No. 47-Kansas State Univ. Wildcats, BIG XII Conference (North), odds of winning the National Championship 300/1.The Kansas State faithful feared the worst going into the 2006 campaign, the first football season without legendary coach Bill Snyder who retired after the 2005 season. However long time assistant and first year head coach Ron Prince found a freshman quarterback, Josh Freeman , who was able to lead the team to a 7-6 record and an appearance in the Texas Bowl.
With nine starters returning on offense and eight on defense, the 2007 Wildcat team might find itself in the BIG XII Championship Game in December. While the Cats might need some luck, with the experience returning this team should be able to create some luck of its own.
Fortunately for Freeman, three anchors from the offensive line return in Jordan Bedore, Caleb Handy and Nick Stringer along with returning Tight Ends Jeron Mastrud and Rashaad Norwood. The strength of the line will also benefit returning ball carriers James Johnson and Leon Patton. Johnson earned honorable mention all-conference last year and juco transfer Patton will be much improved after a years experience in the offensive system. Coach Prince would like to run both backs equally. The return of last years leading receiver Jordy Nelson along with the two tight ends should cause enough threat from the air-game to keep defenses honest. With good line play, the sky’s the limit for this offense.
Senior All BIG-XII DE Rob Jackson is back to anchor what is expected to be a pretty good defensive squad. Jackson, who is virtually unblockable, will be even more effective with junior OLB Ian Campbell helping on the end. New defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar wanted to utilize Campbell’s speed alongside Jackson to form a two man wrecking crew.
There is a wealth of talent and experience in the secondary. Marcus Watts was named to the coaches’ All-Big 12 second team despite starting just five contests because of injuries. Andrew Esker started seven contests and will likely be relegated to the bench this season. Courtney Herndon has starting experience at the free safety spot and junior college All-American Gary Chandler is expected to make an immediate impact. The corners may not be quite as dynamic, but they do not lack any experience. Sophomore Joshua Moore and seniors Bryan Baldwin, Byron Garvin and Justin McKinney will battle for playing time.
Anything can happen in the BIG-XII North . Never has the division been so balanced from top to bottom. The Wildcats will have a say in who plays for the league championship in December.
