Going Bowling? (Part II)

One weekend of football is in the books since the last edition of "Going Bowling?" so it's time t o step back and take another look. None of the teams on the bowl bubble did anything last weekend to help their causes, as Kansas State, Colorado, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State all took it on the chin.

The Big XII still stands to have no fewer than 8 teams in bowl games, which could be altered if the Conference is in some way able to take two teams to the BCS. The number could also be increased if another Conference is unable to fill their own allotment of bowl teams, which is looking to be a real possibility. If Oregon makes the MNC Game, the Pac 10 will have an additional bowl slot open, and a few other Conferences will be in similar scenarios. But, as it stands right now, the Big XII is still looking at the following options:

BCS
Cotton
Holiday
Gator
Alamo
Sun (if Gator does not select a Big XII team)
Insight
Independence
Texas

Things could get really interesting, however, as possibly two bowl eligible teams from the Conference (UNL, A&M) may be sans coach immediately after the regular season. I don't know enough to be sure if that would impact a bowl committee's decision to select either team, or even if either of those schools would accept a bowl invitation dure to their coaching searches.

Now then, let's take a look at the teams with a chance at becoming bowl eligible, their remaining schedules, and their chances of not only making bowls, but what bowls they will make. Keep in mind that these are all predicated on the Big XII placing only one team in the BCS. If there are two, which could happen with multiple scenarios, then simply move each team up a slot:

Kansas, 10-0 (6-0)
The remaining schedule: Iowa State, Missouri (@KC)
Predicted finish: 11-1 (7-1)
Thoughts: I've been calling Kansas a fraud all year, and while they still haven't played a top 25 team, they have been able to show up every week and play good football. I still see them losing to a Missouri team with more talent and experience, but that is looking more and more like a very good matchup. Iowa State could be the all too common "trap game" if they are looking towards Arrowhead. For now, I am still predicting a loss to Missouri, although things could definitely change over the next 96 hours. That would likely land them in sunny San Diego, which is actually German for a Whale's Vagina.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Holiday

Oklahoma, 9-1 (5-1)
The remaining schedule: @ Texas Tech, Oklahoma State
Predicted finish: 12-1 (7-1); Big XII Champion
Thoughts: Nothing has changes since last week. They should win every remaining game. Potential stumbling blocks lie ahead with Tech and the Bedlam game. That said, I still see the Sooners winning out and then beatin a North team in the Big XII Championship game. The possibility also exists that by running the table they could play for a National Championship.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: BCS/MNC Game

Missouri, 9-1 (4-1)
The remaining schedule: @ Kansas State, Kansas (@KC)
Predicted finish: 11-2 (7-1); Big XII Runner-Up
Thoughts: Missouri is a real wildcard here. They are running into a one of those potential "trap games" that I mentioned this weekend against Kansas State. It is Senior Day in a stadium where teh Tigers haven't been victorious since 1989. And they could very easily be looking ahead to the Border War with Kansas. However, smart money is likely still on the Tigers in this weekend's game, setting up next weekend's matchup which I also see them winning. I have already predicted Missouri to beat Kansas in that game, although it is becoming more and more difficult to predict. If that happens, they will find themselves in a rematch with Oklahoma for the Big XII Championship. I honestly don't see Oklahoma losing that game, but with a solid showing Missouri could still find themselves in the BCS with a loss particularly is Oklahoma lands in the MNC Game.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Cotton/BCS

Texas, 9-2 (5-2)
The remaining schedule: @ Texas A&M
Predicted finish: 10-2 (5-2) Thoughts: This is where things start getting interesting. Last week I predicted Texas to lose on of their remaining two, with the Texas Tech game in mind. Well, they did away with Tech and now I don't see any real way that they will lose to Texas A&M. Here is what's interesting: would the Holiday Bowl take a two loss Texas team over a one loss Kansas team? I honestly think they could, but at this point I'm not ready to predict anything too wacky.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Gator

Texas Tech, 7-4 (3-4)
The remaining schedule: Oklahoma
Predicted finish: 7-5 (3-5)
Thoughts: I predicated a win at home last week against Texas. That didn't happen, but with everyone below them basically losing, it really didn't have any bearing on their bowl destination. I don't see them beating Oklahoma, although that could be a very interesting game to watch. As of right now, they're still heading to San Antonio in my book.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Alamo

