SB Nation Kansas City: All Posts by Joe Loydhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48935/kc-fave.png2012-12-18T10:00:47-06:00https://kansascity.sbnation.com/authors/joe-loyd/rss2012-12-18T10:00:47-06:002012-12-18T10:00:47-06:00Bowe's injury might help
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<p>Who would have thought that having broken ribs and being placed on injured reserve could possibly give Dwayne Bowe more leverage in his contract talks with the Kansas City Chiefs.</p> <p>The last thing that a football player wants to have happen in a contract year is to sustain a season ending injury. This obviously means that they are unable to accumulate statistics which can be shown to general managers around the league this offseason in addition to adding question marks surrounding health. In an odd case though for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> wide receiver <span>Dwayne Bowe</span>, broken ribs and a trip to injured reserve might have been the best thing to happen to him this season.</p>
<p>Since his departure in Week 14 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> the Chiefs offense has been completely shut down. They went scoreless in the last three quarters against Cleveland and were shut out this past Sunday by a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> defense which now ranks 24<sup>th</sup> in total defense in the NFL.</p>
<p>The supposed replacement for Bowe as the number one receiver for the Chiefs was 2011 first round draft pick Jon Baldwin. There was some thought before the Oakland game that if Baldwin could step up his game in the final few weeks of the season it might make Bowe expendable.</p>
<p>Well following the loss of Bowe against Cleveland, Baldwin was targeted twice and did not make a single catch versus the Browns. On Sunday in Oakland, he was targeted four times and yet again was unable to grab a reception. It was quite obvious to anyone who watched the game that Baldwin simply can't beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage. At this point in time every Chiefs fan must be asking the question if Baldwin can already be considered a bust.</p>
<p>Now it is true that the Chiefs were not lighting the scoreboard up with Bowe in the lineup but he was at least able to give <span>Brady Quinn</span> or <span>Matt Cassel</span> an opportunity to throw to an open receiver every once in awhile.</p>
<p>After seeing the performance of the Chiefs quarterbacks this season and especially in the past seven quarters of action without him you have to be even more impressed that Bowe was able to gain over 1100 yards receiving in each of the past two seasons. This was with an underwhelming mixture of Quinn, Cassel, <span>Kyle Orton</span> and <span>Tyler Palko</span> all making starts under center.</p>
<p>As everyone is likely aware of, Bowe is playing this season under the franchise tag for a salary of nine and half million dollars. If the Chiefs want too they have the ability to place the franchise tag on him again for the 2013 season where Bowe would earn somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 million dollars. It does need to be said that Bowe is approaching thirty years old as he will turn 29 during the 2013 season.</p>
<p>Bowe is not the only big name Chief without a contract heading into next season though. Starting left tackle Branden Albert and punter <span>Dustin Colquitt</span> also are set to be free agents and both could be under consideration to be designated with the franchise tag. Seriously though if the Chiefs passing offense continues on its current pace in the final two weeks of the season does Scott Pioli or whomever is in charge really have any other choice but to bring Bowe back either via the franchise tag or a new contract.</p>
<p>Can the Chiefs really believe they can draft a quarterback early in the 2013 draft and expect him to adequately develop throwing to the likes of Jon Baldwin, <span>Devon Wylie</span>, and <span>Jamar Newsome</span>. If the decision is made to not bring Bowe back in 2013, Chief fans better hope that Clark Hunt opens up the checkbook and tries to hit a home run with someone like <span>Greg Jennings</span> or <span>Mike Wallace</span> in free agency. With the abundance of cap space available it could really benefit the Chiefs and their likely new young quarterback to bring Bowe back and sign an impact free agent or two.</p>
<p>So even though many Chiefs fans have already checked out from this season you can be assured that Dwayne Bowe and his agent are still keeping close tabs on this team.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/12/18/3778804/dwayne-bowe-kansas-city-chiefs-2012-2013-franchiseJoe Loyd2012-12-14T10:39:46-06:002012-12-14T10:39:46-06:00K-State gets three big time football commitments
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<p>As if an 11-1 regular season and Fiesta Bowl appearance was not enough for K-State football fans they were rewarded yesterday with a fantastic day of recruiting news.</p> <p>It was hard to ignore yesterday that Kansas State had a pretty successful day when it comes to football recruiting. Unless a person stayed completely off twitter or the internet in general they were bound to hear about junior college All-American quarterback Jake Waters who chose the Wildcats over Penn State.</p>
<p>The addition of Waters was somewhat unexpected as it was thought he was leaning towards Penn State. His stats last season are hard to ignore as he threw for 3,501 yards and 39 touchdowns while only being picked off three times. His completion percentage was a staggering 73.7% which broke Cam Newton's record.</p>
<p>While no K-State fan wants to get rid of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36403/collin-klein" class="sbn-auto-link">Collin Klein</a> they are definitely looking forward to seeing Waters and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134219/daniel-sams" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Sams</a> battle it out for the right to replace the Heisman Trophy finalist. What makes the competition so intriguing to think about is that Waters is obviously a passing quarterback and Sams seems to be more of a run first signal caller.</p>
<p>The euphoria that infected Wildcat fans though was not simply because of one player committing. In addition to Waters, his Iowa Western Community College teammate Devon Nash also announced his decision to attend K-State over an offer from Oklahoma State.</p>
<p>Also a junior college All-American, Nash is a 6-foot-5, 260 pound defensive end who should have an opportunity to immediately earn a starting spot with current starters <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134240/meshak-williams" class="sbn-auto-link">Meshak Williams</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115071/adam-davis" class="sbn-auto-link">Adam Davis</a> both being seniors. Nash and Waters will join fellow junior college teammate Travis Green who had committed to K-State last month.</p>
<p>So getting Nash and Waters should have been enough for Wildcat fans but late in the evening they were treated to one more bit of good news. Nick Ramirez a four star linebacker prospect out of Lee's Summit West High School also made a verbal commitment to be a Wildcat.</p>
<p>A former Missouri commit, Ramirez had previously opened up his recruitment and made an unofficial visit to Manhattan to watch the Wildcats secure the Big 12 title with their victory over Texas. It was his first visit since de-committing from the Tigers and apparently the only one he needed. Originally it was thought that Ramirez would take a visit to Missouri but that no longer will be the case as the only visit remaining for Ramirez is his official one to Kansas State.</p>
