2009 College Football Predictions: Kansas State Wildcats

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

Kansas State Wildcats

2008 Record: (5-7, 2-6)
Coach: Bill Snyder, 17th year overall but first since 2005 (coached 1989-2005) (136-68-1)
Off. Coordinator: Andy Ludwig (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Vic Koenning (1st year); Chris Cosh (1st year)
Returning Starters: 15 (6 offense, 8 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

Offense: He’s back! Bill Snyder returns to coach in Bill Snyder Family Stadium after retiring in 2005. The Kansas State Wildcats regressed in three years under Ron Prince, who reached a bowl game in his first season and recorded just five conference victories the next two seasons. Snyder will have his work cut out for him replacing QB Josh Freeman. Junior Carson Coffman, brother of All-American Missouri tight end Chas, takes over as the starter. In this offense, the qb will have to be more elusive. At tailback, they will likely go with senior Keithren Valentin (5-8, 193), though he will get pushed for playing time by freshmen John Hubert and Timothy Flanders. At receiver, last year’s leading rusher Lamark Brown (6-3, 225), returns to his more natural position of wideout. They also return senior mighty mite Brandon Banks (5-7, 150), who led the Cats in receiving with 1,049 yards. At tight end, senior Jeron Mastrud had 38 catches for 435 yards last year. The offensive line has to revamp the right side. At left tackler, senior Nick Stringer (6-6, 271) should be solid.

Defense: The defense returns eight starters, but that’s from one of the worst in the nation. They also lose to pass rusher in Ian Campbell so getting pressure on the opposing quarterback is a huge key. At least they return soph. DE Brandon Harold (6-6, 264), who recorded three sacks and 10.5 TFLs last year and was named a Freshman All-American. At defensive tackle, they return big senior Daniel Calvin (6-3, 310) and Virginia transfer Jeffrey Fitzgerald (6-4, 280) comes in to help. Senior Ulla Pamele leads the linebackers, while junior CB Joshua Moore leads the secondary. Moore is the leading returning tackler with 76 and led the league in pass breakups, is one of the top corners in the Big 12. The problem is at the other corner spot.

Outlook: Snyder is back but don’t expect miracles this season. He is a creative offensive mind and needs to find a way to replace the production of Freeman. On defense, they are going to have to find some players who can fit a new system with two new defensive coordinators.

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