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          Big 12 Blog

          Big 12 mailbag: Which coach could battle a wolf?

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          Foster's only chance against a wolf (1:05)

          Zoo Miami communications director Ron Magill breaks down how Arian Foster can beat a wolf in a fight. (1:05)

          In today’s Big 12 mailbag, we discuss which Big 12 coaches could fight a wolf and discuss a few spring storylines across the conference.



          Olson: I'm reluctant to even mess around with this question because the renowned experts at the International Wolf Center have done a terrific job this week of disproving that Arian Foster would stand a chance in a fight with a wolf. None of these current Big 12 coaches have a shot. Having said that, I bet there are several strength coaches in the Big 12 who would be game for battling a wolf, because strength coaches are the best and bravest.

          Olson: The most success? If he'd given the NFL a try earlier in his career, I bet Bill Snyder would've found success. I'm guessing his offensive and defensive philosophies would've generally translated fairly easily to the pros. I don't doubt Bob Stoops would be a successful NFL coach, too, if that ever became his ambition.

          Olson: I'm with you that the battle between Taylor Cornelius, John Kolar, Keondre Wudtee and Jelani Woods for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots behind Mason Rudolph is worth paying attention to, especially for setting up Oklahoma State's QB competition a year from now. With Nic Shimonek seemingly locked in for the starting gig at this point, I do think Texas Tech has another interesting backup QB competition and will want to see how McLane Carter and Xavier Martin develop this spring.

          Olson: I don't hate the idea of a move to free safety for Richards, though I'm biased because he's one of my favorite dudes to interview in this conference. The extra reps for young corners Madre Harper, Rodarius Williams and A.J. Green should be beneficial long-term. Maybe this move makes Oklahoma State more appealing to potential Clemson grad transfer Adrian Baker after his recent visit, but Baker is coming back from a torn ACL, so you'll need to feel good about the depth behind him if he does become a Cowboy.

          Olson: If we're just talking Big 12 players, my gut tells me it's Ishmael Zamora. The fact he got rejected for the NFL combine is not going to help. I'm sure he'll have a freaky performance at his pro day, because he is a physically impressive receiver. But I think Zamora would've benefited from a year of playing for Matt Rhule's staff and, frankly, a year of working to build a more positive reputation after his dog abuse incident last year.

          Olson: I'm not sure how many more times I'll need to say this before people figure it out. Shane Buechele vs. Sam Ehlinger is going to be a serious competition, and I do not think Tom Herman would be afraid to start a true freshman if he proves he's the better leader. Buechele should get the first reps when Texas opens practice later today, but he's got a lot to prove to the new staff.

          Olson: Yeah, that's a great question, and one that doesn't get asked enough. I think it's fair to say having an inconsistent kicker instead of a great one can end up making the difference in one or two games a year, sometimes more. These days, there are big-time kicking camps producing well-trained kickers and an entire continent (Australia!) producing well-trained punters. So I can't say I understand why some coaches live by the old-school thinking that you don't spend scholarships on specialists. To me, that's an unnecessary gamble.

          Olson: This has to be a selling point Iowa State’s staff can make to potential recruits, right? Smokey D’s BBQ in Des Moines won a world barbecue title in Houston this weekend at an event that I would be more than happy to help judge in the future. If an Iowa restaurant can come down to Texas and win with elite brisket, ribs and chicken, then I don’t see why Iowa State can’t attract elite recruits and win big-time bowl games in the not-too-distant future.