SB Nation - Evan Eike

I've Watched The Game - Tech Review

Beergut — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:55:33 -0000

I finally had a chance to watch the game last night. For those who haven't watched the game yet, you can see it here; it is a feed from the jumbotron at Tech's game. You'll see a lot of Tech-centric advertising, but that is to be expected.

I'll just do this in bullets:

The key to the game was the play of Patrick Lewis, Kevin Matthews, and Evan Eike. They mauled the Tech DTs, which meant the middle of the defensive line was open for us all day.
Michael Shumard may have played his best game at LT in the last two years. His ability to pin the DEs outside made it easier for us to operate in the pocket, and for Jerrod to run the ball.
Our defense still needs a lot of work.
Screens were effective against us on the first offensive drive; we stuffed them in the second half. Good adjustments.
Christine Michael is a freaking animal.
Cyrus Gray is running with speed and power; he is running harder than I've ever seen him run. Tech was Cyrus' best game as an Aggie so far.
Patrick Lewis is already an accomplished mauler at LG, and he is only a true freshman. The future is very bright for him.

The need for Tech to keep two over the top in coverage of Uzoma Nwachukwu meant they couldn't spy anyone on Johnson when he started scrambling. EZ basically made for a dual-threat, because if you covered him, Jerrod would get you, and if you didn't double him, he'd beat you deep. Pick your poison, defense.
The running plays were fairly basic: power off-tackle, counter, trap. If this reflects a return-to-basics strategy to help the offensive line, I like it.
We still don't tackle well enough on defense. Too many arm/shoulder tackles. This is a fundamental issue we need to improve at.
Garrick Williams is very quietly becoming a very good player.
The one thing Seth Doege gave Tech when he entered the game was an improved tempo. He kept the offense in a rhythm.
There were a lot of holds that weren't called in this game, on both sides.
The refs need to do a better job of controlling the game. There were too many personal fouls, and they need to talk to the coaches to stop that.
I'd like it better if the Tech jumbotron showed the score occasionally.

For those who may not have seen it yet:

Has The Offensive Line Turned The Corner?

Beergut — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:42:12 -0000

In one week, we went from -13 yards rushing and 6 sacks given up to 321 yards rushing and 1 sack given up. We went from having a sieve standing in front of our quarterback and running backs to having a brick wall that moves down the field like a steamroller. We switched from a starting lineup of LT Michael Shumard, LG Matt Allen, C Kevin Matthews, RG Patrick Lewis, RT Lee Grimes to a starting lineup of Shumard at LT, Lewis at LG, Matthews at C, Evan Eike at RG, and Grimes at RT. Can shuffling around our guards really have that much of an impact? For one game, it sure seems to have worked.

I know Sherman challenged the masculinity of his team before this game. I know Sherman challenged the offensive line, in particular, because they haven't been getting it done this season. I am sure after a pathetic performance against Kansas State, the players were embarrassed, and anxious to prove themselves; Tech just happened to be the next opponent. However, Tech's defensive line is actually pretty decent. Heading into the game, they were in the top 10 in sacks in the nation, with 23 in only 7 games at that time. They had a decent pass rush. Whatever Sherman told our offensive line, it worked, as they protected Jerrod very well for the night, giving up only one sack. More importantly, they provided a good pocket for him to pass, as he was only hurried twice all game. Jerrod had enough time to scramble for 71 yards on 10 carries, which is counting the sack where he lost 11 yards; that is good protection and good blocking.

Iowa State, our upcoming opponent on Saturday, is 62nd in the nation in rushing defense, giving up a solid 137.5 yards per game; not terrific, but not bad, either. Tech was 24th in the nation in rushing defense before we faced them Saturday; our offensive line's performance pushed them all the way down to 57th in the rankings, and added another 27 yards to their per game average for rushing yards given up. That is a dominating performance by an offensive line. We will have to wait and see if our success continues against an Iowa State team that is on a little bit of a roll after beating Baylor and Nebraska in the past two weeks. The Cyclone's run defense has moved from 77 to 67 to 62 in the past two weeks, so they are improving against the running game as the season goes on. Iowa State will be a good challenge for our offensive line, and a way to gauge if our line has truly turned the corner.

