injury to Angilau and the inconsistent play on the offensive line at UT over the years. </p>
<p id="JFw60m">Bijan Robinson returns at running back and could legitimately win the Heisman trophy if he gets good enough blocking. Robinson is one of the most electric players in college football and should have a good season despite the offensive line. Roschon Johnson is one of the better second string backs in the nation and brings a change of pace from Robinson with some physicality. Keilan Robinson, Jonathan Brooks and true freshman Jaydon Blue could all contribute as well. If there’s one position Sarkisian doesn’t have to worry about, it’s the running backs. </p>
<p id="DUsUoH">Wide receiver looked like a deep group a few weeks ago. Losing Neyor certainly hurts, and Alabama transfer Agiye Hall will be out, at least temporarily, for conduct detrimental to the team. Hall was arrested for criminal mischief as he supposedly tried to remove a parking boot from his car. Sarkisian suspended Hall based off of multiple incidents, but has a plan to bring Hall back to the team. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texas WR Agiye Hall has been suspended after his arrest late Thursday for criminal mischief. Here is the statement from Steve Sarkisian. <a href="https://t.co/XlZu2prQZi">pic.twitter.com/XlZu2prQZi</a></p>— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BDavisAAS/status/1558160363580964865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2022</a>
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<p id="L7f7XQ">Xavier Worthy has the potential to be one of the best receivers in college football. Either Ewers or Card will have to get him the ball often. If Worthy doesn’t have a great season, Texas won’t have a great season. The same is true for Robinson. Together, Worthy and Robinson might be the best receiver and running back combo in all of college football.</p>
<p id="yVqY4S">Jordan Whittington is another player at UT with loads of potential. The dynamic receiver hasn’t been able to stay healthy during his time on the 40 acres, but should play a large role in the Texas offense from the outset of the season. Iowa State transfer Tarique Milton will also play a large role as he brings needed experience to the receiving corps. True freshman Brenen Thompson could also contribute if needed.</p>
<p id="fe8brp">Former five-star recruit Ja’Tavion Sanders will take over at tight end, along with Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley. Sanders is one of the most talented high school players I’ve ever seen play. That talent will need to translate quickly and Sanders will need to mesh with a group of young and inexperienced players and experienced transfers. The bottom line is, there will be a lot of turnover from the offense Texas used last year and the group the Horns trot out against UL Monroe next month.</p>
<p id="XKvQt8">Angilau would have been the headliner and leader on the offensive line. Christian Jones returns to play right tackle and center Jake Majors is also back. Angilau would have given the Horns three returning starters on the offensive line. Instead, Texas will have to break in some of the prized recruits brought in at the position.</p>
<p id="jelMh8">Andrej Karic has some experience and could start at left tackle. True freshman Kelvin Banks and Devon Campbell should both get an opportunity to play this season, and may even have to start games. Sophomore Hayden Conner figures to play a factor as well. The offensive line will need to be better than it was last season, especially with so many young players on the offensive side of the football.</p>
<p id="h8qn2Y"><strong>Defense</strong></p>
<p id="rQdCFq">The defensive line struggled last season, particularly against the run. UT returns most of its defensive line with six returners. Keondre Coburn and Moro Ojomo are back along with Alfred Collins and T’Vondre Sweat. Byron Murphy II is in his second year in the program and has really come along nicely this offseason. Vernon Broughton has also attracted the attention of his head coach as a potential playmaker at the position. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian said he can feel Keondre Coburn as a pass rusher in practice. He said two defensive linemen who have stood out in training camp are Vernon Broughton and Byron Murphy II</p>— Anwar Richardson (@AnwarRichardson) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnwarRichardson/status/1556696748218793986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2022</a>
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<p id="PXoQXA">Norte Dame transfer Ovie Oghoufo should start as an edge rusher with Texas returning little production at the position. Freshman Justice Finkley is an option and, according to Sam Khan Jr. of <em>The Athletic</em>, Sarkisian is considering moving linebacker DeMarvion Overshown down to edge rusher in certain packages.</p>
<p id="Z3f52B">Overshown returns to lead the linebacking corps after leading the Longhorns in tackles last season. Luke Brockermeyer also returns to give the Horns a solid duo at linebacker. Jaylan Ford, David Gbenda and James Madison transfer Diamonte Tucker- Dorsey will also contribute at the position. </p>
