MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State men’s basketball team held their annual media day on Wednesday afternoon inside the Ice Family Basketball Center as Head Coach Bruce Weber and the team previewed the 2017-18 season that kicks off with the team’s first practice on Friday, September 29. K-State opens exhibition play on Sunday, October 29 against Fort Hays State before officially kicking off the season against American on Friday, November 10.

 

Head Coach Bruce Weber

Opening statement…

“We are excited. It’s the fun part of the college basketball season, and for me especially as a coach. I have always cherished this first month of practice because I get to be on campus – I am not doing recruiting, fundraising and alumni events, but I get to build the foundation of my team.

 

“I could not be more excited about our group. It started at the end, whatever happened after the Oklahoma game. They came together, there was a renewed focus and a good finish. I talked about at the end last year it was good for our seniors to get into the NCAA Tournament, to get a win and get a taste of it, but I think it was even better for our younger guys to get a taste of it, a drive and motivation to be a part of the tournament. I know it has helped them pushing them to a new gear and another level of intensity from the spring, into the summer and to the fall.

 

“Our whole summer theme has been about character, being accountable, being responsible and tough. Toughness to win those close games, character to make the right play, and do the right thing for your teammates. We have talked a lot about competitiveness. I think that is going to be one of our strengths. Our depth is going to be so much different. I hate to bring up injuries, but with practice we can actually get after it this year. In the last two years it seemed like we were trying to make sure we had healthy bodies, to have seven or eight guys at practice. I think the depth we have will be a benefit. It will be important for our coaching staff figuring out how to use the depth and keeping all of our guys competitively involved.

 

“I think consistency will be really a key to us, especially with those older guys. We have Mason Schoen as a senior, but those juniors are going to be so key, especially the three guys that have played a lot of minutes, Kamau Stokes, Barry Brown and Dean Wade. They are going to have to be seniors and play like seniors with consistency. We talked a lot about communicating, not just on the court. Not whether or not you need help-side defense, but the idea of team unity. Being together as a team and communicating as a team. We have done a lot this fall with our strength and conditioning. In our workouts we have been trying to communicate, push and help each other come together to build that team unity. We want our guys to have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder. Our little quote for the summer was, ‘If you never wake up with something to prove, you will never improve.’ We have talked about that all summer, and to me there is no doubt they have improved. Now we have to show them out on the court and come together as a team.

 

“Obviously, yesterday was not the best day in the history of college basketball. It’s tough on individuals and schools affected, but I know that as an individual I have always tried to have high standards for myself and for our staff. I always want to do things the right way, but by no means am I perfect. We are very proud of the way we do things at K-State. I think our players are people our fans are proud to have as part of our team. A couple years ago I said I want players who K-State fans are proud of, that play, treat and act the right way. I feel really good about our group, and I am excited for this upcoming season.”

 

On three juniors ability to step up this season…

“The one that has taken off is Barry (Brown). Him and Wes (Iwundu) were boys and he watched Wes’ progress last year, and Wes kind of took responsibility at the end of the year. Something happened at the end of year where he was talking to the coaches and texting us how are we going to guard this, and somehow maybe it got to Barry. He also saw Wes’ success and our success led him to the opportunity to get drafted. Barry spends individual time coming in the gym–the most of anyone on the team. Other guys come in the gym, but Barry does it like Rodney (McGruder), three times instead of two or one. Barry has taken the role as leader on the team individually and on the team through conditioning, winning in every race through example and through talking.

 

“I think you all know Dean (Wade) has come a long way. I told him I do not expect him to be the greatest leader, but I need him to be a great follower. Kam (Stokes) has made progress and I would like him to lead because he is very intelligent. He has the opportunity to be a good leader and help Barry with that. They are all experienced and they have been through it.

 

“Mason Schoen is a great individual and wants to coach. I have told Mason to use this time to learn and be an intern. You are a player coach and you can help our team. And we have one kind of x-factor with Mawdo (Sallah). He is older, a little more mature and he has taken on a little bit of leadership already. He is a very intelligent man in the MBA program. He will help with that also. I have a little group text message, one with the whole team, and then I have those four older guys, and now I have stuck Maw in the mix because he may not feel comfortable verbally yet, but he definitely is showing his leadership ability in his example.”

 

On adjusting new guys into the system…

“I think the best thing that has happened is the older guys have set the example. They come every day with the mindset of not letting down in practice taking a play off, or not running hard in conditioning. They have set the example in conditioning whether (strength and conditioning coach) Ben (O’Donnell) says 6 a.m. or 2 p.m. The younger guys have no choice but to do it the way the older guys are doing it. Levi (Stockard III) joked with me the other day that ‘you are killing me, coach’. It does not mean he is going to back down, he saw that example. Some are a little different, some are better in the weight room, conditioning, on the court, and picking up basketball easier. That is the job of the coaches is to help them get in the lineup more easily. We start Friday officially, we have a month until our first exhibition game and six weeks until our first game. We still have time to help our guys and make progress. I talked to some of our guys that I am not worried about them October 29, maybe not even November 11, but I am worried about them making progress by December and January.

 

On feeling toward Wesley Iwundu getting drafted…

“It was really exciting for our program, for him and his family. I think the example he set by putting in the work and getting results showed a lot. He was not a top-50 recruit, but if you put the time in it with the God-gifts, the length and athleticism he set an example for Barry and some of the other guys with his hard work ethic. I texted Rodney and Wes as they started camp that I was excited to watch their progress.”

 

On the foreign trip impact on Xavier Sneed…

I think Xavier gets not talked about as much because of Barry, Dean and Kamau. He had some nice moments for us last year. He will tell you he hit a Big 12 wall to be honest after playing against the top teams every game. He came back and said told me he understands how hard it is, how hard he has to work and all the things you guys have been preaching. There was no doubt when he went to Belize, whatever it is that movie with Dr. Evil and he is trying to find his mojo–Austin Powers. He came back and had a mojo that I did not see. He is playing with so much confidence out there and that’s part of growing up, and I expect him to have a really good year. He had some figuring it out as a freshman, but now you take off as a sophomore.”

 

On taking on a chip on your shoulder mentality because of Barry Brown…

“I think he has been the leader with that. It is a young man who got recruited a little bit later, but you go back and see that he was on an unbelievable AAU team, but he was seventh man. The people in Florida and the SEC had recruited him late after we had recruited him and were in there. He has kind of come here since he got here with that mentality, and he has great drive. I hope that one of your best players is the one working early and working hard, it has to be contagious for the rest of your guys.”

 

On Cartier Diarra following injury…

“He is an unbelievable athlete. He went from a 43-inch vertical jump, had an ACL surgery and then we tested him after and he is up to a 45-inch vertical jump less than a year later. He has great athleticism and strength. He is like DJ (Johnson), when DJ sat out that whole time, I told DJ use that time to get better, or at least get your free throws better, you have to figure out something. Now it is going to be experience and refining his skills. I am very confident he is going to be a nice factor for our team.

 

On options on the front line…

“There is no doubt that is the question mark on our team. Consistency from the older guys and the development of our big guys. You have five options beside Dean, and we will look to play small ball with Brian Patrick, Amaad Wainright or Xavier could play when teams go small on us.

 

“We have the graduate student, Mawdo Sallah. I call him grandpa now, he kind of smiles, but I do not know if he is mad or not, we will see as it goes. He is one of the older guys on our team. He gives you experience, he played in the NCAA Tournament right before us, which is ironic. He played against Villanova and had eight and eight. I think he got 13 rebounds at Iowa State. He gives us that older guy that knows what is going on. He wants to get better. He comes up in the office and is watching film.