SB Nation 2009 Big 12 Preview: Texas A&M

Beergut — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:31:32 -0000

SB Nation Big 12 Preview: In conjunction with The Ralphie Report, all Big 12 blogs are previewing their teams. The conference preview will run over at The Ralphie Report tomorrow, but A&M's preview is running today.

Texas A&M Offense: A&M returns 8 starters on offense, with virtually all of their skill position talent returning. QB Jerrod Johnson will be leading the offense for his second season, and WRs Jeff Fuller, Ryan Tannehill, Terrence McCoy will lead our passing attack. Tight end Jamie McCoy also returns, as does offensive linemen Evan Eike, Kevin Matthews, and Lee Grimes. Top backup RB Cyrus Gray will be the starter in the offensive backfield next to Johnson, although he may share playing time with Christine Michael. The offense averaged 5.3 yds per play last season, and a poor 340.9 yds per game total offense. If A&M is to have a winning season and go to a bowl, those numbers have to improve.

The Running Game: A&M averaged a pathetic 2.9 yds per carry on the season, while averaging 88.5 yds rushing per game, good for last place in the Big 12 in rushing offense. On the season, A&M rushed for a total of 1062 yds; to put that in perspective, Oklahoma had two running backs (Chris Brown and Demarco Murray) who gained more yds rushing than that individually. The return of three starters on the offensive line would seem to be an advantage for our rushing attack in 2009, but when it was some of the same players who manned a poor line last season, you have to question how much of an advantage that returning experience is. Right now, the starting offensive line in Fall Camp is Lucas Patterson and Lee Grimes at tackle, Mike Shumard and Matt Allen at guard, and Kevin Matthews at center. There has been some movement of Patterson from let tackle to right tackle on different days in camp, so it is unknown yet exactly who will start where. With the return of Gray and redshirt sophomore Bradley Stephens, and the addition of true freshman Christine Michael, A&M has the talent at running back to have an effective rushing attack. The question is whether or not we will have the blocking up front to get the job done on the ground.

The Passing Game: A&M returns record-setting starting QB Jerrod Johnson, who currently holds the records for most TD passes in a season (21), and most passing yards in a game for an A&M QB (419 yards vs. Kansas State). A&M also returns two record-setting wide receivers in freshman Jeff Fuller (most TD receptions for an A&M WR, with 9) and Ryan Tannehill (freshman record for receptions in a season, with 55). With John Mackey Award candidate Jamie McCoy returning at TE (43 receptions, 500 yds, 5 TDs), and senior Howard Morrow, freshmen Kenric McNeal, and Uzome "EZ" Nwachukwu providing quality depth at WR, A&M's passing game looks to continue to excel in 2009. The Aggies averaged 252.4 yds passing per game last season, a number that should rise with the return of so much skill position talent, and the implementation of a no-huddle spread attack this season.

Texas A&M Defense: Texas A&M was horrific on defense last season, no other way to put it. If the Aggies can improve to just being an average defensive team this season, i.e. giving up an average of 250 yds per game passing and 150 yds per game rushing, so giving up right at 400 yds per game in total offense, we will win enough games to be in a bowl game. The defense returns only 5 starters, but that may not be a bad thing, considering we gave up an average of 462 yds and 37 points per game last season.

Defensive Line: The Aggies lost both defensive ends as Michael Bennett and Cyril Obiozor used up their eligibility. They will be replaced by junior college transfer Matt Moss on the strongside, and hybrid Jack linebacker Von Miller on the weakside. Walk-on defensive end Spencer Nealy may also see significant time this season. On the interior line, A&M returns two players who saw extenisve action in 2008, with Eddie Brown returning at defensive tackle, where he started two games, and Tony Jerod-Eddie returning at nose tackle, where he started seven games last season. Redshirt freshman Rod Davis will provide key depth inside. As I have noted before, the key to improvement on our defense starts up front.

Linebackers: Von Miller is expected to be the Aggies' biggest playmaker this season, coming from his Jack linebacker position. Former MLB Matt Featherston will back up Miller at the Jack position. The middle of our linebacking corps will be manned by freshman Kyle Mangan, nicknamed "Ice Cream" by his teammates. Garrick Williams and Ricky Cavanaugh are battling for the other outside linebacker position. Linebacker is one area where an infusion of young talent and speed can really help us.

