http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/colleges/kansas_state_university/15465563.htmCheers if …
K-State’s running game flourishes. If the Wildcats can establish a presence on the ground against a team that allowed 5.1 yards per rush last week against Clemson, it would be a confidence boost as K-State heads toward the meat of the schedule. The return of senior Thomas Clayton just might be what the doctor ordered.
Jeers if …
Somehow the Wildcats lose. In that scenario, it would be to a team not highly respected, even by its own coach’s admission. Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger thoroughly ripped his Owls after their 54-6 opening loss to Clemson (left). He told The Miami Herald, “If you judge this team on what we saw out there today, you will think it wouldn’t win a game for the next 10 years.” Ouch.
Howard Richman’s pick: K-State 34-16.
Florida Atlantic has all the makings of a cupcake: The Owls are young. Small. Got pounded in their opener. If K-State truly received a wake-up call last week, play this hunch that the Wildcats get their act together and roll. That’d be huge because it might allow reserve QB Josh Freeman to get some snaps, which would be crucial before the schedule really heats up.
Key matchup
Florida Atlantic special teams vs. K-State special teams. On paper, it looks like a mismatch. K-State dominated special-teams play last Saturday, and it’s the reason the Wildcats prevailed. On the flip side, the Owls allowed a 92-yard punt return for a TD in their opener.
