Projecting The Preseason Top 25: Did The Hawkeyes Make The Cut?
By Dan Vasta
21) Kansas State Wildcats
Key Player: QB Jesse Ertz
Having watched the final four games of the Wildcats last season, Ertz played so smart in crunch time. He always took care of the ball, knew how and when to slide perfectly while avoiding big hits towards oncoming traffic. A capable passer, Ertz is a proven winner with his ability to find hidden yardage as the most important player on the roster.
Key Stat: Very quietly the fighting Bill Snyder’s are one of the more successful programs in the Big 12. The last non-bowl season was in 2009 and that is all while receiving little attention in the preseason polls. Only twice since 2005 have the Wildcats garnered love from the preseason AP poll.
Key Game: 10/21 Oklahoma
A homecoming victory over Oklahoma this season would go a long way not into just reaching yet another bowl, but potentially towards the Big 12 title game. The Wildcats are that good and will prove it in some showdowns this season. They may not blow everybody out, but this is a nine-plus win team and it starts with this battle.