 

“We have Makol [Mawien] who is as talented as anyone of the big guys. I would not say to Dean, but he has a lot of skills and ability. He wants to play out on the court maybe a little too much. He can do things out on the court, but we want him to use his athleticism inside. He is versatile and gives us a four of five look.

 

“James Love was with us in the summer and broke his foot in October. It took him nine months to get back, but now he is starting to get back in shape. He gives us physicality, he has been around us for a little bit, but he is still trying to regain strength.

 

“And then the two freshman. Each one gives you a different look. Levi (Stockard) is very skilled, I used to call him big bodied, but he has probably lost 40 pounds. Now we have to get stronger, get in the weight room. I keep encouraging him that it is a slow process in getting there, but he has great skills and a great feel of the game. Last Wednesday, we had our team workout and he had some plays and did some nice things for us. Nigel (Shadd) has a good body and is athletic, but he has to learn the game and improve his skills.

 

“I think it is going to be by committee and I am hoping one of two of them will slowly take steps forward to help us, but in the long run it is going to be by committee.”

 

On depth creating competitiveness…

“It was on the board the first day they got here this summer that there is competition here. If you want minutes you will have to be in the gym, watching film and busting your butt in practice every day. A lot of times in practice we had to be so careful last year, and we could not go as hard or do this or that edge of toughness to win some of those close games. Do they have the experience? No, but we sure have a lot of bodies now that we can use all of them to help us.”

 

On Brian Patrick…

“He is kind of that quiet x-factor. Xavier is the x-factor, but I called him last week with a bunch of recruiting in the last two and a half weeks. I called him on the road and told him we need to get that motor turned on. Obviously we saw last year he can make shots, he has a big body. He is more athletic than he shows, but when he does show it, he is a great one that could end up being the small ball four of three. He can handle the basketball and do some things with his athleticism. I think a big key with any of those guys will be rebounding. Whether it is him, Xavier or Amaad, which one of them is going to get those extra rebounds for us to earn those minutes.”

 

On Mike McGuirl…

“Mike was the biggest surprise of the summer. He is strong already, he has great work ethic, he is in the gym and he is intelligent. He can sure shoot the basketball. I think the biggest surprise is that he did not back down to anybody. He has taken those older guys on. He has had a little bit of a setback, he has missed quite a bit. About two weeks ago, I said to all you guys sitting there riding bikes that instead of conditioning. I feel for you, I do not like injuries, but you better get your butts in gear because you are going to make up the conditioning and try to practice. All of the sudden, we did not have anyone on the bikes, and they were all in conditioning and I think practice and competition heals a lot of those injuries.”

 

Senior Guard Mason Schoen

On the upcoming season…

“I am feeling good about this upcoming season. We have had a very good offseason in the spring, summer and the fall, so I am feeling good. We have had great workouts, been super competitive, we have all gotten stronger in the weight room and better on the court. So, I am ready for it.”

 

On how the team looks right now…

“I am not going to lie we definitely lost a few key players last year, but we have a lot of new faces in the program this year. We all played well this summer and so I am ready to see where that takes us.”

 

Junior Forward Dean Wade
On being a leader on the team…

“I take it one day at a time. I am always trying to help the younger guys, I was in their position once so I know how it felt. We also have Mason [Schoen] here and he has been through the rings a few times, and he always has our backs, he still helps me to this day.”

 

On reflecting on tape from last season…

“I see someone who was not aggressive enough, offensively and defensively, especially in rebounding. But I also see a ton of room to grow. Hopefully this offseason I have grown enough to expand my game.”

 

On potential for this season…

“We have three returning starters, the most in the Big 12 and we have some transfers. We’re young still, but I think we have some potential. I think the sky is the limit.”

 

On games where he felt comfortable last season…

“The three of the earlier Big 12 games I was clicking. I think it was more of a confidence thing, I was just having fun out there.”

 

Junior Guard Barry Brown
On Wesley Iwundu’s influence on his leadership style…
“Wes (Iwundu) was a big influence with some of the key points he implemented and how he led by example. I took those and tried to add them into how I lead this team.  Hopefully we can it to the tournament this year like we did last year.”

On the team playing with a chip on their shoulder…
“I feel that I have brought that competitive nature to the team.  That is what we are going to have to have in order to be a good team and individual players.  We have to play with that grit because the guy you are going against is competing for your minutes.  If everyone goes hard it is only going to help carry over to the games.”

On the strengths for this year’s team…
“This year’s team is going to be competitive.  We have a lot of flexible guys that can play multiple positions.  We’re going to be athletic, long, shoot the three at a higher efficiency and get to the basket.  I feel that we are going to improve in every statistic.”

 

Junior Guard Kamau Stokes

On adjusting to his leadership role…
“I came in my freshman year having to adjust very quickly.  I have been starting since my freshman year, that leadership role is something I have been working towards for the past two years and this year I really get to show it.”

 

On what he has seen from the team heading into the season…
“I feel that everyone is working hard.  We had a great summer and this past month was our toughest of the year.

 

On taking character and consistency into account moving forward…
“It definitely carries over from last year.  Especially having all these new guys, we need to continue to keep that up and the guys who were here last year have been doing a great job of it.”

 

On how motivational last year’s NCAA tournament was…
“It was real motivational.  We know we can get there and we just have to get these new guys on board so we can get back to that point.”

 

On how much success is tied to himself and Barry Brown in the backcourt…
“A lot of our success is tied to Barry and I in the backcourt.  The ball is going to be in our hands most of the time and we have to make plays for everybody else.  We also have to be leaders.”

 

Sophomore Forward Xavier Sneed

On the learning process last year…

“It was great for me. I got some great minutes, average probably 18 a game last year. That experience, having that under my belt will really help me out coming into this year. Coming into Division I basketball, especially being in the Big 12, is going to be pretty hard. It was a big jump for me. I had a solid year but I hope to have a better year this year.”

 

On the trip to play in Belize this summer…

“It was pretty big for me, especially this year, working on everything that I see I have flaws in from last year. Just coming in and being able to do that every day on a consistent basis and just getting better at that.”

 

On being more aggressive this year…

“Last year I feel like I settled a lot, but this year showing my all-around game, being able to shoot, attack the hole and play defense is a big key for me this year.”

 

On their defense this coming year…

“I have seen really good things in open gym and things have started to click. Seeing players come around it was great for us. It can be a really big year for us and we can be in the top part of the NCAA in allowed points and some things like that as well.”

 

Redshirt Freshman Guard Cartier Diarra

On his style of play…

“I am more of a slasher or driver, pass-first point guard. I like to get into the paint and draw defenders then pass it out to my open teammates. I like to see my teammates get into the flow of the game and feel good. Their energy reciprocates and they find me. I want to do whatever coach needs. Whatever we need to do to win, that is the most important to me.”

 

On his role with the team…

“I feel like it is going to be a good role. I feel like we have a lot of pieces. Everyone is needed and everyone brings their own taste to the team. Everyone has a piece that another player does not have, so I think that is why we are going to be a good team this year, we all work together and complete a puzzle.”

 

On improvements coming off a knee injury from last season…

“When I first came here, I tested my vertical and I was at 43’ and now I am at 45’. I am pretty excited about that. I feel better than before.”

