By Adam Sweeney
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 21
SERIES RECORD: Texas 5, Kansas State 8
LAST: #23 Texas 24, #7 Kansas State 42 (2012)
THE LONGHORNS begin Big 12 conference play against the dreaded Kansas State Wildcats, whom Texas hasn’t defeated since 2003. To put that into context, “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” was still No. 1 at the box office. [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]
However, times are changing for last year’s Big 12 champion, which lost Heisman finalist and quarterback Collin Klein, its entire starting defensive front, linebacker Arthur Brown and its mascot, Willie the Wildcat.
Even with a mass exodus of players, the Longhorns shouldn’t underestimate the Wildcats — they’re the most physical team in the Big 12. Kansas State has two quarterbacks who could cause trouble for Texas. Daniel Sams’ mobility resembles that of Kansas State great Michael Bishop and JUCO transfer Jake Waters was the 2012 NJCAA National Player of the Year. The Wildcats will look to ease their burden by relying on running back John Hubert, who’ll find plenty of holes opened by an offensive line that returns all five starters.
Thankfully, the Longhorns play the Wildcats early in the season and at home. All the pieces are in place for Texas to snap its five-game losing streak to Kansas State. A big win would mean a boost in the team’s confidence and allow Mack Brown and friends to loosen their collars a bit. A loss against one of the weakest Wildcat teams in memory, however, will make Texas fans wish they were thrown into Mount Doom.
ABOUT THE OPPONENT
KANSAS STATE
2013 SCHEDULE
AUG 30 vs. North Dakota State
SEP 7 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
SEP 14 vs. Massachusetts
SEP 21 at Texas
OCT 5 at Oklahoma State
OCT 12 vs. Baylor
OCT 26 vs. West Virginia
NOV 2 vs. Iowa State
NOV 9 at Texas Tech
NOV 16 vs. TCU
NOV 23 vs. Oklahoma
NOV 30 at Kansas
HEAD COACH: Bill Snyder
STADIUM NAME AND
CAPACITY: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, capacity 50,000
2012 FINAL CONFERENCE
STANDING: 1st (Big 12)
2012 RECORD: 11-2
ALL TIME RECORD:
486-615-41 (.444)
DID YOU KNOW?
Once a year, Kansas State gives free game tickets to soldiers from nearby Fort Riley. The soldiers receive special recognition and mascot Willie the Wildcat has worn digital U.S. Army fatigues at the game since 2008.
[/s2If] [s2If current_user_is_not(s2member_level2) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level3) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level5) OR current_user_is_not(s2member_level6)]
The rest of this article is available to Digital Subscribers only. Login or Subscribe to continue reading. [/s2If]
Discover more from Horns Illustrated
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.