<p>According to Rivals the 6-foot-1, 228 pound Ramirez is the 12<sup>th</sup> best high school inside linebacker recruit in the country. With the Wildcats losing linebackers <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36657/arthur-brown" class="sbn-auto-link">Arthur Brown</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36413/jarell-childs" class="sbn-auto-link">Jarell Childs</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50117/justin-tuggle" class="sbn-auto-link">Justin Tuggle</a> it would seem that Ramirez should at least be given an opportunity to step right in and compete for playing time and possibly a starting spot.</p>
<p>Even though December 13<sup>th</sup> turned out to be awesome for K-State fans there are still some targets out there to keep an eye on. Junior college defensive tackle Edwin Delva is deciding between K-State and Oregon State and he should make it known later this month on where he will be attending. Another defensive line prospect who is scheduled to make an official visit is Marcus Hardison. The four star defensive end out of Dodge City Community College was in attendance for the home game against Texas on an unofficial visit but is scheduled to officially visit Manhattan today.</p>
<p>If the coaching staff for K-State can somehow land either Delva or Hardison to team up with Nash the defensive potential next season would appear to be trending upwards.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-st-wildcats/2012/12/14/3765296/k-state-scores-big-in-recruiting-in-adding-jake-waters-devon-nashJoe Loyd2012-12-07T10:00:52-06:002012-12-07T10:00:52-06:00Offseason for Chiefs, Chargers & Raiders to be fun
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<p>The competition between the three teams in the AFC West not located in Denver looks to be more exciting in the offseason than it has been in the 2012 regular season.</p> With the exception of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>, the AFC West has been downright awful in 2012. All a person really needs to know about it is that the Broncos wrapped up the division title with four regular season games left to play. Sometimes division races over a course of a 162 game schedule in baseball are still not settled with four games left to go.<p>
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<p>So while Bronco fans can start focusing on playoff seeding and how much rest <span>Peyton Manning</span> might get in the final few weeks of the season that does not mean that fans of the remaining divisional teams have nothing to pay attention too. In a few different ways the competition between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> is just getting ready to heat up.</p>
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<p>In the race for draft slotting the Chiefs currently hold a half game lead over the Raiders with a head to head matchup next weekend between the two squads. It is obviously a secet to no one that the Chiefs absolutely must draft a quarterback early on in the 2013 NFL draft but the Raiders might feel similarly inclined. Their current starting quarterback, <span>Carson Palmer</span>, will turn 33 years old later this month and he has not shown any glimpses of returning to his previous Pro-Bowl caliber form he showed when playing for Cincinnati. The fact that the Raiders gave up a first round pick for him in last year's draft and a second rounder in the upcoming draft has to be something that makes Raiders fan sick to their stomach to think of.</p>
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<p>Added in to the mix of Palmer's poor play on the field is the fact that the Raiders new administration of General Manager Reggie McKenzie and Head Coach Dennis Allen were not the men who made the decision to bring Palmer in. It is entirely possible that the only reason they decide to show any loyalty to Palmer is that by releasing him following the season it would cause a massive cap hit. Even if they do choose to keep him around for next year it is not out of the realm of possibility that the Raiders take a quarterback with their first overall pick.</p>
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<p>It was obvious to everyone that the situation that McKenzie took over in Oakland was an absolute mess and will take a massive rebuilding job. Unlike a team like the Broncos, the Raiders have to be thinking more about two or three seasons down the road and not so much on the immediate results. With the lack of a second round pick in the 2013 draft, McKenzie and Allen may decide to be bold and and reach on a quarterback knowing that all the top qb's will be gone by the time they are on the clock again.</p>
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<p>Since first round picks do not cost near what they did when the team selected <span>JaMarcus Russell</span> they can afford to allow someone like Geno Smith or Matt Barkley time to sit behind Palmer and get acclimated to the NFL. If the Raiders do manage to select ahead of Kansas City there is a chance that Scott Pioli, or whomever is running the Chiefs at that time, have one less signal caller from which to choose from in an already frowned upon quarterback class.</p>
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<p>The competition between the Chiefs and the Chargers is not so much related to the draft as San Diego has two more wins than the Chiefs currently and with both head to head matchups in their column. Where the two organizations will square off is likely in the battle for a new head coach and maybe for a new general manager.</p>
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<p>The situation in San Diego is very similar to the one in Kansas City in many ways. Each team has a general manager, Pioli in Kansas City and A.J. Smnith in San Diego, who at one time seemed like a great hire but now their mistakes in player personnel are starting to stick out the field. Both men also made head coaching decisions that have shown to be disastrous and the fans in both cities are publicly trying to urge their owners to fire them.</p>
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<p>It is obvious to everyone that Norv Turner is a dead man walking on the sidelines and he will most definitely be gone after the season is finished. The bigger question was if Smith would survive and be able to hire another head coach. A <a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/06/smith-will-join-turner-out-door-end-chargers-seaso/" target="new">recent report </a>by Kevin Acee in the San Diego Union-Tribune says that sources have told him that Smith definitely will be let go following the season. We will have to wait and see if this is definitely the case though since before the season started the same writer <a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jun/20/j-smith-isnt-going-anywhere/" target="new">said that Smith would retain his job</a> even if the Chargers missed the playoffs for the third straight season. Obviously though things can change greatly over the course of 12 games, look no further han Pioli.</p>
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<p>One would have to expect that Romeo Crennel will also be let go in Kansas City following this year. If you believe that Clark Hunt is also going to fire Pioli it sets up a possible offseason battle between the Chargers and Chiefs for new head coaches but maybe general managers as well. Although if you believe Acee in his recent article mentioned above the Chargers may decide to go in house on their next general manager.</p>
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<p>If the Chargers do make their decision quickly on their next general manager it could possibly give them a leg up on their head coaching search over Kansas City as they could begin to try and get interviews started. Clark Hunt has shown before that he will take his time in making decisions and if he waits to fire Pioli and then deliberates long on his replacement the Chiefs could miss out on some top candidates.</p>
