Big-12 Saturday, recruiting hits

So how has Billy Gillispie turned around Texas A & M and can it be done at CU?

Spoke to Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News on Friday and he shared some revealing things about Gillispie and the transformation of that program. The Black and Gold Truth will share that conversation on Monday.

Also on Monday, I'll have an opportunity to talk with CU athletic director Mike Bohn about the athletic department, the challenges it has and overcoming them.

On Tuesday, it's Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede.com and I discussing football recruiting.

Will bring the Bohn and Munsterteiger interviews your way later in the week.

Saturday courts

CU is in Manhattan to play suddenly-not-so-easy Kansas State. The Mildcats are suddenly wild again, a pasting at the hands of big brother Kansas this week not withstanding, and are 10-1 at Bramlage Coliseum this season. The Buffs have to realize that with no defense comes another playground bullying. The decision is all CU's. Kansas State will be eager to get the pain of the loss to the Jayhawks off their back. The Buffs have to be ready to play early. CU is capable offensively and has enough sauce to win this contest but only if a defensive commitment is made.

Sixth-ranked Texas A & M is at Nebraska and there is no chance of the Huskers pulling the upset, not with the Aggies having savy point guard Acie Law, sharpshooting Josh Carter and the size inside to neutralize Nebraska's best player, center Alexs Maric.

Ninth-ranked Kansas is at Missouri and while that is a rivalry, look for the Jayhawks to make easy work of the Tigers, even in Columbia. KU's thrashing of K-State earlier in the week will be the juice it needs to restore some confidence. Expect the Jayhawks to be good inside and outside.

No. 17 Oklahoma State is at home, where it is unbeaten, to take on Texas Tech. Both teams are slipping right now and desperately need a victory. The guess here is the Red Raiders are hungry, know the Cowboys are vulnerable and will come to play. If OSU's top dogs, Mario Boggan and JamesOn Curry, lead, their teammates will follow and it will be a celebratory night in Stillwater. If the Pokes come out flat however, Texas Tech can pull the upset with stellar efforts from scorers Martin Zeno and Jarrius Jackson. The feeling here is the Red Raiders will keep it close but fall late based on the quality of big men and depth of OSU.

Iowa State is at Texas and this looks like a classic mismatch on paper. The Longhorns, however, will get a scrappy effort from the Cyclones. If UT plays its' best and is not getting worn down as a young team, it should win easily. Catch an NBA All-Star while you can in Austin as Kevin Durant is something that doesn't come around often.

Oklahoma is at Baylor and while the Bears are capable offensively, the Sooners defense and confidence should lead them to victory. OU is the dangerous team no Big-12 coach wants to play right now.

Confident or foolish

So let's do something collegiate football players say they do but don't -- "keep it real."

Look at what USC has been doing recruiting the running back position, from last year through the current class. This season, superstars Joe McKnight and Marc Tyler join a stable that includes high-profile guys from a year ago -- role call, please -- C.J. Gable, Stafon Johnson, Emmanuel Moody and Alan Bradford.

So did the rules change? How many backs can play at one time? And be happy?

Moody showed promise last year but might be eclipsed soon by the freshman. Gable and Johnson were amazing recruits but could also soon be in McKnight and Tyler's review mirrors. Of course, there is always the possibility the freshman might sit a long time if the sophomores prove their worth. You have to admire the confidence and the acceptance of competition on behalf of all parties but truly, how smart is it all?

The guess here is that a minimum of three guys transfer out and one will end up in a position change by next season.

Wonder how strong a salesman that Dan Hawkins is?

Recruiting from College Football News

Arizona State standout wide receiver Derek Hagan, a highly-productive talent, was a one-star recruit coming out of high school. He finished his career with just under 4,000 yards receiving while scoring 27 times. He was drafted by Miami.

Minnesota's Greg Eslinger was headed for Division 1-AA before becoming a Gopher and winning the Outland and Rimington award trophies. He now plays in the NFL with the Denver Broncos.

Boise State quarterback Jared Zabransky, who led Boise State past Oklahoma in a shocking bowl victory, wasn't really wanted by anyone.

Alambama linebacker DeMeco Ryans was listed way down the list of top talents at his position, at least 30 were thought better, but it was he who ended up a first-team All-American and high draft pick of Houston.

BGT: Give me all the four and five-star guys possible but find a willing player and a coach loves to teach and can teach and you can still win games by developing your coal into diamonds, or at least other precious stones.


Note: Look for game recaps and analysis later today and this evening. Tomorrow, the big Sunday Truth.

Note II: Need a dose of the Denver Nuggets or NBA notes? Hit it here.