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We’re 12 days from football folks! Next on the countdown to the season we’re talking about opponents. With 12 games in the regular season, for No.12 on the countdown we’re going to say which player on each of the teams the Cowboys will face will be the toughest.
Missouri State- Peyton Huslig (QB):
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When the Cowboys face Missouri State in their first game of the season, Peyton Huslig could give Jim Knowles’ defense a bit of trouble in their first real game situation. Huslig lead the team in total offense with 621 rushing yards and 1, 981 passing yards. In his first year with MSU, he was named to the All-Newcomer Team by the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
South Alabama-Tra Minter(RB):
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Minter was the Jaguar’s second leading rusher with 341 yards last year behind Xavier Johnson who graduated last year. Minter was the first Jaguar ever to have more that 20 catches in a season. He should be the guy for the Jaguars to try and get a running game going.
Boise State- Brett Rypien(QB):
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Rypien was named to the First-Team Preseason All-Mountain West team by Atlon Sports. He’s also been named preseason Mountain West Player of the Year. This is the first test this defense will have in my opinion. Rypien is a solid Quarterback who put up great numbers last year. He threw for 2,877 yards and had 16 passing touchdowns in 2017. He also averaged 231.31 passing yards per game.
Texas Tech: Dakota Allen(LB)
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Is it weird that I’m picking a defensive player for Texas Tech? It feels weird. This is new and I don’t like it. Anyways, Allen looks like he’s gonna have a year after posting a fantastic 2017. Allen has led this Texas Tech defense that’s definitely been much improved. He had 103 solo tackles last season and two sacks. He’s been named to the preseason All-Big 12 team . This is another dude the QB will have to watch out for.
Kansas- Daniel Wise(DT):
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Daniel Wise is a bright spot on a Kansas team that hasn’t had very many. The defensive tackle was named to the preseason All-Big 12 Team. Wise had 53 tackles last year with 16 tackles for loss. As a senior, Wise will also be a huge leader for this defense and I can see him causing a bit of havoc.
Iowa State- David Montgomery(RB):
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Montgomery is one of three running backs that made the preseason All-Big 12 team. He’s definitely deserving. With 1,146 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns last year, he was an essential piece to Matt Campbell’s offense. The OSU defense is going to have to figure out how to stop him if they want to win this one.
Kansas State-Dalton Risner (Offensive Lineman):
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Risner is on the watchlist for the Outland Trophy for 2018 and was named a first team All-American by Pro Football focus last season. He is going to be a staple on the Wildcat offensive line this year. He’s not going to allow much give for the defense to get through.
Texas- Kris Boyd(CB):
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Kris Boyd is set to be one of the leaders on this Texas defense. With 57 total tackles last season he’s one to watch. While the Horns still have quite a few questions, he’s one of the things that stays consistent from 2017. The Pokes will have to watch Boyd who broke up a lot of passes last year.
Baylor: Denzel Mims (WR):
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Mims is an important veteran for the Bears as one of three 1,000-yard returning receivers in the Big 12. Baylor starts Mims’ bio with descriptions like “dynamic” and “rangy” and that’s exactly what he is. He’s going to be someone to look our for and I could see him going off if you let him. The defense is going to have to keep him contained for sure.
Oklahoma- Rodney Anderson(RB):
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Rodney Anderson is another insane running back that returns to the Big 12 this year. Anderson rushed for 1, 166 yards in 2017. Anderson was also named second team All-Big 12. Oklahoma loses a huge piece in Baker Mayfield but it seems like Lincoln Riley and company will be just fine in the hands of players like Anderson.
TCU-Ben Banogu(DE):
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The preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Ben Banogu is set to be a highlight of Gary Patterson’s defense. Banogu is a force to be reckoned with. In 2017 he ended the year with 29 solo tackles and 49 tackles total. Banogu is a must watch for this OSU offensive line that’s got some questions.
West Virginia-Will Grier(QB):
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Despite the up and down season he had last year, Will Grier is one of the most experienced QBs coming back in the Big 12 next year. Grier is getting lots of talk in offseason and a Heisman campaign. We’ll have to see exactly how it all ends up panning out, but I think Grier will be the toughest QB the new Cowboy defense will face under new DC Jim Knowles.
Previous countdown posts:
https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com/2018/8/16/17698484/14-days-the-changing-of-the-guard-at-oklahoma-state-quarterback-oklahoma-state-big-12