http://www.yardbarker.com/content/team/175 Recent articles about the Colorado Buffaloes en-us I want to make it clear that every list you'll see regarding the most difficult schedule for the 2008 college football season is entirely subjective. I took into account where those tough games take place - at home or on the road. Ultimately, I ranked the teams based on the total number of pre-season Top 25 games on the schedule and how many of those games are at home or on the road. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:47:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294169 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294169 Here is my list of the top ten mascots in college football. I have ranked them from ten down to one, and you can view a picture of each by clicking on the team name. www.rawsportsblog.com Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:35:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293455 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293455 Athlon continues to preview the 2008 college fantasy season with a look at the Big 12. This conference boasts a plethora of starting quarterback options, but several intriguing running back battles are worth watching in the fall. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:09:57 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293126 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293126 In a year where gunslinger quarterbacks reign supreme, the Big 12 has no shortage of fantasy receiver options either. Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree is the top fantasy receiver in the nation. In fact last season, Crabby had arguably the top fantasy season by a college receiver - ever. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:02:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282172 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282172 10) Penn State's roaring Nittany Lion - Described by one Pittsburgh alumnus as "sounding like a man belching." Maybe Paterno should get him some Alka-Seltzer. 9) Clemson Tigers rubbing a rock on a hill - What does this mean? Why don't they have a Tiger walking around like LSU? Seems it is the late Frank Howard's final jest on "the administration that gave him a lifetime contract, and then declared him dead." 8) Southern Cal's Trojan horse and band - Who says Trojans dressed like Greeks? What is the proof these outfits are accurate, or are they just cool to wear? Why do they have a white horse—wasn't the Trojan Horse a bad thing that allowed the Spartans to slip in at night and conquer the men of Troy? Maybe they should avoid playing Michigan State. 7) Ohio State's dotting of the i - How did this become important? Seems like it would be a bigger deal at Mississippi. Why not have two band members cross the t? Maybe it's to take away attention from the fact the mascot is a nut. 6) Colorado's Buffalo - Holy Cow, what would happen if this tank-like creature escaped? Should we really trust the kids with the rope and chain leading it around? 5) Texas' Longhorn Bevo - See No. 6. Run! 4) South Carolina's Rooster crowing - The piped-in sound is frightening to friend and foe alike the first time you hear it. Incredibly loud, it is said that it can be heard four miles away. The opponents' bench often looks to the sky as if they were being attacked by supernatural creatures. One man reportedly fled the stadium the first season it was used. 3) Florida State's Indian Chief - Maybe the most recognizable of all the traditions in the past quarter century, we have the Seminole throwing the spear into the ground before the kickoff. Impressive and entertaining, it actually inspires the home team along with the fans. Now, if they could just get the players they had in the 1980s and '90s, they'd be all set. 2) Tennessee singing Rocky Top - Oh, it must be heard and experienced to be believed. Thousands of people standing and singing an old folk song doesn't sound intimidating, but when you're on the receiving end of it, you know you're in trouble. 1) Stanford's Tree - The worst tradition is one of the newest traditions—the stumbling, staggering Stanford tree. Prior to the early '70s the Palo Alto teams were known as the Indians. This was deemed offensive to native Americans, and so a choice was made that would offend no one—the cardinal. Not the bird or the clergy official, but the color. In order to have a "live mascot," an earth-friendly symbol of a tree was chosen. Apparently none of the mascots over the years can see out of the outfit because they have all walked around like drunken sailors and have sometimes fallen down to the ground. Eerie and strange, if you're not familiar with this symbol you can watch the game and wonder, "What is that thing that looks like a man in a tree costume?" There you have it. A tongue-in-cheek review of what we all hold dear. If your school didn't make it, it just could be that your tradition doesn't irritate opponents. If that's the case, congratulations. This is what the site said i agree with the Tree and some of the Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:16:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281238 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281238 Fantasy owners should find no shortage of roster options in the Big 12 this year and just like the quarterback position, running backs are stocked. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:13:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279452 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279452 Dan Hawkins tells a story about his early days as a head coach at Willamette University, a Division III school in Oregon. He is on the sideline during a game, his team at one end of the field and his barely school-age sons Cody and Drew at the other end. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:59:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277843 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277843 2008 should be a huge year for quarterbacks in the Big 12 and there are plenty of fantasy options at this position. Check out these fantasy quarterback rankings from the Big 12 - Graham Harrell is the obvious number one pick, but Missouri's Chase Daniel isn't far behind. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:02:50 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276880 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276880 I continue on with my rankings for Big 12 defenses. This info should be helpful to those who play in leagues where points are earned based on team play. Some players are mentioned to help out those who play in individual player leagues. These rankings are my opinion and are based on several factors including experience, talent, schedule strength, etc. This is also in no way a reflection of my picks for how teams may or may not finish in the standings or polls during the season in terms of overall and conference records. Thanks to all who view these rankings, and feel free to reference back to my site when the season is on-going. