Monthly Archives: September 2007

GAMEDAY… Texas

Sept. 29, 200712:15 p.m.

I’m taking photos now. Kind of a big deal.

Anyway, I have one left over from San Jose State – I think – when Wally Judge was visiting:

Got to the Stadium a little early, thanks to Bob Lutz – don’t ask. I dunno, call me crazy – and trust me, I’ve been called worse – but I dig burnt orange. It’s a little more versatile than some of the other colors you find within the Big 12. Really looks good on chicks, too, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Anyway, here’s more of my artwork:

Love the sightlines at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium…

Have to love Bevo, which got me thinking. Why doesn’t K-State have an actual Wildcat? Hey, a guy can only take so much of Willie. Levi informed me that K-State did, in fact, have a live a real wildcat named “Touchdown” as early as 1922. But this takes the cake – the mascot then turned into a black Labrador named “Boscoe” that appeared at baseball and football games.

OK, a couple of things:

1. Levi found that information here.
2. Boscoe? What is that? Seriously?
3. Trap a wildcat. Please. Have Tim Weiser, who just happens to be a outsdoorsman, handle it. That’s what great athletic directors do…

One more picture…

That JumboTron or whatever the locals call it here is a monstrosity. Good Lord, it’s big.

By J-Mart | Filed under GAMEDAY | Comments (15)

THE FLIP SIDE… Texas

Sept. 27, 20079:46 p.m.

Something new for y’all.

This is a feature we’re going to get rolling here where an opposing team’s beat writer chimes in with an assessment of what to expect in the weekend’s big game and a prediction. This week’s guest is Joseph Duarte from the Houston Chronicle. You can read J.D.’s work at chron.com and his blog can be found here.

This is what he had to say:

Don’t expect Texas to get caught looking ahead to next week’s showdown with third-ranked Oklahoma. The Longhorns say revenge isn’t a motivation after the Wildcats ruined their hopes of a repeat national championship. The ‘Horns are a work in progress and may be the most over-rated 4-0 team in the nation. But they rarely lose at home under coach Mack Brown … and we know K-State’s history in Big 12 openers.

Prediction: Texas 34, Kansas State 24

What do you all think? Want to give him a piece of your mind? Agree? Disagree? Let’s hear it. Next week, with the big game, I’m hoping to have a double dip, but I won’t blow the surprise just yet.

By J-Mart | Filed under FLIP SIDE | Comments (12)

I GOT FIVE ON IT… Yamon Figurs

Sept. 26, 20072:37 p.m.

Caught up with Yo, who is making an impact as a rookie on special teams with the Baltimore Ravens. He scored his first NFL touchdown last week against the Arizona Cardinals, a 75-yard punt return.

1. Was the debut what you’d expect it to be? What about the touchdown?
(The debut) was pretty good. Everything was discplined, there was great blocking. Of course, the speed of the game was faster. (On the touchdown) The play was dialed a little different, but that’s the NFL. They over-pursued a little bit. Devard (Darling) had a good block and Ed Reed had a good block to spring me.

2. Explain the differences between Bill Snyder, Ron Prince and now Brian Billick.
They’re three different head coaches. It’s crazy. But it all boils down to the same thing — getting the players to play. Coach Snyder was the most different. He knew all aspects of the game, but he had a different way. He was more of a coach’s coach. Prince? He’s a people’s coach, a player’s coach and a coach’s coach. … They each have their own way, but they all get their point across.

3. Who’s faster, you or Devin Hester? There’s history there, right?
We were in the same conference in high school (J-Mart note: Hester went to Suncoast High in Riviera Beach, Fla., and Figurs attended Westwood High in Fort Pierce) in football and track. I’m faster. It was proven. We ran in state track meet against each other and I won. It’s on paper. I think he’d agree.

4. Did the Texas game essentially get you drafted?
No. When I visited other teams before the draft, they showed me film from other games, tackles I made on special teams. … It was my all-around play, how I did as a wide receiver. The more you can do, the better.

5. Are you coming back to Manhattan for the Baylor game? It’s the Ravens’ bye week.
Yeah, I’ll be back for the Baylor game. (J-Mart note: I asked, on the sideline?) Yeah.

There it is, the third installment. I’m looking for future "Fives," so keep the suggestions coming. The questions, too. I used a few that were submitted and a few of my own.

By J-Mart | Filed under I GOT FIVE ON IT | Comments (13)

Arthur Brown and more…

Sept. 25, 20072:54 p.m.

Just found out that his weekend visit to Alabama went well. His next visit will either be at LSU (for the Florida game, Oct. 6) or UNC (for the South Carolina game, Oct. 13). In other news, his parents are hankering to head up to Manhattan and see K-State’s campus, etc., because they haven’t been up yet.

On a promotional note, I’m doing a telephone interview with CSTV tomorrow to discuss Arthur’s recruiting process. I’m assuming the show is being recorded and will air later; if and when I get more info, I’ll let you all know.

This week, this is a "Five" on tap with Yo Figurs. By the way, sorry about last week’s absence. Some stuff came up and time got away from me. I apologize. I’m also going to implement a feature I am completely stealing from my girl Graham Watson at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Each week, she has an opposing beat writer submit a synopsis/explanation/prediction of how the weekend’s game will play out. It’s a rational method of providing some context. Well, that’s the goal, anyway.

