A couple of teams surprised us in 2013,  none so more than Duke who reached the ACC championship game and found themselves ranked in the end-of-season polls for the first time since 1962.  Who will jump out the pack and surprise us this time around?

The first two teams that sprung to mind were Arizona State and Ole Miss.  Both have very good rosters on the back of strong recruiting classes – exceptional in Ole Miss’ case – so would it be a big surprise if they both finished in the AP Poll’s top-20?  I think not.  I also thought about Virginia Tech and their incredible defense,  Iowa and their favourable schedule – no Ohio State or Michigan State – and North Carolina with their dynamic offense.  Nevertheless,  I ultimately landed on Kansas State.

The Wildcats had a memorable run in 2012 when they beat four ranked teams before eventually succumbing to Baylor after a 10-0 start.  Bill Snyder is a coaching legend and worked miracles to help his players reach the Fiesta Bowl.  It is time for him to do it one last time.

Kansas State regrouped last season and are now primed for another run into the polls.  Quarterbacks Jake Waters and Daniel Sams complement each other nicely and provide an excellent balance of run and pass.  Leading wide receiver Tyler Lockett (143 career receptions including 18 touchdowns) is the centrepiece of a wide receiver corps that will expect extended input from senior wide receiver Curry Sexton,  39 receptions last season,  tight end Zach Trujillio and junior red zone target Kyle Klein.

Despite only two returning starters in 2013,  the Wildcats’ defense held their opponents to 22.9 yards per game as they won six of their last seven games.  There will be holes to fill on defense but the unit is bolstered by defensive end Ryan Mueller who registered 11.5 sacks in his junior season.

With a strong core up and down the field and a number of fringe players with high potential stepping into other roles this team bleeds underdog.  A favourable schedule sees Big 12 opponents in the form of Auburn,  Texas and Oklahoma State all travelling to Manhattan. 

Yes,  a number of things need to align and fall in favor of Kansas State,  but if it was straight forward they would not be a surprise.