Secondary: A&M returns safety Trent Hunter and cornerback Jordan Pugh in the secondary, although Pugh has now been moved to safety. Backup Justin McQueen is currently running first team at one cornerback, and Jordan Peterson has moved from free safety, where he started last season, to compete for the spot with McQueen. True sophomore Terrence Frederick is the starter at the other CB spot and has had a very strong camp. I would argue that we were actually okay in the secondary last season, because Trent Hunter is a difference-maker at safety. Considering the fact that our cornerbacks and safeties had to stop the run AND cover the opposing receivers all the time, they didn't do too badly last year. With the improvement in the front seven of our defense this season, there is reason for hope for a solid season from our secondary. I don't look for us to be world-beaters, but we should be okay, and Trent Hunter should receive serious consideration for some post-season awards.

Overall prediction for A&M: I think we'll finish 4th or 5th in the Big 12 South, going 6-6 or 7-5. Is that overly optimistic? Maybe. I am a fan, after all. I think wins over Iowa State, Colorado, Kansas State, and Baylor can be expected in conference. Swing games that will define our season are aganst Arkansas in Arlington, Texas Tech in Lubbock, and texas in College Station.

True Freshmen May Contribute Significantly This Season

Beergut — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:16:51 -0000

Robert Cessna thinks as many as thirteen true freshmen may see playing time this season. Besides the obvious contributors like Christine Michael, Uzoma "EZ" Nwachukwu, and Ryan Swope on offense, and Spencer Nealy on defense, we may be looking at Aaron Arterburn and Jonathan Stewart seeing some time on defense. Cessna thinks we'll have Patrick Lewis playing on offensive line, but I think we'll also use Rhontae Scales as a backup tackle. Sherman has said an eight-man rotation on the offensive line is ideal, with the five starters, a back-up center, a swing tackle and a swing guard. At 6'6, 318 lbs, Scales has the size and height to play either offensive tackle position right now.

I really think Swope and Nwachukwu will have the easiest time making the biggest impact, besides Michael. Swope is an athlete who should be invaluable in the slot, and "EZ" is a playmaker at WR. While Ryan Tannehill's production last season makes me want to keep him at that position, the addition of Swope and EZ make me worry less about the possibility of Tannehill staying at QB.

Since sophomore Danny Baker has practiced at every position on the offensive line this camp, I think he may earn himself a permanent spot in the OL eight-man rotation. Baker's versatility makes him especially valuable, because he can play either guard or tackle position, as well as center. Since Baker is now tipping the scales at 300 lbs, I think it is safe to say that we won't see him playing the TE position he saw some time at last season, unless it is in a short yardage situation. Sherman is very high on Baker:

"It's almost a curse, I mean he's a very good athlete," Sherman said. "He's smart, he can play all the positions. We have to really give him an opportunity to find a spot. I really like Danny Baker, he's worked real hard. I see him playing and playing a lot this year in some capacity."

If we put Baker at backup center in the rotation, Rhontae Scales as the swing tackle, and Evan Eike as the swing guard, we have our eight-man rotation without using any of the other true freshmen.

I do agree with Cessna that we'll see a lot of true freshmen playing on defense. I expect to see Dustin Harris and Stephen Terrell in the defensive backfield during the season opener against New Mexico, partly because I think they are both talented enough to contribute early, and also because we need them to build some quality depth in our defensive secondary.

I am usually not in favor of playing so many true freshmen so early in the season, but these players Sherman has recruited are good enough to contribute early on in their careers, so we need to get them on the field as soon as possible.

Focus On Running Game Improvement Is Misplaced

Beergut — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:13:45 -0000

Brent Zwerneman has a nice little article on how Cyrus Gray has improved so far in practice, because he knows his playbook and assignments now, and how having Gray, true freshman Christine Michael and redshirt sophomore Bradley Stephens means the Aggies' running game is in good hands. However, Z misses his mark when looking at our poor running game last season, and blaming it almost solely on the backs. He mentions that Mike Goodson never became the every-down back Sherman envisioned him being last season, but he only pays lip service to our real problem last year: the offensive line.