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<p>This is naturally all hypothetical at this point as no one quite knows exactly what will happen, maybe not even the owners of the teams yet. At least it seems like the offseason will provide more excitement and competition within the AFC West than the regular seaso has provided.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/12/7/3737942/offseason-afc-west-chiefs-chargers-broncos-raidersJoe Loyd2012-11-28T09:50:20-06:002012-11-28T09:50:20-06:00K-State relies on under-the-radar seniors
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<p>Saturday night the K-State Wildcats take on the Texas Longhorns, Braden Wilson and Ryan Doerr are two seniors who will be playing their final collegiate home game. </p> <p>This Saturday night in primetime, the Kansas State Wildcats will take on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-longhorns" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Longhorns</a> in Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Assuming that the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oklahoma-sooners" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma Sooners</a> get past TCU earlier in the day, the Wildcats must win to secure the Big 12 conference title. Mixed in with the overall importance of the game is the fact that it will also be the final time that the seniors play a game in Manhattan, KS.</p>
<p>This, of course, means that K-State fans only have one final chance to come out and see guys like Heisman candidate <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36403/collin-klein" class="sbn-auto-link">Collin Klein</a> and All-American candidate <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36657/arthur-brown" class="sbn-auto-link">Arthur Brown</a>. While the main attractions will be the aforementioned Klein and Brown, there are many other seniors who deserve praise for the success that K-State has experienced the past couple of seasons.</p>
<p>Just throwing some names out there would give you a list of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115071/adam-davis" class="sbn-auto-link">Adam Davis</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134240/meshak-williams" class="sbn-auto-link">Meshak Williams</a>, Chris Harper, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134230/nigel-malone" class="sbn-auto-link">Nigel Malone</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134218/allen-chapman" class="sbn-auto-link">Allen Chapman</a> and it'd be easy to continue. Two particular seniors who fly under the radar nationally but have played critical roles these past four years are fullback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76563/braden-wilson" class="sbn-auto-link">Braden Wilson</a> and punter Ryan Doerr. Due to the positions played neither has become a household name outside of Big 12 country or possibly even just Manhattan.</p>
<p>Within the Kansas State fan base and football team, there has to be a strong appreciation for what each player has done. Wilson is a native of Smith Center, KS who came to K-State and after greyshirting in the 2008 season, he found his way onto the field as a freshman in 2009. All he has ever done since is lower his head into opposing players to create running lanes for his teammates. His blocking helped Klein run for over 1100 yards last season in route to scoring 27 touchdowns.</p>
<p>In 2009, Wilson paved the way for Daniel Thomas who led the Big 12 in rushing and was subsequently selected in the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. In his four seasons Wilson has a grand total of 19 carries for two touchdowns to go along with 18 career receptions. Not once has Wilson ever complained publicly about his lack of touches or his role in the offense. It definitely shows the mark of a player who is fully committed to the overall team concept and not to his own personal wants.</p>
<p>Even though fullback is a dying breed with the increased prevalence of spread offenses across all levels of football, Bill Snyder has shown that a bulldozer like Wilson still has a place on the gridiron. Look for Wilson to be earning a paycheck next year doing the same routine on Sundays.</p>
<p>Another major loss for the Wildcats next season is Doerr who has been the starting punter the past four seasons. His ability to pin opponents deep and not allow returns has helped K-State consistenly win the field position battle. Winning in field position has in turn forced teams to travel the length of the field to score and given the Wildcats defense more opportunities to create turnovers.</p>
<p>Much like offensive lineman, punters rarely get noticed too much unless they mess up but Doerr has been so solid he should expect to get a very loud round of applause when introduced. The ironic part about senior night though for Doerr is the fact that every K-State fan who cheered for him in pre-game festivities will hope that he never has to see the field in his final collegiate home game.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-st-wildcats/2012/11/28/3699908/k-state-texas-seniors-klein-brown-snyder-wilson-doerrJoe Loyd2012-10-19T07:08:52-05:002012-10-19T07:08:52-05:00Bill Snyder's guide to being different
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<p>Bill Snyder rarely goes after or gets five star prospects to come to Kansas State yet he has his team in the Top Five of the BCS. The current starting defense reflects his ability to identify talent that others have missed.</p> <p>Last Sunday the initial BCS rankings were released and the Kansas State Wildcats found themselves in the top five just behind Alabama, Florida & Oregon. While it remains to be seen if the Wildcats can keep themselves up in such lofty company no one can argue that the job Bill Snyder and his staff have done in his second go-round in Manhattan is anything but phenomenal.</p>
<p>One can watch K-State and easily tell that that Snyder is able to maximize every ounce of talent from his players. What may be even more impressive though is where the Wildcats coaching staff is able to find their players.</p>
<p>The starting base defense is a perfect example of a unit where virtually every player did not take a direct route to Manhattan right out of high school.</p>
<p>Beginning upfront you have four seniors who all ended up in Manhattan following stops at junior colleges. The two ends, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134240/meshak-williams">Meshak Williams</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115071/adam-davis">Adam Davis</a>, both originally hail from the State of Georgia but found themselves at K-State after playing at Hutchinson CC.</p>
<p>In the case of Davis, the Wildcats stuck by their commitment to him as he was forced to sit out a season immediately following his time at Hutchinson as he had a back injury that required surgery and put his football career in jeopardy. They were rewarded for their patience as Davis started all 13 games last season for K-State and has started every game so far in 2012.</p>
<p>At one tackle position you have <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134261/vai-lutui">Vai Lutui</a> who came to K-State after playing at Mt. San Antonio CC. He became a starter in his first season for the Wildcats in 2011 and played well enough that he was recognized as a preseason third team All-Big 12 selection by Phil Steele.</p>
<p>The opposite listed starting defensive tackle is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134256/john-sua">John Sua</a> who walked on at K-State following his two year stay at Allan Hancock College. He appeared in only four games last season and finished the year with a grand total of four tackles but he improved enough to earn himself a scholarship.</p>
