Never ever count Kansas State out in football these days. Sure, one must understand that Head Coach Bill Snyder is a historic leader and has entered into a new long term agreement with the college to continue building his legendary resume at Manhattan. The future is as bright as it has ever been. K-State can has players that allow it to win every game it plays. That is important sports fans.
The fact remains that the Wildcats continue to so much more with less than most any team in the conference. Add that the recruiting has not improved much if any in Snyder’s second term even if a star here or there is developed. Kansas State is a place that caters to the two, three star recruits, and add a good dose of junior college athletes and there you have it. Most always competitive and a bitch to beat on any given Saturday with its superior game planning and coaching strategy, the Wildcats will be in the middle of the conference again in 2018 and that is the way it is in one man’s opinion.
K-State is going to be good, and any team that overlooks this bunch is libel to get their ass beat. That includes Oklahoma. But if the Cats play crappy, do not expect them to win either. The win lose edge is sharp.
Coach’s new contract has him hooked up with the purple and silver until he has pushed past 83 years old. A man that is a driven slave master on his assistant coaches, but fair and level headed as any in the country. Snyder will delegate many tasks to the assistants, but the stamp of “this is a typical Snyder team” will have already been established by the first game of the season.
KSU will again be a team that does not beat themselves and will continue to play a basic offense build around the quarterback as a complete player. Expect the field general to run and pass with effectiveness. Skyler Thompson (sophomore) and Alex Delton (junior) are in a battle to start. Both can play and lead the Wildcats to wins. KSU has three runners that will give them depth at that position. Barnes, Silmon, and Warmack will all see significant playing time. At the receiver position, Isaiah Zuber is the best of the returners. The offensive line will be a tough group that will lend to a fine running game. KSU will be effective on offense but getting into a shootout will not be to their advantage. The Wildcats will run clock when the opportunity presents itself and opponents need to avoid getting down more than a touchdown as KSU can shut the door more times than not controlling the clock.
A younger but more athletic front seven for the defense should be very good. The returning secondary (all starters) give KSU an above average defense. That does not mean the likes of Oklahoma, TCU or West Virginia won’t abuse this defense, but as mentioned, game control is paramount in winning for the Wildcats.
The special teams will be revamped and early problems should be addressed before conference games.
Coach Bill Snyder: 27th year 210-110-1
Games KSU will win: South Dakota, University of Texas at San Antonio, Kansas
Games KSU should win: Texas Tech, Baylor
Games KSU should lose but could win: West Virginia, Oklahoma, Texas
Games KSU are in a pre-season toss-up with: Oklahoma State, Mississippi Sate, TCU, Iowa State
Final pre-season prediction: 7-5; conference: 4-5
Feature Photo: Scott Sewell, USA Today Sports
