LHC Bill Snyder and Kansas State have their sights set on a 13th bowl appearance during his tenure. With the talent returning, they should achieve that goal.
Following a four-year hiatus from bowl eligibility, Kansas State fans were ecstatic when the Wildcats finally returned to a bowl, and even happier that LHC Bill Snyder was the man leading them back toward success. Snyder, whom brought the taste of football success to Manhattan, is now entering his 20th season as the coach of the Wildcats, and the familiarity that exists provides a comfort level for the entire program.
The Wildcats have thirteen returning starters and have supplemented several talented JUCO players, the typical Snyder way, and are poised to return to another bowl game.
Quarterbacks
Heading into the 2011 season, there appears to be a quarterback competition on the horizon. Carson Coffman has departed the program, and there are several viable replacements battling to be the replacement, including an incoming JUCO transfer. Justin Tuggle, the son of former NFL star Jesse Tuggle, enters the program with the intangibles needed to run the Wildcat offense. He is mobile and has decent size, all the natural tools that Snyder dreams of when recruiting a quarterback. Collin Klein and Sammeul Lamur will be battling with the aforementioned Tuggle for the job, and no matter who finally assumes the starter’s role, there will be much more depth and talent within the quarterbacks in 2011.
Running Backs
Daniel Thomas, following a transition from the quarterback position several years ago, became one of the most talented and productive running backs in school history. Thomas eclipsed the 1,500 yard mark last season and crossed the goal-line nineteen times, and parlayed that excellent season into a second round draft selection by the Miami Dolphins. His departure has left a gaping void in the backfield of the Wildcats, and Snyder must find a suitable replacement. Thankfully help is on the way, in the mold of a former #1 recruit that had originally committed elsewhere. Bryce Brown left Tennessee to join the Wildcats and will have the upper-hand on winning the starting tailback position, but will be pushed immediately by red shirt freshman DeMarcus Robinson. Although, replacing your team’s most talented player from the two previous seasons is no easy task, Kansas State should still possess a capable rushing attack–just not quite what Thomas provided them over the previous two seasons.
Receivers
Lack of experience, struggles at the quarterback position, and a dominant running game were all factors contributing to a poor statistical season by the Wildcat receivers a year ago. This season they must replace their leading receiver, Aubrey Quarles, but the coaching staff is hopeful the experienced gained last season will translate into better producing from the returnees in 2011. Tramaine Thompson, Chris Harper, and Travis Tannahill all return with starting experience and expectations are for them to produce at a higher rate.
Offensive Line
LHC Bill Snyder is known for consistently producing a solid offensive line, and with only two starters returning in 2011, Snyder will have his work cut out for him this season. Only two starters return from a group that steamrolled opponents to the tune of 4.7 yards per carry, and led Daniel Thomas to one of the best rushing seasons in the country. Clyde Aufner and Manase Foketi are the most experienced and talented players up front for KSU, and they will be called upon to lead the rebuilding effort on the line.
Defensive Line
Kansas State’s rushing defense was one of the worst in the entire country a year ago, allowing over 230 yards and nearly 6.0 yards per carry. Absolutely horrid numbers that must be corrected if K-State wants to win more than six games, and compete regularly in the Big 12. Snyder has went the JUCO route in an attempt to immediately shore up the problems that exist on the defensive line, adding Meshak Williams, among others. Only two starters return from a year ago, but the added depth in the 2011 class, and overall increase in talent will help this team improve upon 2010?s horrific numbers.
Linebackers
Kansas State’s terrible rushing defense permeated throughout the entire unit last season, and the Wildcats allowed nearly 30 points per game throughout the season, and allowed 41 points to a terrible North Texas team to close out the 2010. However, this season is expected to be a much more productive and dominant group of linebackers. Miami(Fl) transfer Arthur Brown will be eligible to be inserted into the line-up and immediately provides the Wildcats with the dominant linebacker needed to front a formidable defense. Brown will be accompanied by five other players that gained valuable starting experience and reps during the 2010 season, and appear poised to form one of the most improved groups in the entire Big 12.
Defensive Backs
The defensive backfield has the opportunity to join the linebacker corps as one of the most improve units, not only on the team, but in the conference this season. Last season’s was not dominant, by any means, and the terrible rushing defense possessed by the Wildcats allowed teams to march the ball up and down the field VIA the ground game, and the passing game was commonly placed in the backseat. This season, with an improved rush defense expected, the defensive backs will get a stronger test on a more consistent basis. Three starters return, and will be joined by several JUCO’s, and a transfer from San Jose State, Tanner Burns. Ty Zimmerman is the most talented player on this unit, and much is expected from him in his second season after earning 2nd team All-Big 12 Honors as a frosh.
Final Synopsis
LHC Bill Snyder has his most talented group in Manhattan since his return to the sideline, but a difficult schedule and inexperience at the quarterback position may keep him from showing an improved record. The incoming class, which is loaded with JUCO transfers, will be called upon early and often, and the success that the Wildcats achieve this season will rely heavily on their maturation level and transition to Big 12 Football. If they transition well, Kansas State could pull some upsets and possibly get to 8 wins. However, more realistic expectations and fans should be happy with 6 wins and another bowl berth due to the difficult schedule.
Last Year’s Record:7-6
Projected 2011 Record: 6-6
NOT A LOSING RECORD@ M I RITE?
