KU-K-State: I Thought This Was a Down Year

Well, its that time again. The time of the year when Kansas University inevitably blows into Kansas State's Bramlage Coliseum and ruthlessly crushes them in front of all their friends, family, and fans. Or at least that was the story for the nearly three decades prior to the arrivals of "Batman" Beasley and "Robin" Walker last year. But that was supposed to be a shot in the dark, a one-hit wonder whose rightful place was in the dregs of society, or in this case the bottom of the Big 12 Conference.

And everything started out about right. The Wildcats fell back to earth, struggling through an uninspiring non-conference slate even before their four game losing streak to open up conference play. And it wasn't just any losing streak, mind you. I'm talking four straight losses by an average of 16 points per game, a streak that included a 22 point loss at Nebraska and an 18 point drubbing at home against Baylor. They had not just come back down to earth, they'd gone straight on through to the molten hot core.

But somewhere in the there, the young Wildcats forgot that they were supposed to roll over and die, forgot that they belonged at the bottom of the Big 12. They've reeled off six straight victories coming into today's game, capped off by a demolition of Texas Tech this past Wednesday. Kansas State is now 17-7 overall, 6-4 in conference and a legitimate contender to make the NCAA Tournament field. But don't take my word for it. ESPN uber-expert Joe Lunardi has K-State pegged as an 11 seed in his latest bracket projection.

All of this fascinates me. It fascinates me because I think this team, which as recently as January 23rd was dead last in the conference (tied with lowly Colorado), can actually beat Kansas today and protect their home floor for the second consecutive year. While the feat doesn't seem that impressive at first glance, it signifies a major leap for a program that opened Bramlage Coliseum with a depressing 24 consecutive losses to their in-state "rivals".

Don't get me wrong. A lot needs to go right today for Kansas State to pull this game out. Sherron Collins likely needs to have another off-shooting day. The Morris twins need to keep on the invisibility cloak they shared for last weeks game against Missouri. But most importantly, the Cats need to utilize their home-court advantage with an early run. If they can put together 10 consecutive points at any time in the first half, they will take this game. I never thought I would say this, but I don't think the young Jayhawks can overcome an early deficit in the bedlam of Bramlage Coliseum. Now try saying that without feeling crazy.