Is The Big 12 Dead?

It seems just when we think the Big 12 is dead it comes back to life like a cat with nine lives. If you have been following the Big 12 you know it's been a rollercoaster of sorts for the colleges in it and their fans as well. Is it time to put the Big 12 out to pasture?

The truth is the only thing keeping the Big 12 together right now is Oklahoma and Texas. If one of those two schools leave you might as well shut down the Big 12 for good. An option would be to merge with another conference. Maybe the Big East would be something they may want to consider right now.

I know unless the Big 12 does something fast they will be put out to pasture. That is a shame as it was a good conference for a very long time. It seems though they have lost their way and when that happens their life is the next thing to go.

Nebraska Joined Big Ten For The Wrong Reasons

Now being a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan when I heard they were moving to the Big Ten I gasped, and just shook my head. My fellow Big Ten friends told me how fortunate I should feel that Nebraska is coming to the best conference in the country. I did point out the Big Ten’s record in championship games is not exactly something to write home about.

When I heard all the reasons that Tom Osborne gave for leaving for the Big Ten it still did not put me at ease. The bottom line is Nebraska is leaving for the Big Ten for all the wrong reasons. The move is mostly for academics and money. It’s not about sports as the Big Ten has never really in recent years been a dominate conference in football or basketball. When the Big Ten tossed cash Nebraska’s way they jumped at the chance.

Yes, Nebraska will do fine in football and other sports in the Big Ten, but really what do they gain from it. A larger recruiting base, but the same teams will be the ones Nebraska will still have to beat to win a National Championship. The Oklahoma’s, Texas, and you pick the SEC team will still be in their way. Switching conferences will not change that. Nebraska switched for all the wrong reasons, but in the end we all know money was one of the biggest factors in it.

Can Texas Hook Another Big 12 Championship?

Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns were not satisfied with a 5-7 season and that will not continue to fly in Austin Texas either where College Football is King. Many times you spoil people and that is what Mack Brown and his Texas Longhorns has done. Can they turn it around in 2011 and grab another Big 12 Championship? They can, but it will take some work from the Longhorn players and even Coach Mack Brown has to be better.

The first order of business for the Longhorns will be who will be their quarterback. Will Colt McCoy's brother Case take over as quarterback, or will it be Garrett Gilbert again this season. Look for Gilbert to be the starting quarterback as he is a talented guy, but he will need help from others on offense as well.

Maybe the one area that the Longhorns need the most help is on defense. They were terrible on defense last year giving up huge chunks of yardage. This has to stop if they have any chance at a Big 12 Championship. Now there prime challenge will be a loaded Oklahoma team. Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns have had great success against the Sooners in the past. Do not discount this Longhorn team, as it seems when you count Mack Brown out he has a few tricks up his sleeve.