Big 12 Media Days – Day 1 Recap

After the NCAA formally levied unparalleled sanctions against Penn State this morning for the university’s lack of action in stopping child predator Jerry Sandusky, Big XII Media Days kicked off at the Westin Galleria in Dallas.  On a day when coaches would offer paradigms of their respective teams and answer media questions, the Penn State scandal was still a hot topic of discussion.  Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby took the stage first and said all the right things.  He discussed the continued development of tier three television rights for conference members and reiterated his optimism for the future of the conference as it stands now, with 10 members.

Bowlsby praised the work of interim Big 12 Commissioner Chuck Neinas for navigating the conference in the right direction amidst all of the potential realignment discussion and rumors, and for facilitating the addition of new members West Virginia and TCU.   Bowlsby publicly announced that the Big 12 Coach of the Year Award would now bear Neinas’ name, formally being called the “Chuck Neinas Big 12 Coach of the Year Award.”  In his 45 minutes in front of the media crowd Bowlsby showed charisma, class and irrefutable passion for the conference and strategic direction and solidarity of the Big 12 and its member organizations.

THE TEAMS

https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tcu.jpgTexas Christian University

TCU’s Gary Patterson was the first coach to take the stage and field media questions.  Patterson was asked about everything from recruiting in the Big 12 to his thoughts on playing in a more stable conference (Big 12).  He touted the game atmosphere a revamped Amon Carter Stadium will offer fans, as well as Fort Worth’s many family friendly activities.  TCU has played great football and while the future is bright for the program, Patterson is not willing to forget the past, which would mean forgetting the Rose Bowl win against Wisconsin in 2010 and the many successful recent seasons.

https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ou.jpgOklahoma

Bob Stoops followed Gary Patterson and was immediately asked about the Penn State scandal.  He quickly brushed off the question with an answer that supported the notion that children should always be protected and that he had nothing else to say about the matter.  A lot of questions/conversation revolved around the return of Mike Stoops and how his presence would contribute to even more solid defensive play.  Stoops reiterated his faith in his brother Mike by stating:  “Our track record of working and competing together speaks for itself.”

On a lighter note, when asked if he would coach Landry Jones any different now that the senior quarterback is married, Stoops said “no” and mentioned how great Mrs. Landry Jones is.  Additionally he referenced co-offensive coordinator Josh Huepel as a guy that would continue to mentor and develop Landry in a positive manner.

https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/isu.jpgIowa State

Paul Rhoades had a lot of spunk from the minute he sat front and center and did a great job of breaking down the most important aspects of the 2012 Iowa State Cyclones team.  Rhodes mentioned the program’s ticket sales for the upcoming season had surpassed previous season sales and he hammered home the team’s challenge of winning games this year with one of the toughest schedules in college football.  When Rhoades was asked how shocking it would be for Iowa State to win the Big 12 he had this to say:

“Words cannot explain. This is our deepest football team. Our starting 22 guys are the best group we have had.  Definitely the most talented.”

https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ksu.jpgKansas State

Veteran Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder was asked how difficult it would be to coach without scholarships available.  His response:  “We are not here to talk about that.”  Snyder told the crowd he thinks the Big 12 is a stable conference with quality universities and talented football programs.  He referenced the strength and respect of incoming programs West Virginia and TCU by mentioning that both programs are ranked in the top 10 or 12 nationally. When asked about Collin Klein, he spoke highly of the senior Wildcat quarterback but stayed away from providing any performance expectations for the upcoming season.  Snyder touted Klein’s hard work every day to try and improve his skills.

https://www.hornsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ttu.jpgTexas Tech

Wrapping up Day 1 of Big 12 Media Days was Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville.  The 57 year old coach acknowledged the fact that his team has to do more, particularly on defense.  The Red Raiders have lacked the depth necessary to consistently win football games, the coach frankly put it.

“We needed to be 3 deep at every position. We didn’t have the depth in numbers. We are almost there. We are talented offensively.  Last year against OU we played over our heads.  For us to go to another level it will not be on offense – it will have to be on defense.”

Tuberville referred to the Big 12 as a “points league,” referencing the Red Raiders offensive scoring close to 40 points in every game last year yet winning only 5 football games.  “With TCU and West Virginia coming in, and with Texas having a revamped offense, this is a tough league.”

Day 2 of Big 12 Media Days begins tomorrow at 9:00 am with Big 12 Coordinator of Officials Walt Anderson, followed by Dana Holgorsen, Mack Brown, Mike Gundy, Charlie Weiss and Art Briles.