On paper, the “Sunflower Showdown” doesn’t appear to be that appealing to anyone outside of the state of Kansas. Frankly, why should it be? Kansas State hasn’t looked anywhere near the program that played in a BCS game in 2003 and the Jayhawks have had much more recent success, but haven’t exactly played up to expectations so far this year. Now the two programs face off Saturday with a lot riding on the game for both programs.
Up and down is the best way to describe Kansas State so far this season. The Wildcat offense, however, has been impressive throughout the season. The Wildcats have scored 28 or more points in 7 of their 8 games.
The Wildcats are coming off of an impressive offensive performance against #4 ranked Oklahoma. The Sooners have been questionable on defense throughout the season, and the Wildcats took advantage of it. The Wildcats outgained the Sooner, 550-528, in total yards. Josh Freeman became the Wildcats all-time leader in pass attempts and touchdown passes after throwing for 478 yards against the Sooners. Kansas coach, Mark Mangino has taken notice as well.
Kansas State is a very improved team from the beginning of the year. They do a lot of good things on the offensive side of the ball. It all starts with their quarterback, Josh Freeman. He has really matured and he looks in command. He is probably doing a better job of looking for his second and third progressions than he has done in the past. He is throwing the ball with accuracy and he looks poised and confident. He is also their leading rusher at this point in time. He has a host of people who are playing well around him. Their wide receivers, (Brandon) Banks, (Aubrey) Quarles and Deon Murphy are all contributing. Their tight end, Jeron Mastrudhas, has made a lot of catches. Their offense can score points and they are very successful in the red zone. There are some elements of the spread offense in there. There are times when they play power football and there are times when they feature the quarterback carrying the football. They have their own little package and they play to their strengths.”
Although Kansas State ended up losing the game, 58-35, the Wildcats defense did have some positives in the second half. Heisman candidate, Sam Bradford, was held to only 41% passing and the Wildcats held the Sooners to only 129 yards and 3 points in the second half. Something Mangino took notice of.
On the defensive side they are tightening the belt more and more. The guy that jumps out is Ian Campbell at defensive end. He is a good pass rush guy and he is a good run stopper. He uses his hands and he has good quickness. There are a number of other guys that are playing well. Reggie Walker has been there a long time. They are also getting good play out of Courtney Herndon. On special teams they do all kinds of different things. They fake punts, block field goals, surprise on-side kicks. You name it and they do it on special teams. So we have to be really prepared on special teams for this game. It will be a challenge for us.”
The Kansas Jayhawks have a similar story to tell this season. After starting 5-1, the Jayhawks have dropped two in a row and are in the middle of a tough stretch of games that are now crucial if the Jayhawks want to become bowl eligible.
Kansas has plenty of stars on the offensive side of the ball. Todd Reesing, Kerry Meier, and Dezmon Briscoe have all put up impressive numbers this season. Meier has been one of the most consistent receivers in the country. Briscoe, who has nine touchdowns on the season, has put up huge numbers the past few weeks and looks to be developing into a future NFL receiver. Of course, Todd Reesing does what Todd Reesing does. He has thrown for 19 touchdowns and is averaging over 300 yards passing a game.
The Kansas defense is what has put Kansas in a must win position. The Jayhawks defensive gave up 9 touchdowns on 13 possessions to Texas Tech last week in Memorial Stadium. The biggest struggle for the Jayhawks has been getting off the field on 3rd down. By not stopping the opponent’s offense, the defense is simply just on the field too long. It’s a performance that the Kansas players, like Mike Rivera, are trying to put behind them.
Last week we didn’t play very well and we have to put it behind us and get ready for the next game. That’s exactly what we are going to do. We aren’t going to think about that game anymore. We are focused on K-State. I can’t wait to get after it in practice and get a good week in.”
Put it behind them, is exactly what the Kansas defense must do. With the Big XII getting better and better, it won’t take much to slip back into the middle to bottom the pack. Consistency year over year is what is going to separate programs in this conference. Kansas is now faced with a must win against Kansas State, something no one could have seen just a few weeks ago. With Nebraska, Texas, and Missouri looming large in the month of November, Kansas must show the state and the country that they are program that intends to remain at the top of the Big XII conference.