Texas A&M, 6-5 (3-4)
The remaining schedule: Texas
Predicted finish: 6-6 (3-5)
Thoughts: The Aggies put up a fair fight last weekend in Columbia, but it just wasn't enough. As predicted before, and I'll stand by this, Texas A&M will finish the season on a four game losing streak, losing 5 of their last 6, and looking for a new coach. Again, you have to wonder how attractive this would be to a bowl right now, or even how attractive a bowl would be to this program.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Staying Home

Oklahoma State, 5-5 (3-3)
The remaining schedule: @ Baylor, @ Oklahoma
Predicted finish: 6-6 (4-4)
Thoughts: The Baylor game still looms large, because if they aren't able to knock off unbeaten Kansas at home this weekend, it will likely be their last legitimate shot at bowl eligibility. The Bedlam game is Oklahoma is always competitive, but Oklahoma will have too much riding on that home game for the Cowboys to expect anything less than their best effort. The Cowboys finish the season with an even record, and are a bit uneasy as they watch the bowl selection shows.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Texas

Kansas State, 5-5 (3-4)
The remaining schedule: @ Nebraska, Missouri, @ Fresno State
Predicted finish: 6-6 (3-5)
Thoughts: Can this team rebound from last weekend's thumping in Lincoln? Yes. Will they? That's the million dollar question right now. While the Missouri game is exactly the type of game the Coach Prince and the Cats have won, and can win, it's a risky proposition right now. I still have to believe that this team will be able to muster up enough for one more win this season, and for right now the game at Fresno State is the most likely option.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Insight

Colorado, 5-6 (3-4)
The remaining schedule: Nebraska
Predicted finish: 6-6 (4-4)
Thoughts: And then there were two. Colorado and Nebraska square off on Thanksgiving weekend. The winner will become bowl eligible, and the loser will be staying home. After what Nebraska did to Kansas State over the weekend, it will certainly be difficult to pick against them. Was that game, perhaps, just what the doctor ordered for the Huskers? Maybe, but I've been led to believe that there is further decension among the Nebraska coaching staff and administration, and Colorado has played well in big games at home this season. I think Colorado wins, but they might be the least attractive of all Big XII bowl eligible teams due to their abyssmal fan support. That said, I am going to predict right now that they still get picked ahead of Texas A&M, or maybe moreso that A&M declines a bowl game...I don't know, we'll just go with this for now and figure something else out later.
Bowl Pick: Independence

Nebraska, 5-6 (2-5)
The remaining schedule: @ Colorado
Predicted finish: 5-7 (2-6)
Thoughts: Again, it was touch to pick that game in Boulder already, but I decided to go with the Buffaloes for the reasons stated above. That leaves Nebraska home for the Holidays, and looking for a new coach.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Staying Home

Keep in mind that these predictions are as of this week. With any luck, I should be able to make this a weekly feature up until the end of the season. Should be fun. Keep checking back.

A View From The Cheap Seats

Just a couple amateur pictures that I took at the KSU-Sacramento State basketball game last Friday night. How amateur? Well, these are about the best ones I could get out of over 100 pictures. Take a look through and feel free to leave me some comments if you wish:

The loge boxes really added a nice touch to the arena, I thought. Although some had worried, it doesn't look like the view from them will be in any way impaired by standing students.

I wouldn't be opposed to seeing these line the west side of Bramlage as well. Assuming, of course the the demand is there.

More of the loge boxes. I really like the "Kansas State University" above them

Blake Young at the line. In this game he showed a knack for being able to knock down open jump shots. That will be big as the season progresses, and teams double down on Beasley, Walker, and Hoskins. This is a much different Blake Young than we saw last season. He will be fun to watch.

The man himself. Better enjoy him while he's here, Cat fans.

Coach Frank has some fire. I love it! He is very, very intense and I think his guys would jump through fire for him.

Coach again, with Andre Gilbert. I was very impressed by Andre's length and athleticism. Could he potentially be the replacement for Akeem Wright as a defensive specialist.