 

On the offseason training…

“He [Coach Weber] pushes us past our limits, anything we say we think we cannot do, he is pushing us there and we complete it. We’ve had big gains from everyone…It has been a great offseason and great summer.”

 

Freshman Guard Mike McGuirl

On getting used to the college life…

It has gotten easier as I have adjusted to it. I have gotten more used to this lifestyle, of working hard everyday while staying in the classroom and focusing on keeping my grades up.”

 

On the newcomers getting adjusted…

“All the new guys, old guys, everyone works hard and is trying to help everyone on the team and help the team win.”

 

On his focus throughout the summer…

“I just came in and tried to work hard and compete. I know how to compete and I know how to play to win, so that is what I try to do everyday.”

 

Freshman Forward Nigel Shadd

On the difference between high school and college basketball…

“Just the competition really because I come from a small school so coming here to this big institution it is a big difference.”

 

On the upcoming season…

“I am excited for the competition especially. Not only in the Big 12 but also non-conference. We play Washington State and American University. I know some people that are on those teams so it will be great competition, not only for the team but for me personally.”

 

On the weight training program…

“The first time it was tough because before I came here I did not have that much weight training. My high school was very small and they barely had any room for a weight room so I did not have a weight room. I did not know the proper footwork or anything for some of the weights. After a while, putting the extra time in really helped, especially with Ben [O’Donnell]. He is a great teacher and motivator.”

 

On the competition this summer…

“Mak [Mawien] has definitely stood out. He is a very versatile big, he can shoot and he can drive. It is quite impressive what he can do, that is why I kind of look up to him for how he plays, how aggressive he is and his drive on the court.”

 

—www.kstatesports.com—

 

TOM GILBERT
Associate Director for Athletics Communications | K-State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State senior linebacker Trent Tanking has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced Wednesday. Often referred to as the “Academic Heisman,” the Campbell Trophy recognizes an individual as the absolute best football scholar-athlete in the nation.

 

A former walk-on turned starting linebacker, Tanking is one of 71 FBS players to make the list, including six from the Big 12. He is the fourth Wildcat semifinalist in as many years, joining Tyler Lockett (2014), Stanton Weber (2015) and Will Davis (2016). Both Lockett (2014) and Tysyn Hartman (2011) were named finalists for the award.

 

“These 181 impressive candidates truly represent the scholar-athlete ideal,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. “It is important for us to showcase their success on the football field, in the classroom and in the community. This year’s semifinalists further illustrate the power of our great sport in developing the next generation of influential leaders.”

 

A First Team Academic All-Big 12 selection in both 2014 and 2016, Tanking holds a 3.633 GPA as an industrial engineering major, and he is in line to graduate this coming May. In addition to his work in the classroom and on the field, Tanking has also volunteered for Cats in the Classroom (spending time with local kids at schools) and Senior Cats (visiting residents at local nursing homes), while he is a two-year member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

 

On the field, Tanking has started the first three games of his career in 2017 as the team captain paces the squad with 21 tackles, a figure that is tied for 12^th in the Big 12. He notched a new career high with nine tackles in the season opener against Central Arkansas and topped that mark with 10 stops at Vanderbilt. The Holton, Kansas, native shined on special teams the previous three years, including the 2016 season when he led the Wildcats with 12 special teams tackles.

 

The NFF will announced 12-14 finalists for the 2017 Campbell Trophy on November 1, and each of them will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. The finalists will travel to New York City for the 60^th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 5, where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports.

 

During the awards dinner, the winner of the 28^th William V. Campbell Trophy will be declared and he will have his postgraduate scholarship increased to $25,000.

 

Kansas State opens Big 12 play Saturday with a 2:30 p.m., contest against Baylor inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, a game that will be shown nationally on ESPN2. A K-State VIP Tailgate Package remains for the game against the Bears, which is priced at $55 and includes a reserved seat, pregame access to the South Goss Tailgate Terrace and access to an all-you-can-eat buffet along with soda, beer and wine up until kickoff. The package can be purchased by clicking here, calling the K-State Athletics Ticket office at 1-800-221-CATS or visiting the office inside Bramlage Coliseum.

 

Fans looking for contiguous reserved ticket options for the contest against the Bears can do so through Vivid Seats, the official secondary ticket partner of K-State Athletics, by clicking here.

– k-statesports.com –

 

RYAN LACKEY
Asst. Director/Athletics Communications | K-State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder and select players met with members of the media Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to K-State’s Big 12 opener against Baylor this Saturday in Bill Snyder Family Stadium, a game that will kick off at2:30 p.m., and be televised nationally by ESPN2. Selected comments from Snyder’s press conference (archived here) are posted below, along with a collection of comments from players.

 

Scattered singles and K-State VIP Tailgate Packages remain for the game against the Bears. Reserved seating starts at $35, while the K-State VIP Tailgate Package is $55 and includes a reserved seat, pregame access to the South Goss Tailgate Terrace and access to an all-you-can-eat buffet along with soda, beer and wine up until kickoff. Scattered single tickets are available by clicking here, while fans can purchase the K-State VIP Tailgate Package byclicking here.

K-State Football Weekly Press Conference Quotes
Head Coach Bill Snyder
On the passing game…

“I thought yesterday in practice that Jesse (Ertz) threw the ball pretty well. He was conscientious, as he always is, of what he was doing. He threw the ball well with good placement. He made good decisions and was accurate with his throws. I feel good about how he practiced yesterday.”

 

On entering Big 12 play…

“In yesterday’s practice, collectively, it was probably the most spirited that we have had throughout the course of the year. I would like to think that if you love and care about the game, that you will get excited about playing. Getting into conference play brought some enthusiasm, as did getting off of a bye week. They can focus their attention on getting ready for this ballgame because it is going to be here very quickly. From that standpoint, I thought the enthusiasm was enhanced.”

 

On the wide receivers…

“In yesterday’s practice, we threw the ball well but we also caught the ball well. We ran routes well, our receivers looked quick. They have taken it upon themselves to make strides so that is the way I view it from yesterday’s workout.”

 

On Baylor…

“There are some things we have to put more emphasis on based on their game against Oklahoma. They played with some personnel groupings and some formations that have not been as prevalent in the previous three games. We have worked on those things but probably not to the same degree that we need to.”

 

On running back Justin Silmon…

“We know he is capable. He ran reasonably well two Saturday’s ago. I do not think anything has changed. We have always assessed him to be a fine player and a good running back for us.”

 

On the team’s enthusiasm…

“Coaches are pretty consistent about what they do as far as enthusiasm. I think they are enthused, everybody may demonstrate that a little differently. They go about their business and try and get their guys to do what they are supposed to do. You get a variety of staff, which is important to have – some guys are quiet in their coaching and some guys are a little more vocal. That is a human nature thing as it is with players. Some players who are really into it are very quiet and reserved and they go about their business. Their eyes and concentration are on what they are doing. It is a matter of is it a natural thing or meaningful thing. False enthusiasm does not help anybody. The young guys know each other quite well, so they know if it is real or not. If it is real like I thought it was yesterday, then it is significant.”

 

On the defense…

“I do not think we are where we need to be but the numbers show up decent right now. I think we lead the conference in pass defense. We have not been in the conference with teams that do put the ball in the air as much as our conference does. I think we made some headway. Some of the things that have been concerning have been addressed and we are making improvements.”