<p>In the case of the starting linebackers you have perhaps two of the most interesting stories on the team but this unit also holds the one and only starting defensive player who immediately came to Kansas State straight out of high school.</p>
<p>That one starter is junior outside linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115053/tre-walker">Tre Walker</a> who came to Manhattan as a three star prospect after a stellar career at Olathe North High School. He immediately made an impact upon arriving as he appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2010 with two starts. Last season he was a starter in every contest and can best be remembered for his game winning goal line stop against Miami that helped springboard the Wildcats season.</p>
<p>The opposite outside linebacker, senior <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50117/justin-tuggle">Justin Tuggle</a>, might be one of the most interesting stories in all of college football and a perfect example of how K-State utilizes talent for the overall good of the team. He began his college career as a quarterback at Boston College where at one point he started three games as a redshirt freshman for the Eagles. Following that season Tuggle transferred to Bilnn Community College in Texas where he immediately followed Cam Newton.</p>
<p>After his one season in Blinn he was recruited to K-State where many people expected Tuggle to come in and win the starting quarterback job over an unproven <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36403/collin-klein">Collin Klein</a>. Everyone now knows that Klein won the job and proceeded to have one of the best seasons in Kansas State history and ended any hope for Tuggle that he would start at QB. Thus he was moved to linebacker due to his size, 6'3"/ 237 lbs, and his speed so that he could have the opportunity to get serious playing time before his eligibility ran out. The move seems to have been a smooth one as he made one of the biggest plays so far of the season for the Wildcats when he sacked Oklahoma quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37262/landry-jones">Landry Jones</a> and forced a fumble which was recovered for a touchdown by fellow linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36413/jarell-childs">Jarell Childs</a>. Without going and researching it one could feel pretty confident in wagering that no other top team in the BCS features a starting linebacker who was the backup quarterback in 2011.</p>
<p>In the middle of the defense you will find the Wildcats one and only five star blue chip recruit coming out of high school in Arthur Brown. Naturally in true K-State fashion he had to start his career somewhere else though before finding his way back to the State of Kansas. Initially shunning K-State, Brown decided to attend Miami (FL) before transferring back home after two subpar years at the U.</p>
<p>After fans were subjected to a year of simply listening to stories of his dominance during practice they were not disappointed as Brown was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and also earned the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award. His strong play has continued in 2012 as he is a lock to be named a first team all conference performer while he is also under consideration for many national defensive awards and he figures to hear his name called in one of the early rounds of the 2013 NFL draft.</p>
<p>The back end of the Wildcats defense should not be ignored as their paths to Manhattan are just as interesting as the guys who make up the front seven.</p>
<p>The two senior starting cornerbacks, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134218/allen-chapman">Allen Chapman</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134230/nigel-malone">Nigel Malone</a>, both come from the Bay Area by way of City College of San Francisco. Last season, Malone surprised everyone as he burst onto the scene with seven interceptions and was one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe award. This from a player who was not recruited out of high school and chose the Wildcats over New Mexico and Kentucky after junior college.</p>
<p>Yet another senior is safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134236/jarard-milo">Jarard Milo</a> who had one major college offer from Minnesota following his high school career at Olathe Northwest. He instead chose to go the junior college route before eventually walking on at Kansas State where he earned some time on special teams in 2011. Much like the case of John Sua, he has now earned himself a starting role and a scholarship.</p>
<p>The one player on the back end of the defense that is not a senior is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115040/ty-zimmerman">Ty Zimmerman</a> who is now in his third straight season of starting for K-State at free safety. As was the case with secondary teammates Malone and Mile, he was not highly recruited coming out of high school in Junction City, KS. He decided to take the grayshirt offer from Kansas State which required he delay his enrollment for a semester.</p>
<p>Obviously the K-State coaches had seen something they liked in Zimmerman but it is hard to believe that even Bill Snyder expected him to come out and become an immediate impact starter as a freshman. Proving not to be a fluke, Zimmerman came back last season and started every game for the Wildcats and he once again has made his presence known this year. He has made crucial interceptions in the Wildcats two conference road victories at Oklahoma and last week against Iowa State.</p>
<p>So if you are keeping track of things at home the starting defense consists of eight players who made their way to K-State from the junior college ranks and of the eleven players it features nine seniors and two juniors.</p>
<p>At most colleges you would expect a very young defense next season due to graduation but a person would be lying if they said they knew exactly who Snyder and his staff will find between now and the start of next year.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-st-wildcats/2012/10/19/3524388/2012-kansas-state-football-defense-bill-snyderJoe Loyd2012-09-23T09:00:35-05:002012-09-23T09:00:35-05:00K-State Football: Remaining Schedule Tough But Bye Week Comes At Good Time
<figure>
<img alt="Sep 22, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Kansas State Wildcats players celebrate after defeating Oklahoma Sooners 24-19 at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mQ3QWD5B5A8XjHtrGtC5POiFHTI=/0x11:4000x2678/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/9273927/20120922_mje_se2_398.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sep 22, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Kansas State Wildcats players celebrate after defeating Oklahoma Sooners 24-19 at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Coming off a road victory against Oklahoma every game on K-State's schedule now should be considered winnable. That does mean though that it will be easy for the Wildcats.</p> <p>It is only natural for any Kansas State football fan waking up on Sunday morning following the Wildcats 24-19 victory over OU, to immediately take a peek at the remaining schedule. Scratch that, maybe not immediately, as I am sure there will be more than a few Ibuprofens and cups of coffee needed before some Wildcat fans get their day started.</p>
<p>As far as the schedule is concerned, one aspect that initially seemed like a negative may now have swung into being a positive for K-State. Following the OU game, K-State has their bye week before starting the meat-grinder that is the Big 12 schedule.</p>