Dave Hoskins flashing some Bling before the game. Guy looked sharp, I must say. But I prefer him in his jersey. I liked our warm-ups as well. Have a feeling these guys are going to get more K-State gear than they will ever know what to do with this year.

Beasley once again. I think when Coach Martin called him "efficient" that it was spot on. Honestly, if you would have asked me to predict his stats at the end of the game I would have said 25 points and 15 rebounds. When I got to my car and turned on the postgame show, I almost wrecked when they said he had 24 rebounds and 35 points. If there's such a thing as a "quiet" 35 & 24 game, that was it.

Overall, wasn't a terribly impressive showing. Very sloppy, but it was fun to watch all the new kids. Man, this team even without Beasley, Walker, and Hoskins next year is going to be fun to watch. These guys are athletic, they're talented, but they're raw and will need some time to develop. A lot of talent here. Just typical preseason sloppiness right now that I'm sure will be cleared up. The sky is literally the limit for these guys.

Going Bowling?

Well, it's that time of year again. Teams are fighting for their respective postseason lives. As we all know, it gets really tense when teams are on the bowl "bubble," looking to not only make themselves bowl eligible, but also looking to make themselves more attractive to bowl committees around the country.

Let's step back and take a look at the Big XII bowl picture and how it may unfold. First, we have to know which bowls are available to Big XII teams. There are technically nine, but only eight will select a team. They are as follows (in order of selection):

BCS
Cotton
Holiday
Gator
Alamo
Sun (if Gator does not select a Big XII team)
Insight
Independence
Texas

It is possible for the Big XII to get two teams into the BCS, especially with there now being five BCS bowl games. If that happens, the Big XII could be looking at 9 available bowl slots, if not then it will likely just be the 8 listed above.

Now then, let's take a look at the teams with a chance at becoming bowl eligible, their remaining schedules, and their chances of not only making bowls, but what bowls they will make:

Kansas, 9-0 (5-0)
The remaining schedule: @ Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Missouri (@KC)
Predicted finish: 10-1 (7-1)
Thoughts: I've been calling Kansas a fraud all year, and while they still haven't played a top 25 team, they have been able to show up every week and play good football. I only see them losing to a superior Missouri team, leaving them likely out of the Big XII Championship game and playing in San Diego.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Holiday

Oklahoma, 8-1 (4-1)
The remaining schedule: Baylor, @ Texas Tech, Oklahoma State
Predicted finish: 11-1 (7-1)
Thoughts: They should win every remaining game. Potential stumbling blocks are obviously the last two games of the season. That said, I see the Sooners running the table at this point and also winning the Big XII Championship game. The possibility also exists that by running the table they could play for a National Championship.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: BCS/MNC Game

Missouri, 8-1 (4-1)
The remaining schedule: Texas A&M, @ Kansas State, Kansas (@KC)
Predicted finish: 11-1 (7-1)
Thoughts: Missouri is a real wildcard here. They are likely favored in all three of their remaining games, but they could easily lose any one of those games. Regardless, at this point in time, I think Missouri runs the table setting up a rematch with Oklahoma. That, again, will likely result in a Sooner victory.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Cotton

Texas, 8-2 (4-2)
The remaining schedule: Texas Tech, @ Texas A&M
Predicted finish: 9-3 (5-3)
Thoughts: I think the Longhorns will lose one of their remaining two games. For the sake of argument, I'll pick the Red Raiders to upset the Longhorns especially with the drama that is occurring in College Station. This would again leave the Longhorns sitting at home during the Big XII Championship game and waiting for the bowl selection shows. Forunately for them, I have heard the Gator Bowl really covets the Horns, and would jump at a chance to grab them after not having a Big XII team in last year's game.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Gator

Texas Tech, 7-3 (3-3)
The remaining schedule: @ Texas, Oklahoma
Predicted finish: 8-4 (4-4)
Thoughts: An even split against the Longhorns and Sooners would be a very nice way to end the season for Mike Leach and his team. Did it seem to anyone else like their record was worse than this? They played in the Insight Bowl last season, and that is not a likely destination for them regardless of their finish.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Alamo

