HCS Mailbag: Neal Brown’s Future, Iowa State’s Passing Attack, and Is Kansas for Real?
Welcome to the HCS Big 12 Football mailbag. This mailbag is for all you football junkies out there who root for a Big 12 school, and not only have questions about your team but other teams in the conference as well. So, join me, grab a cold brew or your favorite drink, and relax as I answer all your Big 12 questions. I want to thank each one of you who submitted a question this week and for tonight’s drink of choice? You’ll just have to see for yourself.
@CMack0507 asks: Is West Virginia’s improbable start to the season sustainable? Is Neal Brown even still coaching for his job or is it a foregone conclusion that he’s gone at season’s end with the buyout having been significantly reduced?
Duke: While I don’t think this team is a Big 12 title contender by any means, I do think West Virginia has a chance to sneak up on a few people. Many folks (including myself) wrote this team off before the season started. And now, I can actually see a scenario where Neal Brown returns as head coach for the 2024 season. Let’s take a look at their remaining schedule here.
- @TCU
- @Houston
- vs Oklahoma State
- @UCF
- vs BYU
- @Oklahoma
- vs Cincinnati
- @Baylor
Maybe I am crazy, but I can see them beating Houston and Oklahoma State which would give them five wins. Plus, they have a good chance against Cincinnati and Baylor as well. If they win those games, then that would put them at 7-5 with a chance to get an eighth win in a bowl game. I think that would be enough to save Neal Brown.
@tracks182 asks: Is Iowa State’s new passing attack the way forward for an offense that still can’t run the ball?
Duke: At this point, it has to be right? When you have the 123rd ranked rushing offense in college football you don’t really have much of a choice but to throw the football. Fortunately for the Cyclones, it worked well against Oklahoma State. Rocco Becht threw for a career-high in passing yards (348) and touchdown passes (3) on Saturday. They got the ball to their playmakers and used the short passing game to their advantage. Of course, I am not expecting a full-on air-raid offense but, at least they aren’t afraid to throw the ball on first down.
@DawsRoy asks: What happens at Baylor if Aranda only wins 2-3 more games?
Duke: If Baylor wins just three more games that would put them at 4-8 to finish the season. They wouldn’t be going bowling for the first time since 2017 and it would likely mean that Dave Arand would be on the hot seat going into next season. It seems crazy because just two years ago the man won a Big 12 title. However, this is a what have you done for me lately kind of sport. And what has Baylor done a lot of lately? Losing. The Bears have now lost seven out of their last eight games dating back to last season.
@CMack0507 asks: Your cohort Bryan Clinton believes Kansas is a legitimate conference contender, do you believe the Jayhawks merit such consideration? Their schedule is very favorable with only two tough road games left on the schedule, but do they actually have what it takes to make a run?
Duke: Heading into week five I would say that I agree with Bryan that Kansas is a conference title contender. Jalon Daniels looks good and surprisingly he hasn’t had to do a ton because the running game has worked well for the Kansas offense. Last Saturday against BYU, the Jayhawks ran for over 220 yards. That wouldn’t have happened a few years ago and when you have a strong running game to go along with a great quarterback like Daniels, then that makes you a dangerous football team. While the defense is still a work in progress, I have liked what I have seen so far. We should know a lot more about this team after they play Texas this weekend.
@KBehr68 asks: I have a 2 part question for everyone: How electric is Jack Trice Stadium going to be next weekend for a night game where ISU honors Jack Trice? What’s your excuse for not going?
Duke: Just like every other Iowa State game, it will be electric. The thing I love about Cyclone fans is that they show up no matter what. It’s a passionate fan base that truly cares about their team. I always tell people to make the trip up to Ames because they will be pleasantly surprised. So of course, I am expecting that game to be rowdy. Plus, since it is a night game that will give Iowa State fans a chance to drink all day.
My excuse for not going is that it is not close to me here in South Texas. I usually stay within state lines when covering a game unless I make a special trip. Typically, once a year I go to a Big 12 stadium I have never been to yet. This season I am going to UCF’s home opener which happens to be this weekend. I decided to make a little vacation out of it by hitting Daytona Beach after a few days in Orlando.
@RPTexan asks: What’s the best adult beverage for:
– pregame
– 11:00 a.m.kickoff
– 2:30 p.m. kickoff
– 7:00 p.m. kickoff
– Post-game after a great win
– Post-game after a tough defeat
Duke: Man, Robert I am all about drinking what you like but if I had to give someone some advice for these scenarios it would go something like this.
- 11 a.m. (I would say some beermosas or regular mimosas. But I am a screwdriver kind of man myself)
- 2:30 p.m. (Beer for sure)
- 7:00 p.m. (Beer, maybe a shot or two mixed in or a strong mixed drink before kickoff)
- Post Game Win or Defeat (A good stiff drink. Vodka or Whiskey)