 

On if starting the conference slate at home adds significance…

“I think that it does but I want to play them all at home. At the end of the day, you are still going to have to play five on the road and it becomes important to understand how to deal with that. Being able to confine everything between the white lines, so to speak, and keep our focus there, and not on hotels or flights. I encourage the players to let us deal with the issues. We have people who are good at what they do and they can deal with it. The difference here is you have a tremendous fan base that cares about and supports all these young guys. That is very meaningful to them. We had quite a turn out at Vanderbilt but unfortunately we did not respond to that.”

Junior Tight End Dayton Valentine
On the upcoming game…

“It is the attitude of going into this week knowing we are finally getting into conference play. Last week we had the bye coming off a loss, and the guys felt a little bit down. We did not get to come out and play to have a redemption game to take that anger away. Coming back, the guys realize how important this week is and to be prepared for this next week against Baylor to start the conference strong. The team realizes that and we had really good spirit yesterday.”

 

On quarterback Jesse Ertz…

“One thing about Jesse is that every day he comes in wanting to get better. One thing I have noticed is the fact that his demeanor has not changed much in the sense that he is coming out here every day trying to get better. We might be coming off a loss but he comes out and gives everything he has got. He is consistent and he really wants us to prepare and work just as hard.

 

On Baylor’s rush defense…

“One thing I have noticed about Baylor’s defense is that they have improved every single week. That is what we are trying to do, improve every single week, too. It is not going to be an easy game by any means coming off of how we played and how they played against Oklahoma last week. They have a lot of movement and blitzes up front. We have to be good with our eyes, hands and steps. We need to be able to create those lanes for (Alex) Barnes and (Justin) Silmon, and all those guys to get loose.”

 

Sophomore Wide Receiver Dalton Schoen

On fixing the wide receiver struggles from the Vanderbilt game…

“We have just been focused on improving and making all the corrections from the Vandy game. Just focusing on the little things, whether it be getting your route depth or being the right position and looking the ball in.”

 

On if there has been a noticeable improvement since the Vanderbilt game…

“Yes, definitely within our receiver groups and the whole team. Honestly, we had a great bye week and came out yesterday and had a great practice with a lot of spirit and energy.”

 

On the offense going into Big 12 play…

“We know what we are capable of. You saw the first couple of weeks. Obviously, we know what will happen when we don’t execute, which was what happened at Vanderbilt. We know as long as we go out there and execute our game plan, we can do some good things.”

 

Sophomore Linebacker Elijah Sullivan

On the bye week…

“The bye week was very helpful. It gave us a chance to look at a lot of things and get everything cleaned up. The Oklahoma-Baylor game helped us see a lot.”

 

On having a spirited practice yesterday…

“Everybody was into it. We came out with a different mood, especially with us coming off that loss. Going into a game week and coming off a loss, you have to have everybody invested and ready to go out there and do what they can.”

 

Senior Linebacker Jayd Kirby

On how the week has been…

“Everything was just getting ready for Baylor and getting Vanderbilt behind us; fixing what we needed to fix there.”

 

On how the bye week is beneficial when facing an offense like Baylor…

“It came at a good time and just gave us a little extra time to focus on Baylor. They looked good against OU.”

 

On stopping a pass-heavy offense…

“It is going to be a test. I do not think we have seen 50 passes in a game yet, so it is going to be something new. We are going to have to defend them pretty well.”

Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder talked with members of the media via teleconference while select players met with the media Tuesday at the Vanier Family Football Complex as K-State is idle this week prior to hosting Baylor on Sept. 30.

Following the bye week, K-State takes on the Bears on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 2:30 p.m., inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium in a game that will be shown nationally on either ABC or ESPN2. Scattered singles and K-State VIP Tailgate Packages remain for the game against the Bears. Reserved seating starts at $35, while the K-State VIP Tailgate Package is $55 and includes a reserved seat, pregame access to the South Goss Tailgate Terrace and access to an all-you-can-eat buffet along with soda, beer and wine up until kickoff. Scattered single tickets are available by clicking here, while fans can purchase the K-State VIP Tailgate Package by clicking here.

Head Coach Bill Snyder
On the interior of the offensive line…

“I was pleased with how well they have played. It gets tougher as you get into the conference, so it remains to be seen. I do have high expectations for them. They have proven that they can play well, hard, aggressive, and enhance their moving ability. I am pleased with where they are at this point in time. It can also get a little tougher as we get into conference play.”

 

On the pass rush…

“Reggie (Walker) played extremely well and his pass rush was very good and effective. I also give credit to Kyle (Shurmur) the quarterback down there (Vanderbilt). He did a nice job of being able to still get the ball off. He got the ball out of his hands in a hurry, and consequently he had success throwing the ball.”

 

On the loss at Vanderbilt…

“It does sting. The important thing is how much does one care. If someone is going through some agony and pain from the loss, then I share with them that it tells me they genuinely care, which is important to me. If someone did not have that emotional suffering to a certain degree or the pain, it would tell me that they did not care. I believe that our youngsters were in some pain. After that, it is that period of time where you feel sorry for yourself and it is human nature. You get beyond that and anger sets in. That anger is a message that we need to do something about it. I am hoping that is where we are at this stage.”

 

On the play of the linebackers at Vanderbilt…

“I thought our linebackers collectively played well. They certainly made some plays in the ballgame and helped us control and win the line of scrimmage. In most instances I thought Elijah (Sullivan) did well. He played well, but nobody was without an error here and there, collectively and individually. They played well, hard and aggressive, which is the way you would like them to play.”

 

On the running game…

“I do not know that the running game was totally insufficient. We did not run the ball all that badly. We had approximately 200 yards running and averaged a little over four yards per carry, so we had some plays. The consistency was not there. Part of it was us but a lot of it was Vanderbilt. They have a very fine defensive football game. I was more concerned about our passing game than I was about the run game.”

 

On the defense…

“We have gotten better week in and week out. That is the most important thing to me. There are still areas that we have improvements to make. Even though we defended well in the run game, we still have some things we have to clean up. The passing game is the same thing. There are a few schemes that have gotten us from time to time in the back end. We have to defend better against and that is what we are working on right now. Every game is a new season, so what we did last week as good as it was is not going to have a good bearing on the next ballgame we play.”

 

On D.J. Reed…

“D.J. (Reed) is doing quite well. My reference is that D.J. had been selected a leader in this program, and I wanted him to step up a little but more. I wanted him to become a vocal leader. That is not an easy task for him, but he has a lot on his plate. Playing in the secondary is hard enough. The work he has done on special teams is something he has done quite well. I do not have any issues with how he is playing. I would just like to see him elevate his vocal leadership more but also understand the nature of the individual.”

 

On the Big 12 teams…

“I do not know, I have not seen the tapes, at least from this season. It sounds like right now we believe the conference is strong. I do not think there is a doubt about that as it relates to the rest of the nation. We seemingly fit in quite well. Oklahoma State has been very productive and the same for Oklahoma. Texas is on its way back. TCU is making a great deal of improvement since last year, and Texas Tech the same thing. You can go down the list and see ample reasons why it is a strong conference.”

Junior Offensive Lineman Abdul Beecham
On the mentality of the team heading into the bye week…

“Of course the loss was tough on us, the fans and everybody, but I feel like the mindset is in the right direction. The leadership is stepping up, Dalton Risner, D.J. Reed and Jesse Ertz are getting the guys going. We just have to keep pressing forward. I like where the energy is, but we just have to keep pressing along.”