Texas A&M, 6-4 (3-3)
The remaining schedule: @ Missouri, Texas
Predicted finish: 6-6 (3-5)
Thoughts: Considering the recent news of head coach Dennis Franchione getting the axe, I see no reason to think the Aggies will be able to win either of their remaining two games. They will be likely underdogs in both games, perhaps by double digits. A 6-6 Aggie team with a losing Conference record and no head coach won't be very attractive to potential bowl committee members.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Staying Home

Oklahoma State, 5-4 (3-2)
The remaining schedule: Kansas, @ Baylor, @ Oklahoma
Predicted finish: 6-6 (4-4)
Thoughts: The Baylor game looms large, because if they aren't able to knock off unbeaten Kansas at home this weekend, it will likely be their last legitimate shot at bowl eligibility. The Bedlam game is Oklahoma is always competitive, but Oklahoma will have too much riding on that home game for the Cowboys to expect anything less than their best effort. The Cowboys finish the season with an even record, and are a bit uneasy as they watch the bowl selection shows.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Texas

Kansas State, 5-4 (3-3)
The remaining schedule: @ Nebraska, Missouri, @ Fresno State
Predicted finish: 7-5 (4-4)
Thoughts: Last weekends loss to Iowa State knocked the Cats a few rungs down on the bowl ladder, but it isn't something that they can't overcome. Realistically, K-State should be favored in two of their remaining three games. Nebraska and Fresno State will both be very difficult games to win, but the Cats have been impressive coming off of losses this season as they likely will be in both of these matchups. After going to the Texas Bowl last season, K-State takes a step up.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Insight

Colorado, 5-5 (3-3)
The remaining schedule: @ Iowa State, Nebraska
Predicted finish: 6-6 (4-4)
Thoughts: Both of the remaining games for the Buffaloes could become trap games. Iowa State has been playing pretty good football the past three weeks, and Nebraska could have new life if an interim coach is named in the bye week after the K-State game. While either game could potentially be a loss, I see the Buffaloes winning on the road and losing at home.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Independence

Nebraska, 4-6 (1-5)
The remaining schedule: Kansas State, @ Colorado
Predicted finish: 5-7 (2-6)
Thoughts: They've got to win one game, right? I mean, they are Nebraska! I don't see any way the Huskers win the two games necessary to become bowl eligible. They will be underdogs in both of their remaining contests, and their only chance to win either is if they come out with a renewed energy. I honestly don't see it happening with Bill Callahan still at the helm. Now, if they were to find an interim coach, then they may be able to pull some kind of energy for the Colorado game. Maybe.
Buhl's Bowl Pick: Staying Home

Keep in mind that these predictions are as of this week. With any luck, I should be able to make this a weekly feature up until the end of the season. Should be fun. Keep checking back.

Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down

Just some random thoughts about Wildcat athletics as we sit here on a Monday afternoon:

• Michael Beasley is good. Damn good. And so is Bill Walker. This will truly be a once in a lifetime experience for K-State fans to be able to watch two players of this caliber on the court at the same time. Every K-State fan should make a point to be at at least one Wildcat basketball game this year.
• Speaking of good. How good is Jordy Nelson? Just another ho hum 200 double digit receptions game for Jordy.
• Remember, Cat fans. This is the same Ron Prince that coached the Wildcats in the Texas game. The same Ron Prince that coached the Wildcats in the Colorado game. Well, you get the point.
• Perhaps the most disappointing thing from Saturday's game was, again, our defenses inability to stop the run. The 3-4 defense is based on having a steady rotation of big defensive linemen who can come in and eat up blocks so the linebackers can fly around and make plays. In this scheme, you simply cannot have a starting defensive line of Ian Campbell, Rob Jackson, and Brandon Balkcom. But, don't worry, help is on the way.
• Back to Jordy. You think he might be licking his chops heading into this weekend's game in Lincoln? The 'Skers are giving up an average of almost 250 passing yards per game. That number would be higher, except teams have rarely found it necessary to pass since the Blackshirts have the worst rushing defense in the Conference by almost 100 yards (250ypg).
• Word is that Nebraska may be accepting resignations early this week. I guess we'll see. If that happens, we could be facing a Huskers team with an interim head coach. That could mean that the players will rally around their new (short-lived) coach, or they may face a team that has given up altogether. I guess it remains to be seen, but I personally don't see any way that changing coaches mid-season is in any way positive.
• Another note on coach changes. Looks like Dennis Franchione is out at Texas A&M. Might as well start calling those recruits right now.
• Don't forget the men's basketball regular season opener this Friday night at 7pm. If you can't make it to the game, it's also on FSN Midwest. This should be a really fun season of basketball for the Cats, and the sky really is the limit for this team. Shades of Syracuse in 2003? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
• If you're like some Cat fans, you'll simply stop through Manhattan Friday night for the basketball game on your way up to Lincoln for Saturday morning's football game. Remember, that one starts at 11:30 again.
• Anyway, that's all for now. It's gonna be a long week.

