Big Red hoping to put on a show in Manhattan

By Josh Lashley  |   Wednesday, June 28, 2006  |  Comments( 95 )

Nebraska Cornhuskers
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If, and it's a considerable if, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are going to be as good as some in Big Red country believe, then their game on the road Kansas State shouldn't resemble the nail-biter in Lincoln last season.

Granted, the Wildcats have their fair share of speed, talent and experience, but at this stage it doesn't appear that they match up favorably against the 'Huskers. Nebraska would gladly accept another two-point victory (27-25) like they earned last fall when Jordan Congdon drilled a 40-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining in the game. But, if they are to be considered a top tier team once again, then a double-digit triumph over KSU isn't at all out of the question.

First year KSU head coach Ron Prince, who will be 37 years old when his players take the field against Nebraska, has a tall task as he replaces the widely respected Bill Snyder. Retiring after the 2005 season, Snyder brought the Wildcats from despair all the way up to the biggest stages on the national scene during his tenure. Amongst the many accomplishments of Snyder was the fact that he brought KSU and its fans to 11 straight bowl games.

Prince was offensive coordinator at the University of Virginia before accepting his current post. One positive for the young coach is that he has two experienced quarterbacks ready to snaps against top opposition.

Sophomore Allan Evridge threw for 1,365 yards last season and showed that he can get the job done with his feet as well tallying 138 rushing yards against the 'Huskers last fall. Allen Webb, a senior, had a 4-1 record as a starter in 2005 and completed five of six passes in the 2006 White vs. Purple Spring Game.

Evridge or Webb could connect with junior wide receiver Jordy Nelson through the air. Nelson had 45 receptions and eight touchdowns last season. Thomas Clayton, a senior who led the Wildcats with 637 rushing yards, returns as a running back.

KSU has some playmakers on the defensive side as well. For instance, keep an eye on Ross Diehl, a redshirt freshman who could make some things happen from his linebacker position.

The Kansas State Wildcats have just one road game, against Baylor September 30th, before the 'Huskers come to Manhattan. All told, their schedule in the early going is almost ideal for a new coach to set up shop as KSU opens with home games versus Illinois State and Florida Atlantic, respectively. The Wildcats should indeed gain some success over its first six games, but the Nebraska Cornhuskers need to come in and serve as a severe wake-up call.

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