Wildcat Q&A with Jeffrey Martin

The next stop on my personal Big 12 media tour brings us to Jeffrey Martin of the Wichita Eagle. Martin covers the Kansas State Wildcats for the Eagle and was more than generous when it came to sharing his answers and opinions on the Big 12 and the 06 Wildcats.

My Opinion on Sports: Senior quarterback Allen Webb was just released from the team and has now enrolled at Texas College. What were the circumstances behind his dismissal and what impact will that have on the team?

Jeffrey Martin: Webb transferred to Texas College. His family says his scholarship was taken away, Ron Prince says otherwise. We may never have the definitive answer, but everyone seems to have moved on. The obvious impact is that it leaves the Wildcats with only three quarterbacks, two with any experience. Webb was the only quarterback on the roster who won with any consistency, but there should be enough remaining talent for K-State to be competitive.

My Opinion on Sports: How has the approach of new head coach Ron Prince been different going into the spring and now fall different from Bill Snyder?

Jeffrey Martin: The biggest difference is the implementation of a new system, a new regime. This program is still going through transition where as in the past, there was no need for that. With Snyder, you knew what to expect. With Prince, it's still a little unclear, which isn't to suggest he doesn't know what he's doing. We just haven't been exposed to it yet.

My Opinion on Sports: Tell us what we can expect from the KSU offensive and defensive units this season?

Jeffrey Martin: We'll have to wait and see. We've leapt to conclusions that Prince would mimic the scheme he ran at Virginia, some variation of the West Coast offense. The tight end will be emphasized, for sure. But beyond that, we're not sure what will the priority will be - running or passing. On defense, since Raheem Morris came from the Tampa Bay Bucs, it's been assumed they'd run the Cover 2, or the so-called "Tampa 2." That should be the base, but it will probably be a hybrid.

My Opinion on Sports: Looking at the Wildcat schedule, what are the games that you would say you would disappointed if they lost?

Jeffrey Martin: Three of the four non-conference games should be winnable - Louisville is a long shot, at best. Losing to Oklahoma State at home is inexcusable. Losing at Kansas wouldn't be a crime, but given the climate of the in-state rivalry, it shouldn't happen.

My Opinion on Sports: How do you see the north and south divisions finishing up?

Jeffrey Martin: I like Oklahoma in the South. Texas will be second. Put Tech down for third. On a side note, I think Dennis Franchione is in trouble at A&M. Going against the grain in the North, I like Iowa State for its offensive firepower. I'm not sold on Nebraska like everyone else, but the 'Huskers should finish second. The rest of it doesn't matter, does it?

My Opinion on Sports: Give us your prediction on the Big 12 Championship game.

Jeffrey Martin: OU over Iowa State -- by at least two touchdowns. I know it's ridiculous, and that's why I don't do predictions - normally.

You can read Jeffrey Martin’s articles at the Wichita Eagle. Thanks a lot for your time Jeffrey!

Leave your thoughts on the Kansas State Wildcats and the Big 12 in the Jeffrey Martin thread on the Message Board.

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