I rank the Big 12

Mizzou, OU, OKST, TAMU top my list
by MizzMatt 7/8/11

I'm a diehard Mizzou fan, there shouldn't be a question about that. I've even had Wes Kemp and Trey Hobson say that I'm possibly the biggest Mizzou fan ever (screenshots at right in case you don't believe me). That being said, for this post I'm putting my bias on hold to give you how I think the Big 12 will play out in 2011.

Dave Ubben over at espn.com, a Big 12 blogger in the Sportsnation section of the website gave the readers his predictions for the Big 12 layout at the end of the 2011 season:

1. Oklahoma
2. Texas A&M
3. Oklahoma State
4. Missouri
5. Baylor
6. Texas
7. Texas Tech
8. Kansas State
9. Iowa State
10. Kansas

I agree somewhat with these rankings, but given the performance of last season and the players returning this year, I'd have to rank them like this:

1. Oklahoma State. We didn't play them last season, but Mike Gundy has a lot of returning talent in his roster, including returning Groza Award winner Dan Bailey. I think the Cowboys really could take it all this year.
2. Missouri. We proved to never count Mizzou out last year with our upset of Oklahoma. If we can do it this year in Norman, we could be Big 12 Champs without any problems. Only thing I could see holding us back is the inexperience of sophomore QB and first year starter James Franklin. Still, watch out for Mizzou being the underrated, under-the-radar darkhorse of the Big 12 in 2011.
3. Oklahoma. Really any of these top four could be the champs. OU went on to a BCS game last year behind the arm of Landry Jones. The Sooners could run the table in the conference, but the major tests will be against Mizzou as they seek revenge for 2010, Oklahoma State and also look for retribution against Texas A&M.
4. Texas A&M. The Tigers traveled to College Station last year and routed the Aggies 30-9, but that was with the experience of Blaine Gabbert under center. After that loss, the Aggies won out the regular season, including a 9-6 win over Nebraska and a big 33-19 win over Oklahoma. They did give OSU a run for their money, losing by three 38-35. Again, any of these top four could be the champions in 2011.
5. Texas. The Longhorns were in a rebuilding season last year, and after one of the most bizarre turnarounds in the NCAA (going from national runners-up to bottom of the South division), they'll show that the Iowa State game was a fluke. If they have another mediocre season as they did with last year's dismal 5-7 performance, Mack Brown could find himself in the hot seat.
6. Baylor. Didn't really get a chance to see these guys a whole lot last year, but they do have a talented squad. If the top four are interchangeable as champs, these middle three are interchangeable for each other as well.
7. Texas Tech. Ubben put the Raiders in the same position. Last year against Mizzou, they won the game in the first two possessions with long runs of 69 and 71 yards, respectively. The Tigers' D will try to show that they do know how to stop the run when they meet this year in Columbia.
8. Iowa State. These two words can make any Longhorn fan be quiet in no time flat. Their 28-21 win last year in Austin was the first in school history against Texas. The Cyclones also took Nebraska down to the wire, but ended up falling short on a failed 2-pt conversion at the end of the game, losing 30-31. Them being shutout by Mizzou was a testament to the Tigers tenacity on D, but they'll probably post a couple touchdowns on the Tigers this season.
9. Kansas State. Of course I'd have one of the "K" schools ranked toward the bottom. Sonny Coffman got his cage rattled last year against Mizzou in Columbia, but with the Tigers traveling to Manhattan this season, they could pull out an upset on their home turf. I have to give it to the Wildcats again for the Sunflower Showdown, because Kansas is just going to be that bad.
10. Kansas. This is a no-brainer. Any Mizzou fan would want Kansas at the bottom. Second-year coach Turner Gill is still working the kinks out of his team, and after losing 6-3 against North Dakota State and nearly getting shutout against Mizzou in 2010, I really don't see those kinks getting worked out this season.