<p id="pgD17X">The only returning cornerback is D’Shawn Jamison, who will pair with Ohio State transfer Ryan Watts. Sophomore Jamier Johnson should contribute, along with redshirt freshman Ishmael Ibraheem and true freshmen Jaylon Guilbeau and Terrance Brooks. Speaking from experience, Ibraheem and Brooks are both super talented, but both are also young and lack experience.</p>
<p id="PTyvzc">Anthony Cook, Kitan Crawford and Jahdae Barron figure to round out the secondary at the safety and nickel positions. J.D. Coffey III and B.J. Allen are young, but could rotate in and play a role in the secondary as well. </p>
<p id="wbEpoe"><strong>Schedule</strong></p>
<p id="TuP7u5">Something that should also be noted is the hire of running backs coach Tashard Choice and wide receiver coach Brennan Marion. The latter coached the Biletnikoff winner, Jordan Addison, at Pittsburgh last year. He should have an opportunity to go back-to-back with Worthy this year. Sarkisian also brought on former TCU head coach Gary Patterson to help out with the defense. </p>
<p id="UFXuOK">Alabama is about the toughest opponent to schedule in non-conference play. It won’t be long until Texas and Alabama are conference mates. This little get-to-know-you matchup will take place in Austin in week two and serves as the Horns first real test this year. UTSA isn’t the cupcake non-conference game it used to be either. </p>
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<p id="8kKZ31">Texas can’t afford to lose too many games it should win. I think it will happen and I picked the Horns road game against Kansas State as that game. Texas could also lose to Oklahoma and finish 7-5. All things considered, I think 7-5 with those five games as the losses wouldn’t be a disappointing season in Austin. </p>
<p id="EQn3s4">Losing Neyor and Angilau is a big deal. It won’t be easy to replace those two players. Either Ewers or Card could use all the playmakers and protection they can get. These losses hinder the ceiling of both position groups. That, in turn, could have a negative impact on the quarterback. </p>
<p id="m4r6f2">Disclaimer: I will be posting my picks weekly on Tallysight once again this year. This is just my best guess as of July and these picks are subject to change once I see what actually ends up playing out on the field.</p>
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https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/25/23310812/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-4-texas-longhorns-footballryanharris22022-08-23T11:12:45-05:002022-08-23T11:12:45-05:00Big 12 Preseason Power Ranking: No. 5 Kansas State Wildcats
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Big 12 Media Days" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x7ILJ29BoXgeELiDMX4whsBXapY=/0x0:8256x5504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71275095/usa_today_18695752.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kansas State has received plenty of preseason hype. Delivering on that hype won’t be easy.</p> <p id="eeGRat">The 2021 season produced two new title contenders in the Big 12 Conference as Baylor and <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/"><strong>Oklahoma State</strong></a> faced off in the Big 12 Championship Game. The conference announced plans to replace Texas and Oklahoma in 2025 by adding Houston, UCF, Cincinnati and <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/"><strong>BYU</strong></a> in 2023. The 2022 season will be the last season of the Big 12 Conference as it’s been known for the last decade.</p>
<p id="2cXZdZ">There will inevitably be more seismic shifts this season after <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/"><strong>UCLA</strong></a> and USC announced intentions to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference. Whether the Big 12 adds more schools or has more members poached by other conferences remains to be seen, but this will be the last year with just 10 member institutions in the conference. Next up in the Big 12 preseason power rankings is the Kansas State Wildcats. You can read previous installments of this series below. </p>
<p id="TztBHK"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/10/23281222/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-6-tcu-horned-frogs-football-2022">No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs</a></p>
<p id="TqpeiI"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/3/23290911/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-7-iowa-state-cyclones-football">No. 7 Iowa State Cyclones</a></p>
<p id="STabtc"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/1/23272001/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-8-west-virginia-mountaineers-football">No. 8 West Virginia Mountaineers</a></p>
<p id="DUfO3m"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/19/23219210/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-9-texas-tech-red-raiders-football">No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders</a></p>
