When Bennett takes the K-State Job...

[Charleston Pony]

what a difference a few wins can make. Where are those who were calling for Bennett's head just 3 weeks ago? By now, some of those same people are concerned that he will leave.

While I'm not completely sold on everything this coaching staff is doing (I still don't like our "soft" goal line offense), I've been saying for the last couple of years that Bennet is doing a good job BUILDING THIS PROGRAM. I've been pointing to 2006 as the pivotal year and it's now looking better and better.

The big difference this year vs his 1st 3 yrs is that we are FINALLY competitive in the trenches and it's looking even better for next year, losing only one senior starter from the OL. If Bryan Turner comes back strong, losing Kieschnick won't be quite so painful. Meanwhile, Bennett has accumulated a stable of young guys waiting in the wings for their chance to play. Of course, with the entire starting DL coming back (make those grades, guys), things are looking really good for that unit. We've finally reached a point where both lines will be stocked with primarily upperclass players.

I'm also looking at the roster and see a bunch of young DBs that make me optimistic we can replace Ro and Jamey without too much of a drop-off in play.

Next year's big question marks look like QB and LB. Let's hope this coaching staff is out looking at some JUCOs who might give immediate help, but I like the way Bennett is mixing in JUCOs and H.S. kids to allow the younger guys to develop physically before they are thrown into action. Of course, some of those FR from last year's class just might be good good enough to make their way into the starting lineups next year. I'd say things are looking up and gotta give Bennett and his staff credit.

Oh...I should also thank Gerald Ford and everyone else that helped make these new facilities possible. That doesn't hurt in recruiting. Every visiting announcng team (except UTEP's) raved about our campus and Ford Stadium.

[Sam I Am]

Unless the retiring head coach gets to pick his successor, KSU will be practical not sentimental about whom they hire. If PB had produced a 7-4 team this year (or better), he might have been able to move up to the big time. KSU is used to winning and will want a proven winner as their next head coach. Synder may have been doing Bennett a favor by getting his name mentioned as a good prospect for KSU. About 5 games ago, we were ready to pack PB's bags for him. SMU had a good finish in November and PB has gotten some support for staying longfer as head coach. When he has won a few games at SMU, it has been at the end of the season. What does that mean? If he recruits a quality QB for 2006, he has an easier NC schedule and could get a minor bowl bid. Then look out, he might go to another schhol.

[Corso]

what a difference a few wins can make. Where are those who were calling for Bennett's head just 3 weeks ago? By now, some of those same people are concerned that he will leave.

Awfully quiet, aren't they?

.... I'm also looking at the roster and see a bunch of young DBs that make me optimistic we can replace Ro and Jamey without too much of a drop-off in play.

The secondary has me a little jumpy. Joe Sturdivant is an absolute stud. I thought at the beginning of the year that he was going to have a decent year, but his performance this season has been nothing short of sensational. I guess Bam Blackmon steps in for Jamey Harper? I'm OK with that -- there's some major speed and athleticism there. Who replaces Ro? Lindley? Haynes? That remains to be seen.

.... Next year's big question marks look like QB and LB. Let's hope this coaching staff is out looking at some JUCOs who might give immediate help, but I like the way Bennett is mixing in JUCOs and H.S. kids to allow the younger guys to develop physically before they are thrown into action. Of course, some of those FR from last year's class just might be good good enough to make their way into the starting lineups next year. I'd say things are looking up and gotta give Bennett and his staff credit.

LB, to me, is the biggest red flag. I hope he gets several, JUCOs and HS guys. A couple had better be ready to play immediately. And I'd add the offensive line to that list .... the guys look the part more than they have since the Bandy/Holder/Adami era, at least, but many of those big boys (Allison, Nigh, Lankford, Lobo, etc.) are young and still maturing. I don't think it's a lack of size, and maybe not a lack of strength. But there's a nastiness that I'd like to see on that offensive line that wasn't there this year. I want big guys who will tell the defense we're going to run it up the middle, then blow them up at the line of scrimmage, and then stand over them and tell them about it, and inform those poor nitwits that we're going to do it again. Make the defensive line into your baby brother -- threaten him, hold him down, beat on him and make him understand that you can do it every time you want to.

Oh...I should also thank Gerald Ford and everyone else that helped make these new facilities possible. That doesn't hurt in recruiting. Every visiting announcng team (except UTEP's) raved about our campus and Ford Stadium.

Good point -- we do have the most beautiful stadium in the state.