There are my picks, and a brief reasoning behind them. The Tigers could theoretically go undefeated this season, but opening conference play in Norman will be tough. If the Tigers can find a way to win there, we have a very good shot at a Big 12 championship. Beating Texas is a must for Mizzou, but the difficult games I can see will be the other three of my top four- OU, TAMU and OKST. I predict no worse than an 8-4 season, but anything from a 9-3 to an 11-1 can't be ruled out.

Watch Out for Mizzou

Six players named to watch lists

by MizzMatt via mutigers.com 7/8/11

Columbia, MO- NCAA preseason doesn't mean much as far as rankings are concerned. Last year, Texas was a preseason favorite and finished 5-7 along with Florida. Oklahoma was considered a contender until Mizzou snatched their hopes of a perfect season. Nobody predicted Auburn and Oregon to go as far as they did. Preseason also allows for the players to watch for on respective lists.

NAGURSKI- Given to the most outstanding defender. Two Tigers have been named to this list so far, linebacker Zavier Gooden and defensive end Brad Madison. While Madison wasn't a full-time starter, he led the squad in tackles for loss (TFL) with 11.0 and sacks with 7.5. Mizzou and Texas are the only Big 12 schools with two players on the Nagurski list. Madison's total numbers were 21 solo, 11 assisted, 32 total tackles, with one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.

BEDNARIK- Given to the best defender nationally. Zavier Gooden was named to this list earlier this week. Gooden topped the defensive stats last season with 85 total tackles, 50 solo and 35 assisted. He added 3 sacks to his totals and grabbed 2 interceptions, including the key INT against Oklahoma. Gooden also forced one fumble and recovered two others.

MACKEY- Given to the best tight end. Michael Egnew has the chance to join former Mizzou player and previous Mackey winner Chase Coffman. Egnew finished second on the team last season in receiving yards behind T.J. Moe. Michael finished 2010 with 90 catches for 762 yards and 5 TD.

BILETNIKOFF- Given to the best wide receiver. T.J. Moe was named to this list after having a stellar season in 2010, snagging nearly 100 passes for 1,045 yards and 6 TD. Moe also finished with 12 rushes for 81 yards and a TD.

OUTLAND- Given to the best interior offensive lineman nationally. Dan Hoch has been named to this list. Hoch has started 26 consecutive games as right tackle and was named to the 2nd-team All-Big 12 in 2010.

GROZA- Given to the best kicker. Grant Ressel has the opportunity to join Jeff "Money" Wolfert as a recipient of this award after only missing four total kicks- 17-19 on field goals and 45-47 on point after touchdown attempts in 2010.

Comittments, Watch Lists

Mizzou lands 4-star recruit
by MizzMatt 7/7/11

FOOTBALL- He's not a household name in Missouri, yet, but he very well could be in the near future. Maty Mauk (Kenton, OH), a 4-star caliber quarterback from Ohio has verbally committed to Mizzou. He's currently on pace to break his older brother's high school records, and is listed in the ESPN 150. His announcement came earlier this morning, with Gabe DeArmond of PowerMizzou.com reporting the his intent on Twitter (we all know how accurate Twitter is, but multiple sources confirm it's legit).

Mauk's numbers through four years (record in parentheses):

• 13,519 yards passing (17,634)
• 151 passing TDs (178)
• 1,981 rushing yards
• 35 rushing TD
• 15,500 yards and 186 TDs total offense

Even an average season and he'll surpass his brother, Ben Mauk.

Mauk also has reportedly made friends with one of the nation's top wide receivers and Missouri native, Dorial Green-Beckham (Hilcrest, MO). So far, Mizzou is low on DGB's interest list, as he is eying Auburn and Oklahoma, but with the capture of Mauk (and with Mauk's befriending him), Mizzou may earn a second look from the 6'6, 230-lb phenom who's landed 4,102 yards and 51 TDs in three years, as well as double-lettering in basketball.

GYMNASTICS- Rebecca Johnson (Waukesha, WI) commits to Mizzou after playing volleyball for her Pewaukee High School team as well as competing in level 10 gymnastics since 2007.


