Best of the Big XII North

By John Hillman  |   Monday, August 25, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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With college football kicking off this weekend, stats will soon determine the best players and teams across the country. Before numbers start talking, here’s a preview of who should rise to the top of the Big XII North this season.

1. Best quarterback – Chase Daniel (senior, Missouri)

Little debate exists at this position. Daniel, who finished fourth in last year’s Heisman Trophy balloting, rates as a unanimous favorite for offensive player of the year. The Southlake Carroll (Texas) graduate passed for 4,306 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2007, and barring major injury, those figures shouldn’t change much in 2008.

Although it will take an incredible season for Daniel to pass Tim Tebow in the Heisman race, the Missouri signal-caller has his sights set on the Big XII championship. Last year’s 38-17 loss to Oklahoma in the title game makes for a band of hungry Tigers.

2. Best running back – Darrell Scott (freshman, Colorado)

In a league where runners once dominated, popular spread offenses have downgraded the position. Scott, one of the nation’s top recruits, could change current offensive schemes and thinking.

The California prep star, who gained over 6,500 yards and scored 80 touchdowns in his junior and senior seasons, gives the Buffs a balanced attack that could surprise many conference opponents. Experts compare Scott to former Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson. Time will soon tell if the hype is warranted.

3. Best receiver – Jeremy Maclin (sophomore, Missouri)

The first Tiger freshman to earn first-team All-America honors hauled in 80 passes for 1,055 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The versatile performer also rushed for 375 yards and four scores, and Maclin shines in the return game, scoring three touchdowns on punts and kickoffs in 2007.

As Daniel’s favorite target, the Kirkwood (Mo.) native gives the Tigers a huge edge to repeat as Big XII North champions.

4. Best kick returner – Deon Murphy (senior, Kansas State)

Murphy, the 2007 offensive newcomer of the year, led the Big XII in punt return yardage last season. His 17.5-yard average ranked the swift return artist as the nation’s third best. The transfer from Coffeyville College returned six punts in excess of 25 yards and three went more than 55 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown against Missouri State.

Murphy also excels as a receiver, catching 57 passes last season for five touchdowns.

5. Best defender – William Moore (senior, Missouri)

With 10 career interceptions, Moore needs only six picks to set a school record for the Tigers. The safety intercepted eight last season and is currently tied in career INTs returned for touchdowns with three.

The defensive MVP of last season’s Cotton Bowl underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason but appears healthy as the 2008 campaign begins. Moore has been placed on the watch lists for both the Bronco Nagurski and Ronnie Lott Awards.

6.Best team – Missouri (predicted record 11-1, 7-1 Big XII)

With the Tigers owning the best quarterback, receiver and defender, it requires little thought to pick Missouri as the best team. In addition to Daniel, Maclin and Moore, Gary Pinkel’s squad includes an outstanding tight end in Chase Coffman and two quality wide receivers with Tommy Saunders and Danario Alexander.

Missouri’s defense returns nine starters from last season. Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon led the team in tackles with 130, while defensive end Stryker Sulak recorded six sacks.

Oklahoma, the Tigers’ nemesis in 2007, drops off the schedule this year. Although Missouri must travel to Austin to face Texas, the Tigers catch Oklahoma State and Baylor to round out their Big XII South opponents.

Rest of the pack:

Kansas (predicted record 9-3, 5-3 Big XII)
Nebraska (predicted record 7-5, 3-5 Big XII)
Colorado (predicted record 5-7, 3-5 Big XII)
Kansas State (predicted record 7-5, 3-5 Big XII)
Iowa State (predicted record 3-9, 1-7 Big XII)
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About John Hillman

John Hillman graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Baylor in 1987. He worked for accounting firms until 1982 when he became the chief financial officer for an independent insurance claims adjusting service, a position he still holds today....
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