Slate: Wildcats prep for Sooners

Boy, question the way a fan-base “fans,” and you’ll get some outcry.

Previously

Drew successfully roused the rabble both in our comments section on on social media platforms by wondering why, in the midst of a close game that produced a much-needed K-State win, Bill Snyder Family Stadium felt more like Hale Library on Saturday.

Football

Coach Klieman held his weekly press conference ahead of the Oklahoma game, where he noted that the team is still working on several execution issues, but that the guys are still motivated and believing in the process. Although Klieman recognizes the pedigree and the success Oklahoma has enjoyed so far this year, he does not intend to put any special emphasis on the game, instead taking a “next opportunity” approach (Robinett, Eagle). Of course, the status of wide receiver Malik Knowles was a topic of the presser, as well, with no certainty on his availability for the weekend.

We all know how special punter Devin Anctil is, and after punts of 50, 60 and 62 yards, four fair catches and two punts inside the 20-yard line, he was recognized as the Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week.

Finally, the 2020 recruiting class grew by one, as Northwest Mississippi Community College defensive tackle Robert Hentz became the 19th player to commit to the class. Hentz stands 6’0, weighs 270, and is ranked the No. 5 defensive tackle in the junior college ranks. He also fills a need, as three of K-State’s top four defensive tackles will graduate this year.

Golf

Jacob Eklund fell from third to tenth and the Wildcats dropped to ninth collectively in the final round of the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate. The team is off now until the spring season, which begins in Puerto Rico on February 23.

Women’s Basketball

Jeff Mittie updated earlier reports that incoming freshman Jada Thorpe had been lost for the season by confirming that her injury is a ruptured Achilles. Mittie lauded Thorpe’s work ethic and predicted she will attack rehab and be ready to return next season.

At Big 12 Media Days, Coach Mittie mused that his team, picked fifth in the preseason poll, might be undervalued. Count Baylor coach Kim Mulkey among fans of the Wildcats, as well.

Soccer

The soccer team travels to TCU Thursday and hosts West Virginia Sunday, looking to pick up a second (and—dare we dream?—third) Big 12 victory. You can watch the Sunday game on ESPN+, but you’ll need an extended sports viewing package for the TCU game, which airs on Fox Sports Southwest+.

Volleyball

K-State will host the Jayhawks tonight at 6 p.m. in Ahearn Fieldhouse. K-State is 6-12 overall, 1-5 in conference play. KU (6-10, 2-4) has won two of its past three matches.

One bright spot for the Wildcats has been freshman libero Dru Kuck, who is K-State’s freshman leader in digs, with 263. She had an incredible 2,097 digs in her high school career.