How many of you are going to Austin?

By J-Mart | Filed under Football | Comments (2)

Mike Gundy

Sept. 24, 20073:15 p.m.

This is the only time I’ll discuss the Oklahoma State coach’s tirade.

It was an embarrassment. Regardless of what Jenni Carlson wrote or how she wrote it, it was ridiculous to watch a Division I football coach to dress down a member of the media in that setting. Ms. Carlson being a woman doesn’t earn her a pass in my book, but Gundy shouldn’t be surprised if he’s labeled a bully from now on.

To me, if anyone has a reaction that emotional and/or defensive, it’s usually an admission of guilt, meaning there was likely some truth to what Ms. Carlson wrote. Maybe not all of it, but some shreds. Just something to consider.

Last note – great news for The Oklahoman’s Web site, as far as traffic goes. The site itself is a bit of train wreck.

By J-Mart | Filed under Big 12 | Comments (19)

GAMEDAY – Missouri State

Sept. 15, 20075:26 p.m.

In street clothes for K-State: Ray Cheatham, Josh Moore, Bryan Baldwin, Kevin Hollis and some others. There has been a Rashaad Norwood sighting, and no, he’s not hiding under a bed.

Some pre-game predictions from the media covering the game:

Howard Richman, K.C. Star, says 37-13, KSU.
Tim Bisel, Topeka Capital-Journal, checked in with 35-21, KSU.
D. Scott Fritchen, Powercat Illustrated, has it 40-20, KSU.
Levi Wolters, my esteemed colleague, threw out 24-23, KSU, which is the same score as last year’s game against Illinois State.
Mark Janssen, Manhattan Mercury, said, “52-3… KSU.”
Arne Green, Salina Journal, chimed in with 49-20, KSU.

So it’s unanimous. K-State should win.

By J-Mart | Filed under GAMEDAY | Comments (17)

I GOT FIVE ON IT… Bill Walker

Sept. 13, 20076:01 p.m.

Sorry for the delay. Here it is, episode 2:

1. Do you regret following Bob Huggins to Manhattan?
No regrets. I believe it was the best decision that I could make. I’m in a good situation now. Not a lot of distractions, and I can get myself prepared for the next level. I don’t feel I made a bad decision at all.

2. How has your knee injury made you a better player?
It made me focus on different parts of my game. I can’t rely just on my athleticism. I have to be more well-rounded. I have to know when to attack and when not to. I just became smarter.

3. What other sports besides basketball do you follow?
Football, of course. Right now, my favorite team is the New England Patriots. … My boy Randy Moss. He has a bad rap for not working hard, but he’s got that blue-collar attitude (in him). He’s from Marshall University, which is right around the corner from my house. (J-Mart note: I asked if he liked my Cincinnati Bengals as well) Yeah, I rooted for them to beat the Ravens Monday night. But I can’t cheer for them when they play Randy.

4. What’s your favorite Manhattan restaurant?
I like Applebee’s and Chili’s. No favorite dish. I usually try everything off the menu. I experiment.

5. You recently went to Berry Farms to play with Mike Beasley and Team All Daz. Who has the best streetball, the ‘Nati or D.C.?
I’d probably say D.C., but. … D.C. has more pros, more exposure. Gilbert Arenas played on my team. Man, I didn’t know he was that short. (J-Mart note: I asked how short) About 6-foot-3. He’s a terrific ballhandler. You don’t get to see it on TV. … He’s himself. That’s what so surprising. He signed this big deal, but he’s the same guy he always was. That’s why I like him.

6. BONUS – Who is your favorite musician?
Man, that’s tough. My favorite CD is 50’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.” He sounded so hungry on that. (J-Mart note: I asked if he’d bought “Curtis” yet) No, I have to go get that soon.

Special thanks to pissclams for the questions, and no, I can’t believe I’ve typed that handle  twice now on this blog. Remember, next week is Yamon Figurs, so send me some good stuff in the comments, as well as potential future Fives.

Peace.

By J-Mart | Filed under I GOT FIVE ON IT | Comments (7)

Once again, it’s on…

Sept. 12, 20073:19 p.m.

Yes, I’m a lover of ’90s hip-hop, which explains "I Got Five On It," my version of five questions. Truth is, I want "I Got Five On It" to be more about you, the reader, which is why I asked for submitted questions. Tomorrow is Bill Walker – hopefully – and I’m using the Five sent in by pissclams. So thank him for the effort.

Next week, the subject is Yamon Figurs, who will likely be making his NFL debut this weekend against the New York Jets. Now you know the drill – send the questions in and maybe they’ll be used.

By J-Mart | Filed under Media | Comments (5)

GAMEDAY – San Jose State

Sept. 8, 20074:42 p.m.

