NFL Draft Inches Closer, Blaine Gabbert #1?

The NFL Draft is inching closer, as it is held at the end of the month. The Carolina Panthers hold the #1 pick and will be on the clock first. There have been hundreds of mock drafts and guesses as to what the Carolina Panthers will do. There is no consensus #1 pick, as there is in some draft classes. It seems the race for the #1 pick is between Cam Newton from Auburn, Blaine Gabbert from Missouri, Marcell Dareus from Alabama, and Patrick Peterson of LSU. Most mocks have Newton going #1, but others think Gabbert may sneak in there. Check out the NFL Draft to see if a Big 12 quarterback can go #1!

Spring Practices Underway in Big 12

Spring practice is officially underway in the Big 12. Spring practice, as we all know, is when the programs have a few weeks to practice and showcase a scrimmage, titled the "Spring Game" in front of all the hometown fans. Some spring games get more than 70,000 + fans, including the Texas Longhorns. Spring practice gives the fans a chance to see the depth chart and who has the early lead at roster positions. It also gives the fans a chance to see a little football until August, when the college football season begins.

College Recruiting

In recent weeks, we have seen some NCAA violations. With Oregon, Ohio State, Auburn, etc, violations keep getting reported at a rapid rate. Here's a new one, regarding Patrick Peterson who attended LSU: "Willie Lyles, a Texas-based football trainer who is under NCAA investigation after receiving $25,000 from Oregon, told Texas A&M it had to "beat" $80,000 if it wanted to sign star recruit Patrick Peterson in 2007, a former Texas A&M coach told ESPN on Wednesday." Peterson did not play at A&M and went to LSU where he starred and is now considered a Top Ten pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. The NCAA needs to clean up these money payments and rumors before it gets even worse.

Fiesta Bowl President Fired, Big 12 Comissioner Confident

Earlier this week, the longtime President of the Fiesta Bowl was fired, putting the Fiesta Bowl in jeopardy. The Big 12 has a contractual agreement to send its champion to the Fiesta Bowl if that team is not playing for the national championship. Meaning, the Fiesta Bowl is rather important to the Big 12. The BCS issued a stern statement this week saying the Fiesta Bowl must prove it is worthy of remaining one of the four games that make up the system. BCS executive director Bill Hancock has said the BCS has the authority to revoke the Fiesta Bowl's BCS status even though the event has three years remaining on its contract.

Big 12 Near Huge Deal with FOX

After almost folding last season, the Big 12 is on the verge of securing a big contract with FOX. The deal will pay the 10-team league more than $60 million a year, well up from the $20 million it now receives from its cable contract, industry sources say. This would provide even more exposure with FOX for the Big 12 and it's teams. Big 12 is a big conference and this just made it bigger.

2011 Big 12 Predictions

Big 12 Winner: Oklahoma Sooners

Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year: DeMarco Murray/Bryan Bryoles, Oklahoma

Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year: David Crick, Nebraska

ASU-Missouri Will Battle in 'Friday Night Lights'

When Missouri visits Arizona State on September 9th, 2011, it could feature two nationally ranked teams. The game has been moved to Sept. 9 and will be broadcast on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET. September 9th is a Friday night, a day earlier than the game's original date.

It will be the first time ever the Sun Devils have played on a Friday night.

The game will give exposure to both programs as they will be the only teams playing that night.

Get your Missouri Tigers tickets with Ticket King!