Big XII Roundtable

This week's Big XII Roundtable questions come to us courtesy of PB over at Burnt Orange Nation. Per his instructions, here are our respones, as they pertain to Kansas.

1. We start with a review of your team's non-conference performance. Take the format of my Week 5 Big 12 Report (North Division post here, South Division here) and give us your Offensive MVP, Defensive MVP, and Projected Finish. (Limit 125 words max on each.)

Offensive MVP: Todd Reesing and it's really not close. There is plenty of talent around him to succeed, but even though they'd likely still be 3-1 without him, the outlook wouldn't be nearly as bright. He's 15-2 as a starter with both losses coming outside his own stadium to legitimate top 10 teams and is currently on pace to throw for 4200 yards, 33 TDs with 6 INTs. And all this for a team that was barely competitive prior to last year.

Defensive MVP: Darrell Stuckey, which may come as a surprise to those that haven't watched the team (or only saw USF). Holt has been the most valuable linebacker (which is a surprise in its own), but Stuckey has been the heart of the defense and has flown all over the field. He's always played his ass off and this year he's added health to his repertoire.

Projected Finish: 6-2, 2nd in North

2. Oklahoma State is one of two Big 12 teams not represented by bloggers. Don your oversized Cowboy hat for a day and give us your take on Mike Gundy's team. Are they same old same old (above average offense, putrid defense)? Or something else?

Oklahoma State is represented by a blogger, here. But yes, they are the same old Cowboy team. Their offense may be better than ever, but they still don't have the defense to compete consistently.

3. Your team has reached the Big 12 title game, but in a cruel twist of fate, your coach is declared ineligible and you have been asked to select among the other 11 coaches in the conference your team's game day maestro. Who do you select and why?

Bob Stoops: This may be a little big for him, especially at Kansas. But it's still played in December, so I'll take my chances.

4. Same situation, but different replacement: Assume this time that it's your quarterback who can't participate in the Big 12 title game. Which other quarterback from the conference would you select to lead your team for that game?

Uggh, Chase Daniel: If for no other reason than familiarity. Not only are the offenses pretty similar, but also he's shown an ability to handle (and avoid) pressure, much like Reesing has to do at times. McCoy and Bradford are just a little to used to having a pocket that it seems like they're flustered when they get pressure. And if you play behind the Kansas line this year you better expect a little bit of pressure.

5. Imagine it is July 2008 and you receive an email from the conference's director of public relations, who informs you that the Big 12 has officially partnered with Austin City Limits Music Festival 2008. To promote the partnership, the conference has asked you to choose one of the festival's participating bands as metaphor for your football team and explain it. Go.

Silversun Pickups: They aren't widely appreciated on a national scale, they're fairly new on the scene and the more you listen to them the more you like them, but they've still got a lot left to prove.

6. Answer all of the following in no more than two sentences:
(A) Conference's best quarterback?
(B) Conference's best offense?
(C) Big 12 South winner?
(D) Big 12 North winner?
(E) Big 12 champion?
(F) Big 12 team you would adopt as your favorite if forced to abandon your own?
(G) One prediction that might surprise the rest of us?

a) Todd Reesing – Of course I'm biased, but is there anyone doing more with less? And he did just win our poll, which is about as definitive as it gets.
b) Oklahoma – They can run the ball too. And while Tech and Methzou haven't been bad at this so far, the jury is still out as we go into league play.
c) Oklahoma – They're vulnerable and I'm not sure they go undefeated, but neither will anyone else.
d) Methzou – Their defense may be suspect, but their offense will more than pick up the slack.
e) Oklahoma – I don't see any logical way to pick against them right now, especially if you watched their game last year.
f) Texas – I love Muschamp and I like watching Colt play. Plus, I have to watch my favorite team a lot so that would mean a lot of time in Austin.
g) Kerry Meier, Kansas' backup QB, will lead the nation in receptions this year.

Thanks to PB for getting the boll rolling. We hope to continue in this mighty fine tradition. Speaking of traditions, you know what time it is...
HAPPY MULLET WEDNESDAY!