<p>When the schedule was announced it was deemed that having a bye week after only one conference game and a grand total of four games was way too early. In normal circumstances this is probably accurate but things have now changed with the Wildcats road victory in Norman.</p>
<p>As much as Bill Snyder and his team tried to act like it was another step in the process of the season and the team expected to win everyone knows better than that. Normal road victories do not cause masses of people to greet the football team in the cold as they return back to Manhattan in the early morning hours.</p>
<p>If the Wildcats were to have to play next weekend it would not be unexpected to see a slow start as it might be tough for the team to get hyped up again, even though the game is at home. Especially considering the Wildcats next opponent is Kansas, a school that the Wildcats have beaten by scores of 59-7 and 59-21 in the past two years.</p>
<p>The Jayhawks are coming off a road loss to a MAC school, Northern Illinois, which pushed their record down to a dismal 1-3. The record does not tell the full story though as KU led in the game against the Huskies by 10 points in the fourth quarter before letting it slip away. The previous week, the Jayhawks forced four turnovers against TCU and stayed within striking distance of the Horned Frogs.</p>
<p>While KU's record does not necessarily reflect it, this year's Jayhawk squad appears to be much more competitive under Charlie Weis than the previous two teams. So while no one would be predicting a loss if the Wildcats had to come out immediately and take on the Jayhawks, it may not be the immediate cakewalk that all K-State, and KU, fans would be anticipating.</p>
<p>It might turn out that the bye week came perfectly for K-State as the team now has a week to enjoy their conquest against OU before having to get 100% focused again.</p>
<p>As for that remaining schedule, well it is pretty damn tough. Following the game against Kansas is a road tilt at Iowa State which has the appearance of being a classic trap game as K-State may be peeking ahead to West Virginia. But up first are the Cyclones who currently stand at 3-0 and they have two of the best linebackers in the Big 12 in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76349/a-j-klein" class="sbn-auto-link">A.J. Klein</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76337/jake-knott" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Knott</a>.</p>
<p>As Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State fans can vouch for, it will not easy to walk into Jack Trice Stadium and come away with a victory. Beginning in Ames, the Wildcats will likely see their road games now be marquee events for the opposing team's fanbases.</p>
<p>The game though that a lot of people are starting to get geared up for is that matchup in Morgantown on October 20<sup>th</sup>. If both K-State and West Virginia remain undefeated at that point it will almost certainly be a battle of two Top-Ten teams fighting for the front runner spot in the Big 12 race. The winning quarterback in that game, whether it be Geno Smith or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36403/collin-klein" class="sbn-auto-link">Collin Klein</a>, will see their chances of winning the Heisman Trophy skyrocket.</p>
<p>Luckily for K-State they get two very winnable games at home against Texas Tech and Oklahoma State coming off the game with West Virginia. Then it is back on the road for two straight weeks starting with Big 12 newcomer TCU before going to Waco to face a strong offensive team in Baylor. The Horned Frogs have not looked spectacular this season but they will be geared up to play K-State as their head coach, Gary Patterson, is an K-State alum.</p>
<p>The regular season will be wrapped up on Dec. 1<sup>st</sup> when the currently #12 ranked <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/texas-longhorns" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Longhorns</a> visit Manhattan to try and beat K-State for the first time in what has to seem like an eternity for UT fans.</p>
<p>Not a single rationally thinking K-State fan can look at the Wildcats remaining games and think it will be easy but expectations have definitely shifted in the course of a day. Previously it was thought that the Wildcats were a solid team that could finish somewhere maybe in the range of a #15 type of ranking.</p>
<p>Now the team that was predicted to finish sixth in the Big 12 in the preseason has to be thinking on a much larger scale. The beginning of the journey starts Oct. 6<sup>th</sup> against Kansas in what should be an extremely crazy environment inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/2012/9/23/3376386/k-state-football-schedule-bye-week-kansas-2012-bill-snyderJoe Loyd2012-09-20T10:00:45-05:002012-09-20T10:00:45-05:00KU, K-State, Missouri And Chiefs Are All Heavy Underdogs This Weekend
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<figcaption>Presswire</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This weekend has the possibility of being very unkind to both pro and college football fans in the Kansas City metro area as every local team is a heavy underdog on the road. </p> <p>If a person did not know any better it would seem that this particular weekend Las Vegas hates the Kansas City area or maybe more accurately it's collection of football teams. All four major football squads that are followed, KU, K-State, Missouri and the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a>, are huge underdogs against their opponents according to the oddsmakers in the desert. So if you are the type of person who does not have a specific team loyalty but likes to cheer for the underdog, feel free to root for any local squad this weekend.</p>
<p>In the college ranks the biggest local underdog is ironically enough the highest ranked KC-area team in Kansas State. The Wildcats are ranked #15 in the AP poll but they face their biggest test so far this season as they travel to Norman, OK to take on the #6 ranked Sooners on national tv. The line on this game opened with OU being a 17 point favorite but it has now dropped to 14 points as it would seem quite a bit of early money was placed on Bill Snyder's team.</p>
<p>Last season when these two teams hooked up in Manhattan the Sooners were a 13.5 point favorite and ended up winning 58-17 as they dominated the second half. It will be interesting to see which K-State team shows up, the one who destroyed Miami two weeks ago or the team that looked disinterested last weekend against North Texas.</p>
<p>Following up as the second largest underdog on Saturday, are the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/missouri-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Missouri Tigers</a> who travel to Columbia, SC to take on South Carolina in a game that will also be broadcast nationwide. The Tigers are a 10 point dog to the #7 Gamecocks as this line has stayed steady unlike the line for the Kansas State game.</p>
<p>This contest figures to be an intriguing one to watch for a few different reasons. The most obvious one is that it represents the Tigers first road trip in the SEC but there is more to it than just that. There has been a minor controversy this past week regarding the comments made by Gary Pinkel and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85958/t-j-moe" class="sbn-auto-link">T.J. Moe</a> about starting quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a> regarding his toughness. All indications are that Franklin should be back this week so how he performs will be a story within the story.</p>
<p>Next on the list for road underdogs are the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/kansas-jayhawks" class="sbn-auto-link">Kansas Jayhawks</a> who travel to DeKalb, IL to take on Northern Illinois out of the MAC Conference. The Jayhawks currently sit at 1-2 and are coming off two straight losses at home to Rice and TCU so there is a train of thought they might not be all that hyped up right now to play a team from a lesser conference on the road. The Huskies are 2-1 this season with their lone loss coming in the opening weekend of the season on the road at Iowa by a score of 18-17.</p>