Watch Lists:

Biletnikoff- The award for the best receiver in the country, and the Tigers' T.J. Moe is on the list. Last year's 1,045-yard performance is going to be built upon as this reliable receiver will be on the receiving end of sophomore QB James Franklin.
Bednarik- The award for best defender has LB Zavier Gooden on the watch list, which surprises most experts, but not Mizzou fans. Gooden has been relatively under the radar, but gained attention when he snagged a key interception last year against Oklahoma.
Mackey- The award for best TE in the country, previously won by Mizzou's Chase Coffman, contains current TE Michael Egnew. Egnew was second on the team in receiving last year behind Moe, and finished in the top five of 2010 Mackey voting.

Post 99: MN T-Shirts?

Portion of sales to benefit Joplin
by MizzMatt 6/23/11
Columbia, MO- It's something I've been tossing around in my head for a while now- what to do for my 100th blog post. It has to be something big. I wanted an interview with a Mizzou athlete or member of the coaching staff (not as easy as it may sound, especially in the off season), so I racked my brain for hours upon hours and came up with this idea to commemorate my 100th post, to say thank you to all my fans on Facebook, and to help raise money for the Joplin, MO tornado relief.

T-shirts. Something I don't have to do, but something that I want to do. All up front costs come out of my pocket. I have no funding for my blog or for this project I'm willing to undertake. Joplin has lost so much, and this is my way of doing what I can to help them out. So what might the shirts look like?

Simple, not too over the top. A small design on the front left chest area and just simple text that says "MIZZOU NATION" and the website "www.facebook.com/MizzouNation1839" on the back. While it is not fully decided on which color of shirt will be used (either Black or Gold), or even if this dream will become a reality, I can say this- if it is done, a very limited supply of about 50 shirts will be available. Once I get a cost estimate of how much the shirts will cost me, the price will be set. Shipping will be included in the overall price of the shirt, and one lucky Mizzou Nation fan will receive one of these shirts for free (again, if I decide to do it)..so be on the look out for the link to buy one of these shirts! It may be coming to a news feed near you!!

Post 98: Earnest Ross

From Tigers to Tigers
by MizzMatt via mutigers.com 6/21/11
Columbia, MO- The more things change, the more they stay the same. For basketball player Earnest Ross, this couldn't be more true. The 2011 MVP from Auburn University has received a grant-in-aid from Mizzou, putting him one step closer to being a MU Tiger. He was the SEC's most-improved last year, notching a career-high 30 points against SEC foe Georgia and a 13.1 point per game average in 27 starts. Ross reached double-digit scoring in 22 of Auburn's 31 games last season, while grabbing 1.4 steals and tallying six double-doubles.

More can be found on the mutigers.com website:
http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/062111aaa.html

Post 97: Bolstered Buyout

Haith's contract reveals big buyout
by MizzMatt via espn.go.com 6/20/11
Columbia, MO- Former Mizzou basketball coach Mike Anderson got away with minimal damage to his pocket book. His successor, Frank Haith, could have a slightly more pricey exit if he decides to break his contractual obligations and leave early. Mizzou athletic director Mike Alden released Haith's contract, nine days after it was signed by Haith and top Mizzou brass, which reveals a hefty buyout compared to Anderson's $550k cap. $1.2 million is the starting buyout for Haith's contract, which will gradually decrease to $500k after year four.

Haith's contract states that he will earn $1.5 million annually and an extra $100,000 in yearly deferred funds, starting in 2013. He can earn another $825,000 in incentives that range from $25,000 apiece for winning the Big 12 regular season and its conference tournament to another $150,000 for taking Missouri to its first Final Four.

