KSUFans Archives
Sports => Snyder's Electronic Cyber Space World => Topic started by: catsfan20052006 on October 31, 2007, 10:04:04 AM
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http://www.kansas.com/248/story/214607.html
TRICK: No loss a year ago by less than 14 points.
TREAT: All three losses this year by a combined 18 points.
Comment: Not only have the losses this year been close, but K-State has led late in all three games. That's of little solace to a hungry fan base, but for a second-year coach in charge of instilling a finishing touch in a program on the rise, it's encouraging.
"I've been really pleased with the effort of the team," Prince said. "That's the one thing through all of the games this year that I've been very pleased with -- how their effort and energy has been on game day."
TRICK: K-State vs. Baylor in 2006.
TREAT: K-State vs. Baylor in 2007.
Comment: The Wildcats were never in the game in Waco, lethargic from the start. In Manhattan, they were dazed for the first 30 minutes, but K-State was efficient and opportunistic in the second half. The Wildcats led 16-6 at the half. They outscored the Bears 35-7 in the last 30 minutes.
TRICK: Josh Freeman touchdown-to-interception ratio as a freshman (6 to 15).
TREAT: Freeman's touchdown-to-interception ratio thus far as a sophomore (11 to 8).
Comment: There's no question he's getting better, and his comfort is showing. As bad as he looked in the first half against Baylor, he looked as magnificent in the third quarter when he took advantage of terrific field position and threw three touchdowns.
As Freeman goes, so goes the offense.
"It's our second year in the system, and I think the second year for anything is always a better year," Freeman said. "More people know what (Prince) expects. We know the offense better, and we are able to actually run it now instead of kind of blindly playing."
TRICK: Junior college transfer James Johnson, an intriguing talent in 2006.
TREAT: Veteran James Johnson, the featured running back in 2007.
Comment: Johnson, despite being out-rushed by Leon Patton against Baylor, is the go-to guy, showing a willingness to run between the tackles -- when the Wildcats choose to do so or are able to do so. His 639 yards are already 236 more than he had last season, when he was slow to get acclimated to Division I football. His average yards per carry is up from 4.1 to 5.7.
TRICK: Inexperience (2005) and injuries (2006) slowing Jordy Nelson.
TREAT: Nothing slowing Nelson this year as his 2007 statistics (76 receptions for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns) have nearly surpassed his career totals entering the season (84 receptions for 1,216 yards and nine touchdowns).
Comment: Nelson is a freak. No more needs to be said, but why not let Prince have his say?
"I don't know if any other player means more to his team than he does ours," the K-State coach said."... Statistically, he stands out but if you look at the team, we know it, you know it and the opponent knows it, that we're trying to get it to him and he still gets it and he still does something with it."
TRICK: Only 27 takeaways in 13 games in 2006, which was further compounded by the Wildcats giving the ball away 30 times.
TREAT: Through eight games, K-State has 22 takeaways. Plus, the Wildcats are holding onto the ball, coughing it up just 14 times.
Comment: It's a priority, perhaps more so than the usual directives such as stopping the run. Why? Because a turnover changes the complexion of the game quicker. And having a physical disadvantage shouldn't be a hindrance. For the record, K-State was 80th in the country last year in turnover margin at (-.23 per game). This year, the Wildcats are 11th (+1.0).
TRICK: The offensive line remains a work in progress.
TREAT: The offensive line remains a work in progress.
Comment: This unit will always be scrutinized, probably more so by Prince than the fans. It will be addressed.
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Freeman's TD:INT ratio this season is 11:8
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:flush: :flush: :flush:
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What?
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Where do I sign up to get paid for writing something like that? Good stuff.
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excellent. POW