Kansas State University Athletics
Wildcats Take On Colorado in Big 12 Home Opener
Oct 05, 2001 | Football
Oct 5, 2001
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) - Kansas State will have plenty to contend with whenthe No. 12 Wildcats play host to Colorado on Saturday.
In addition to trying to stop the Buffaloes, Kansas State must rebound from last week's one-point loss to Oklahoma, when the Wildcats nearly came all the way back from a three-touchdown deficit.
"We played an excellent football team, and we are going to play anotherexcellent football team. I'd love to believe that they understand the realdanger," coach Bill Snyder said.
"Yet they still are young people, and I'm kind of a redundant person, so wecontinually remind young people about those things and ourselves as well. Idon't think we're in that situation."
For the Buffaloes (3-1), the game offers a great opportunity to make thebreakthrough they have been looking for under coach Gary Barnett, who is 0-6 atColorado against Top 20 opponents.
The Buffaloes are 1-13 in their last 14 games against Top 20 foes.
"This will be a big test," said sophomore quarterback Craig Ochs, whoranks third in the Big 12 in passing efficiency.
"Any time they stack the box and dare you to pass, it creates an openingfor some big gains. In particular, I must be ready for how they will rush me,while our receivers need to be prepared to step it up, too."
The Wildcats rank fourth nationally against the run. Barnett expects them toconcentrate on shutting down the Colorado ground game.
"When you put nine guys in the box like K-State does, you can't just go inand run the ball 70 times," he said. "By crowding the line, they put a lot ofpressure on the backs and the quarterback. We can't just rely on our runningability."
Senior wide receiver Aaron Lockett insists there will be no emotional letdown for the Wildcats this time.
"I don't think so, not at all," he said. "It's still early in the season.We are still trying to find our consistency and what's going on. I think wewill be fine for Saturday. The fact that it is another conference game and thefact that we are playing at home helps us."
Barnett, who promised to restore Colorado to the ranks of the elite, couldhardly ask for a better opportunity. A victory over Kansas State would end afour-game losing streak against the Wildcats and easily boost the Buffaloesinto the national rankings.
A loss, on the other hand, would be a bitter setback.
"We all love a good challenge, so this will be a fine check to see where westand as a complete offense," Barnett said. "I think we're ready to accept itand show what we can do."