17-7, K-State, at halftime

General observations – it is Wally Judge in attendance, and if Dalonte can pull that off, you all should start thinking about naming your future sons after Mr. Hill; I still don’t know what to make of this K-State football team, but I know that the Big 12 isn’t exactly impressing me as a whole; then again, it’s a much better conference than the Big Ten, that’s for sure; 168 yards of total offense for San Jose State? That’s a bit much; they gave us cookies in the press box for a snack, as if any of us really need the extra calories; Tafralis, who I’m crushing on, has completed 16 of 20 passes; Josh is 18 of 24, which is excellent as well – see, I can be complimentary; I really, really like Deon Murphy, so much so I’d try to get him at least 12-15 touches a game; I think I’d keep J-Mac on the sideline, an extra assistant coach, if you will; this probably it for the rest of the game. I might do a post-game wrap-up, but this was more time-consuming than I realized. Enjoyable, but time-consuming.

10-7, K-State, 2nd quarter, 2:52 left

Not quite a momentum shift, but you get the sense the Spartans are starting to believe. At this point a week ago, San Jose State was down 31-3, right? Not sure what to make of this first-half effort thus far, J-Mac’s exploits aside. Talk to me, people. Are you concerned? Or is it going to be like this all season?

10-0, K-State, 1st quarter, :38.4 left

Neon Deon goes to work, scoring his first K-State touchdown. Freeman looks plugged in. Helps that San Jose State can’t generate a pass rush, but I know, stop being negative, J-Mart. For real, he’s in a nice rhythm. How about John Houlik, the kid from Wichita? He’s a pretty good ballplayer. I’m warming to Tafralis. Not bad. Kinda crafty in a Jon Kitna kind of way, and I’m not certain that’s a compliment. But the Spartans might come away with points here, which is a legitimate feat. Nope, they’re going to keep shooting themselves in the foot. Or feet. RP isn’t happy. Good timeout for SJSU.

3-0, K-State, 1st quarter, 7:00 left

K-State couldn’t punch it in, but really, it’s just a matter of time. Interesting to see the Spartans come out and take a shot down the field. The receiver was open. Draw your own conclusions, J-Mac was covering him. In other news, I found out they call Josh Moore "J-Mo." That’s nice. San Jose State won nine games a year ago, but that has to feel like an eternity now. I swear, if Adam Tafralis ever finds some touch, he might put a scare into the Wildcats. Oh, there’s J-Mac again… Spartans past mid-field, but they have to punt. I’m shocked, I swear.

6:05 p.m.

Kickoff. Picking up where they left off, Josh to Jordy. Nice atmosphere here in The Bill. Not so sure the Spartans are up to this challenge. Wildcats basically toying with the visitors, and yes, I’m aware it’s just the first possession of the game. You just hope K-State doesn’t try to get too fancy…

4:40 p.m.

The atmosphere at The Bill is electric.

Not quite.

I’m flanked here in The Dev (the Dev Nelson Press Box) by Levi, who is admiring the middle section of the bleachers, nodding his approval. Guess you have to be here.

What we’re going to do is keep updating this post, adding new stuff to the top. As usual, your comments are welcome. Encouraged, really. You are the lifeblood of this blog, kind of like recruiting is for K-State football. So you’ve got that going for yourselves…

By J-Mart | Filed under GAMEDAY | Comments (65)

A couple of things…

Sept. 7, 20073:41 p.m.

FIRST things first — I’m not commenting on that K-State video everybody can’t stop talking about. I prefer to let “traditions” speak for themselves, which is why I’ll never write about the  travesty (oops) that is the Wildcat Walk.

DOWN to 16 schools in the mix for Arthur Brown. Yes, the Wildcats are still alive. They’ll probably remain alive, too, when A. Brown slashes six more on Sept. 17. The names of the 16 schools are about what you’d expect, but you can see it for yourself tonight on ESPNU when East plays Dodge City. A. Brown will be at tomorrow’s Miami at Oklahoma game, but Brian Butler said it was doubtful “Fireman” would be in attendance for USC at Nebraska.

SPOKE with Charletha Moore, the mother of K-State sophomore cornerback Josh Moore. I asked her about her son being academically ineligible, as the university is suggesting, and this was her reply: “I don’t have any knowledge of that. … I don’t have any comment concerning that.” I asked if she was aware of her son being, according to the university, ineligible, and she said this was the first time she’d heard anything. She said she intended to speak with Josh in the near future. Earlier in the week, I left a phone message with athletic director Tim Weiser. I missed his return call, but he left a message. He said he couldn’t comment on the situation due to the privacy laws concerning students. Just passing along what I have gathered, which isn’t much…

KALEB Drinkgern is officially on scholarship, according to K-State sports information director Kenny Lannou. He began the season as a grayshirt.

MY buddy Trent has a prediction for tomorrow. He’s wearing his T-New Dallas Cowboys jersey, and he just told me it’s going to 35-24, K-State. You’ve been told, folks.

OK, about tomorrow. I’m going to do live updates, mostly in the first half because I’m going to have to actually start writing my game story in the second half. Feel free to contribute to the conversation in the comments area, as I’ll be commenting there as well. In the future, I’m going to be out taking pictures from tailgate spots to post to my blog, so give me a shout telling where you are and me and Levi will amble by and say hello. Might have your image immortalized at “K-Stated.”

By J-Mart | Filed under Football | Comments (7)