Yeah...It's Like That

Well, well, well. The mighty Jayhawks continue their climb towards the Nation's elite (cough). I have a little secret that the college football World is about to realize...soon. KU is a fraud! Eventually, you have to start actually beating teams in your Conference by a significant margin, or they'll start beating you. Here's some knowledge for you, the Jayhawks' average margin of victory over teams with a winning record is 6. Now, I'm the last person to give credit to the Fightin' Manginos for anything, but I will say this...they have done a good job winning games in the 4th Quarter. A product of their easy, easy schedule? Absolutely, but to their credit they have beaten teams that they should have, which has been their bugaboo in the past.

Let me tell you something about the ungrateful bastard that is Mark Mangino. Back in the early 90s, Bill Snyder was looking for another assistant to fill a position on his Kansas State offensive staff. "Hey!" says one of Snyder's assistants, "I know this 'Bear' guy working for the turnpike in Pennsylvania." Yeah, I know, imagine that jackass in a toll booth. You know, I'll be damned if Snyder didn't give the guy a shot. A guy who wasn't even in coaching. A guy who didn't play college football. On a whim, a tip from a friend, Snyder hired Mark Mangino. The man they called 'Bear.' Didn't know Mangino coached at Kansas State? Don't ask Mangino, he doesn't remember. Rarely acknowledges the man who gave him a chance, changed his life.



I digress. Four games left and the pressure is mounting. Mangino has taken KU to only two bowl games, and now they're talking about not only winning the Big XII but playing in the National Championship game. Hmm. It's basketball season now, isn't it? Scurry off to the Phog, Hawk fans. You don't belong in this football business. Four games left and the pressure is mounting. Starts with Nebraska...anemic yet superior in talent to Kansas. Talented teams are always dangerous, no matter the mentality, because something good might accidentally happen to the Huskers and they might remember that they are supposed to play football in Lincoln.



Three games left and the pressure is mounting. The national media is starting to follow the Jayhawks. Aqib Talib is calling out Jayhawk fans and media for already starting to talk about basketball. It is, afterall, Lawrence, KS. Then comes the trip to Stillwater. Over the past two seasons, the Cowboys have lost two games in Stillwater by a grand total of 7 points. One of those losses was to Oklahoma. It's primetime on national TV. Could this be the one?



Two games left and the pressure is mounting. KU could still be undefeated and heading back home, riding high on their horses. Or they could be reeling from a loss, or even consecutive losses, and finally back to reality. Iowa State, remember, put scares into both Oklahoma and Missouri (two teams superior to Kansas). They are always difficult, and much improved over the team that got blown out by Texas just two weeks ago. This game is one that KU should obviously win, but it's too far into the future to tell what the mentality of KU may be at this point.

One game left and the pressure...is...mounting. Uh Oh! It's the big one! KU-MU in Arrowhead Stadium. Sold out. Almost certain to be on national television. The Tigers are back for more after shattering the Jayhawks' chances at a bowl game at the end of last season. KU could still be undefeated at this point. Could. MU could be only a game back of the Jayhawks and looking for a big win to capture a Big XII North title. Could. Or they could both lose a couple games between now and then and this game may be a battle of teams barely ranked in the Top 25. Could.

Last game's over. The season has reached it's climax. The Jayhawks have had to fight many battles down the stretch. They have taken on everybody's best effort. The Midget has finally completed an entire season of Big XII football...one that always takes a toll mentally and physically on young quarterbacks. Remember what Chase Daniel looked like towards the end of last season (his first as a full time starter)? The season has ended. Will KU be sitting at home the first weekend of December watching somebody else in San Antonio...the nosepicking, booger eating, two dozen taco eatings frauds that they are? Or will they do the unthinkable? Will they be taking on the Sooners in San Antonio looking for one more win and maybe a shot at the National Championship? We see teams like this every year...and history tells us it's going to be the latter.