 

On the theme of yesterday’s meeting and team demeanor…

“Getting our mistakes fixed is the biggest thing. He (Bill Snyder) talked to us a lot about how a loss is not always a failure. It is only a failure if you do not correct your mistakes. A lot of corrections went in yesterday and today, and we just have to keep pushing along and moving forward.”

 

On the where he assesses the running game going into Big 12 play…

“Our running game is picking up these past two games, but it is still not where we want it to be and up to our standards. Coach (Charlie) Dickey is working extremely hard to get us right and all the guys on the offensive line are working extremely hard on and off the field to get this running game up and going.”

 

Sophomore Wide Receiver Dalton Schoen

On what went wrong at Vanderbilt…

“It is hard to describe. I am not really sure exactly where it all went wrong. There was definitely a lot of plays we know we can make and should have made, and it just did not go our way. That really hurts because it hurt the team. There was a couple big third-down plays that we should have made.”

 

On the message from wide receivers coach Andre Coleman…

“The message has been getting back to work and realizing we cannot just take it for granted. We have to go out and prepare each week and then go out and execute during the game.”

 

On what practice was like and the plan is moving forward…

“We were working on corrections from the game. We are working on getting better and using this bye week to get back on track. The timing of the bye is coming at a decent time. Coming off a tough loss, it is a good time to rest of some guys and get them healthy.”

 

Senior Linebacker Jayd Kirby

On Elijah Sullivan’s speed…

“I think Elijah is a fast player. Anytime you have somebody with that kind of speed on the field, it helps out tremendously.”

 

On what Coach Snyder said to the team following the loss…

“The gist of it was how we are going to handle it and how we are going to bounce back. We just have to get ready for the next week and get back on the winning track.”

 

On what has impressed him the most about the defense…

“We do not try to look at the statistics, but we as linebackers are focused on stopping the run. Anytime we can stop the run and limit the run game, it helps us out a lot.”

 

On practicing the 4-3 defense leading up to the Vanderbilt game…

“You are going to practice whatever you are seeing on the film. Like Vanderbilt, we were heavy in the base defensive package just because it is what they line up in. Playing Texas Tech, you are probably not going to see that much base defense.”

Sophomore Defensive End Kyle Ball

On what Coach Snyder has said to the team following the loss at Vanderbilt…

“He talked about how it is not about what happened because we cannot fix it now, but it is about what we fix in the future. It is how we will respond to adversity. He talked about what we should do going forward. Coach took the blame for the loss. A lot of the guys felt bad because we did not think it was on him. We kind of beat ourselves, a lot of us felt like. He just talked about what we need to do during this bye week and how we need to get focused on Big 12 play. We need to go 1-0 everyday – he is big on that and taking nothing for granted. That has been one of the biggest things we have been focusing on this week.”

 

On getting ready for Big 12 play…

“Everyone is really excited to get Big 12 Conference play going. You are itching to get out there and prepare to play against them. I think everyone is excited and focused.”

 

On the defense…

“I felt like we won the line of scrimmage (at Vanderbilt). We were pushing them back, and I feel like we are learning. Every year it is a new team and defense. Some new guys are starting new positions, but I feel like we are getting comfortable with ourselves. We like where we are at and are improving even more on that.”

Sophomore Linebacker Elijah Sullivan

On what it was like to receive extensive playing time for the first time…

“It was great. The last game (Charlotte) I got a few reps in toward the second half. Especially, starting the game off in the first quarter, it was definitely a change, but I liked it.”

 

On his role heading into Big 12 play…

“Of course we have a lot of different linebackers that will probably go in and what not. I will just try to do my best and wait for the coach to call my name and go in and do what I can.”

Game 4
Baylor at rv/rv Kansas State
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2017

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, Kan.

Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)

Series: K-State Leads, 8-6

 

CATS OPEN BIG 12 PLAY AT HOME AGAINST BAYLOR
Using a bye week to bounce back from a tough loss at Vanderbilt on Sept. 16, Kansas State opens Big 12 play at home for just the fifth time in the 22-year history of the league this Saturday as Baylor comes calling to Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The contest, which will kick at 2:30 p.m., will be shown nationally on ESPN2 with Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Anthony Becht (analyst) and Rocky Boiman (field analyst) on the call.

 

The game can also be heard across the 40-station K-State Sports Network with Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play), former K-State quarterback Stan Weber (analyst) and Matt Walters (sidelines) calling the action. Coverage will also be available on Sirius channel 132, XM Channel 199 in addition to the TuneIn app. Live stats are available at kstatesports.com, while Twitter updates (@ kstate_gameday, @KStateFB) will all be a part of the coverage.

A LOOK AT K-STATE

• Guided by College Football Hall of Famer Bill Snyder, who is in his 26th year at the helm, the Wildcats are looking to rebound from a 14-7 loss at Vanderbilt, a game in which the offense could only muster 277 yards and moved the ball into the red zone on just two occasions.
• The offensive output was disappointing considering K-State scored 55 points in each of its first two games, hitting the 50-point mark twice in the first two games for just the third time in school history (1998, 2012).
• Senior Jesse Ertz set a new single-game school record for passer rating (319.8) in the season opener and rushed for 126 yards and a touchdown at Vanderbilt.
• Ertz carded his fourth-career 100-yard rushing game at VU, tying with Michael Bishop (1997-98) for third in school history among QBs, while he has 1,300 career rushing yards to sit 14 yards shy of tying Bishop for third place in school history in career rushing yards by signal callers.
• Ertz leads five different Wildcats with at least one rushing touchdown this year, while four different receivers have carded at least five catches and scored one touchdown.
• Despite the loss at Vanderbilt, the K-State defense held the Commodores to just 270 yards, including 65 rushing yards, a week after allowing only 168 yards to Charlotte.
• K-State enters Big 12 play ranked seventh nationally in turnover margin (+5), 11th in scoring defense (13.3 points per game) and 20th in total defense (286.3).
• The Wildcats are led by linebacker Trent Tanking, who is tied for 12th in the Big 12 with 21 tackles, while corner D.J. Reed has a team-best 2.0 TFLs and an interception.
• Reed recorded a 96-yard return on the opening kickoff vs. UCA, a 62-yard punt return for a score and an interception to earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
• Kendall Adams answered the bell against Charlotte by becoming just the third Big 12 player ever to return an interception for a TD and a fumble for a score in the same game as he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.

A LOOK AT THE SERIES

• K-State owns an 8-6 all-time record against Baylor after snapping a four-game losing streak to the Bears with a 42-21 victory in Waco last season.
• The Cats are out to take down another Baylor streak as the Bears have won the last two meetings in Manhattan.
• Kansas State’s last home victory over BU was a 36-35 triumph in 2011 when linebacker Arthur Brown picked off eventual Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III and Anthony Cantele connected on a 31-yard field goal with3:10left in the game.

  BYE WEEK NOTES

• The Cats have had 29 previous mid-season bye weeks under head coach Bill Snyder and have turned the extra week of preparation into a 20-9 record the next week.
• Since Snyder’s return in 2009, K-State is 9-5 when coming off a bye week during the season.
• K-State was 2-0 last season coming off a break. The Wildcats defeated Florida Atlantic, 63-7, on Sept. 17 after being idle on Sept. 10, while last year’s victory at Baylor followed a bye the week prior.

  SNYDER IN SEPTEMBER

• Fast starts have propelled the Wildcats to winning seasons under Bill Snyder. Since 1992 under Snyder, K-State is a combined 66-9 (.880) in September.
• Of the losses, five came on the road, as the Cats are 51-3 (.944) in September home games during that stretch.
• Since Snyder’s return to the sidelines in 2009, K-State is 24-6 (.800) in the month of September.