I went back and took a look at our offensive line recruiting for the past five years, and the results are enough to make you want to cry. The 2004 recruiting class was truly Dennis Franchione's first recruiting class, because the '03 group had been put together by the previous coaching staff, so that is where I began my research. In 2004, we took three offensive linemen: Yemi Babaloa, Grant Dickey, and Travis Schneider. Babaloa ended up more interested in smoking pot than beng a football player, and he is now doing time for his part in an assault on a drug dealer. Dickey was a juco transfer who only played two seasons. Schneider redshirted in 2004, and played four years for the Aggies. He was the one major contributor from the '04 class on offensive line.

In 2005, we signed four offensive linemen: Robbie Frost, Lee Grimes, Kellen Heard, and Michael Shumard. (By comparison, we signed 6 DBs in that class. I know we are facing spread offenses in the Big 12, but 6 DBs seems excessive.) Heard redshirted then moved to defensive line, where he played for three seasons before deciding to leave the program after the '08 season. Grimes and Shumard both redshirted in 2005, and are now fifth-year seniors. Shumard is currently running first team at LG, while Grimes is running first team at RT. Robbie Frost redshirted in '05, played in four games in '06, seven games in '07, and six games in in '08, earning a start against Army. It was announced last week that Frost has been placed on a medical redshirt, and will no longer be playing on the football team.

In 2006, we signed one offensive lineman, Lucas Patterson, Patterson redshirted in '06, and played on the defensive line in '07 and '08. He is now being moved back to the offensive line, where he is being pencilled in as the starter at LT. I'm just wondering how we can recruit only one offensive lineman in a recruiting class?

In 2007, we signed two offensive linemen, Daniel Baker and Evan Eike. Eike redshirted in '07, and then started all 12 games last season at LG. Baker redshirted in '07, and saw action in 9 games last season, at both RG and TE. Baker is a versatile player who is serviceable as a blocking TE.

The 2008 class was Sherman's first class, although many of the players were also recruited by the previous regime. We signed six offensive linemen in the '08 class: Josh Ayers, Leroy Chevalier, Jeffrey Hyde, Chris Lathrop, Brian Thomas, and Joe Villavisencio. Ayers, Chevalier, Hyde, Lathrop, and Thomas all redshirted last season, while Villavisencio saw playing time in two games last season after his redshirt was pulled, starting the Iowa State game, and also playing against Baylor. Chevalier has been placed on medical redshirt, and Lathrop has been moved to defensive tackle to provide depth on the DL, so we are looking at four redshirt offensive linemen from the '08 class to provide depth this season.

For those doing the math at home, that means we had classes of 3, 4, 1, and 2 offensive linemen signees going into the 2008 season. The '08 class had six OL, but you can't expect true freshmen to come in and play on the offensive line right away, b/c they are not physically or mentally ready to excel there (unless their name is Orlando Pace). If you subtract the two people who moved to defensive line (Kellen Heard and Lucas Patterson), our numbers go down to 3, 3, 0, and 2. Take away the attrition because of arrests (Babaloa) and juco eligibility expiring (Dickey), and the numbers shrink to 1, 3, 0, and 2. So we entered the 2008 season with basically six scholarship offensive linemen. Is it any wonder that we were decimated by injuries? Is it any wonder that we lacked the depth to replace those injured players? Sherman and offensive line coach Jim Turner did a terrific job just keeping enough bodies out there to field a team.

Sherman only took four offensive linemen in the 2009 recruiting class (Stephen Barrera, Patrick Lewis, Clint Naron, and Rhontae Scales), and has five committed in the 2010 class so far. That means in his first three recruiting classes so far, Sherman has brought in 15 offensive linemen, almost doubling Fran's effort when you look at the players he actually put on the OL. With the numbers we have, Sherman couldn't be blamed if he brought in classes of eight OL the last two years, just to get enough healthy bodies on the roster who can contribute to the program. Averaging five OL per year, which we are doing right now, will get us on the right track to balanced recruiting classes.

