2008 Kansas State
July 18, 2008
Kansas State lost their last four games of the season by double-digits, including a 20-31 setback at Iowa State and a 31-73 trouncing at Nebraska. This leads us to believe the Wildcats can’t be expected to be competitive in ‘08, especially with the daunting schedule ahead. Let’s see coach Ron Prince can manage their season with our 2008 Kansas State Wildcats football predictions below.
Offense:
Any team would love to have an NFL prospect back at quarterback, one who set school record after school record the year before. Yet, optimism is missing for Kansas State’s offense. That’s because many of Josh Freeman’s 3,353 yards last season went to the departed Jordy Nelson, and much came out of desperation due to a non-existent running game. Nelson compiled 1,606 yards and 11 touchdowns to open up the field for the Wildcats’ attack. Freeman rarely had time to survey the field because of an inexperience, injury-plagued offensive line.
The line should be improved with four starters returning, including tackles Alesana Alesana and Penisini Liu. Tight end Jeron Mastrud established himself last year and will be back. There is a concern at running back with neither top returner Leon Patton or spring standout Keithen Valentin is taller than 5-9. Daniel Thomas, a 6-2, 227 lb. junior college transfer might solve that problem. Speedy Deon Murphy was helped with Nelson’s presence on the field last season as he caught 57 balls for 605 yards and fives scores in ‘07. He also ran for three touchdowns. Murphy will be counted on as a top playmaker for Freeman as the Wildcats wait for another receiver to emerge.
Defense:
Ian Campbell was All-Big 12 for a second consecutive season last year. But it just didn’t feel the same. In ‘06 Campbell recorded 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss at end. After shifting to outside linebacker in ‘07, those numbers dropped to 4.5 and 11, respectively. The senior is back at end in a 4-3 scheme this season and is expected to have a monster year. Other linemen will have to step up in a hurry as there are no other proven starters. Junior college transfers Daniel Calvin, John Finau and Jack Hayes must come through.
The Wildcats have optimism at linebacker with Reggie Walker primed to live up to his tagged star potential. Antwon Moore returns from injury as a senior on the outside and John Houlik had good flashes last season. K-State must find a middle linebacker as a run-stopper to round out this linebacker corps. The Wildcats’ best potential comes from safeties Gary Chandler and Chris Carney. Corner Joshua Moore displayed great promise as a freshman and he was healthy and effective in the spring.
Kansas State Wildcats Predictions at Info Plays: 6th in the Big 12 North
All momentum is gone after finishing last season with four straight losses. Now, the Wildcats are left to lean on 19 junior college transfers through a tough early schedule. Four of K-State’s first six Big 12 games are on the road, and the home games are against two Big 12 South powerhouses in Texas Tech and Oklahoma . There is a very good possibility that the Wildcats will be in search of their first conference win in mid-November.
Big 12 Wins Expected in ‘08: None Expected
Potential Scares/Losses: TEXAS TECH, at Texas A&M , at Colorado , OKLAHOMA, at Kansas , at Missouri , NEBRASKA , IOWA STATE