K-State Q&A: Farmageddon predictions, Bill Snyder’s future and basketball thoughts
It’s time for another K-State Q&A.
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and everything that goes along with it this week. Here’s a special Wednesday mailbag to help you get ready. Lots of great questions this week. Let’s get right to them. Thanks, as always, for your participation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What do you think would be the most Farmageddon way for K-State to win on Saturday?</p>— Chad Holt (@ChadJHolt) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadJHolt/status/1064930453294104576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I’m ready for this one after we discussed it on The Game yesterday!
Let’s set the scene:
Unlike previous Farmageddon games, K-State jumps out to a commanding lead. Things aren’t looking good for the Cyclones, but they mount a comeback behind freshman quarterback Brock Purdy to give themselves a shot. They take over at midfield with 45 seconds remaining, trailing by four. They need a touchdown to win.
After a few successful passes, they enter the red zone and can taste a come-from-behind victory. There is time for one final play, so they hand the ball to star running back David Montgomery. He bursts through a hole at the line of scrimmage, cuts right and toes the sideline perfectly on his way into the end zone as time expires.
The fans at Jack Trice Stadium go wild. Some of them even even rush the field and start climbing the goal posts. But wait! Montgomery might have inadvertently dropped the ball an inch short of the goal line while celebrating. Big 12 officials are reviewing the play. Video replays conclusively show Montgomery crossed the goal line before dropping the ball, so the touchdown should stand, but the referees don’t see it that way and overturn the score.
K-State wins another Farmageddon. Iowa State fans cry foul.
Now that would be peak Farmageddon.
My Magic 8 Ball says: “Don’t count on it.”
Iowa State is a 14-point favorite for a reason. The Cyclones are the better team and they will be playing at home in frigid temperatures. This feels like their time.
I understand K-State has owned Farmageddon over the past decade. I also realize it is entirely possible that the Cyclones will take a 28-0 lead in the first quarter and still find a way to lose on the final play.
But the streak has to end at some point. I get the feeling Iowa State fans and players look at K-State the same way K-State fans and players used to look at Nebraska. The Cyclones finally have the team and setting to get some revenge, and they could take out a decade worth of frustration in this game.
The Wildcats are playing great on defense, but their offense can’t score in the red zone and they haven’t won a road game all season. The Cyclones are the safe pick.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Is Farmageddon the best cult college rivalry in the Big 12 and/or the country?</p>— ConfidentBruce (@Tyler_Maneth) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tyler_Maneth/status/1064913896459460609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It will be once it gets a trophy.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you could create the Farmageddon trophy, what would it be?</p>— Lucas Scoopsalot (@LucasScoopsalot) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasScoopsalot/status/1064907577409064962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
I get this question every year, and my answer hasn’t changed.
Give me a golden tractor.
Hand out some corn for players to chomp on during the trophy ceremony and let them exit the field with an assortment of farming tools. That would really take Farmageddon to the next level.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Since 2015, K-State football is 5-11 vs the Big 12 in October and 11-5 in November/December. Why do we always seem to wait until the last minute to start winning? Do we see another 3-6 to 6-6 season like 2015?</p>— Jordan Smith (@Jordan_ICT) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jordan_ICT/status/1064904934670458881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
There is probably something about Bill Snyder’s coaching style that makes it hard for his teams to start fast and easy for them to finish strong.
But K-State’s front-loaded schedules have played a major role in those record splits. Playing Kansas and Iowa State is usually easier than playing Texas and Oklahoma, regardless of when the games are played.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Do you think Snyder retires regardless of the outcome on Saturday?</p>— Dom (@KStateDom) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateDom/status/1064940795004952577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A win and a bowl trip could complicate matters, but Snyder’s retirement decision will still probably be the same.
I’m expecting this to be his final regular season game as K-State’s football coach, regardless of what happens in Ames.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">More likely at this point: Bill Snyder leaving Kansas State on his own or getting forced out?</p>— Zion Trilliamson (@LilBabyHos13) <a href="https://twitter.com/LilBabyHos13/status/1064907249024466949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
That could depend on what happens in K-State’s final games. He might push harder to return with two more wins than he might with a loss to Iowa State.
Still, I think he will ultimately decide to retire on his own. It might take some convincing from his superiors, but he understands the situation. Fans aren’t coming to games like they used to and columnists are calling for him to retire. He’s 79 years old and the roster needs a major recruiting boost. He will always be an iconic coach in this town for guiding K-State on its unprecedented turnaround, but it feels like time for a change.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If all the Big 12 football teams were a Thanksgiving food, what would they be?</p>— Laura Forster (@LauraBForster) <a href="https://twitter.com/LauraBForster/status/1063122071075676160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Oklahoma = Turkey.
Doesn’t matter if you bake it, fry it or smoke it, turkey is always good and everyone wants to eat it on Thanksgiving.
Texas = Ham.
Beat turkey in a recent taste test and its presence on the Thanksgiving Day table is on the rise. Still, it’s chasing turkey with the masses.
West Virginia = Pecan pie.