<p id="Jc20p6"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/13/23205997/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-10-kansas-jayhawks-ncaa-football">No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks</a></p>
<p id="imtQr9">Kansas State has been somewhat of a preseason media darling despite finishing last season with a 8-5 record. The Texas Bowl win over LSU was nice, even if the Tigers were playing a wide receiver at quarterback. That still doesn’t explain all the preseason hype in Manhattan. </p>
<p id="1rArRX">Coach Chris Klieman hammered the transfer portal and promoted Collin Klein to offensive coordinator in the offseason. Klieman has also had the time to develop the roster, cultivate relationships and instill his values on this team. He is no longer the new coach in town. There has been enough improvement to warrant excitement, but with that excitement comes expectations. We’re about to find out if Klieman and the Wildcats are for real or not.</p>
<p id="BFhBez">Klein told <em>The Athletic’s </em>Max Olson that Kansas State’s offense will pick up the pace after ranking last in offensive plays per game last season. Will that change and the new additions be enough to vault Kansas State to the top of the Big 12 standings? Finishing with a winning record in conference play would be enough improvement for this year, but fans in Manhattan will want more progress. The recruiting class wasn’t particularly impressive as the Wildcats didn’t land a player ranked in the top 500 and finished ninth in the Big 12. Will the transfer additions and last seasons returners be enough?</p>
<p id="THxk2s"><strong>Offense</strong></p>
<p id="bHhIEk">The big name addition in the transfer portal is former Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez. It’s rare that a team can add a quarterback with four years of starting experience, but that is exactly what Klieman was able to do with the addition of Martinez. Although Nebraska didn’t exactly shine on the gridiron with Martinez at the helm, Kansas State will offer more playmakers for Martinez to utilize on the offensive side of the football.</p>
<p id="GsRFlf">Chief among those playmakers is standout running back Deuce Vaughn. Despite his stature, Vaughn is among the most impressive returning running backs in the country. Vaughn rushed for over 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns last season to make him a consensus All-American. </p>
<p id="KJBOFb">The depth behind Vaughn is thin after several players left via the transfer portal, so Klieman needs to find a playmaker to give Vaughn a break when he needs it. Kansas State will want Vaughn as fresh as possible for a stretch of important games in late October and early November. </p>
<p id="OUwSot">The receiving corps is also a deep group that boasts a wealth of experience. Malik Knowles should have a standout season and the Wildcats also landed Ole Miss transfer Jadon Jackson. Phillip Brooks, Chabastin Taylor and Kade Warner return to give Martinez a group of receivers that are comfortable sharing the field together. RJ Garcia II also figures to play a role after a strong spring ball performance. </p>
<p id="1x0qaG">On the offensive line, Kansas State has a strong pair of tackles, but lack experience on the interior. Cooper Beebe is one of the best returning tackles in all of college football and Christian Duffie has plenty of experience as well. K-State didn’t land any impact transfers to help out the interior offensive line, but according to <em>The Athletic’s </em>Max Olson, Klieman likes Taylor Poitier. That means Poitier, who was out with an injury all of last season, will probably start at one of the two guard spots.</p>
<p id="zONNJZ">Andrew Leingang and KT Leveston will compete for the other guard spot. Hayden Gillum and Hadley Panzer will compete at center. Ultimately, Klieman will need to figure out which group of five players gives his team the best chance to win. Beebe and Duffie will be included in that group, and Poitier likely will be as well. </p>
<p id="SI6QRq"><strong>Defense</strong></p>
<p id="reXsb6">Kansas State has some young talent returning on the defensive line. The Wildcats should be good up front with co-Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Felix Anudike- Uzomah returning. Nate Matlack finished last season on a high note and returns this year as well. Eli Huggins will start at nose guard in the 3-3-5 scheme with more than 20 starts in his career. </p>
<p id="2U6OQ5">Daniel Green will lead the linebacking corps after leading the team in tackles last season. Nebraska transfer Will Honas figures to play a large role this fall, while Austin Moore and Nick Allen should also get significant reps. Khalid Duke returns from injury and has been working with the linebackers after previously playing on the defensive line, according to <em>The Athletic’s </em>Max Olson. Missouri transfer and former quarterback Shawn Robinson will get his chance to prove himself this fall as well.</p>
