Rock Chalk Roundtable 10.13.10

Roundtable from the Kansas side today.  Tomorrow morning we've got a roundtable Q&A from the guys over at "Bring on the Cats"

Today's Topics:

1. Kansas State v Nebraska.  Did it change your thoughts on the matchup?
2. Big 12.  Up, Down, more balanced, what's the deal?
3. What bball non-con and conference game are you most looking forward to and why?  Just one.
4. Tell us why you'd vote against Kansas in the Big 12 preseason bball poll.
5. Thursday night game...good or bad? More purple or more blue in the stands?

Give us your take or just critique ours and if you'd be interested in participating as a guest in the future, send me an email, Penguin did!  denverjhawk@hotmail.com

1.  Did the result and the play on the field during the Nebraska v K-State game change your thoughts on this weeks game against the Wildcats?

Owen:

For me it changed my thoughts on our trip to Lincoln more than anything, that one doesn't look pretty.  All kidding aside, I'd say it made me feel like we can matchup athletically with K-State.  They have a good offensive line and Daniel Thomas is a stud, but they just don't appear to have the quarterback or receivers that can really make you pay. Of course now they are going to throw for 400+ on us since I said that.

Warden:

It gave me hope for this week.  It reminded that while K-State is a solid, well-coached team.  Athletically, they're on the same level as us.  K-State has struggled with their rush defense this year, hopefully that means a lot of Sims going downhill on Thursday.

Fetch:

I think it gave me a little more hope. Nebraska is really really good, but K State seems like a pretty one dimensional team, and we did pretty well against the last one dimensional team we faced at home.

2.  What are your overall thoughts on Big 12 football this season?  Down year?  Just more balanced? Who are the legit contenders?

Owen:

At first I would have said down year, which it might still be.  At the same time it feels as though things are much more balanced than in years past.  I don't know that there is as much separation by the top 2(OU and Nebraska) than there has been in years past. Problem is I think it may be from the top tier drifting back to the pack and not vice versa.

Warden:

I thought it was down but Nebraska looks pretty good.  Outside of their game two weeks ago, they've been solid.  Oklahoma is sitting in the right spot but I'm not sold on them right now.  In the end, I guess I'd say the top isn't as heavy with Texas not in there.  More balanced?  Geographically, yes.  Nebraska and Missouri are going to win some games against the south teams.  That's a plus, right?

Fetch:

I think it's pretty brutal. I still say Oklahoma is the class of the league, but Nebraska is right there. I'm mildly excited to not have to see Taylor Martinez over the next three years as well.

3.  We're officially in basketball season.  Media day was Tuesday, Late Night Friday. What non-con and conference game are you MOST looking forward. Only one from each.

Owen:

Arizona in Vegas and K-State at the Fieldhouse.  Sorry that might be too easy a question.  Here's why though, Arizona seems to be gaining some momentum again and this one becomes as important as UCLA in terms of perception to the West.  As for K-State in the Fieldhouse, it's a must win for the conference crown and should be a HUGE game.

Warden:

I'll go with the ‘Zona game at Vegas for the non-con game.  Gameday in Lawrence for the K-State game will be fun but I'm more excited about the game in Manhattan.  Go on the road and beat them there.  That's what I'm looking forward to this year.

Fetch:

Only one? You jerk. I'm going to say Memphis in Madison Square Garden. They have the #1 recruiting class (I believe) coming in, and some nice talent coming back. Should be a really good game on a neutral floor. Conference wise I am going to think outside the box and say at Nebraska. Going in there and beating them by 40 should be a nice send off.

4.  Big 12 Coaches poll. We've talked about it from the perspective that many here obviously think KU should be #1. Let's flip the roles around, why would YOU vote against Kansas as #1?

Owen:

Lack of a proven threat from the three point line.  There isn't a guy on the team right now that will instantly soften the middle of a defense because teams have to respect him as a shooter.  Kansas may find one of those, but they don't have it from the get go.

Warden:

What?? Did Tyrel Reed graduate?  Anyway, the team lost their two leaders and a lottery pick freshman.  Marcus Morris definitely has the talent to lead the team but does he have the mental side?  That question isn't limited to McMorris, it could apply to Tyshawn Taylor as well.  Right now, they're a talented team that could turn out to be a Texas clone if things don't go right.

Fetch:

The only thing I can think of is lack of a great option at point guard. Tyshawn turns it over quite a bit, EJ lacks experience and if Selby gets cleared he is still a Freshman. Other than that though, I don't see it.

5.  Back to football.  Thursday night game, good or bad? and is there more purple or blue in the stands?

Owen:

Thursday night game is good especially how it fell for us this year.  Extra time on the front and back end of a bye week.  Plus it's televised which is good, if we show up.  I'll say there's more blue in the stands because of the students. Now the team needs to give them a reason to stay four quarters because with Fall break and Late Night, they might be quick to leave.

Warden:  

Good.  On FSN isn't a bad thing and with Late Night following it up, the students should be jazzed for the two day party.  My liver is just happy that I'm not in school with those two events going on during Fall Break.

Fetch:

I am saying good unless it is super rainy, because I don't want to sit out in the rain watching bad football. But other than that I think any exposure is good exposure for the team.