12/28 - A&M
- What's the feel of the team? Who has advantage, incentive wise? I think it's pretty even. K-State is definitely motivated. Tired of losing bowl games. Those who were around, talk about how fun the BWW bowl win was. But, aTm is motivated because of location. It's like KU playing at Sprint. Crowd will be 3/4 aggies. They can reset and ride that enthusiasm.
- How big will home field advantage be? If K-State can create some doubt in game, I think they can take crowd out of game. There are a lot that are doubting Sumlin. If they lose to K-State, it'll be several years in a row with 5 losses.
- How much is this season just a launching point for next season? Is this year just a springboard? A lot has to do with how Big 12 plays. This year, league was down. But, a win in bowl game would be huge. Would create ton of confidence for next year. They would have had 9 wins (close to 11), with a ton coming back. Losing Moore, Barnett, Willis will be huge. But, 2017 should be better team than 2016. I'm very enthusiastic about 2017, but it's all relative to the rest of teams.
- Talk is always on QB that's going to take over. People talk about Skylar like he's the second coming. Who's going to be the QB next year? First of all, I'm so excited about Skylar Thompson. But, it's an unfair battle. He's going against Jesse Ertz. Look how much improvement has taken place from game 2 to game 10. He's smart, fast, and throws a good ball. It took awhile for me to buy in to Ertz, but I'm a believer. JE will be even better next year with ST behind him. I look at it this way......K-State is totally set for the next FOUR years. Rarely can say that at K-State. Similar to Bishop then to Beasley.
- But, Skylar better be ready because JE has been injury prone. But, K-State fans are going to really come to appreciate Ertz like they did Waters and Klein.
- Does Snyder need to change something to get these younger, better players on field faster? No. Not to me. Snyder is all about improvement and perseverance (development). You can't have it both ways. The younger players won't develop like they need to if they are thrown in there without truly learning the system. So no, I don't think they need to change anything.
- Petro: I think Snyder is the best run game coordinator of all time. I'm amazed at the complexities.
- What does game look like if K-State wins game? aTm is very athletic. Their dominant DE is now healthy. They are physical up front, so no guarantee they will be able to run. So, it won't look good if K-State can't run....gets in 3rd and long.....and pass rush comes full speed. Also, if Trevor plays at his best, they'll be hard to beat. But, he has only 52% completion success.
- If K-State can just get running game going somewhat, play action will be successful. Can't be 3rd and long against them.
On to bball:
- Petro: Yes, they've played cupcakes, but they are dominating. It's too bad they didn't get Maryland. I get why they did schedule.....but, I can't tell what they really are. What do you think this K-State team is? What will record be? I think key is that the players need to think they are good. They've been able to leave Manhattan this year and have success. Good sign. They think they are good. I think they have chance to be in mid-league range and .500 or above record, but they have to go prove it. K-State has to win against TX. Must win, along with most other home games.
- K-State has to find the one guy who will take the last shot. Will probably be Brown.
- I think they'll end the year and be right on bubble, but confident they'll get an invite to tourney.
Final Four:
1. New year's resolution? I don't make them. How can one day be more important than another.
2. How much shopping did you do for family? Zero
3. Which Christmas Mass did you attend? 8:00PM on Christmas Eve.
4. How far do Cowboys go? Super bowl (if win first game, which is 7% - that's where they're most vulnerable).