Before we can fix the running game, which Sherman is making a priority, we need to fix the lack of depth at offensive line, and Sherman and Turner's recruiting has reflected that priority. Now once we get those players through the Strength and Conditioning program, and onto the field, even Zwerneman himself will be able to run for positive yardage behind them.

Running Off-Tackle With 11 Personnel

Beergut — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:07:42 -0000

Back in January, I broke down A&M's Power play, where we used 22 personnel to bludgeon New Mexico's 3-4 defense. Today, we're going to look at how we can run off-tackle using those same power elements, but with 11 personnel.

Here the offense is lined up against Iowa State:

Texas A&M offense 11 personnel vs. Iowa State

Here we have Jerrod Johnson at QB, Cyrus Gray at TB, and Jamie McCoy (#4) on the line at TE. We have 1 back, 1 TE, and 3 WRs, so 11 personnel. Gray is aligned Far, on the opposite side of the TE. Iowa State is in a 4-3 Over front, with the NT and DT shaded to the strongside of the formation. I think the secondary is in a Cover 2 shell, but can't be certain since neither the image nor the game video shows the whole secondary.

Iowa State has their defensive personnel on the field to stop the run. Notice how strongside LB (Sam) is just off the LOS, shaded off the strongside DE. The MLB (Mike) is aligned right over the DT-DE gap on the strongside. Clearly, Iowa State is betting we're coming strongside, and they're in position with seven people on that side of the field to stop the play.

Now we're going to look at the play right at the snap:

Right as the ball is snapped.

Now you can begin to see what is going to happen on this play. LG Evan Eike is beginning to pull around to the strongside. #63 C Kevin Matthews is pinning Iowa State NT inside, forcing him to the backside away from the play. RG Joe Villavisencio and RT Lee Grimes are double-teaming the strongside DT. The table is set for the whole defensive front to be moved to the left, with Eike coming right to kickout the EMLOS (End Man on the Line of Scrimmage). Notice Gray is moving from left to right, going towards the strongside as he prepares to take the handoff. LT Michael Shumard ignores the weakside DE as he begins to move to the second level to take on the weakside (Will) LB.

As the ball is handed off the Gray, everything begins to come into focus.

Ball is handed off.

Jamie McCoy has pinned the SDE inside, and the Sam LB has come up to fill the gap. Evan Eike now knows who his EMLOS aiming point is. Notice how the backside DE is frozen, not coming upfield, trying to read if Johnson has given the ball to Gray, or is keeping it to go backside. This read is why Shumard is able to ignore him and go upfield. All Gray needs to do now is follow Eike, and slip under his block.

Now as Eike begins to hit his block, we have a new issue:

Eike kicks out the Sam LB

Notice how Lee Grimes and Joe Villvasencio are at the right of the picture, well into the second level and blocking downfield.However, the Mike LB has read the play well, and is now in position to tackle Gray for no gain. Gray is deftly cutting inside Eike's block, but Mike is right there to stop him. Two things happen here which partially explain why this play went from a no-gain/sure loss to a positve play.

Gray gets through the hole.

Gray gets through the hole and puts on a burst of speed, as Mike makes the mistake of lowering his head, anticipating the tackle. Gray blows inside and past him, making Mike overrun the play. Now Gray is free and in a foot race, with a phalanx of Aggie blockers ahead of him and the other ISU defenders at a bad angle to cut him off.

Gray breaking it free.

He reads his blocks, cuts to his right, protected by a wall of Aggies.

Gray cutting outside around his blockers.

Gray is now free to run for the endzone, which he does, for a 27 yd TD.

Here is what the play looks like in real time:

Cyrus Gray runs for a TD.

This off-tackle run with 11 personnel exemplifies the type of offense Mike Sherman wants to run; being able to run with power and overwhelm the defense with numbers at the point of attack, regardless of personnel on the field. The big challenge for our offense in the 2009 season will be duplicating this kind of play consistently. Proper execution will hinge on the offensive line, which hopefully will be improved over last season.

Offensive Line Needs Work

Beergut — Thu, 14 May 2009 01:06:16 -0000

Rivals.com listed Texas A&M as one of the teams with an offensive line with something to prove in the 2009 season. Anyone who watched our offense play last season will agree with this sentiment, as the poor play along both our offensive and defensive front helped lead to our 4-8 season. Our problems on the OL were exacerbated by injuries throughout the course of the season.

