Few deny the impact Bill Snyder has had on Kansas State's resurgent 2012 season, leading the Wildcats to an 11-1 record and an upcoming trip to the Fiesta Bowl against the Oregon Ducks on Jan. 3. The Football Writers Association of America certainly took notice, and last week named Snyder one of nine finalists for the 2012 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award.

The winner will be announced Thursday and handed out on Jan. 6. Snyder is up against Gary Andersen of Utah State, Dave Doeren of Northern Illinois, Brian Kelly of Notre Dame, Urban Meyer of Ohio State, Will Muschamp of Florida, Bill O'Brien of Penn State, David Shaw of Stanford and Kevin Sumlin of Texas A&M.

This is the second straight season Snyder has been named a finalist. He was also a finalist in 1998. Kansas State will be playing in the second BCS bowl game in school history.