<p id="FlSjMs">The secondary is the area of most concern on the defensive side of the football. Cornerbacks Ekow Boye- Doe and Julius Brents return and a trio of Omar Daniels, Justice Clemons and Jordan Wright should provide some depth at the position. </p>
<p id="7eONi6">Safety is a total question mark after four seniors graduated from the position. TJ Smith will start after starting seven games last season, but the other two positions are up for grabs. Arizona transfer Javione Carr will compete with Kobe Savage, Josh Hayes and Cincere Mason for the two remaining starting safety spots. </p>
<p id="6jSEgG"><strong>Schedule</strong></p>
<p id="HK4LZD">The Wildcats will take on Robinson’s former SEC team, Missouri, in non-conference play. K-State also faces South Dakota and Tulane before getting into Big 12 play. After opening conference play with a road game against Oklahoma, the schedule eases up before a critical three game stretch. Kansas State gets Oklahoma State for homecoming on Oct. 29 before facing Texas at home on Nov. 5 and Baylor on the road on Nov. 12. Winning one of those three games will be important for Kansas State. </p>
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<p id="dvzqVM">I think Texas will lose a game its favored in and Kansas State on the road seems like a trap game for the Longhorns. Or, Texas could fold by this time of the year, which also bodes well for Kansas State. On the other hand, the Wildcats were one of the few teams Texas did beat in conference play in 2021. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Baylor seem to be a class above Kansas State, but a 9-3 season with a potential for a good bowl win to give the Wildcats 10 wins would absolutely be considered a successful year in Manhattan. </p>
<p id="JJMV7G">Disclaimer: I will be posting my picks weekly on Tallysight once again this year. This is just my best guess as of July and these picks are subject to change once I see what actually ends up playing out on the field.</p>
https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/23/23297375/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-5-kansas-state-wildcats-footballryanharris22022-08-10T15:51:09-05:002022-08-10T15:51:09-05:00Big 12 Preseason Power Rankings: No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Big 12 Media Days" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Y0V3DkzLC9qE4rcueMOrFHGS1s=/0x0:8256x5504/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71229940/usa_today_18695750.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>There’s new blood in Funky Town for the first time this century. Now it’s time for TCU to compete again.</p> <p id="eeGRat">The 2021 season produced two new title contenders in the Big 12 Conference as Baylor and <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/"><strong>Oklahoma State</strong></a> faced off in the Big 12 Championship Game. The conference announced plans to replace Texas and Oklahoma in 2025 by adding Houston, UCF, Cincinnati and <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com/"><strong>BYU</strong></a> in 2023. The 2022 season will be the last season of the Big 12 Conference as it’s been known for the last decade.</p>
<p id="2cXZdZ">There will inevitably be more seismic shifts this season after <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com/"><strong>UCLA</strong></a> and USC announced intentions to leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten Conference. Whether the Big 12 adds more schools or has more members poached by other conferences remains to be seen, but this will be the last year with just 10 member institutions in the conference. Next up in the Big 12 preseason power rankings is the <a href="https://www.frogsowar.com">TCU Horned Frogs</a>. You can read previous installments of the series below.</p>
<p id="hiTSBI"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/3/23290911/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-7-iowa-state-cyclones-football">No. 7 Iowa State Cyclones.</a></p>
<p id="FUVdut"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/1/23272001/big-12-preseason-power-ranking-no-8-west-virginia-mountaineers-football">No. 8 West Virginia Mountaineers.</a></p>
<p id="lrU98v"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/19/23219210/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-9-texas-tech-red-raiders-football">No. 9 Texas Tech Red Raiders.</a></p>
<p id="ZbMjjE"><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/7/13/23205997/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-10-kansas-jayhawks-ncaa-football">No. 10 Kansas Jayhawks.</a></p>
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<p id="jWrXoD"><strong>No. 6 TCU Horned Frogs</strong></p>
<p id="GNVCXa">For the first time since 1997, Gary Patterson won’t be on the TCU sidelines. Instead, Patterson will be advising conference rival Texas as the Longhorns look to upgrade the defensive side of the football. </p>
<p id="8W1fmP">Sonny Dykes packed his bags and moved across the metroplex after a successful stint at SMU. Dykes rebuilt the Mustangs program by cleaning up in the transfer portal and identifying under-recruited talents at high schools across the metroplex and the state of Texas. He also helped build SMU’s brand as Dallas’ football team. He will need to do the same things at a high level at TCU to bring the Horned Frogs back to contention. </p>
