Bill Snyder accomplished the greatest rebuilding job in college football history when he took over a Kansas State team that went a combined 0-21 in '87 and '88. He took the Wildcats to 11 straight bowl games from '93-'03 before stepping down in 2005. Snyder returned in 2009 and was able to find success again last year, guiding his team to their first 10-win season since '03. He won the Coach of the Year honor as a result.
There are plenty of experts jumping off the Kansas State bandwagon in 2012, but I believe that's exactly how the Wildcats like it. They are flying under the radar right now, and with them welcoming back 14 starters and 44 lettermen, they have enough experience to make a real run at a Big 12 title.
Offense
The key to the Wildcats offensive attack in 2011, was their ability to move the ball on the ground. Kansas State averaged 185 ypg and scored an impressive 33 rushing touchdowns.
Senior quarterback Collin Klein is the heart and soul of this team. With him returning, their offense will continue to be solid in 2012. He rushed for a team-high 1,141 yards and 27 touchdowns, while also completing 57.3% of his passes for 1,918 yards and 13 touchdowns to 6 interceptions.
Junior running back John Hubert returns to get most of the carries once again in 2012. Senior Angelo Pease will be used to spell the starter from time to time.
The 'Cats welcome back their top three receivers in senior Chris Harper, junior Tramaine Thompson and sophomore Tyler Lockett. JUCO transfer Marquez Clark has the opportunity to become their biggest playmaker outside after registering an NJCAA record of 98 receptions for 1,639 yards last year.
They lose three starters on the offensive line, including first-team All-Big 12 right tackle Clyde Aufner and second-team All-Big 12 left tackle Zach Hanson of the offensive line. But in essence they also return three starters with a combined 42 career starts up front as senior left tackle Manase Foketi returns from injury and left guard Nick Puetz and sophomore center BJ Finney return as well.
Defense
Kansas State didn't do anything specail defensively last year, but they forced teams to make costly mistakes at key moments in the game. They ended up finishing the season +12 in turnover margin, which is something they will have to repeat to show improvement in 2012. They have six starters returning on the defensive side of the ball, but they lose three of their top four tacklers.
The defensive line welcomes back two starters in senior defensive end Adams and senior defensive lineman Vai Lutui. They also have senior end Meshak Williams coming back, and he figures to play a more prominent role up front in 2012. Williams earned honorable mention All-Big 12 last year.
Linebacker should remain a strength for K-State as they lose only one key player, Emmanuel Lamur, in this unit. They welcome back third-team All-American middle linebacker Arthur Brown as well as Tre Walker. Senior Justin Tuggle makes the switch from quarterback to linebacker and should see significant playing time.
The secondary is loaded with talent as Snyder always seems to have a knack of recruiting very well at the defensive back positions. They may have lost starters in free safety Tysyn Hartman and corner David Garrett, but they bring first-team All-Big 12 corner Nigel Malone and strong safety Ty Zimmerman back. Senior corner Allen Chapman and free safety Kent Gainous are expected to step into starting roles.
Head over to Football Free Picks during the regular season for the latest betting info on Kansas State. You will find the best odds for each game and get expert advice on who to take against the spread.
Big 12 Prediction - 5th Place
Despite a good roster coming back from last season's 10-win team, their extremely difficult schedule might be the reason this team doesn't finish in the top half of the Big 12. They have tough road games against Oklahoma, West Virginia and TCU. They also face Oklahoma State and Texas at home. They may have some growing pains ahead of them as they have five conference road games in 2012.
There are plenty of experts jumping off the Kansas State bandwagon in 2012, but I believe that's exactly how the Wildcats like it. They are flying under the radar right now, and with them welcoming back 14 starters and 44 lettermen, they have enough experience to make a real run at a Big 12 title.
Offense
The key to the Wildcats offensive attack in 2011, was their ability to move the ball on the ground. Kansas State averaged 185 ypg and scored an impressive 33 rushing touchdowns.
Senior quarterback Collin Klein is the heart and soul of this team. With him returning, their offense will continue to be solid in 2012. He rushed for a team-high 1,141 yards and 27 touchdowns, while also completing 57.3% of his passes for 1,918 yards and 13 touchdowns to 6 interceptions.
Junior running back John Hubert returns to get most of the carries once again in 2012. Senior Angelo Pease will be used to spell the starter from time to time.
The 'Cats welcome back their top three receivers in senior Chris Harper, junior Tramaine Thompson and sophomore Tyler Lockett. JUCO transfer Marquez Clark has the opportunity to become their biggest playmaker outside after registering an NJCAA record of 98 receptions for 1,639 yards last year.
They lose three starters on the offensive line, including first-team All-Big 12 right tackle Clyde Aufner and second-team All-Big 12 left tackle Zach Hanson of the offensive line. But in essence they also return three starters with a combined 42 career starts up front as senior left tackle Manase Foketi returns from injury and left guard Nick Puetz and sophomore center BJ Finney return as well.
Defense
Kansas State didn't do anything specail defensively last year, but they forced teams to make costly mistakes at key moments in the game. They ended up finishing the season +12 in turnover margin, which is something they will have to repeat to show improvement in 2012. They have six starters returning on the defensive side of the ball, but they lose three of their top four tacklers.
The defensive line welcomes back two starters in senior defensive end Adams and senior defensive lineman Vai Lutui. They also have senior end Meshak Williams coming back, and he figures to play a more prominent role up front in 2012. Williams earned honorable mention All-Big 12 last year.
Linebacker should remain a strength for K-State as they lose only one key player, Emmanuel Lamur, in this unit. They welcome back third-team All-American middle linebacker Arthur Brown as well as Tre Walker. Senior Justin Tuggle makes the switch from quarterback to linebacker and should see significant playing time.
The secondary is loaded with talent as Snyder always seems to have a knack of recruiting very well at the defensive back positions. They may have lost starters in free safety Tysyn Hartman and corner David Garrett, but they bring first-team All-Big 12 corner Nigel Malone and strong safety Ty Zimmerman back. Senior corner Allen Chapman and free safety Kent Gainous are expected to step into starting roles.
Head over to Football Free Picks during the regular season for the latest betting info on Kansas State. You will find the best odds for each game and get expert advice on who to take against the spread.
Big 12 Prediction - 5th Place
Despite a good roster coming back from last season's 10-win team, their extremely difficult schedule might be the reason this team doesn't finish in the top half of the Big 12. They have tough road games against Oklahoma, West Virginia and TCU. They also face Oklahoma State and Texas at home. They may have some growing pains ahead of them as they have five conference road games in 2012.
About the Author:
Jack Jones will be posting his college football picks at Betfirms this season. Be sure to visit the site today for a more detailed Kansas State football preview.
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