It's Colorado Week

So after the last two weeks, I almost hesitate to break down this game. At least the Texas game I had an idea about, since Texas had been on television. Breaking down Kansas was darn near impossible. It was a mere guess based on practically nothing.

So what happened last week? Of course on Saturday after the game I briefly described what happened, but it is deeper than that, of course. In the first quarter, KSU had a chance to punch KU in the face and take control of the game. An aggressive defense and speed that KU was not used to allowed KSU to attack them. Unfortunately, KSU committed some questionable penalties, which killed any momentum they had. After the first quarter, Kansas State ideally would have been up 17-0 or even 21 to nothing, and Kansas State had that opportunity, but self-destructed. Towards the end of the first half, Kansas State was slowly moving down the field, up 14-7, and a passed was tipped and intercepted. Kansas quickly drove about 60 yards and tied the game at half 14-14.

In the second half, Kansas State had the opportunity to hold onto a lead, but gave it up. Then, Kansas State had the opportunity to drive the field and win, but failed. Ultimately, Kansas made plays and Kansas State didn't. Kansas proved to be tougher and fought harder. That's why they won.

As for the Colorado game, Kansas State needs to come out and establish their offense. KSU needs to prove that it can effectively run its offense and make a defensive stop when it needs to. Colorado is a battle tested team, having won versus Colorado State, lost a difficult game at Arizona State, showed its athleticism in a loss to Florida State, then crushed an overmatched Miami (OH) team. In their opening Big 12 contest, Colorado stunned Oklahoma, coming back from a huge 4th quarter deficit. Then, CU went on the road and crushed an improving Baylor squad. While starting a red-shirt freshman quarterback, Colorado has proven to be a tough minded team, playing hard on every snap.

Kansas State has not shown any toughness. Kansas State can go out and punch people, but they cannot take a counterpunch. Texas didn't have toughness and Kansas State rolled them. Auburn and Kansas took punches and counterpunched. Kansas State then folded.

I expect Kansas State to fold again this weekend. In exactly one game under Ron Prince has KSU shown toughness, last year against Oklahoma State. KSU simply does not have the wherewithal to overcome difficulties and impose their will to win games against battle hardened, tough teams.

I expect a hard fought game again this week, and I expect Kansas State to lose a close game.