KANSAS STATE WILDCATS
Wildcats sit atop Big 12 North, for now
By Justin Nutter Kansas State Collegian
MANHATTAN — The Wildcat football team sits alone atop the Big 12 North division standings.
K-State might not be at the top of the ladder for very long, but it's awful nice to see the Wildcats at No. 1, at least for a week.
It might not have been the prettiest effort in the world, but after the win over Iowa State, it looks like the starting quarterback job is Grant Gregory's to lose.
I'd have to imagine there aren't many other football players with as much love for the game as Gregory. Why else would you transfer twice and battle for a job for six seasons?
His production on the field last weekend wasn't too shabby either.
If you would have told me this year's team would win a game by one point without the starting running back crossing the goal line, there's not a chance in the world that I would have believed it.
Don't take this as a legitimate comparison — I know they're not nearly the same
player — but both of Gregory's touchdown passes, which came on broken plays to Lamark Brown and Brandon Banks, looked quite Michael Bishop-esque.
Speaking of Lamark Brown, it's nice to see the quarterbacks finally utilizing a big target. The guy might not be the best receiver in the world, but let's face it: he's just short of eight feet tall and can jump about 15 yards in the air. Keep throwing him the ball.
Don't get me wrong. I love watching what Banks can do as much as the next guy, but if the offense can establish Brown as another consistent weapon, things could get really interesting as conference play continues.
If K-State needs any pointers on how to develop a strong passing attack, they'll be in the right place this weekend.
Texas Tech might lead the nation in passing yardage every season, but the quarterbacks are just a product of Mike Leach's system. Hence the fact that no Red Raider quarterbacks are currently in the NFL.
System offense or not, K-State has struggled on the road against Texas Tech since the beginning of forever. Plain and simple. The Wildcats' last win in Lubbock, Texas: Nov. 1, 1997.
Kansas State quarterback Grant Gregory throws over the head of Iowa State linebacker Patrick Neal during the second quarter of their game last Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Kansas State won 24-23.
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THE WAVE OCTOBER 9,2009