K-State opener could have special twist

[JohnDeere 0]

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K-State opener could have special twist

The Wichita Eagle

June 19, 2007

Kickoff specialist Matt Clark, who led the NCAA with 51 touchbacks in 2006, is gone. Punter Kody Bliss, who averaged 45.7 per attempt, has departed.

Those two, easily among the best in the country at their positions last year, will be replaced at Auburn this season by redshirt freshmen.

See why Tigers play-by-play announcer Rod Bramblett is concerned?

'That scares me to death,' Bramblett said.

It's the same reason why Kansas State coach Ron Prince is confident his Wildcats can go on the road Sept. 1 and stun the Southeastern Conference behemoth.

Don't forget -- the NCAA has moved kickoffs back to the 30-yard line, which means touchbacks were going to be scarce to begin with. And with K-State's renewed emphasis on special teams, it's conceivable for the Wildcats to begin many of their offensive drives much closer to midfield. Should the game turn into a low-scoring battle of field position -- and with the defensively-stout Tigers, it almost always does -- K-State might be able to break the season debut open with a huge kick or punt return.

'Early on, if an opposing team can exploit the kicking game, there is a chance for an upset,' Bramblett said.

If that happens, it won't be because Auburn overlooked the Wildcats. Bramblett said there is an electronic daily clock outside the strength and conditioning area, ticking down the days -- 73, by the way -- until Sept. 1.

The Tigers, selected by most preseason publications to finish in the Top 20, aren't focused so much on K-State as they are on beginning the season without any setbacks. There have been stumbles in past Septembers that have hurt Auburn, but Bramblett believes this team is poised for success.

He loves the defensive line, saying it might be the deepest he's seen in his nearly 15 years of service at the school. The secondary, a bunch of inexperienced freshmen last year, have a year of SEC action on their resume. The linebackers are untested, but the talent is undeniable.

On offense, four-fifths of the line must be replaced, and when freshmen are being counted on, it's another concern. There is quality depth at running back -- Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville has said redshirt freshman Mario Fannin will go down as one of the greatest running backs in school history when his career is over, but no one knows if he'll see the field this season.

At quarterback, fifth-year senior Brandon Cox returns. He doesn't possess Josh Freeman's big arm, but he's accurate. And, as Bramblett points out, the last two fifth-year senior quarterbacks (Stan White in 1993 and Jason Campbell in 2004) led the Tigers to undefeated seasons.

But Bramblett, the play-by-play announcer, doesn't expect that to happen this year. The SEC schedule, he says, is too tough. And, if things in the kicking game happen to not shake out, that nonconference slatemight be dicey as well.

'Scares me to death,' Bramblett said, repeating himself.

[PChamp119 96]

Ummmm, what is the point to bringing up this article from 2 months ago?

Where is the "Special Twist?"

What was in this article that we haven't discussed?

[SKCAUB 0]

link

K-State opener could have special twist

The Wichita Eagle

June 19, 2007

Kickoff specialist Matt Clark, who led the NCAA with 51 touchbacks in 2006, is gone. Punter Kody Bliss, who averaged 45.7 per attempt, has departed.

Those two, easily among the best in the country at their positions last year, will be replaced at Auburn this season by redshirt freshmen.

See why Tigers play-by-play announcer Rod Bramblett is concerned?

'That scares me to death,' Bramblett said.

It's the same reason why Kansas State coach Ron Prince is confident his Wildcats can go on the road Sept. 1 and stun the Southeastern Conference behemoth.

Don't forget -- the NCAA has moved kickoffs back to the 30-yard line, which means touchbacks were going to be scarce to begin with. And with K-State's renewed emphasis on special teams, it's conceivable for the Wildcats to begin many of their offensive drives much closer to midfield. Should the game turn into a low-scoring battle of field position -- and with the defensively-stout Tigers, it almost always does -- K-State might be able to break the season debut open with a huge kick or punt return.

'Early on, if an opposing team can exploit the kicking game, there is a chance for an upset,' Bramblett said.

If that happens, it won't be because Auburn overlooked the Wildcats. Bramblett said there is an electronic daily clock outside the strength and conditioning area, ticking down the days -- 73, by the way -- until Sept. 1.

The Tigers, selected by most preseason publications to finish in the Top 20, aren't focused so much on K-State as they are on beginning the season without any setbacks. There have been stumbles in past Septembers that have hurt Auburn, but Bramblett believes this team is poised for success.

He loves the defensive line, saying it might be the deepest he's seen in his nearly 15 years of service at the school. The secondary, a bunch of inexperienced freshmen last year, have a year of SEC action on their resume. The linebackers are untested, but the talent is undeniable.

On offense, four-fifths of the line must be replaced, and when freshmen are being counted on, it's another concern. There is quality depth at running back -- Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville has said redshirt freshman Mario Fannin will go down as one of the greatest running backs in school history when his career is over, but no one knows if he'll see the field this season.

At quarterback, fifth-year senior Brandon Cox returns. He doesn't possess Josh Freeman's big arm, but he's accurate. And, as Bramblett points out, the last two fifth-year senior quarterbacks (Stan White in 1993 and Jason Campbell in 2004) led the Tigers to undefeated seasons.

But Bramblett, the play-by-play announcer, doesn't expect that to happen this year. The SEC schedule, he says, is too tough. And, if things in the kicking game happen to not shake out, that nonconference slatemight be dicey as well.

'Scares me to death,' Bramblett said, repeating himself.

Nice sandbagging, Rod.

[JohnDeere 0]

Ummmm, what is the point to bringing up this article from 2 months ago?

Where is the "Special Twist?"

What was in this article that we haven't discussed?

Yes, you are correct as always. Mods, please remove this thread.