While the buyout for his contract is stiff, his severance pay is relatively cheap, compared to Anderson's. Take his base salary of $350k, multiplied by the remaining years in his contract. That's how much he will be paid by MU, should he be fired. Comparatively, Anderson's was $500k, minimum.  MU and the University of Arkansas are still negotiating the terms of Anderson's $550k buyout.




http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=6685556&ex_cid=nhffromfb

Post 96: Howard Richards

Former CIA hired as color analyst
by MizzMatt via mutigers.com 6/16/11
Columbia, MO- As everybody may or may not know, long time color commentator, former Mizzou player and the lone tie back to the Don Faurot days John Kadlec retired from his position in the broadcast booth for Mizzou football radio broadcasts. Who will replace him along side Mike Kelly? Howard Richards.

Richards is a former offensive tackle for Mizzou, class of 1981, when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. After a short time in the NFL, he spent the last 13 years serving the country in the Central Intelligence Agency. Richards will start broadcasting this coming September with Kelly as the Tigers open up their 2011 season with Miami (OH) on September 3rd at 11a/CT.

Post 95: 2011 Televised Games

Number of televised games up to four for Mizzou
by MizzMatt via mutigers.com 6/10/11

Columbia, MO- The University of Missouri football program can add three more games to their TV schedule for the 2011 season.  On top of the ESPN broadcast of the Arizona State game in Tempe, AZ on 9/9 at 9:30p/CT, the season opener against Miami (OH) has been scheduled for an 11a/CT kickoff on Fox Sports Net, the Oklahoma game on September 24th has been slated for a 7p/CT start on FX and the season finale against kansas has been scheduled for an 11a/CT start on Fox Sports Net from Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium.
http://www.mutigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/060311aaa.html

Other games are likely to be picked up for TV, including the 100th Homecoming game against Iowa State, along with the other six conference games to close out the season.  The network of partners covering games this year will be the ABC/ESPN family as well as the FOX family of FOX Sports Net and FX.

Post 94: One State

Tiger baseball, softball advance in tournaments
by MizzMatt 5/28/11
Columbia, MO- Both Tiger diamond squads were in action today, one in the super regional for the Women's College World Series and one in Oklahoma City for the Big 12 championships.  A win in the SR for the WCWS means that the softball team is one step closer to their third consecutive WCWS...and a win is what they got.  Chelsea Thomas gets another shutout for the Tigers as Mizzou defeated Washington 4-0 today and are now one win away from the WCWS.

On the baseball side, the eighth-seeded Tiger squad was in action in the Big 12 semifinals against top seed Texas.  The Tigers, who beat Texas in the opening game 6-4, then lost to them in game 1 today 6-1, rebounded and knocked off the Longhorns with a 2-1 victory to advance to the championship game!  The Tigers will face second seed Texas A&M for all the marbles in the Cinderella tournament run.

One State. One Spirit. One Mizzou.

Joplin, Sedalia decimated by tornadoes
by MizzMatt 5/26/11
Joplin, MO- Devastation for miles.  Thousands affected.  Tens of thousands without a home.  Joplin, Missouri was hit by the largest kind of tornado, an EF5.  The twister hit Joplin head-on on May 22, destroying nearly 75% of the town of about 50,000.  The high school was leveled, along with Wal-Mart and Home Depot.  To my knowledge, only one survivor has been found in Home Depot, and the death count in Joplin alone is up to 125.

Two days later, Sedalia was also hit by a tornado, though less powerful, but still enough to take out the bus barn serving Sedalia Public Schools.  The twister that hit Sedalia was rated as an EF2.  The statistics for yesterday (May 25) were over 900 reports of severe weather, 81 tornadoes and 0, yes ZERO deaths.  "People have learned from Joplin." -Al Roker

Today, May 26, Columbia TV station KOMU-TV8, in conjunction with the United Way, raised over $1 million for the Joplin relief.  Along with that, the University of Missouri started their own fundraiser by selling "One State. One Spirit. One Mizzou." t-shirts, with all proceeds benefiting the Joplin Relief Fund.  To purchase your Joplin Relief shirt, visit http://mutigers.cbscollegestore.com/store_contents.cfm?store_id=51&partner_id=13968&dept_id=410&product_id=193994 to place your order.  To donate to the American Red Cross, text "REDCROSS" to 90999 or visit redcross.org for more info.