<p id="eGjC80">One of the main factors leading to Patterson’s departure from a program he helped build nearly from the ground up was a lack of attracting top talent from the metroplex. It’s understandable that Patterson didn’t keep five-star level talent home. Rockwall receiver Jaxon Smith- Njigba wound up at <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>. Southlake Carroll quarterback Quinn Ewers chose Ohio State before transferring to Texas. Frisco Lone Star receiver Marvin Mims chose OU. Arlington Bowie offensive lineman Devon Campbell eventually picked Texas. </p>
<p id="VGZ2ST">Alabama, Ohio State, Texas, <a href="https://www.andthevalleyshook.com">LSU</a>, <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M</a> and Oklahoma tend to recruit the metroplex the best. That’s what made Dykes success at SMU so impressive. That’s undoubtedly a large part of why he got the job at TCU as well. Take a look at <em>SportsDay’s </em>top recruits in the DFW metroplex for the class of 2022.</p>
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<p id="YBV7en">What are the main takeaways from the top 15? First, Texas identified the weakness of its roster was at offensive line. The Longhorns launched “The Pancake Factory” NIL program on December 6th, 2021, to pay each offensive lineman $50,000 a year. Texas signed five offensive lineman in two months after announcing that NIL program. We’ll have more on that in a future article, but that helps paint the picture of how important NIL is going to be in the recruiting landscape moving forward.</p>
<p id="wpSP1u">Garland’s Jordan Hudson and Chance Biddle were both committed to SMU before Dykes took the job at TCU. Garland’s dynamic duo were two of the highest rated recruits SMU had ever received a commitment from in the recruiting rankings era, but Dykes convinced both of them to flip sides of the metroplex and make the slightly longer drive to TCU for college. </p>
<p id="kQLc3R">There was a clear second tier of prospects after the first six with players committed to Arkansas, Baylor, Oklahoma State and TCU. Without Dykes, TCU isn’t in that tier. SMU is in that tier. Dykes immediately got to work undoing all his hard work at SMU and flipping those commitments to TCU. Then, he and his staff started branding TCU as DFW’s only power five school. Recruiting and branding are important to Dykes and his staff. With the facilities TCU has, Horned Frogs fans have reason for optimism moving forward. </p>
<p id="xu7DUe"><strong>Offense</strong></p>
<p id="I49YRA">Dykes inherits some talent on offense, but has a decision to make at the quarterback position. Max Duggan has started at quarterback for TCU the last several seasons, but OU transfer Chandler Morris looked good in brief work for the Horned Frogs last season. Duggan has 29 starts in his college career, but Morris flashed his potential as the starter in TCU’s upset victory over Baylor last year, putting up more than 500 yards of total offense with three touchdowns and no turnovers. </p>
<p id="IGfeD8">Doing that against Kansas would be one thing, but Morris put up those numbers against the eventual Big 12 champions. Baylor’s defense was one of the best in the conference last season. If Morris wins the job, he will have to prove it wasn’t just one good game in order to keep the job. </p>
<p id="6Cjwrs">Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado will lead the running backs after Zach Evans transferred to <a href="https://www.redcuprebellion.com">Ole Miss</a>. Miller finished the 2021 season with several 100+ yard performances and Demercado has played well over the course of four seasons in Fort Worth. The Horned Frogs also brought in <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a> transfer Corey Wren and Louisiana transfer Emani Bailey to provide depth to the position. If TCU ends up needing any more depth in the backfield, true freshman Major Everhart is a name to keep an eye on as someone who could play at running back or at receiver. </p>
<p id="6IaHlU">Quentin Johnson is the unquestioned leader of the receiving corps. Johnson has the potential to be the best receiver in the Big 12 this season if he can put it all together. Taye Barber and Derius Davis will both play in the slot, but beyond those three, TCU has to find some playmakers to step up. True freshmen Jordan Hudson and DJ Allen should get a chance to prove themselves. </p>
<p id="u98ek5">TCU landed Texas transfer tight end Jared Wiley in the transfer portal. Wiley figures to get the majority of the snaps at tight end as a talented pass catcher. Carter Ware is more a blocking tight end with experience at TCU and should play a decent amount as well.</p>