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:27:11 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276525 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276525 Now we move onto my favorite conference, the Big 12! Today, we cover the Big 12 offenses. This should be beneficial to those fantasy players that play fantasy college football that uses offensive and defensive units like Sporting News with their game. I will throw some players out there on teams that you could also use in individual player leagues, too. I'm using various methods to determine my rankings which include, but are not limited to, returning starters, skill level on that side of the ball, balance, schedule strength, etc. Having inexperience or lack of skill on each side of the ball can have a direct effect on how they do on either side of the ball, so each intrical part is important and could explain why they are performing well or not. Also, these are my rankings, and in no way reflect or necessarily pick how I predict teams to finish in the standings of each conference in terms of won-loss records. Boomer Sooner! Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:05:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275247 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/275247 I originally compiled this list in early January but have revised it to reflect early entries into the NFL Draft, injuries and player dismissals. My top 25 for the 2008 season takes into account returning starters, including the vile creatures known as punters and kickers. In addition, I've factored in each team's schedule and coaching changes. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:05:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/274618 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/274618 Moving along in our look at the upcoming 2008 college football season, FIO staff writer Dan Mesday gives you the first installment of his College Football Conference Outlooks. Included, you can find: Key Returnees, Key Losses, Best H.S. Signings, Must-See Games and Previews for each team. This time around - the Big 12. Fri, 30 May 2008 08:46:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/272407 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/272407 Ivan Maisel and Mark Schlabach break down three things that could have an impact on the Big 12 Conference race in 2008. Ivan Maisel 1. Texas may be trying to figure out who will run and catch the ball this fall, but the offensive line will be deep, deep, deep. That's great news for quarterback Colt McCoy, because the Longhorns finished next to last in the Big 12 in sacks allowed last season with 25. The line is a year older, stronger and smarter. 2. Michael Crabtree, despite what you may have thought, didn't have the only breakout year among Big 12 freshman receivers. Dez Bryant of Oklahoma State caught 43 passes for 622 yards and six touchdowns. Bryant is big (6-2, 210) and will be the go-to guy for Zac Robinson now that Adarius Bowman is gone. That is, if the Cowboys find someone who will do for him what he did for Bowman -- keep the secondary honest. 3. Kansas has three issues to overcome this season, in ascending order of difficulty: self-satisfaction after going 12-1 and finishing No. 7; being the hunted instead of the hunter; and a schedule that includes South Florida, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Texas, four bowl teams that the Jayhawks didn't play on their road to 2007 glory. Mark Schlabach 1. Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops wants his offense to play faster. It's hard to believe the Sooners can get much faster after leading the country with 80 touchdowns last season. But QB Sam Bradford will operate out of a no-huddle offense this coming season after throwing 36 TDs and only eight interceptions in 2007. 2. Kansas and Missouri came out of nowhere to contend for the Big 12 title last season. Will both teams be able to keep pace without several of their star players? The Jayhawks lost tailback Brandon McAnderson, All-America cornerback Aqib Talib and tackle Anthony Collins. The Tigers lost RB Tony Temple, center Adam Spieker and tight end Martin Rucker. Which team will adjust faster? 3. With QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree returning, Texas Tech might be even better on offense than it was a year ago. Red Raiders coach Mike Leach believes a handful of juco transfers will make his defense up front, giving them a legitimate chance to compete for a Big 12 South title. Tue, 13 May 2008 15:09:42 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266536 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266536 Funny video of Colorado University mascot, Ralphie V, coming loose from her handlers during CU's spring game on Saturday. Eventually she came to a complete stop on the field and no one was hurt. Talk about an unforgettable debut, coach Dan Hawkins called it, "the highlight of the day." Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:22:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/252424 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/252424 I had the pleasure of attending the Oklahoma Sooners spring game in Norman on Saturday. The weather was partly cloudy with winds continuously gusting to approximately 30 MPH. The winds made it tough on the QB's and Kickers. There were 6 INT's thrown by the QB's. 3 INT's by starter Sam Bradford. Bradford did throw a beautiful TD pass to TE Germaine Gresham , who made a beautiful over-the-shoulder catch in full stride. Many passes were overthrown or underthrown because of the intense straight winds all afternoon. Freshman running back Justin Johnson from Gilmer, TX looks like he will be a good workhorse for the Sooners as he displayed some good power and speed during some of his runs. The offense is at a disadvantage this early in drills and the defense took advantage of that during the game. The game was attended by many former Sooners as well as Baltimore Ravens QB, Steve McNair and country music singer and big-time OU fan, Toby Keith. Former Sooners on hand for the game were Safety Roy Williams (Dallas Cowboys), Jamaal Brown (New Orleans Saints), Davin Joseph (Tampa Bay Bucs), Travis Wilson (Cleveland Browns), Reggie Smith (2008 Draft), DJ Wolfe (2008 Draft), Allen Patrick (2008 Draft) and a host of others dating back to the 1940's. I will post a couple of pics with me and Davin Joseph and Phil Loadholt(current All Big-12 offensive lineman. Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:44:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/236267 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/236267