Take It To The Bank

Well the "Take It To The Bank" is back after a couple weeks off. Just in case you forgot the format, it'll be 5 games, including the Cats and one other Big XII matchup. Some of these will be a bit of a stretch, but it's all in good fun. Here we go:

Back To Reality

California is reeling after losing consecutive games to Oregon State and UCLA. If you missed those games a large problem for the Bears was the quarterback position, with redshirt freshman Kevin Riley filling in for the injured Nate Longshore. Well, Longshore is back and he's tired of his senior season being ruined by some rookie.

Statistically this game looks like it should be dominated by Arizona State. Remember, however, that they have played absolutely nobody of substance. Cal has too much firepower to be contained for three consecutive games, and the fall of Arizona State begins this weekend before playing Oregon, UCLA, and USC over the next three weeks. Get out your Red Bull to watch this kickoff at 10pm CST, but it will be fun to watch as Ariona State becomes the second team to fall from the ranks of the unbeatens on a day of upsets. California: 38, Arizona State: 31

World's Larget Outdoor Jackass Festival

Florida halted a two game losing streak last weekend with a victory over Kentucky. This year's showdown with Georgia holdes less significance than years past, but it would still appear to be a fairly even matchup. How Florida remains in the Top 10 with two losses is beyond me, but they do have playmakers across the board. Quarterback Tim Tebow can make plays running or throwing, but can be easily confused if Georgia chooses to mix up packages.

Perhaps no quarterback in the country is more overrated than Georgia's Matthew Stafford. Hyped as the second coming of Fran Tarkenton, Stafford has failed to impress anyone with a double-digit IQ. Georgia is young, and Florida is still Florida. I don't expect this game to be close as Florida takes the game 35-20.

Hooked

Is there a more pathetic display of a football program than the University of Nebraska? Seriously, I'm fairly certain that they couldn't beat UNO and I'm thinking a good high school team could hang at least 30 on the vaunted "Blackshirts." To make things worse, they begin a stretch of consecutive road games this weekend in Austin. I don't think it would be a stretch to say that the 'Skers will not be favored in another game this year. The line on this game is Texas -21, but the UNL players appear to have quit on Coach Bill Slashahan and his staff...not to mention Nebraska's defense ranks dead last in the Big XII. Austin, TX isn't exactly the ideal spot to try and iron out your wrinkles, either.

Focusing on football, expect Jamaal Charles to have a huge game on the ground against a team that is giving up on average almost 230 yards per game. Remember, heading into the Conference slate Charles was the Conference's leading rusher. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy shouldn't need to utilize his arm for much more than handing off, and Texas has more than enough talent on defense to be able to stop Sam "Soul Patch" Keller and Nebraska's awful, awful offensive attack. Nebraska may jump up and bite someone the remainder of the year, but it sure isn't going to be Texas. Texas: 45, UNL: 17

Back To Reality (Part II)

Well, well, well. Looks like the Mighty Fightin' Manginos think they're for real. Talks are coming from Lawrence of running the table, Big XII Championships, and (cough) even National Championships. That's all well and good, but what they forget is that they still have at least 5 games remaining, in at least 3 of which they will be favored by probably less than 5 points. Hmmm...remember the 2006 version of the Missouri Tigers?

Anyway, back to this game. UK has been relatively impressive to date, and I must say that they have far surpassed my expectations for anything the Fat Man could do. Statistically, they have been dominating, although many of the statistics are skewed by their weak non-conference schedule. The difficulty for UK lies in stopping the running game...more specifically the 300 pound monster known as Jorvorskie Lane (pictured). Lane is perhaps the most gifted running back in the league when you factor in size and his diversity, and he is the leader of the Aggie running attack which is best in the Big XII and 5th best in the nation. UK will face the single most diverse running attack that they will see all season, and it keys off of Lane, quarterback Stephen McGee, and big play man Michael Goodson.