We return all of our starters from last season on the line, and I expect some of them to be backups this season, as transfer Matt Allen will play at one guard spot, and redshirt freshman Leroy Chevalier will start at left tackle. I expect Michael Shumard to move back to guard, and Kevin Matthews to return at center. This means Evan Eike will probably move to a back-up spot, along with the possibility that Lee Grimes will move. This will give us some depth along the line, something we were sorely lacking because of injuries last season.

We signed four offensive linemen in the last recruiting class, but I expect (and hope) all of them will get a redshirt year to learn the offense, and to get some time in our strength and conditioning program.

Our season opener is against New Mexico, who finished 25th in the nation last year in rush defense, giving up 122.3 yds rushing per game. This should provide a nice early test for our offensive line to see if we've made any progress early in the season. Typically, an offensive line doesn't gel until a few games into the season, but we should get an indicator of our capabilities when we play the Lobos.

I expect us to pass for more yards than we rush for in 2009, simply because the talent we have at QB and WR, but establishing a running game will be crucial to having a winning record and going bowling this year.

Anatomy Of A&M's Power Play

Beergut — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:11:06 -0000

The Power play is the basic bread-and-butter play of just about any team running the football from a pro-set or an off-set I formation. When we began last season, it was clear early on that we were going to make Power our bread-and-butter running play. Unfortunately, we didn't have the offensive line to overpower a lot of the defensive front-sevens we faced, so we switched to a one-back, zone running game for the most part. We continued to run Power throughout the year, however, and with improved OL play in 2009, I expect to see us run it more often next season.

I am going to take a look at how we ran Power in one game last season; the game in question is the second game of the season, on the road against the University of New Mexico.

As you can see from the formation, we are strong-right, with the a TE and H-back in a wingback position on the right side of the formation. Jorvorskie Lane is the fullback in the off-set I, with Mike Goodson the tailback. Stephen McGee is under center, Jamie McCoy is the H-back, and Danny Baker is the blocking TE.

Before the snap, McCoy will go in motion from right to left, ending up behind left tackle Michael Shumard.

McCoy goes in motion.

McCoy's job on this play is to kick of out End Man on the Line Of Scrimmage, or EMLOS. In this case, that is the weakside OLB.

McCoy is to kickout EMLOS.

More after the jump......

LT Michael Shumard is responsible for the weakside DE. C Kevin Matthews is responsible for the NT, covering the gap as LG Evan Eike pulls playside. Matthews, with help from RG Lee Grimes, tries to wall the NT inside, pinning the DE and NT together, blocking them off and creating the beginning of the funnel. This is a three-man game.

Matthews, Shumard, and Grimes work together to block out DE and NT.

Stephen McGee opens up to his left before turning around right to give the ball to Mike Goodson. When Mcgee vacates his spot under center, it gives RG Evan Eike the room he needs to pull strongside. After McGee executes the handoff, he bootlegs backside. Eike's rule is going to be first backer inside. He simply pulls around and looks for the first linebacker to show himself, and then blasts him out of the way.

Evan Eike pulls playside, while Stephen McGee hands-off and bootlegs.

RT Travis Schneider has a zone responsibility playside. He will help TE Danny Baker double the strongside DE, then go to the next level to block the MLB. He is helping open up the backside of the funnel.

Schneider and Baker double DE, then Schneider goes to next level.

FB Jorvorskie Lane has a simple assignment; he attacks the playside OLB and pins him outside; a stalemate keeps him out of the play.

Offset FB blocks playside OLB.

And last but not least, Mike Goodson meshes with Stephen McGee to take the hand-off, and follows the pulling guard, Evan Eike, into the funnel.

The TB meshes with the QB and goes through the funnel.

Ryan Tannehill is at the top of the formation, but he only fakes a route and then blocks. If the CB doesn't respect the fake, and sells out to pinch inside to help on run-support, that is where McGee's backside bootleg comes in. The next time you run it, you fake the hand-off, and hit Tannehill with the pass.

