Your next Lou Groza winner?

Previously

We are at 22 days and counting to kickoff! BracketCat provides the accompaniment to our excitement with the latest edition of the 2015 roster countdown, #23 defensive back Cre Moore.

Jon Morse continues the 2015 preseason conditioning, with a look at the Top 5 offensive linemen to ever suit up for Kansas State, and a preview of Division III's Liberty and Iowa leagues.

Staying with the conditioning theme, JT Van Gilder breaks down the defensive backs in the 2015 Position Preview.

Football

Does a Big 12 team have to go 12-0 to guarantee a spot in the College Football Playoffs? Gary Patterson and Art Briles certainly think so. (Associated Press, via FOXSports). I included this story mostly for the Kansas State-specific cover picture and the caption.

The inaugural playoffs have engendered plenty of controversy and it's clear we're still in the steep bit of the learning curve. But, and this may be the one time I will agree 100% with a sports writer, "the only thing this sport needs is for the playoff to finally start -- again." (Heather Dinich, ESPN)

The departure of Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton has left a definite void at wide receiver, but Kody Cook is ready to step in, and has already drawn comparisons to Sexton, especially from the coaching staff. Cook also has the added advantage of being a former quarterback and believes this gives him better insight into running routes. Let's hope he's right (Kevin Haskin, Topeka Capital-Journal).

Matthew McCrane has a clear goal for his career. He wants to be the next Martin Gramatica, and he thinks a perfect kicking season and a Lou Groza award are within his grasp. Already the most accomplished freshman kicker in school history, McCrane's statistics from 2014 would suggest he's well on his way (Kelly McHugh-Stewart; KState Sports Extra).

Basketball

Guess which basketball team in Kansas will not be appearing in any Big Monday games in the 2015-16 season? If you guessed Kansas State, congratulations. Your prize is the chagrin that comes from knowing Kansas will play four Big Monday games (Topeka Capital-Journal).

Volleyball

The team acquired a new assistant coach this past spring. In this feature, Kelly McHugh-Stewart interviews Trent Sorensen, who described the Kansas State team as "blue collar" and the Manhattan community as "welcoming." That sounds about right to me.

Miscellany

The athletic department is reviving the Varsity K-Club, an institution from the 1940s intended as a network for former Kansas State student-athletes from various eras. All former student-athletes who appeared on an active roster and left the program in good standing are eligible for membership.

Ed: Apologies for tardiness and any errors. I blame my phone's autocorrect function.