But, if you were they, you would probably have very similar outcomes. It just goes to show you, no one outside Raiderland gives us as much respect as WE think they should. My belief is that we could wind up tied for 2nd place or 3rd place in the South. it all depends on how well the team responds following such a great year. I think, because of the way we finished, 1-2 in our final 3 games, the team will be strongly motivated to show the world that we are a much better team than that indicates. So, I think we have the personnel, attitude and desire to be very successful again. WRECK ’EM!

Oklahoma, Texas and Oklahoma State should have better seasons than us, all things considered. We could go 9-3 and still end up in fourth, honestly.

The big surprise to me is that you said we are ranked #8 at the RB position. That’s just ignorant by the magazine.

I think a #4 prediction is wholly fair considering what the other teams have coming back. It’s not a knock on Tech as much as it is recognition of what the other guys are bringing. I would have a hard time justifying predicting anything above a third place finish. It will come down to if we can handle OSU in Stillwater. Recent home team history say’s it will be a big challenge. If we can, than third sounds right. I see no logical reason to think we beat both UT and OU this year beyond blind homerism. We aren’t that weak by any stretch, but they ARE that strong.

All these rankings are good for us to get the football juices flowing and all but we have to see what happens when the games actually start. A lot of things can change quickly, be it through injuries or just a good ol fashioned meltdown. Don’t let these numbers fool you, we all know that we will be in the hunt in the South this year.

then I’ll listen to your argument abouty why a ranking of 4th in the South is unfair.

Otherwise, many people are picking those three teams among to top 10 in the nation. It isn’t disrespect for Tech as much as it is recognition of how strong the Big 12 South has become.

Those unit rankings are a lot higher than I would rank your QB, OL, DL, and LBs. I thnk they were quite generous, especially since you lost your starting QB. I think Potts has looked good in backup action, but you still don’t know how he will do as a starter. I think that ranking has more to do with the media’ belief in the system and how Leach can plug-and-play QBs and get similar results, even with mediocre talent.

I think last season and in ‘05, y’all were picked to do pretty well. Both years, you had a weak non-conference schedule that gave you a shot at a fast start.

You can’t blame the media for not picking Tech too high in the past; Tech’s habit of bad losses in non-conference or conference play always made those picking them look foolish. Remember New Mexico 2004? Oklahoma State 2005? TCU 2006? Colorado 2007?

Given the way Tech played in the last three games of the season in ’08, I think picking you fourth is predictable, and somewhat generous.

How can Tech hire one of the top Special Teams Coach that has consistently produced top tier special teams units from schools like North Texas and La. Tech and then rank Tech 12th in special teams for the Conference.

I just don’t get it.

Enjoyed the banter folks . Even you Beergut .. generous..4th in the South… it won’t happen my friend. The momentum to overwhelm, out last and outperform the other Universities in the Big12 is blowing in favor of the Raider nation. The O line will be solid. Or put it this way the O line is better than 10 of the 12 D-lines we w ill face. The Skill positions look to be more balanced than last year. Ie touches spread around no one position or player can be isolated. The star can’t be identified and double teamed. The run game is set to be a significant improvement. Linebackers are set – solid not flashy. Secondary will be better than average. Again they will be better than 10 of the 12 sets of receiver/ QB’s we face. D-line is going to surprise folks expect some run stuffing on people/teams who aren’t used to having their backs shoved into the blockers. Special teams will excel – the only area not making a quantum improvement is/are FG’s from outside 40 yards. I.e. we just haven’t seen it demonstrated yet. Expect kick coverage and return teams to dial it up another notch. It’s inconceivable that the team will slip backwards – I ask what has changed the preparation? The scheme? The coaching staff ? The strength and conditioning regime? Not one area has varied at all. Given the Leach teams propensity to get first downs, operate from the red zone and score routinely when they get there. How does that equate to a drop off in scoring. So let’s see NU and OSU are suddenly going to become 50 points a game juggernauts? Or put a defensive spin on it neither opposing defense will allow more than 21 points a game routinely? Bottom line it’s going to be a matter of routine to win. . in Raiderland.

we will have and identical record.

11 wins 2 losses…..but we will have WON our Bowl Game.