<p>The opening line on this game was Northern Illinois favored by 10 points but it has since moved down a point to nine. These two teams met last season in Lawrence in a game where the Huskies were favored by five but KU scored on a fourth and goal in the final seconds to pull out a 45-42 victory. It was the Jayhawks last win of the season as they proceeded to lose their final ten games of the season. Following the road trip to Northern Illinois the Jayhawks have a bye week before they continue their Big 12 season with their first road trip to Manhattan in three years.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for many local fans things do not improve as the calendar rolls to Sunday as the 0-2 Chiefs travel to New Orleans to take on the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a>. Despite the fact that New Orleans has the NFL's worst defense thus far in 2012 and are also winless, this game represents the largest spread in the NFL this weekend as the Saints are favored by nine points.</p>
<p>The Chiefs were throttled last weekend in Buffalo by a final score of 35-17 but even that is somewhat deceiving as the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bills</a> led 35-3 after three quarters. The Saints are coming off a road loss at Carolina by a final score of 35-27. The good news for Kansas City is that the Saints have given up 75 points combined in their first two games but the bad news is they still have <span>Drew Brees</span> at quarterback.</p>
<p>The Chiefs will now have been underdogs in all three games this season as both the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> and Bills were favored by three points in their respective games. </p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-st-wildcats/2012/9/20/3360970/ku-k-state-missouri-chiefs-underdogs-2012-oklahoma-south-carolina-new-orleansJoe Loyd2012-09-13T08:00:38-05:002012-09-13T08:00:38-05:00Bill Snyder And K-State Need To Resist Pressure To Play Daniel Sams More
<figure>
<img alt="Sep 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder waits for a call from the officials during the first quarter against the Missouri State Bears at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/unGn8AeNhk8327iE1YTo5VFJdJc=/0x1066:2800x2933/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8730522/20120901_ajw_as4_073.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sep 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder waits for a call from the officials during the first quarter against the Missouri State Bears at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kansas State fans have briefly seen flashes of greatness from backup quarterback Daniel Sams this season. There is a reason why he should only contine and play during mop up time though.</p> <p>This past Saturday in Kansas State's beatdown of former college powerhouse Miami (FL), quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36403/collin-klein" class="sbn-auto-link">Collin Klein</a> threw for 210 yards and ran for 71 while accounting for four touchdowns. This earned him the honor of being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, which was the second time in his career he has received this recognition.</p>
<p>Despite this he has somewhat been overshadowed this week by his backup, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134219/daniel-sams" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Sams</a>, who ran for 47 yards and two touchdowns on just three carries in mop-up duty versus the Hurricanes. This followed up his performance in the home opener where he ran for 67 yards on three carries with one of those rushes being an exciting 46 yarder he took in for a touchdown. The redshirt freshman Sams has yet to throw a pass in college but in his six overall carries for the Wildcats he has exhibited extraordinary athleticism that has the fans and media alike dreaming big about his future.</p>
<p>During press conferences this week, head coach Bill Snyder has been peppered with questions regarding if the Wildcats might find a way to try and get Sams onto the field during more meaningful situations. As one could expect, Snyder was complimentary of Sams but in no way made it seem that he would be seen on the field at the same time as Klein.</p>
<p>While the thought of getting his best athletes on the field together at the same time has to be intriguing to Snyder and his staff he should definitely resist the urge to do so this season. Due to the defection of freshman quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160884/tavarius-bender" class="sbn-auto-link">Tavarius Bender</a> from the program before the season, the Wildcats are dangerously thin at the quarterback position. If Klein were to go down with an injury at any point this year the only options behind him are Sams and walk-on Sam Johnson. </p>
<p>Even though Klein has shown that he is one tough SOB there is always the possibility that he can get injured, especially with the amount of punishment he takes in comparison to some other quarterbacks around the country. One would even have to assume that if Klein gets on pace for roughly the same amount of carries that he received last year he will miss at least a few snaps, if not a game or two, due to injury.</p>
<p>If Sams were to be inserted into some packages in the upcoming weeks to try and take advantage of his running ability, the Wildcats would essentially be putting their top two quarterbacks on the field risking injury at the same time. Somehow if Sams were to get injured then K-State would be one step away from handing the reins of a possible Top Ten squad over to a walk-on quarterback. Now in his defense, Johnson has the reputation of being a hard-working and intelligent player but the facts are he is a walk-on who spent last season leading the scout team.</p>
<p>In a perfect world for K-State fans and Coach Snyder, the Wildcats will open up a big early lead on North Texas this coming Saturday which will allow Sams to gain more valuable experience before conference play picks up. Once the conference season begins it is likely that Sams will have very few opportunities to play as there is not likely to be an easy Big 12 victory on the schedule, other than maybe Kansas.</p>
<p>It is tough for fans and coaches to know they have a talented player on their team who will likely use up a year of eligibility without receiving much playing time past the third week of the season. For the time being though Wildcat fans need to sit back and appreciate the play of Klein while knowing in the back of their mind they already have a reason to be excited for the next few years.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/2012/9/13/3324146/bill-snyder-k-state-wildcats-daniel-sams-2012-collin-kleinJoe Loyd2012-09-07T09:51:27-05:002012-09-07T09:51:27-05:00AFC West 2003-2011: Worst Division In The NFL
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SvmQ-b3tQ_xGSULcgcTKvkvnq6E=/0x181:507x519/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5476416/138327189.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The main determinations of success in the NFL are usually either Super Bowl appearances and wins or strong regular season records. Unfortunately for the AFC West they have been lacking in all of the above since 2003. </p> <p>College football realignment over the previous few years has brought about a somewhat new or maybe just enhanced phenomenon where fans not only stand up and support their individual school but the conference they reside in as well. Somehow if a school in your conference wins the national title this in turn allows you to brag even if your school was beaten down like a Savannah State squad by the champion.</p>
