Sorrentino scale 2009 debut: Make your answers known

We’ve finally hit game week, a festive time for all of us college football nuts. Only five days remain until kickoff (three days for Iowa State fans).

To prepare for Saturday, the Sorrentino Scale is back to weigh in on how each Big 12 team ranks heading into the season. I’ll update the scale each Monday after the weekend games.

Since each team is 0-0, I’ll follow each team’s ranking this week with a burning question heading into the season.

Feel free to offer your opinions to each question in the comments section below. It might be fun to come back and look at your predictions after the season.

1. Texas

Burning question: Colt McCoy passed for 34 touchdowns last season. Will he be over or under that total this year?

My take: Over. Texas may have lost Quan Cosby, but the Longhorns return Jordan Shipley, Malcolm Williams is a rising star and the ‘Horns are extremely deep at WR. McCoy will have his options. I also expect him to run the ball less than he did last year, when he led UT in rushing attempts and yards.

2. Oklahoma

Burning question: The Vegas line on Oklahoma’s victories this year is 9.5. Over or under?

My take: Over. Take this one to the bank. Keep in mind, this is for the regular season only, but 9.5 still means you get two losses with the Sooners. I’m stunned the line for OU victories wasn’t 10.

3. Oklahoma State

Burning question: What will be a larger total this year, Kendall Hunter’s rushing yards, or Dez Bryant’s receiving yards? For reference, Hunter rushed for 1,555 yards last year, while Bryant had 1,480 receiving yards.

My take: Hunter. Probably one of the quietest seasons of 1,555 rushing yards I’ve ever seen. He’ll be equally as involved in the offense this year.

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4. Kansas

Burning question: Over or under on Jake Sharp rushing for 1,150 yards this season?

My take: Under. Just under. Sharp hasn’t rushed for more than 860 yards in a season. I know he’s finally the clear-cut No. 1 guy, but KU is going to pass a whole lot this year. I’ll say Sharp eclipses 1,000 yards, but that’s where I’ll stop.

5. Texas Tech

Burning question: In Taylor Potts’ first year starting, over or under 37 touchdown passes?

My take: Over. Graham Harrell passed for 38 TDs in his first year as Tech’s starting QB. Why not Potts?

6. Nebraska

Burning question: With running back Quentin Castille gone (and reportedly enrolling at Northwestern State), over or under 500 rushing yards for the new projected No. 2 RB, freshman Rex Burkhead?

My take: Over. I just think Burkhead will get the opportunity. Roy Helu Jr. has battled injuries lately, and if he misses any time, Burkhead will suddenly see his workload increase even more.

7. Baylor

Burning question: Over or under quarterback Robert Griffin rushing for 1,000 yards this season? For reference, he had 843 rushing yards last season.

My take: Under. Griffin will still run with the ball. The Bears would be clueless not to utilize such a weapon on the ground. But Baylor also has some underrated wide receivers, led by Kendall Wright, and I think Griffin will focus on the pass more in his sophomore season.

8. Missouri

Burning question: Will Missouri make it five straight against Illinois in the Arch Rivalry game on Saturday in St. Louis?

My take: Yes. Time to see if Sean Weatherspoon can truly “squeeze the pulp out of Juice.”

9. Colorado

Burning question: Who will take more snaps this season at quarterback, Cody Hawkins or Tyler Hansen?

My take: Hawkins. He’s one year older, as a junior. Plus, the Buffs need someone who can throw the ball. Hansen’s strengths last season came on the ground, but Colorado has four running backs who can already get the job done there. Hawkins seems to be the better pocket passer.

10. Kansas State

Burning question: Will K-State make a bowl game this season in Bill Snyder’s first year back as head coach?

My take: No. The Cats would have to win seven games because they face two lower-level Championship Subdivision teams this season. Year 2 or 3 of the new Snyder era, perhaps. Personnel doesn’t seem to be there yet.

11. Texas A&M

Burning question: Will A&M escape the cellar this year in the Big 12 South?

My take: No. I don’t think A&M will be nearly as bad as it was last year, but this is too loaded a division to pick anyone else last in the South.

12. Iowa State

Burning question: The Cyclones didn’t win a conference game last season. Will coach Paul Rhoads win a Big 12 game in his first year in Ames?

My take: Yes. Between the K-State game at Arrowhead Stadium, Baylor and Colorado at home, and at Texas A&M, you’d think ISU would escape with a win in one of those games.

As always, discuss.