Auburn @ K State 9/18/2014

[WarEagle84 0]

A little off-season hype from Bleacher Report. Seems like a pretty fair analysis.

Why Auburn-Kansas State Could Be College Football's Game of 2014

The potency of a regular-season college football game still months away is beginning to take shape, and yet, buzz for this contest will likely be marginal as we slowly churn toward the start of the season.

No, it’s not the Iron Bowl. The buzz for this particular game will be just fine. It’s not the Red River [insert Whatever They’re Calling it This Year Here] or any other staple rivalry game for that matter. And no, it’s not Oregon-Michigan State, although you’re getting warmer (and that one will do just fine, thank you).

If you’re looking for an early "Game of the Year" candidate, take a gander at Auburn-Kansas State on Thursday, September 18.

It’s not circled four times with oversized exclamation points on your schedule—at least not yet—although it should be. And on that note, clear your calendar accordingly. Avoid all obligations and make it to Manhattan, Kansas, on this date if you can. This has a chance to be spectacular for a handful of reasons, and it begins with two very different wizards wielding different wands.

The Coaches

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

One coached a team in 1962 and concocts success with a solid serving of brilliance, an aggressive pour of experience and an infusion of JUCO ingredients. The other has run three plays in the time it has taken you to read this sentence and has quickly become the most feared offensive engineer in the country. He doesn’t mind starting the occasional JUCO at quarterback every now and then, either.

They are separated by 26 years in age, and yet, each has settled in far different environments. While Gus Malzahn’s coaching stock is almost unparalleled nationally at this very moment at Auburn, Bill Snyder is a strange but somehow fitting adversary on the other sideline.

Snyder isn’t the perfect man to slow Malzahn’s offense—quite frankly, no such human elixir may exist at this point—but he is more than capable to stand in blow-for-blow. He will provide the more deliberate attack, but that doesn’t mean it can’t (or won’t) be successful.

They are different, and that’s what makes this contest special. The matchup between these two schools begins here, at the headsets, and age isn’t the only thing separating them. Expectations for each heading into the season are on opposite ends of the world, although the gap in talent feels slightly smaller.

The Stakes

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Here's where things kick up a notch; where the uncertainty of a new playoff format casts an unfamiliar shadow over an early out-of-conference matchup with meaning.

This could serve as an elimination game for the sparkly debut of CFB’s postseason. Or, perhaps it will be a resume-boosting win for one and a good loss—which still be more important than ever—for the other.

Either way, losing early—even when it’s outside the conference against real competition—isn’t favorable. And because this game serves as a kickoff for Week 3, it will carry a little more weight. Win this, and the momentum will be bubbling over into conference play.

The expectation early on—at least according to Las Vegas—is that the team with the momentum will be the larger cat of the two. That cat being the tiger.

Auburn has been tabbed a robust 13-point road favorite at the Golden Nugget, a line that seems extreme even by Auburn standards. It’s worth pointing out that the Tigers haven’t lost against the spread since September 14, which plays a role in crafting this one.

But for both teams poised for a conference title—Auburn being the more obvious selection of the two—this marks a substantial early measuring stick. If the Tigers win and do so by a spread-like margin, the buzz will continue to build. If K-State pulls what would be considered an enormous upset, the expectations of this team will undergo a seismic shift.

The Offenses

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Some people appreciate defense and refuse to sway from their particular brand of hitting, punting and scoreboard silence. It’s a fine choice, and we’re not here to knock football taste buds.

For the rest of us who enjoy being smothered in points, however—the kind of ridiculous matchup that lasts well into the next day and brings about a stream of touchdowns—pull up a comfy chair.

This game could take on that persona, and it’s not simply because of one offense. It begins with that offense, though, and Auburn could be much different (and better) in this department than it was a year ago. And that’s saying quite a bit.

The losses of running back Tre Mason and left tackle/human forklift Greg Robinson cannot be glazed over. These were integral pieces to Malzahn’s attack last year, and they will be missed. But the 2014 team returns, well, pretty much everyone else, including quarterback Nick Marshall, the catalyst for it all.

