Daily Mullets (January 2)

Happy New Year, go Tigers. We have been pretty light around here the last few days, but we will be back at it strong on Tuesday.

Rudolph’s best game?

Was the Colorado outing the best No. 2 has ever played?

Mason Rudolph dismantled the Buffaloes and their vaunted secondary by making big-time throws all over the field Thursday night in the Alamo Bowl. The offensive line did allow 8 pressures to Rudolph, but it didn’t matter much if it was a clean pocket or not, as the junior quarterback was in a rhythm from the first snap. On plays under pressure he was 5-of-9 for 107 yards and a touchdown, and when presented with a clean pocket he was 17-of-23 for 207 yards and two touchdown passes.

Rudolph did most of his damage throwing the ball at the intermediate and deep levels, completing 15-of-21 passes for 264 yards on throws that travelled 10 yards or more downfield. Cowboys’ fans will be ecstatic to have their quarterback returning for a senior season as the offense may be even more explosive next year. [PFF]

I’ll never understand the disdain from our fan base for someone scouts are objectively telling us is an incredible QB.

2017 B12 Predictions

Jake Trotter’s take.

Right now, I would give Oklahoma the nod at the top, followed by Oklahoma State at No. 2, then K-State at No. 3. I think those are the clear top three. In the next tier, in no particular order, I’d have West Virginia, TCU and Texas, any of whom could jump into the top tier if their quarterbacks (Will Grier, Hill and Shane Buechele, respectively) take them there. After that, I’d put Texas Tech, Iowa State and what will be a rebuilding Baylor all in a third tier. [ESPN]

I am really, really, really, really glad OSU plays KSU in Stillwater.

New-look OL

Much of the talk after OSU’s 38-8 win over Colorado on Thursday was about 2017, and the potential for the Cowboys offense. Once again, that will start with the offensive line, which now has to replace two starters — left tackle Victor Salako and right guard Michael Wilson — in the spring. [Tulsa World]

This is going to be interesting, but I have more faith in the OL thriving than I did this time last year.

Zac on Tom

Being in the room with Tom Brady and see how he operates was cool. I learned lots just seeing exactly what made him tick and what it is really like to be an NFL quarterback. I just remember taking a ton of notes. I didn’t say much during my entire career in the NFL. A third-string quarterback, you are almost an extended coach just taking mental reps. [NewsOK]

Would watch three hours of Zac and Tom breaking down film. Would be able to get my wife to tune in as well.

Come soon, 2017 season

When a quarterback is a two-time bowl winner and has 22 victories in 28 starts, he secures enough leeway to address the head coach as Big Daddy.

If next season’s Cowboys replicate the magic of 2011, Rudolph might set a world record for leeway. He could park his car in T. Boone Pickens’ spot at the stadium, and no one would say a word. [Tulsa World]

“Never says a word.”

Averette wants to play more

Devante Averette leaned against a wall in the bowels of the Alamodome and marveled. Lamented a little bit, too.

“The fire power of the offense coming back next year? Pfft,” Oklahoma State’s senior starting linebacker said just after Thursday night turned to Friday morning. “I feel like they could win the national championship.” He shook his head. “I wish I could come back.” [NewsOK]

I’m starting to get uncomfortable with how man people are saying this.

Amazing.

Meant to post this in San Antonio: Here's Mike Gundy going full-Nixon before accepting the Alamo Bowl trophy. #okstate pic.twitter.com/8h5iUVEYAa

— Carson Cunningham (@KOCOCarson) January 1, 2017

More PFB

JD King named Georgia All-State …