<p>If you expand this line of thinking to the professional football ranks, there is not much bragging that can be done locally considering the lack of success experienced lately by the AFC West .</p>
<p>If an AFC West team does not reach the big game this coming February, it will have been exactly a decade since a representative came from the division. During this same span of time, every other division in the NFL has had at least one team qualify for the Super Bowl. The only division along with the AFC West to not have had a Super Bowl winning team in that time frame is the NFC West, who has at least had two teams appear, but not win the title. In a slight slap in the face of the AFC West, one of those teams, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>, is a former AFC West squad that shifted to the NFC back in 2001.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> were the last team from the AFC West to play in a Super Bowl all the way back in 2003. Unfortunately for Raider fans they were whipped badly in that game by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> and their former head coach Jon Gruden, by a final score of 48-21.</p>
<p>The last AFC West squad to win the Super Bowl was the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> all the way back in 1999. To remember just how long ago this was, you need to look no further than who the starting quarterbacks were in the division that season.</p>
<p>The Raiders were trotting out Jeff George while the Seahawks and Chiefs were starting Warren Moon and Rich Gannon respectively. Out in San Diego the Chargers were being led by Craig Whelihan and rookie Ryan Leaf and the Broncos were still being led by their current general manager John Elway.</p>
<p>It would seem that the oddsmakers in Las Vegas are expecting another year of Super Bowl futility from the division in 2012. Currently the Denver Broncos rank as the eighth most likely team to win the Super Bowl at odds of 16/1 while the Chargers are the second most likely in the division at odds of 25/1. The Chiefs come in as the 19<sup>th</sup> most likely to win the Super Bowl at odds of 50/1 with the Raiders bringing up the rear as they are tied in 25<sup>th</sup> place with odds of 75/1.</p>
<p>So while wins or appearances in the Super Bowl are not the only indicator of a team's or divisions success the regular season win totals since the start of the 2003 season do not help strengthen the AFC West's case either.</p>
<p>As can be seen below, the AFC West finishes up next to last in total wins over the course of the previous nine seasons of play. Only the NFC West has been worse overall in the regular season during this span but as mentioned previously they have placed two teams in the Super Bowl so it's your call on which division has been worse.</p>
<p>In addition the AFC West was oh so close to having the team with the worst overall record in the Raiders with a combined record of 45-99. Only the Lions saved them from this fate but it took a historic 0-16 record in 2008, followed up by a 2-14 record in 2009 to vault the Raiders ahead of them.</p>
<p>Now this horrible stretch of football does not mean that there is no hope moving forward. The Chiefs have put together a formidable young roster that looks to possibly be a quarterback upgrade away from competing for titles. The Broncos and Chargers both have franchise quarterbacks under center which will allow them to have at least a fighting chance for the next few years and the Raiders figure to improve now that they are under a new more stable leadership.</p>
<p>Hopefully for fans of the AFC West, history will not repeat itself.</p>
<p><b>Division Wins Losses Ties</b></p>
<p>AFC South 307 269</p>
<p>NFC East 304 271 1</p>
<p>AFC East 303 273</p>
<p>AFC North 298 277 1</p>
<p>NFC South 293 283</p>
<p>NFC North 280 296</p>
<p>AFC West 276 300</p>
<p>NFC West 242 334</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><b>AFC EAST</b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">W</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">T</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">114</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">30</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">71</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">73</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">61</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">83</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">57</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">87</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><b>AFC NORTH</b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">W</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">T</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">95</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">49</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">87</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">57</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">69</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">74</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">47</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">97</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><b>AFC SOUTH</b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">W</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">T</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">101</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">43</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">75</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">69</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">70</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">74</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">61</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">83</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><b>AFC WEST</b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">W</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">T</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">88</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">56</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center">Denver Broncos</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">77</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">67</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">66</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">78</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center">Oakland Raiders</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">45</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">99</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><b>NFC EAST</b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">W</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">T</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">87</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">56</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">81</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">63</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">78</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">66</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">58</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">86</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><b>NFC NORTH</b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">W</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">T</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">87</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">57</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">78</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">66</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">71</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">73</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">44</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">100</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><b>NFC