Here is how I see it:
1. LHC Bill Snyder is only back in his second year.
2. LHC Bill Snyder is one of the top 5 coaches in the NCAA (if you go by what he gets out of what he has).
3. LHC Bill Snyder has intentionally ran the hell out of the ball this year; he's done this to hide a team that doesn't have his caliber of talent in it (which he's getting more and more talent in every year, hopefully returning it to before he left), to protect a QB who has a hard time throwing, to change T.O.P in K-State's favor, and to help the defense by keeping them off the field with the T.O.P.
4. These philosophies have paid off for KState this year, because LHC Bill Snyder has stuck to this philosophy thick and thin.
The problem with these philosophies is when KState plays a team they are just blatantly out-athleted against. These problems were glaringly obvious in the Ok-State/OU games. Because these offenses had a propensity to score so quickly, the philosophy that made KState successful this year, was their ultimate downfall.
Arkansas can and will score very quickly on KState. Arkansas, will NOT be able to stop KState's run game. Herein, lies the problem with KState against Arkansas. If Arkansas ever gets up on you, you will probably get murdered, because the flood gates will open, the defense will see a lot of long balls, they will beat you to the edge with speed, and they will nickel and dime you in the special teams department. That defense is not equipped to spend a lot of time on the field. It will be a OSU/OU flashback.
With all of that said, if KState can stick to the run, and stick to it hard... keep it close until the end, keep it out of Tyler Wilson's hands, and play to the 4th quarter, they have a legitimate shot at it.
I personally predict Arkansas wins this one by 14+, but I'm being a homer on this. It could stay really tight, and I never count out a LHC Bill Snyder team. The reason why I think it will get out of hand, is because we will turn it into a shootout, and I do not believe that KState has the top to bottom speed on defense and skill position players to compete in a foot race.
Best wishes KState fans. I've been to Manhattan and I feel sorry for you guys, but hey, at least you have Little Apple Brewery and Aggieville (two WONDERFUL college environments). I've also taken some jogs around the old concrete stadium on campus. A great place, with way prettier girls than those KU fans/students.