This story has been nice so far if you're a Jayhawk fan, but Saturday starts the demise of the 2007 UK football season, and marks the official beginning of basketball season in Lawrence. UK loses this one as they are unable to stop the three-pronged running attack of the Aggies in a game that starts a Mizzou-like landslide for the Manginos. Texas A&M: 31 UK: 24

Happy Homecoming

A tough loss on the road last week in Stillwater leaves the Wildcats with plenty of questions, especially surrounding their run defense. Well, coming to town with all the answers is none other than Guy Morriss and his anemic Baylor Bears. Baylor boasts the 5th worst running attack in all of college football, averaging a little over 70 yard per game. To make things worse for Baylor, the previous leader of their passing attack has been replaced by a second time starter in Michael Machen. Machen made some fatal mistakes downfield in last weekend's loss to Texas, and that should leave the big play Wildcat secondary salivating.

Josh Freeman and the K-State offense have finally appeared to have turned the corner. A very impressive passing attack last weekend gave Josh his new career high with over 400 yard passing, 3 touchdowns, and perhaps mostly importantly zero interceptions. Add to it that Baylor has the 3rd worst total defense in the entire Big XII and the Wildcat offense should have another banner day tomorrow.

Another area for the Wildcats that needs improvement is kick coverage. Aside from fumbles last weekend, kick coverage was the key factor in the loss to Oklahoma State as the Wildcats gave up a touchdown on a kick return and allowed the Cowboys' final return up to near midfield to set up their game winning drive. But, back to save the day again are the Bears, who come into this game 111th nationally in kick return yardage with only 18 yards per return.

The last time the Bears traveled to Manhattan was 2003, for another Homecoming game, and they left with a 38-10 defeat. Don't expect this game to be much closer. The Wildcats should be able to move the ball at will, and the defensive matchup sets up very well for the Wildcats. K-State lays a Texas-sized ass kicking on the Bears, 48-13

And You Can Take THAT To The Bank...

Well Shoot! I Don't Know Where To Start

It's Homecoming week in Manhattan this week, folks. That means lots of food, lots of fun, lots of booze, and of course a giant beatdown by our football team over a helpless opponent. Right?

Well, not exactly. You see the Wildcats have only won 3 of their last 5 Homecoming contests...a much low percentage than you would like to see. That should all change this weekend, however, as the Guy Morriss and the Baylor Bears come to town. The Bears are 3-5, winless in Conference play, and only a shadow of the team that beat the Wildcats last year in Baylor. Oh yeah, and they will be giving Michael Machen his first career start. The thing about the Bears is they can't run...or actually they can't really do anything. They are 11th in the Conference in total offense and equally inept on defense where they rank 10th in the Conference.

Don't expect the Cats to overlook them after what happened last season, however. Josh Freeman has really come into his own over the past 3 weeks and this game should give the defense and chance to gain some confidence after being gashed by KU and Oklahoma State two of the last three weeks. Remember, a crucial stretch of games is upcoming for the Cats and they should be able to get rolling with an easy win this weekend. My prediction for the game will come tomorrow, when I unveil the "Buhl's Blog" version of "Take It To The Bank."

I mean what the hell. I'm bored and rarely have anything else to do but post on GoPowercat.com and do very minimal amounts of work (which is mostly on my computer anyway). So, I'm throwing around some ideas for weekly features and all sorts of things like that, but if you've got some advice or suggestions I would love to hear from you. Don't worry, this entry is pretty weak, and hopefully we will get much better as the days, weeks, and months go along.

Back to the game, remember that it isn't televised, so if you've got nothing better to do (which you don't) then there's no reason not to be in Manhattan yelling like hell and supporting the team. They need us, and I'm sure there will be plenty of recruits in town too. Kickoff is set for 2:35, with plenty of festivities before and after the game. I believe the tailgating starts in about an hour. And if you see that gal in the picture, ask her to show you her...umm...Wildcat pride. And tell her you'll show her yours in return!

Work In Progress

Well gang, this is my first attempt at something like this. It may be a bit rocky to begin with, but stick with me and hopefully we can do some really cool things with this site. I'm sure it will be no "Husker H8ters view of the World" but I'm sure it will be fun.