If Marshall can improve as a passer—and there’s no reason to believe he shouldn’t—good luck. Sprinkle in a talented group of wideouts led by Sammie Coates along with the fascinating arrival of D’haquille Williams, and defensive coordinators can start to twitch.

Auburn is not alone with its potential, though. Kansas State returns a unit rich with talent, including perhaps the best wideout in the country.

Tyler Lockett went over 1,200 yards receiving last season despite missing two games. He will be catching passes from Jake Waters, who—despite splitting reps—scored 18 touchdowns in his final seven games. Senior wide receiver Corey Sexton will take on a more prominent role in his offense, and he should excel as well.

There are questions for K-State, more so than on Auburn’s side. The offensive line, for starters, needs work, and running back is a work in progress. Even with concerns, excitement should be welcomed and points should come in bunches. If Waters trends up like many believe he will, there’s no reason to think this group won’t blow by the 33.2 points per game it put up last year.

And Finally, Unfamiliarity

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

Tradition is worth appreciating. In fact, tradition is what elevates this sport above all others (in this completely unbiased opinion). But tradition can also become familiar—not boring, but regular—and it feels good to abandon it from time to time.

Now, two teams from major conferences playing one another in a home environment shouldn’t be something radical. The reality of the sport in its current form, however, is there simply aren’t enough of these games. They are unique, and when we do finally get one, rarely are both teams peaking at the same time to create a true appreciation of what’s ahead.

There are no guarantees that the final product will be as captivating as the ingredients, that both teams will peak. But the ingredients are there.

At the very least, this has the makings of a game that will make your Friday morning miserable. And those are the best kind.

[AUbritt 611]

Good read; thanks for posting.

[WFE12 9,191]

Man, I'm not overlooking that game at all and I hope the team isn't either...I know this is going to be a tough one and might just be a shootout. Their WR's Lockett and Sexton are my primary concerns, though I do feel auburn's wr duo is much better they are something to be worried about., just hope nick doesn't have in his mind "Oh im finna show out with my new passing skills" and do too much and turn the ball over

[JDUBB4AU 5,121]

Always had respect forsnyder

[aujeff11 6,243]

I'm not buying it. However, I would like to thank the media for not letting Kansas state sneak up on Auburn.

[Dom1ni0n 51]

Same here. Great plug for the game, however it is more likely to have far greater playoff implications for Auburn, who should win this one rather convincingly.

[bigbird 60,573]

My Father-in-law went to K-sate and we have had this game circled for a few years now. We're trying to get our schedules cleared so that we can make the trip. I think it will be a good game . Snyder is a tremendous coach and excellent motivator, his players absolutely love him.

[AU64 10,122]

So AU by a couple TDs on the road ......or a trap game? Which is it?

That's a huge difference in expectation though in my days of watching AU football I have seen some early season games like this tank an entire season.

[aujeff11 6,243]

Auburn by three touchdowns atleast.... If Kansas state can lose to North Dakota State in Manhattan, which occurred last year, Auburn SHOULD be able to handle them.

[AUbritt 611]

Auburn should win handily. However, if we go in thinking that we are playing a team that should lose to ND State, it turns into a trap game pretty quickly.

[aucanucktiger 1,794]

IMHO this is an interesting inter-divisional matchup, but unless our D fouls up completely (the proverbial straw that should start ole Ellis circulating his resume) it should not be a game in our top 5 opponent concerns for this season. Which is not to say we can't lose to K-state, but it's akin to losing to Miss State. If the K-state D does anything LIKE handling our O, we're in for a long season.

[JFDTiger80 790]

I think we win comfortably. It would be fun to go to this game like Bird is trying to do. I understand it is not easy to get to K State. They do have talent and a hall of fame coach, we have more talent, more speed, and yet even better coaching.

[AU64 10,122]

Haven't read any KSU blogs but I get the impression from the general media that this game is right up there with their KU game in importance to the Wildcats. It would help for AU to take their crowd out of the game with some explosive offense early.

