Big 12 Power Rankings: K-State Re-Establishing Themselves in Conference
By Ben Nielsen
Nov 2, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back John Hubert (33) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
5. Kansas State Wildcats
Record: 4-4 (2-3)
Previous Ranking: 6
Last Week: KSU 41, ISU 7
This Week: at #25 Texas Tech
Next Week: vs TCU
Well, hello, John Hubert. It’s been a while. Hubert rushed for 105 yards on only 15 carries and scored two touchdowns in K-State’s win over Iowa State. It was by far the best he has looked since the beginning of the season. For the season Hubert has averaged under 70 yards per game and has only seven touchdowns in eight games after rushing for 15 touchdowns last season.
Hubert is a huge key for K-State’s offense, particularly Jake Waters. The more Hubert is respected in the running game, the better the opportunities in the passing game for Waters. And if K-State can make both of their quarterbacks viable threats then they will be tough to beat. (Although they’d be better off sticking with Daniel Sams.)
K-State now has a tremendous shot at finishing with at least seven wins. Their remaining games feature a road trip to Texas Tech, home games against TCU and Oklahoma, and short trip to Lawrence to play Kansas. Two of those games, TCU and Kansas, should be wins for the Wildcats because they are the superior team.
Tech is more winnable than what their 25th national ranking would suggest as their best win is against either TCU or West Virginia. Turnovers have been a killer for the Red Raiders and the Wildcats live off of opponent’s mistakes. Hold onto the football and K-State could be able to walk away with a win.
Oklahoma at home could potentially be a win, too, if K-State plays the way they did against Iowa State. Though a split between Tech and OU is probably the most likely scenario.