So good, but so filling. It’s hard to eat more than one slice. Kind of like the Mountaineers, who are fun to watch and good for at least one epic win each season. But not a whole lot more.
Oklahoma State = Stuffing.
The best side anyone can hope for on Thanksgiving, but it’s still just a side.
Iowa State = Green Bean Casserole
Nothing special, but it always ends up on your plate.
Kansas State = Rolls
You passed on them at the start of the meal, because they didn’t look all that appetizing and you wanted to focus on a more carb-friendly meal. But you always end up grabbing one, maybe even two, as dinner winds down and they start to look better when you see the rest of your family enjoying a nice buttered roll.
Baylor = Yams.
Some people like them. Many don’t.
Texas Tech = Apple Pie
Like Texas Tech quarterbacks, apple pie won’t win you any championships on Thanksgiving. But this food sure does an awesome job at the next level on other holidays.
TCU = Mashed potatoes with gravy
I like to imagine Gary Patterson eating a whole bowl of this stuff every Thanksgiving.
Kansas = Cranberry Sauce
Laugh all you want at this food item that has gone untouched the last two Thanksgiving dinners, but it’s a Turkey Day staple and the only thing at the table with a national championship ring.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excluding linemen, if the K-State football team had a Thanksgiving eating contest, who would win?</p>— Stevesie (@SLKECK) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLKECK/status/1064919042534842369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Blake Lynch, obviously.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Turkey or Ham on Thanksgiving?<br>Turkey or Ham rest of the year?<br>Sweet potatoes yes or no?<br>Can you trust people who prefer pumpkin over pecan pie?<br>Thanksgiving meal@ 12 or 5?<br>Do you want more or less fball than what is currently played on Tkgvg?<br>Have you listened to XMas music yet?</p>— scottwildcat (@scottwildcat) <a href="https://twitter.com/scottwildcat/status/1064906408083234816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
- Turkey > Ham on Thanksgiving.
- Turkey > Ham year round.
- Yes to sweet potatoes, but they aren’t as good as their mashed brothers.
- I only trust people who eat both Pumpkin and Pecan pie.
- Noon
- More. A morning NFL game, in addition to the other three, would be awesome.
- No. You should celebrate Thanksgiving, the most underrated holiday of them all, before even thinking about Christmas. The lone exception to that rule is drinking Christmas beer in November. That’s encouraged.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Did K-State basketball meet/exceed your expectations in the Virgin Islands?</p>— Jordan Smith (@Jordan_ICT) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jordan_ICT/status/1064903393238503424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Bruce Weber’s team took care of business at the Paradise Jam.
That’s the best way I can phrase it. The Wildcats were resounding favorites in a tournament filled with mediocre teams that wasn’t even on TV, and they dominated. Good for them. It’s what they were supposed to do.
As I’ve noted in previous stories, going 3-0 in the Virgin Islands won’t move the needle at a national level. But it’s still a great accomplishment for a team that hadn’t won a tournament of any kind since 2011.
The second game against Pennsylvania wasn’t easy, but K-State won handily. A trophy was at stake against Missouri, and K-State won by blowout.
Loved the way Dean Wade played. Barry Brown was consistent. Kamau Stokes looked like he found something. K-State even made some three-pointers against Missouri.
The tournament moved K-State up to No. 15 in Ken Pomeroy’s rankings. The Wildcats still have plenty to work on. But It was a good trip.
My only real complaint is that #ConfidentBruce didn’t celebrate the tournament championship by ordering a drink at the Tiki Bar and climbing to the top of that lifeguard chair behind the visitor’s base line. Now that would have made the Paradise Jam a resounding success!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Although the Paradise Jam tournament didn't feature the strongest set of opponents, did the three K-State wins increase, decrease, or keep your confidence level the same for this upcoming season?</p>— Matt Marchesini (@MattMarchesini) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattMarchesini/status/1064907788080619520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Increase slightly. It was promising to see how good they looked when they finally hit outside shots against Missouri.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The odds of KSU entering B12 play undefeated but having not beaten a tourney team is realistic possibility. Will <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ConfidentBruce?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ConfidentBruce</a> resort back to whiny Bruce?</p>— Joel Cochran (@JAndrew_Cochran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JAndrew_Cochran/status/1064904346041794561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
No respect for the Penn Quakers? They could win the Ivy League. Georgia State is sneaky good. Marquette and Vanderbilt are top 50-ish teams. K-State’s nonconference schedule remains on the weak side, but it will play some decent teams.
#ConfidentBruce will probably whine some if people criticize K-State’s schedule, but it won’t come off like whining because he’s so gosh darn confident right now.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-cards="hidden" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When will "Hack A Trice start"? Trice is a baby Dennis Rodman. Happy Thanksgiving</p>— Matthew Leo Birzer P.E. (@PowercatEng) <a href="https://twitter.com/PowercatEng/status/1064914607121289216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It will happen during Big 12 play, I’m pretty sure.
Austin Trice is good at many things, but free throws is not one of them.
The Sunflower Showdown could feature a wildly entertaining free-throw contest this season. Doke vs. Trice would be epic.
This story was originally published November 21, 2018 at 12:00 PM.