  CONFERENCE CALL

• With the conference opening its 22nd season, Kansas State is one of just three Big 12 teams with 100 league wins as the Wildcats enter the 2017 conference slate with 105 Big 12 victories.
• K-State is 10-11 overall in Big 12 openers since the conference’s formation in 1996 and will be out to win its seventh in the last 11 seasons.

  BIG 12 HOME OPENERS

• The Cats, 9-9 in Big 12 openers under Bill Snyder, are opening Big 12 play at home for just the fifth time in the league’s 22-year history and the first since defeating Baylor in 2011.
• K-State is 3-1 when opening Big 12 play at home, while the Wildcats are 13-8 in Big 12 home openers.

  THE HALL OF FAMER

• The architect of the “greatest turnaround in the history of college football,” Bill Snyder was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
• Snyder is just the fourth person in the history of college football to be inducted as an active coach.
• Snyder has compiled an amazing 204-106-1 (.658) record in 25-plus seasons at K-State as he is one of just six coaches to reach the 200-win mark and coach at only one school.
• Holding 165 more victories than any other coach in K-State history, Snyder ranks first in the FBS in wins among coaches at their current schools and second in total wins among active coaches.
• Additionally, Snyder has 118 conference wins to stand as one of four coaches with 100 Big 8/12 victories (Tom Osborne [153], Bob Stoops [117], Barry Switzer [100]).

 

TURNOVER TURNAROUND

• A year after finishing minus-3 in the turnover battle, K-State tied for fourth in the nation with a plus-13 turnover margin in 2016.
• It was the Wildcats’ best national finish in turnover margin since ranking third in 2012, while it marked an 84-spot jump from a tie for 88th from the 2015 season.
• K-State enters this week ranked seventh nationally in turnover margin at plus-5.
• The Wildcats have gained seven turnovers, including four fumbles to tie for 15th in the nation, while only committing two of their own.

 

DRAWING FIRST BLOOD

• Since 1990, K-State is 162-31 (.839) when scoring first.
• K-State finished the 2016 season with a 5-2 mark when scoring first and is 17-4 in that department over the last three-plus seasons.
• Under Bill Snyder, K-State is 149-24 (.862) when scoring first, including a 2-0 mark this season.

 

QUICK OUT OF THE GATE

• Kansas State started games on the right side of the scoreboard in 2016, outscoring opponents 95-54 in the opening 15 minutes.
• That mark improved to 248-137 through the first half and 336-184 after three quarters.
• Through two games in 2017, K-State has outscored opponents 83-30 in the first half, including a 52-6 margin in the second quarter alone.

 

LEADING AT THE HALF

• K-State earned an 8-1 record in 2016 when taking a lead into the locker room with its only blemish being a loss at West Virginia.
• Under Bill Snyder, the Wildcats are 174-10 (.947) when leading at halftime, including a 55-3 (.948) mark in Snyder’s second tenure, which began in 2009.
• The Wildcats are 2-0 this season when leading at halftime and are riding an eight-game winning streak when leading at the break.

 

FILLING THE BILL

• Attendance at K-State games has been at an all-time high over the last five years as K-State has recorded 35-straight sellouts.
• K-State, which finished second in the nation in percentage of capacity filled in 2013, 2014 and 2015, finished the 2016 season ranked fourth at 103.84-percent.
• Twenty-one of the largest 25 crowds in stadium history have come since 2013.

 

CATS TOPS IN NON-OFFENSIVE TDs

• K-State is the nation’s best in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 18-plus seasons as it has 109 since 1999, including D.J. Reed’s punt return score in the 2017 season opener and two by Kendall Adams against Charlotte via a 30-yard interception return and a 46-yard fumble return.
• K-State three defensive touchdowns is currently tied for eighth in the nation.
• Since 1990, the Wildcats are 60-17 when scoring on special teams and 20-1 when scoring on special teams and defense, including an 18-0 mark under Bill Snyder.
• The Cats have had at least five non-offensive touchdowns in five of the last six years and in 16 of the 18 seasons since 1999.

  NON-OFFENSIVE TD RECORDS

• Under head coach Bill Snyder, K-State is 72-21 (.774) when scoring a non-offensive touchdown, while the Cats are 53-14 (.789) since 1999 in that department.
• Since Snyder returned to the sideline in 2009, K-State is 28-7 (.800) in this same category.

OFFENSIVE NOTES

GROUND ATTACK

• K-State leaned heavily on its running game throughout 2016, particularly during the second half of the year.
• The Cats broke the school record in yards per carry (5.27) and ranked third in rushing yards per game (231.8).
• K-State hit those marks due to rushing for at least 200 yards in nine games, including each of the final seven contests. The Wildcats also hit the 300-yard mark four times.
• K-State’s four 300-yard games in 2016 were the most by the Wildcats since 2003, while they hit that mark three times in a four-game stretch for the first time since 2001 (vs. Kansas, Iowa State and Louisiana Tech).
• After rushing for 304 yards against Charlotte and another 201 at Vanderbilt, the Wildcats have now reached the 200-yard rushing mark 10 times in the last 12 games.
• It marks the most 200-yard rushing games in a 12-game stretch since also doing so in 10 contests between Oct. 26, 2002 (at Baylor) and Oct. 4, 2003 (at Texas).
• K-State enters Big 12 play third in the conference and 23rd nationally in rushing offense.

 

AERIAL ASSAULT

• While the Cats are known to have a powerful rushing attack, the 2017 squad will have some weapons through the air as the unit works to achieve balance.
• In the 2017 opener, Jesse Ertz threw for a career-high 333 yards and tied the school record with four passing touchdowns against UCA.
• His passer rating of 319.8 was a new school record and the highest in the nation in week one, while he also became the first player under Bill Snyder to throw three 50-plus yard touchdown passes in the same game.

  PROECTING THE FOOTBALL
  • Kansas State tied for fifth in the country last season in turnovers lost (12), while the Wildcats only threw five interceptions to rank fifth in the country.

• A year after tossing 13 picks, K-State’s minus-8 interception differential from 2015 to 2016 ranked third nationally among Power 5 teams behind Maryland (minus-21) and Nebraska (minus-12).
• The Wildcats have only lost two turnovers this year, which is tied for sixth nationally entering play this week.

  LONG DRIVES
  • In the era of quick-strike offenses in college football, K-State remains a team that likes to possess the ball.

• Of K-State’s 64 scoring drives in 2016, 39 were seven plays or longer (60.9 percent), including 19 (29.7 percent) of 10-plus plays.
• Nineteen scoring drives a year ago lasted at least five minutes with a 17-play,8:32drive at Oklahoma being the longest.
• K-State had three scoring drives of 10 plays or more against Charlotte.
• Contrary, in week one, K-State tallied three touchdown drives of three plays or less against UCA.

  CATS HIGH IN T.O.P.
  • Kansas State ranked 20th nationally and tops in the Big 12 by averaging 32:35 in time of possession in 2016.

• It was the third-straight season the Wildcats ranked in the top 25 and led the Big 12 in time of possession.
• Over the previous five years entering 2017, K-State held the ball 74-percent of the time to rank third nationally behind Michigan State (79%) and Stanford (78%).

