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University of Oklahoma Athletics
'09 Opponent Preview: Kansas State
July 20, 2009 | Football
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NORMAN, Okla. -- SoonerSports.com continues its 2009 football season preview with an in-depth look at OU's Week 8 matchup with Kansas State.
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Game Buildup |
With Bill Snyder returning to lead the Kansas State program, Coach Stoops reunites with his former boss as the Sooners host the Wildcats on Homecoming weekend.
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Season Outlook |
Since winning the Big 12 Championship in 2003, Kansas State has had four losing seasons in the last five years. Snyder's return has immediately injected life back into the program, however, and the Wildcat faithful hope the legendary coach can turn K-State back into a perennial contender in the Big 12 North.
The Wildcats may take some lumps early on, but Snyder will certainly have them playing inspired football as he looks to set the foundation this year for another turnaround.
With plenty of talent returning on both sides of the ball and a favorable nonconference schedule, a bowl game is within reach for the Wildcats this season.
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Player to Watch |
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Brandon Banks | WR/KR | No. 83 | Senior
Though he stands only 5-7, senior wideout Brandon Banks cannot be overlooked.
The triple threat receiver turned 67 catches into 1,049 yards (15.7 ypc) and nine TDs last year while also averaging 27.7 yards per kickoff return and 11.6 yards per punt return.
Possessing breakaway speed, Banks can simply run away from opponents, something he looks to do a lot of during his final season in Manhattan.
Other Key Players
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Scouting K-State's Offense |
With Josh Freeman gone to the NFL, the biggest question surrounding the Wildcats this offseason is who will take over at quarterback. Carson Coffman appears to be the heir apparent. The 6-3, 212 pound junior is a big, athletic QB with an accurate arm who has been around the program for four years.
Whether it ends up being Coffman or someone else, the new quarterback will be surrounded by talent. The receiving corps features three former junior college transfers in Banks, Attrail Snipes and Aubrey Quarles, all athletic targets who have the ability to score on any given play. Jeron Mastrud has also established himself as a reliable pass catcher, while Lamark Brown, the team's leading rusher a year ago, shifts over to receiver this season.
The Wildcats also return a number of experienced players at running back. Senior Keithen Valentine and Dee Bell provide the speed, while Logan Dold is a more powerful, short-yardage back.
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Scouting K-State's Defense |
Just like the other Kansas school OU faces a week earlier, K-State shifts to a 4-2-5 defensive scheme in 2009. The new alignment is gaining popularity as a way to contain the spread offense which has taken over the Big 12.
Anchoring the Wildcat defense is junior cornerback Josh Moore. One of the top DBs in the conference, Moore is an all-around player who led the team with 76 tackles, three interceptions and 12 pass breakups while also accumulating five tackles for loss last season.
Kansas State also has a number of budding stars on the defensive line in Brandon Harold, Eric Childs and Jeffrey Fitzgerald. Harold takes over as the leader up front with the graduation of three-time All-Big 12 performer Ian Campbell. Childs started every game opposite Harold a year ago, while Fitzgerald looks to make a big impact in his first and only season with the Wildcats after transferring from Virginia.
K-State is also experienced at linebacker, with seniors John Houlik and Ulla Pomele, and sophomore Alex Hrebec all back.
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Game Implications |
Both the Sooners and Wildcats hope to pick up an inter-divisional win in the Big 12 Conference before gearing up for the home stretch of the season.
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Stay tuned throughout the summer as we provide an in-depth look at each of OU's 2009 opponents.
Wednesday, July 08
Thursday, June 25
Monday, June 22
Monday, May 18