<p id="wE9eLi">The Horned Frogs have an experienced group along the offensive line. Dykes brought Alan Ali, who started 39 games for Dykes at SMU, with him in the move to Fort Worth. Ali will pair with center Steve Avila and tackle Andrew Coker, who both return with 20 starts, and guards Wes Harris (13 games started) and John Lanz (12 games) on the offensive line. Dykes landed <a href="https://www.houseofsparky.com">Arizona State</a> transfer Ezra Dotson- Oyetade, a Garland native and player Dykes offered while he was at SMU, along with Robby Rochester from <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com">UCONN</a> in the transfer portal.</p>
<p id="K1jjlb">The offensive line has a lot of potential, and Dykes is excited about how much physicality and athleticism the group has, according to Max Olson of <em>The Athletic. </em>With production returning at each skill position, TCU’s offense could be one of the best in the Big 12 if the offensive line develops into a solid unit. </p>
<p id="inDW1L"><strong>Defense</strong></p>
<p id="IBdwAF">According to Max Olson of <em>The Athletic</em>, TCU is switching its defensive scheme to the 3-3-5 look that has become increasingly popular in the Big 12. Defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie is making the switch after Gary Patterson used a 4-2-5 scheme. There may be some growing pains along the way as TCU’s roster is better constructed to run a 4-2-5. </p>
<p id="RapLpZ">Gillespie developed Soni Misi to play the nose guard position while true freshman Damonic Williams could also play at nose guard. Dylan Horton is primed for a big season at defensive end after recording nine tackles-for-loss last season. Terrell Cooper brings plenty of experience up front with 26 games started and will likely start alongside Horton and Misi. Gillespie will need to develop some playmakers to provide the starters with some depth.</p>
<p id="KQpP6s">Gillespie won’t have to worry as much about the linebackers as there is a ton of depth in the linebacking corps. Dee Winters and Jamoi Hodges return for the Horned Frogs, while TCU also landed the commitment of Navy transfer Johnny Hodges. Marcel Brooks is moving back to linebacker after playing receiver last year. Speaking of former receivers, Shadrach Banks was a fantastic receiver in high school before playing at linebacker last year as a true freshman for TCU. Banks came up with a game clinching interception in the win over Baylor. TCU also landed Texas transfer Terrance Cooks II in the portal. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">PICKED OFF <br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/TCUFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TCUFootball</a> defense with a CLUTCH play in the final minute <a href="https://t.co/071QsXO0n9">pic.twitter.com/071QsXO0n9</a></p>— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1457123462393352192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2021</a>
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<p id="YfmREo">Tre’Vius Hodges- Tomlinson is one of the best returning defenders in the Big 12 and should have a standout season at cornerback for TCU. He will lead the secondary after being named to the preseason Big 12 team. There are questions in the secondary outside of Hodges- Tomlinson. TCU hammered the transfer portal in the secondary, bringing in Josh Newton from UL-Monroe, Mark Perry from Colorado and Ishmael Burdine from Missouri.</p>
<p id="KQ0Hs9">All three of those players will compete for starting jobs along with Noah Daniels, Abraham Camara, Nook Bradford and Namdi Obiazor. I wouldn’t bet against true freshman Chance Biddle either. Biddle is a playmaker and should get a chance to prove what he can do. Biddle will play if he can prove he deserves it. </p>
<p id="JK9DUt"><strong>Schedule</strong></p>
<p id="bOgMQO">TCU doesn’t have the toughest non-conference schedule, but there is potential for the Horned Frogs to get off to a rough start. The Iron Skillet game will be unique in that TCU has that circled on the calendar, wanting to beat SMU in Dallas after getting embarrassed in Fort Worth last year. SMU, on the other hand, will have the date circled, wanting to beat Dykes in his return to the hilltop. Either way, this game will be must see TV. The Horned Frogs travel to Waco to play Baylor this year, but get most of the other tough Big 12 games at home this season. </p>
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<p id="pZIv1x">The path to a bowl game isn’t easy for TCU because the Big 12 has depth this year. The Horned Frogs could beat <a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com">Kansas State</a> or West Virginia. TCU could also lose to Texas, Iowa State, Texas Tech or SMU. Predicting the Big 12 this year is a fools task, but I am a fool. Dykes needs to figure out who his quarterback will be and the defensive line unit will need to come along throughout the season. If those things happen, TCU could raise some eyebrows this fall.</p>
<p id="mY3n4n">Disclaimer: I will be posting my picks weekly on Tallysight once again this year. This is just my best guess as of July and these picks are subject to change once I see what actually ends up playing out on the field.</p>
https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2022/8/10/23281222/big-12-preseason-power-rankings-no-6-tcu-horned-frogs-football-2022ryanharris2