http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1144&CID=815979at least were "better" than A&M, ISU and Baylor
"COACH: Ron Prince (12-13 in two seasons).
LAST SEASON: 5-7 overall, 3-5 in the Big 12 (fourth in the Big 12 North).
FINAL 2007 RIVALS.COM RANKING: 75th.
KEEP AN EYE ON: Senior defensive end Ian Campbell is a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, but there's no question he didn't play as well in 2007 as he did in '06. He had 11.5 sacks in '06 playing at end. That number dropped to 4.5 last season, when he played end and linebacker. Sophomore cornerback Joshua Moore missed last season because of a suspension. He's back this season, which adds a potential All-Big 12 performer to a secondary in need of a big-play guy.
Freeman
STAR POWER: After enduring a turnover-prone year as a freshman starter in 2006, quarterback Josh Freeman made dramatic improvement as a sophomore. Freeman, a 6-6, 250-pounder, passed for 3,353 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing more than 63 percent of his attempts last season. He reduced his interceptions total from 15 to 11 despite throwing 229 more passes than he did in '06.
STRENGTHS: The Wildcats were among the nation's top 20 in scoring offense in 2007. Although there are significant losses on offense, they still figure to be productive. Freeman's improvement should ensure that, but there also is the return of receiver Deon Murphy, who had 57 receptions a year ago. The loss of 1,000-yard running back James Johnson will hurt, but Leon Patton should be a solid replacement. An experienced line also returns.
WEAKNESSES: K-State struggled on pass defense, allowing an average of 259 passing yards per game last season. With three starters gone from the secondary, that could be a problem again. It would help if Campbell and his linemates can apply more pressure. While there is talent at wide receiver, there is no established go-to guy.
THE BUZZ: Pressure is building on Prince, who appears to be pulling every string possible to make it easier for the Wildcats return to a bowl in '08. First, Prince assembled a recruiting class that featured a whopping 19 junior college transfers. The Wildcats also bought their way out of a home game against Fresno State, which defeated Kansas State in '07, and replaced that contest with one against Division I-AA Montana State. Missing another bowl would further miff K-State fans, who are grousing about Prince's 0-6 record against Nebraska, Missouri and Kansas."
