CBS Sports goes through the Big 12 and they’ve made their picks, from overrated teams to underrated teams to bold picks, of which Dennis Dodds thinks that Texas Tech wins the Big 12:
Dennis Dodd: Coming off its best season in nine years, Texas Tech wins the Big 12 in McGuire’s second season. The offense has 11 starters back, including the underrated Shough at quarterback. The Red Raiders get Oregon, Houston, Kansas State, TCU and UCF at home, and they don’t play Oklahoma. Most interestingly, Texas Tech gets Texas in consecutive weeks — Black Friday in Austin and Dec. 2 in the Big 12 title game.
Lots to read on a Friday.
ESPN also have their Big 12 picks, with Bill Connelly and Dave Wilson, and Wilson thinks that Texas Tech finishes 3rd and Connelly isn’t as high on Texas Tech, picking them to finish 6th. Connelly thinks that Oklahoma State will be a surprise team with former Texas Tech quarterback Alan Bowman predicted to win the job (I don’t think he’s been named the starter yet):
The Cowboys were afterthoughts in the preseason media poll, and they’ll need Alan Bowman to stay healthy and thrive, but their line play should be rock solid, and they’ve got more talent at linebacker and in the skill corps than people realize. They’re only a couple of breaks away from a bounce-back season.
ESPN’s Craig Haubert has the top 40 recruiting classes and Texas Tech currently sits at 32:
Coach Joey McGuire continues to elevate the Red Raiders on the recruiting trail and is focusing on in-state talent. They have found success offensively with several talented playmakers, led by QB Will Hammond, who displays savvy and good touch and brings skills to develop at the position. He is looking to be a potential steal for the Red Raiders after creating a positive buzz with his performance at this summer’s Elite 11 finals. High three-star WRs Tyson Turner, Lorenzo Johnson and Chandlin Myers are all strong in-state additions who could develop into productive targets in their passing attack. They will need to add to their defense as the cycle unfolds but have some promising pieces to build off, like Cheta Ofili, an explosive and lengthy edge defender who brings promising upside.
I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to keep up with soccer all season, but for now I can. Texas Tech beat Ball State 4-1 last night behind a hat-trick from Ashleigh Williams and 3 assists from Macy Blackburn.
Videos! Offensive line coach Stephen Hamby is always entertaining, lots of praise for his guys and defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch is a joy to watch.