CRFF Roundtable: Expansion, Rivalries and Coaches

1) Phillip wrote about Big 12 expansion last week. To piggy back off of his poll question, which school would you prefer for the Big 12 to add the most and why?

Robert

I was going to say Nebraska and aTm, but then I realized you were serious. I'm still a big North Dakota State fan. Name another team that's won more games against Big 12 competition in the last 5 years? (I don't really want an answer because I just want to be right, so don't bother)

Phillip

Despite my post, I want Memphis. Not for a football reason. I live in Little Rock and would like to drive two hours to an OSU football game every few years.

Cade

This is like asking "Are you going to vote for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump?" I've been putting off this question for a long time, so thank you for bringing it up. If I had to pick a single school to be added, I'd probably pick Colorado State. I like what they bring to the table in terms of geography. They move the Big 12 back out west again, and that opens up the area for recruiting. I also like that they probably won't come in and beat us (I can say that, right?)

Kyle

You can say that. I will say this. For the sake of the league, Houston. I know all the reasons why it won't work. But I think their offense fits the Big 12. Tom Herman is a bright coach and if Houston joins the Big 12, I doubt he leaves. Plus, for some reason I see Houston as a more marketable brand with room to grow.

For all those that say it hurts OSU (and others) in recruiting, you may be right. But they are already getting those kids. (The Cougars were ranked above half the league in recruiting for 2016 - including Oklahoma State).

It would make the Big 12 even more Texas heavy, but what's new? Heck, add Colorado State if it makes Cade happy.

2) Our last Roundtable poll showed that the majority of fans would prefer to keep Bedlam in tact. What other school (if there is one) is the next most important rival for the Pokes?

Robert

Baylor, because I need someone I can hate more than OU.

Phillip

Texas. In all seriousness, the only team we play, where the joy of victory comes as close to OU.

Cade

I would consider it to be Baylor. I actually like OU more than I like Baylor, and that's saying something. If Baylor returns to the cellar again after all of this mess, then I'd consider it to be Texas Tech or Texas ... Did I mention I hate Baylor?

Kyle

I'm sorry. I don't care about Texas. Let oU have their love affair with Bevo. I would say Baylor but hopefully they will be shut down next year. (Yeah right.) Screw K-State, we're the small town up-and-comer's. Give me TCU. They are fun to watch and Patterson can coach. Plus, purple vs. orange.

3) Which member of the football coaching staff has the most to prove coming into 2016?

Robert

If the offensive line was any good, I would remember his name. That guy.

Phillip

Running Back Coach Marcus Arroyo. Someone has to be to blame for the lack of a run game, and it can't ALL be the O-line's fault.

Cade

It's got to be Greg Adkins, the offensive line coach. Entering his third season, we need to see some improvement. The last two seasons under him have been terrible. Granted, Wickline left the cupboard bare, not giving Adkins much of a chance in the first season. That being said, the third year is usually the barometer. If he succeeds this season, then he's a good coach. If he doesn't, then we can no longer blame it on Wickline.

Kyle

I'm going to go with Glenn Spencer. I know. I know. I have always been a huge Spencer fan and I still am. But the defense that was supposed to be the Cowboys strength last season, ran out of gas.

There were key injuries (Simmons, Bean) and they played more meaningful snaps than any other P5 defense in the country probably. But let's not qualify the result by the circumstances. That's just a fancy definition for an excuse.

The real point is that although the Cowboys were first in the Big 12 in turnover margin (1.00) in 2015, they were sixth in scoring defense (allowing 30.5 points per game), seventh in rushing defense (allowing 186.92 yards on average), sixth in passing defense (allowing 252.20 yards on average) and fifth on opponent's third down conversion rate (42.18%).

With all the running game woes the Cowboys had, they scored enough points that they shouldn't have had to win so many close games. A win is a win. I get it. But a couple plays or a couple whistles go the other way and you're looking at a much different season and this season will bring a much less favorable road schedule.

Next year you won't have your two corner stones on the d-line and you will have a lot of new faces. How quick can Spencer bring them along? They start out conference play in Waco?