Put everything together, and the complete play looks like this:

Simple, but effective: A&M runs Power

The Fog of '09 - South Offenses

Bill C. — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:00:07 -0000

Quarterbacks

Oklahoma (Sam Bradford--for now; if not...?)
Texas (Colt McCoy--for now; if not...John Chiles?)
Oklahoma State (Zac Robinson)
Baylor (Hot Tub Griffin III)
Texas Tech (Taylor Potts)
Texas A&M (Jerrod Johnson)

Obviously, there's a lot of "if" here. If Bradford's gone, OU falls to #6 because they don't have another QB who's taken a single snap. If McCoy's gone, you figure Chiles gets the first shot at the job, and while he's decent, UT still falls to #5 on this list.

Running Backs

Oklahoma State (Kendall Hunter, Keith Toston)
Oklahoma (DeMarco Murray, Chris Brown)
Texas (Fozzy Whitaker, Vondrell McGee)
Texas Tech (Baron Batch, Aaron Crawford)
Baylor (Jay Finley, Jeremy Sanders)
Texas A&M (Mike Goodson--for now; if not...Bradley Stephens?)

I firmly expect Goodson to go pro if he's healthy enough for the combine. Even with him, though, it appears that every other South team has better depth at RB than ATM.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Oklahoma State (Dez Bryant, Damian Davis, DeMarcus Connor)
Texas (Malcolm Williams, Dan Buckner, Brandon Collins)
Texas Tech (Detron Lewis, Edward Britton, Tramain Swindall)
Texas A&M (Jeff Fuller, Ryan Tannehill, Terrence McCoy)
Oklahoma (Ryan Broyles, Brandon Caleb, Jameel Owens)
Baylor (David Gettis, Ernest Smith, Kendall Wright)

I am 99.999% sure Michael Crabtree is going pro, so we're not even going to pretend with an "If he's still at Tech" scenario. He's gone. As are a lot of the other proven WRs in the South. OSU ends up on top here, though Texas almost looks to have a better WR corps next year despite losing Cosby and Shipley. OU's unit could be solid, and you know they have plenty of good recruits to plug in the holes, but losing Iglesias and Manny Johnson will hurt them. Broyles could be a major stud, though.

Offensive Lines

Texas (OT Adam Ulatoski, C Chris Hall, OT Kyle Hix)
Oklahoma State (OT Russell Okung, OT Brady Bond, OG Andrew Lewis)
Texas A&M (OT Michael Shumard, OG Evan Eike, C Kevin Matthews)
Texas Tech (OT Marlon Winn, OG Brandon Carter, ...?)
Oklahoma (OT Trent Williams, ...?)
Baylor (OG James Barnard, C JD Walton, OG Chris Griesenbeck)

It might behoove Sam Bradford to seriously think about entering the NFL draft this coming year...as his stock could fall in the '10 draft after running for his life all season long in '09. You know OU's O-line will still be reasonably competent, but this appears to be a 2005-esque rebuilding year for OU in the trenches.

South Offenses, 2009

Oklahoma State (21)
Texas (20)
Oklahoma (15)
Texas Tech (12)
Texas A&M (9)
Baylor (7)

You know Tech and OU (if Bradford comes back) will have competent offenses in 2009--they just will. But continuity at OSU and UT appear to give them edges here.

If Colt McCoy goes pro

Oklahoma State (22)
Texas (17)
Oklahoma (15)
Texas Tech (13)
Texas A&M (9)
Baylor (8)

If Sam Bradford goes pro

Oklahoma State (22)
Texas (21)
Texas Tech (13)
Oklahoma (10)
Texas A&M (10)
Baylor (8)

If McCoy AND Bradford go pro

Oklahoma State (23)
Texas (18)
Texas Tech (14)
Oklahoma (10)
Texas A&M (10)
Baylor (9)

This does show the strength of the South--Baylor's got their most exciting QB, possibly ever, and ATM has a nice, young QB with some nice, young WRs...and they're still bringing up the rear in just about every scenario.

One thing's for certain: Mike Gundy better start googling "How to handle the hype" right now, because I see no way OSU isn't a preseason Top 6-8 team next year.