  RED ZONE EFFICIENCY
  • K-State has been one of the best red zone teams over the past few years as the Wildcats are the only team to finish in the top-15 nationally in red zone offense in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

• The Cats finished the 2016 campaign 10th in the nation and second in the Big 12 by converting on 91.9-percent (57-of-62) of red zone trips.
• Since the beginning of 2014, K-State has converted on 176-of-191 red zone attempts (.921) with 129 touchdowns. Included in that stretch was a nation-leading scoring streak of 56-straight trips that was snapped in 2016.
• In their last 55 wins since 2011, the Cats are 252-for-276 (.913) in red zone chances with 187 touchdowns, while four of their non-scoring trips have come via kneel downs to close out victories.

  DUAL-THREAT QUARTERBACK
  • Jesse Ertz was the true definition of a dual-threat quarterback in 2016 as he threw for 1,755 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 1,012 yards and 12 scores.

• The Mediapolis, Iowa, native was one of three quarterbacks in school history to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 1,500 yards, while he was one of only four in the nation to accomplish the feat in 2016, joining Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson (Louisville), Quinton Flowers (USF) and Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State).

  IN ELITE COMPANY
  • Quarterback Jesse Ertz is one of four quarterbacks in school history to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career, joining Michael Bishop (1997-98), Ell Roberson (2000-03) and Collin Klein (2009-12).

• Ertz, who has 1,300 career rushing yards, ranks fourth in school history among quarterbacks and is only 14 yards shy of tying Bishop for third. He is also tied for third in career 100-yard rushing games by quarterbacks behind Klein (10) and Roberson (8).
• Ertz ranks third in school history among all players in career rushing yards per attempt at 5.53, only trailing running backs Darren Sproles (6.11; 2001-04) and James Johnson (5.55; 2006-07).

  AIRING IT OUT
  • Although he used his feet for a majority of 2016, Jesse Ertz is out to prove that he can sling it around the field in 2017.

• In the season opener against UCA, Ertz broke the school record for single-game passing efficiency at 319.8, bettering the previous mark of 300.9 by Allen Webb against North Texas in 2005.
• Ertz also tied the single-game school record for passing touchdowns with four, while his 333 yards were the most by a Wildcat in a season opener in school history.
• The Mediapolis, Iowa, native is 16th in school history in career passing yards and only 164 away from ranking 14th.
• Additionally, Ertz is tied for 10th in K-State history in career passing efficiency (126.33), while he ranks fourth in school history with a 59.14 completion percentage (minimum 300 attempts).
• Ertz enters play this week ranked fourth nationally in pass yards per completion (16.31).

  LOADED BACKFIELD
  • Although there are only four career starts among the K-State running backs, the Wildcats have a pair of players who can shoulder the load in the backfield in junior Justin Silmon and sophomore Alex Barnes.

• Thanks to their play late in 2016, both were named to the 2017 Doak Walker Award watch list as K-State was one of only six teams in the nation with multiple honorees.
• Silmon, who saw his first action of the season at Vanderbilt, has 860 career rushing yards as he is closing in on becoming the 29th player in school history with 1,000 career rushing yards.
• Add in Dalvin Warmack, who rushed for 76 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the first two games, and two redshirt freshmen in Tyler Burns and Mike McCoy – the latter who scored a touchdown against Charlotte – the Wildcats have one of their deepest backfields in recent history.

  ROOKIE BREAKOUT
  • Alex Barnes had one of the best seasons by a freshman running back in school history last season.

• Barnes rushed for 442 yards on 56 attempts and six scores, ranking second in school history in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns among freshmen.
• Barnes’ 7.9-yard per carry average led the Big 12 among players with at least 50 attempts, while he was the only player in the league with at least 50 attempts to not have a negative rush.
• Additionally, he was tops among returning Big 12 running backs in 2017 by averaging 3.86 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus.

  PRINGLE PICKS UP TEMPO
  • In addition to the running backs, wide receiver Byron Pringle was also key down the stretch in 2016, and he has begun to carry over his play to start the 2017 season.

• The Tampa, Florida, product ended 2016 with consecutive 100-yard games, going for 126 yards with an 83-yard touchdown at TCU before carding 107 yards with a 79-yard touchdown in the Texas Bowl against Texas A&M.
• Pringle, who came to K-State from Butler CC, had 121 yards, including a 55-yard score, against Central Arkansas for his third-straight 100-yard game.
• His three-straight games topping 100 yards tied for the third-longest streak in school history and was the longest by a Wildcat since Tyler Lockett ended his career in 2014 with five-straight such games.
• Additionally, Pringle and sophomore Isaiah Harris (118 yards) teamed up for the 14th double 100-yard receiving game in school history against UCA.
• Pringle enters the Baylor game with 777 career receiving yards, 233 yards shy of becoming the school’s 31st 1,000-yard career receiver. Dominique Heath is only two yards behind Pringle at 775 yards.

  DIMEL DOES IT ALL
  • Although he plays fullback, Winston Dimel has turned into an offensive threat for the Wildcats.

• Dimel has 19 career rushing touchdowns, just four shy of entering K-State’s top-10 list. Additionally, he has 21 touchdowns overall in his career to sit five away from the top-10 in that category.
• The Manhattan product has also averaged 20.9 yards on his 16 career receptions, the fourth-highest mark in school history among players with 16 or more catches.

  DEFENSIVE NOTES

STOUT SCORING DEFENSE
• Kansas State enters Big 12 play by allowing only 13.3 points per game, which is tops in the Big 12 and ranks 11th in the nation.

• The Wildcats have held each of their first three opponents under 20 points, marking the first time they have accomplished the featin 15 yearsand just the sixth time since 1990.
• The other five times the Wildcats allowed 20 or less points in each of the first three games were 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002.

  LIMITING THE PASSING GAME
  • The Wildcats enter Big 12 play leading the conference and ranking 16th nationally in passing defense, allowing only 153.7 yards per game through the air.

• Additionally, K-State is tops in the league in pass efficiency defense (108.8).
• Kansas State surrendered only 58 passing yards against Charlotte, the fewest since Nebraska could only muster 39 yards on Nov. 18, 2000.

  TOUGH AGAINST THE RUN
  • Kansas State was stout in rushing defense in 2016, ranking 11th nationally and leading the Big 12 by allowing only 115.0 yards per game.

• The Wildcats finished in the top 15 in the country in run defense for the first time since 2002. That year, K-State was second by allowing 69.5 yards per game.
• K-State limited opponents to less than 125 yards on eight occasions last year, including five times in Big 12 play.
• The Wildcats have surrendered less than 125 rushing yards in each of the last two games, including 65 yards to a Vanderbilt team that was averaging 122.5 rushing yards per game entering the contest.

  PICKING THEM APART
  • After recording only five interceptions in 2015, K-State reversed the trend last year with a Big 12-leading 16 picks, a mark that tied for 14th in the nation.

• K-State’s plus-11 up-tick in interceptions from 2015 to 2016 was the highest turnaround among Power 5 teams.
• The Wildcats, who have notched at least one interception in 30 of the last 41 games, made the turnaround despite starting three sophomores in the secondary for a majority of last season.
• Additionally, 11 of K-State’s 16 picks in 2016 came from defensive backs after only one in 2015.
• Among the 16 picks last year, three were returned for touchdowns, including pick-sixes from current Wildcats D.J. Reed (TTU) and Duke Shelley (OSU).
• The three interception-return touchdowns by the Wildcats led the Big 12 and tied for 10th nationally.
• Reed picked up where he left off a year ago by snagging the team’s first interception of 2017 against UCA, while Kendall Adams added a pick-six against Charlotte.