SOUTH</b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">W</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">T</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">81</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">63</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">78</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">66</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">72</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">72</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">62</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">82</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><b>NFC WEST</b></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">W</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">L</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">T</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center">Seattle Seahawks</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">74</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">70</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">60</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">84</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">59</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">85</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a></p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">49</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">95</p>
</td>
<td>
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-city-chiefs/2012/9/7/3299193/afc-west-2003-2011-2012-worst-division-nfl-super-bowl-chiefs-broncos-raiders-chargersJoe Loyd2012-08-31T10:00:16-05:002012-08-31T10:00:16-05:00K-State Versus Missouri State: Under The Radar Players To Keep An Eye On
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X-KsvXklRdg7ow7AoTxCsosYeiE=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/4776056/133517743.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Even though Collin Klein and Arthur Brown rightfully get the majority of attention for the 2012 K-State Wildcats football team, the home opener should provide an opportunity to look out for some different players.</p> <p>For every Kansas State football fan out there the long wait from the Cotton Bowl to the 2012 home opener is just about over. On Saturday night the Wildcats take on the Terry Allen-led Missouri State Bears at 6:00 P.M. in a game that many expect to get out of hand early unlike last season's opener.</p>
<p>While it is true that K-State returns a plethora of starters from last year's squad that will instantly be recognizable there are always new players to watch and evaluate. With the proliferation of recruiting websites and message boards it is quite likely that almost every person in the stadium will have at the very least heard the names of the new players in the program. In addition to the new players, there will be some kids who have made position changes from last year in search of playing time and others that simply have made a move up the depth chart. </p>
<p>The home opener against a supposedly lesser foe gives the fans an opportunity to come out and see their team for the first time while likely getting to revel in an easy victory. For the coaches it allows them to hopefully get a lot of players up and down the depth chart into the game to get some action.</p>
<p>The most obvious players that fans will be coming out to see for K-State are stars like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36657/arthur-brown" class="sbn-auto-link">Arthur Brown</a> and Heisman dark-horse <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36403/collin-klein" class="sbn-auto-link">Collin Klein</a> but they should keep their eyes on some lesser known guys as well.</p>
<p>So which players might be the most intriguing to watch on Saturday?</p>
<p><b>•1. </b><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134219/daniel-sams" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Sams</a> - Quarterback</b></p>
<p>With the departure of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160884/tavarius-bender" class="sbn-auto-link">Tavarius Bender</a> from the K-State program, the backup quarterback position would presumably be Sams job to lose. Even though Bill Snyder has mentioned Sam Johnson in his press conferences as competing with Sams to be the primary backup, K-State fans should hope that if Klein's day is a short one that Sams will be the first quarterback coming in to replace him. </p>
<p>So why is Sams number one on the list of players most wanting to see? With the amount of running that Collin Klein does and the punishment he must absorb it is not a stretch to think that Sams may have to play a few important snaps during the season. It would go a long ways to making everyone feel more at ease if he can come out and do some nice things against the Bears. If he struggles or is not the first backup coming into the game, Wildcat fans may have to worry every time they see Klein take a hit this season.</p>
<p><b>•2. </b><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50117/justin-tuggle" class="sbn-auto-link">Justin Tuggle</a> - Linebacker</b></p>
<p>The former back-up to Klein is now in a dog fight at linebacker with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36413/jarell-childs" class="sbn-auto-link">Jarell Childs</a> for the privilege of starting next to Brown and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115053/tre-walker" class="sbn-auto-link">Tre Walker</a>. It is not a secret that the schedule this year for K-State is a brutal one and the team needs their defense to take a step up if they hope to achieve the same levels of success and that is why the progression of Tuggle is so interesting.</p>
<p>Listed at 6'3 227lbs, it is obvious that Tuggle is an extremely talented athlete to be able and move from quarterback to linebacker before his senior season and to be competing for a starting role. If he shows on Saturday the ability to make reads on the defense while playing at full speed it could be a sign that the Wildcat defense has found another playmaker which they need. </p>
<p><b>•3. </b><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/87304/cornelius-lucas" class="sbn-auto-link">Cornelius Lucas</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134250/cody-whitehair" class="sbn-auto-link">Cody Whitehair</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76569/keenan-taylor" class="sbn-auto-link">Keenan Taylor</a> - Offensive Lineman</b></p>
<p>For the average person sitting in the stands or watching at home it definitely is hard to fully evaluate how well the offensive line is playing. Most everyone knows some form of the cliché that states something to the effect of that you never hear or notice offensive lineman unless they do something wrong.</p>
<p>Well for K-State fans on Saturday they may want to make a concerted effort to follow the big boys in the trenches on a few plays and see how they are looking. The three new starters by most everyone's views hold the key to K-State's season in their hands so how they ultimately gel as a unit with returning starters <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/127982/nick-puetz" class="sbn-auto-link">Nick Puetz</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115060/b-j-finney" class="sbn-auto-link">B.J. Finney</a> begins against Missouri State.</p>
https://kansascity.sbnation.com/kansas-st-wildcats/2012/8/31/3280179/k-state-versus-missouri-state-players-2012-daniel-sams-collin-klein-justin-tuggleJoe Loyd