[Dixie1860 27]

My Father-in-law went to K-sate and we have had this game circled for a few years now. We're trying to get our schedules cleared so that we can make the trip. I think it will be a good game . Snyder is a tremendous coach and excellent motivator, his players absolutely love him.

Trying to go as well. Will depend on personal schedule leading up to the game. Have tickets though and plan on making the trip.

"There's no place like home, there's no place like home..." (Worked for Dorothy?)

[weagl1 1,785]

They have a great receiver in Lockett who will probably give us problems, but otherwise we should be able to handle them. Even though it is a small stadium by SEC standards they should have a loud and partisan crowd, which will also give them an emotional boost. It will be important to jump on them early.

[mcgufcm 4,107]

Did canuck really just imply that a loss to KState would cause us to fire Ellis Johnson? Please.

It's going to be a good game. We're walking into their showcase game of the year, and they're a good team with a playmaker at QB. No result in this game could cause a shake up of our coaching staff.

[Draven 0]

Auburn by three touchdowns atleast.... If Kansas state can lose to North Dakota State in Manhattan, which occurred last year, Auburn SHOULD be able to handle them.

After going from 3-9 to the national championship game a year later any turn around is possible.

[aujeff11 6,243]

Auburn by three touchdowns atleast.... If Kansas state can lose to North Dakota State in Manhattan, which occurred last year, Auburn SHOULD be able to handle them.

After going from 3-9 to the national championship game a year later any turn around is possible.

Our 3-9 team would've beat North Dakota state but I get your point. I don't think Kansas state has the talent to make that drastic of a turnaround.

[AUwent 3,756]

This article is good:

http://trackemtigers.com/?p=27509

I always enjoy Acid's predictions.

[AUbritt 611]

This article is good:

http://trackemtigers.com/?p=27509

I always enjoy Acid's predictions.

Good read; thanks for posting.

[aujeff11 6,243]

thanks for the article.

[Dom1ni0n 51]

So AU by a couple TDs on the road ......or a trap game? Which is it?

That's a huge difference in expectation though in my days of watching AU football I have seen some early season games like this tank an entire season.

I haven't been this confident about an AU team since the precursor to the '94 season, as in I felt that team would win every game on the schedule, with some being blowouts. So count me as one who is drowning in an ocean of New Day kool-aid. AU had a punishing and intentionally limited rushing attack that could not be stopped by ANYONE. I can't recall any team with a more relentless and productive running game in the modern era since the Tommy Frazier and Lawrence Phillips playing days, when NU triple optioned defenses to shreds. My brain salivates over what damage this '14 AU team could with only a top 50 ranked in passing yards per game.

Yet, through it all 2013 was supposed to have been a transitional rebuilding season.

I have much respect how Bill Snyder transformed K-State from a homecoming lay up into a winning program his own way. They haven't been a creampuff since prior to the early '90s. That being said, taking into account what this Auburn team has returning in comparison to core experienced personnel in comparison to KSU, the overall talent edge, the big game coaching experience on the sidelines, then yes, a blowout is definitely within reason for this one. This a trap game only if the players are mentally elsewhere, such as fine tuning themselves for revenge against LSU.

[CJBas 4]

I doubt our coaches or players will be overlooking this game. thanks to media like this for keeping it in their minds that they'll need to be ready for this one.

However, I do think Auburn pulls away in the 2nd half and wins by 2 or 3 TDs. Any pre-game hype by the media will be greatly appreciated for adding to any additional credibility our Tiger have when they win big on the road in this one.

[WarEagle84 0]

I doubt it will have much impact on this game, but Colin Klein is returning to KSU as a Graduate Assistant. He always struck me as a class individual. Good luck to him (except for one Saturday in September).

[AU80cruiser 1,102]

I doubt it will have much impact on this game, but Colin Klein is returning to KSU as a Graduate Assistant. He always struck me as a class individual. Good luck to him (except for one Saturday in September).

You mean Thursday