  LBs STEPPING UP
  • Although it is a group that is deep with playmakers that have shined on special teams in their careers, K-State did not return any starts at linebacker in 2016.

• The Wildcats were one of three teams in the nation – but the only one from a Power 5 school – to not return a single start at linebacker this year. The next closest among Power 5 schools was Florida, which returned 12 total starts.
• Although lacking experience, the linebackers have risen to the occasion as Trent Tanking leads the Wildcats and is tied for 12th in the Big 12 with 21 tackles, while Jayd Kirby is second on the team with 18 stops.
• Tanking, a team captain and former in-state walk-on, entered the year with the most experience as he ended the 2016 regular season with five tackles at TCU, a game that also included an interception on the final play of the game.

  REED READY FOR MORE
  • Defensive back D.J. Reed was solid in his first year playing Division I football as the community-college transfer picked up Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors from the league’s coaches in addition to First Team All-Big 12 accolades.

• The Bakersfield, California, product tied for first in the Big 12 and fourth nationally with 19 passes defended.
• Totaling three interceptions and 16 breakups, Reed tied for fifth in school history in single-season passes defended and became the first player to enter the list since current Minnesota Viking Terence Newman also had 19 in 2002.
• Thanks to his solid opening campaign, Reed entered the 2017 season on the watch lists for the Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski and Jim Thorpe awards.

  ALL-AROUND PLAYER
  • D.J. Reed had one of the best all-around games in recent K-State history against Central Arkansas, totaling 181 return yards and recording his fourth-career interception.

• Reed returned the opening kickoff 96 yards to set up K-State’s first touchdown, while he took the first punt-return attempt of his career 62 yards for a score and picked off a pass on the ensuing Bear possession.
• He became the first Wildcat to take his first-career punt-return attempt for a score since Thomas Randolph did so against New Mexico State in 1993.
• Additionally, he was the first K-State player with a punt-return touchdown (non-blocked) and an interception in the same game since Terence Newman against Missouri in 2002.

  ADAMS WITH A RARE FEAT
  • Safety Kendall Adams recorded a 30-yard interception return touchdown and a 46-yard fumble return touchdown against Charlotte, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished by a Wildcat in nearly 18 years.

• Adams was the first K-State player with touchdowns of both varieties in the same game since Dyshod Carter did so against Missouri in 1999.
• Additionally, he is just the third player in Big 12 history to accomplish the feat, joining Carter and Texas Tech’s Paul McClendon, who did so against North Texas in 2001.
• For his effort against the 49ers, Adams picked up Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.

  SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES

SCORING IN THE THIRD PHASE
• Kansas State has been far and away the best team among FBS programs over the last decade when it comes to scoring via a kickoff or punt return, and thus ranked as the top collective special teams unit in the nation entering the 2017 season according to Phil Steele.
• The Wildcats have a combined 43 kickoff- and punt-return touchdowns since 2005, 15 more than any other FBS school over the last 12-plus seasons.

DEFENSE IN THE THIRD PHASE
• On the flip side, K-State has been just as consistent in terms of kickoff and punt coverage as the Cats have not allowed a kickoff-return touchdown in the last 53 games (LAST: vs. Louisiana, 9/7/13) or a punt-return score in 40 games (LAST: at Iowa State, 9/6/14).
• Kansas State finished the 2016 season in the top 25 nationally in both punt-return defense (17th; 4.14) and kickoff-return defense (23rd; 18.4).
• The Wildcats have yet to yield a punt-return attempt this season as they are one of 14 teams nationally to not allow a punt-return yard or surrender negative punt-return yardage.

KICKOFF-RETURN STREAKS
• Kansas State is currently riding a pair of streaks in terms of kickoff returns as the Wildcats have returned a kick for a touchdown in each of the last 12 seasons – the longest streak in the nation by five years.
• Byron Pringle extended the streak in 2016 when he returned a kickoff to paydirt 99 yards against Texas Tech.
• Since head coach Bill Snyder’s return in 2009, K-State has returned 17 kickoffs for touchdowns as opposed to only four in his first tenure, which lasted 17 years.
• For his effort last season, Pringle earned First Team All-Big 12 honors as a kick returner, marking the 11th-straight year a Wildcat returner has earned all-conference accolades. Additionally, a K-State kick returner has earned first team honors six times in the last eight years.

RETURNERS RANK HIGH
• K-State returners have routinely enjoyed success under head coach Bill Snyder, and 2016 was no different as both Byron Pringle and Dominique Heath ranked highly in the nation in the return categories.
• Pringle ranked seventh nationally with a 28.7-yard kickoff-return average en route to First Team All-Big 12 honors.
• Heath, an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 returner, finished the year tied for seventh nationally in punt-return scores.
• D.J. Reed is making his case for being the next great K-State returner as he raced 96 yards on the season-opening kickoff against UCA before going 62 yards for a score on a punt return later in the contest as he was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week.
• Reed enters this week ranked fifth in the nation by averaging 21.8 yards per punt return.

McCRANE MAKES KICKS
• K-State is fortunate to have a veteran senior place kicker in Matthew McCrane, who is looking to end his career on a high note.
• McCrane current ranks first in school history and seventh nationally by making 87.0-percent (40-of-46) of his career field goals.
•The two-time All-Big 12 place kicker also ranks first in school history in career field-goal percentage (99.0-percent) and in K-State’s top-10 in career field goals made (2nd; 40), extra points made (6th; 99), extra points attempted (7th; 100) and field goals attempted (8th; 46).
• McCrane also entered K-State’s top-10 list for career points scored this year, a mark that stands at 219 to rank eighth.

WALSH A DEPENDABLE PUNTER
• Just as important as a veteran place kicker, the Wildcats also have an experienced punter in Nick Walsh.
• A 2015 All-Big 12 punter and two-time member of the Ray Guy Award watch list, Walsh has booted to a career 41.60-yard average to rank sixth in K-State history, while he is also sixth in career attempts (168) and seventh in yards (6,989).

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RYAN LACKEY
Assistant Director | Athletics Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced Monday that Kansas State’s October 7 game at Texas will kick off at 6 p.m., and be televised by FS1.

The Wildcats hold a 10-7 all-time mark against the Longhorns after last year’s 24-21 victory in Manhattan. The home team has won each of the last five games as K-State’s last win in Austin came in the form of a 17-13 victory in 2011.

 

Kansas State hosts Baylor on Saturday in a 2:30 p.m., contest that will be shown nationally on ESPN2. A K-State VIP Tailgate Package is offered for contest against the Bears in addition to scattered singles and standing-room only tickets.

 

The all-inclusive K-State VIP Tailgate Package is priced at $55 per ticket and includes a reserved seat to the game, pregame access to the South Goss Tailgate Terrace (starting two hours prior to kickoff) and access to an all-you-can-eat buffet along with soda, beer and wine up until kickoff.

 

Fans wishing to purchase the K-State VIP Tailgate Package can click here. Scattered singles are available for $35 and can be purchased by clicking here. Standing-room only tickets are on sale for $65 and are available by clicking here, while a $149 Wildcat 4 Pack is available by clicking here.

 

Big 12 TV Selections for Saturday, October 7

Iowa State at Oklahoma                11 a.m.                 FOX

Texas Tech at Kansas                      11 a.m.                 FS1

West Virginia at TCU                       2:30 p.m.             FS1

K-State at Texas                                6 p.m.                   FS1