Even though he would never have scheduled a team like UCLA in a non-conference home opener, Bill Snyder fully appreciates what a victory over the Bruins would do for his rebuilding Kansas State Wildcats.
For one thing, it would avenge last year's 23-9 loss in Los Angeles. For another, it would provide instant credibility to a program trying to dig out from three failed seasons under Ron Prince, Snyder's successor-predecessor. After Snyder retired and Prince took over, he sought to reverse the soft scheduling philosophy that Snyder used throughout the 1990s while resurrecting the program in his first stint as head coach.
Since Snyder could not get out of the home-and-home commitment with UCLA, the Bruins and Wildcats will kick off on Saturday afternoon. It will be the first time since 1992 that Kansas State has opened at home against a BCS school.
"It is definitely a big game," said Kansas State linebacker Blake Slaughter. "My parents are going to make it up for the game, so it is a very big deal. It is on national television, so that definitely adds some importance to it. Also, with this being the first game, it kind of sets the tone for the entire season. I think we need to bring our 'A' game."
Injuries to several key players slowed UCLA during the week. Perhaps most critical was the leg problem plaguing kicker Kai Forbath, who is 37 for 37 since 2008 from 50 yards in. If Forbath can't kick, the Bruins will go with backup Jeff Locke.
"I have huge confidence in Jeff," said UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel. "He's looked good. He'll be fine. I hope we get Kai but Locke's ready to go if necessary."
The Wildcats were hoping to break the home-opening attendance record of 50,750 against UMass set last year when Snyder made his debut after returning from a three-year retirement.
It will be UCLA's first trip to Manhattan, Kan. But Neuheisel is familiar with the Wildcats from his days as head coach at Colorado. His 1996 Buffaloes shut out Kansas State 12-0, the last time the Wildcats have failed to score.
"Great, great respect for Bill," Neuheisel said. "Maybe I should say coach Snyder. But great respect for him. We had some great battles in the old Big 12 when I was at Colorado. I know he's as good as there is in building football teams. We have to anticipate we're going to play a very fundamentally sound team."
They're also going to be facing perhaps the best running back in the Big 12 in Daniel Thomas and a quarterback, Carson Coffman, who is back as the starter after losing the job during the 2009 season to sixth-year senior Grant Gregory.
After getting benched last year, Coffman bested two challengers during spring and summer drills to reclaim the job.
"It was tough, but I think it was a good experience for me," said Coffman. "I've got one more shot to get it done, so that is what I am going to do."
Although he may not have realized it at the time, the way Coffman handled his demotion actually helped him win the starting job this year.
"I think he certainly made the effort to learn and get better, but I do not think anyone is happy when they lose their starting spot," said Snyder. "I think he handled it quite well and was good with his interaction toward the other quarterbacks. He really tried to help Grant with getting familiar with the system, and I think that is what good, caring teammates do. He is certainly one of those."
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Even though he would never have scheduled a team like UCLA in a non-conference home opener, Bill Snyder fully appreciates what a victory over the Bruins would do for his rebuilding Kansas State Wildcats.
For one thing, it would avenge last year's 23-9 loss in Los Angeles. For another, it would provide instant credibility to a program trying to dig out from three failed seasons under Ron Prince, Snyder's successor-predecessor. After Snyder retired and Prince took over, he sought to reverse the soft scheduling philosophy that Snyder used throughout the 1990s while resurrecting the program in his first stint as head coach.
Since Snyder could not get out of the home-and-home commitment with UCLA, the Bruins and Wildcats will kick off on Saturday afternoon. It will be the first time since 1992 that Kansas State has opened at home against a BCS school.
"It is definitely a big game," said Kansas State linebacker Blake Slaughter. "My parents are going to make it up for the game, so it is a very big deal. It is on national television, so that definitely adds some importance to it. Also, with this being the first game, it kind of sets the tone for the entire season. I think we need to bring our 'A' game."
Injuries to several key players slowed UCLA during the week. Perhaps most critical was the leg problem plaguing kicker Kai Forbath, who is 37 for 37 since 2008 from 50 yards in. If Forbath can't kick, the Bruins will go with backup Jeff Locke.
"I have huge confidence in Jeff," said UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel. "He's looked good. He'll be fine. I hope we get Kai but Locke's ready to go if necessary."
The Wildcats were hoping to break the home-opening attendance record of 50,750 against UMass set last year when Snyder made his debut after returning from a three-year retirement.
It will be UCLA's first trip to Manhattan, Kan. But Neuheisel is familiar with the Wildcats from his days as head coach at Colorado. His 1996 Buffaloes shut out Kansas State 12-0, the last time the Wildcats have failed to score.
"Great, great respect for Bill," Neuheisel said. "Maybe I should say coach Snyder. But great respect for him. We had some great battles in the old Big 12 when I was at Colorado. I know he's as good as there is in building football teams. We have to anticipate we're going to play a very fundamentally sound team."
They're also going to be facing perhaps the best running back in the Big 12 in Daniel Thomas and a quarterback, Carson Coffman, who is back as the starter after losing the job during the 2009 season to sixth-year senior Grant Gregory.
After getting benched last year, Coffman bested two challengers during spring and summer drills to reclaim the job.
"It was tough, but I think it was a good experience for me," said Coffman. "I've got one more shot to get it done, so that is what I am going to do."
Although he may not have realized it at the time, the way Coffman handled his demotion actually helped him win the starting job this year.
"I think he certainly made the effort to learn and get better, but I do not think anyone is happy when they lose their starting spot," said Snyder. "I think he handled it quite well and was good with his interaction toward the other quarterbacks. He really tried to help Grant with getting familiar with the system, and I think that is what good, caring teammates do. He is certainly one of those."
