Quarterback:
Kansas State- Josh Freeman (SO): Did extremely well against Texas last year, (19-31 3 TD 1 INT, and also had 13 yards and a TD on the ground) this season Freeman has been mediocre if you look at his TD and INT's, 3 TD (1 rushing) to 4 INT. But on the positive side Freeman has completed over 62% of his passes. Physically one of the biggest, stongest QB's in the nation. Very poised. Can make ever throw.
Texas- Colt McCoy (SO-RS)- Had an amazing season last year he threw for 2,570 yards and had 29 TD to 7 INT. He is not the fastest QB in the nation but has enough speed to get out of the pocket to find a open receiver. But McCoy hasn't been doing as well this season, 7 TD 5 INT, even against sub-par competition.
Edge- Texas: Although Freeman has the potential to be one of the best in the Nation, he is too inconsistent, McCoy has been more of a proven QB, but with Freeman success against Texas he won't be intimated. This position is going to be critical on the outcome of the game, like in most games.
Running Backs:
Kansas State- K-State features a two-headed monster at RB, James Johnson (SR) is the starter and Leon Patton the back up. Both posses great speed. Neither of the two are power runners, but both a good receivers out of the backfield and if they get a hole they can both make you pay. Johnson has already scored 4 TD's on the season with over 240 yards rushing. Patton (SO) (who also returns kicks) has scored 2 TD's (1 run, 1 catch).
Texas- Jammal Charles (JR) ran for 831 yards and 7 TD's, he is extremely fast. He really doesn't play that much of a role in the passing game. This season he as already scored 6 TD's. But after Charles the depth quickly goes away, Chris Ogbonnaya saw only 4 games last year.
Edge: Kansas State- Johnson and Patton will have more of a impact in the passing game. Kansas State also has more depth that they can throw out there. With Patton and Johnson leading the way against, a stout run defense of Texas will be hard, ranked (21st in the nation Rush YPG.) But Charles will have a even harder time against a tough 3-4 defense of Kansas State, ranked 9th in the nation Rush YPG.
More tomorrow.
