Manhattan ? Two things have been a constant the past three seasons for Kansas State, and Wildcat linebacker Josh Buhl hopes neither changes today.
First, Buhl has been getting a lot of tackles; second, Kansas State has dominated in-state rival Kansas.
To Buhl, a personal letdown or a Jayhawk victory is unthinkable.
“I don’t even want to imagine that,” Buhl said. “It’s always important for me to have a good game because that’s what my teammates expect of me and I expect of myself.”
He has had several good games this season on a Wildcat defense that has had its share of problems.
“If the defense is inconsistent, he’s always consistent,” linebacker Matt Butler said. “You can always count on him to make a play.”
Buhl has recorded double-digit tackles in every game and leads the team with 113 tackles.
“He’s always a playmaker,” outside linebacker Bryan Hickman said. “It will be very important for him to have a big game Saturday. He always finds a way to have a good game.”
Kansas State still has a shot at the Big 12 North title, a battle between several teams that for the first time in the Big 12 includes the Jayhawks.
“It’s real odd,” Buhl said. “We’re going to be in a dogfight Saturday. They’re going to be ready and they think they can beat us.”
Kansas State’s defense will have to stop a high-scoring Jayhawk offense led by quarterback Bill Whittemore, who has thrown for an average of 261.7 yards in three Big 12 games. Only halfway through the season, he already has tied the single-season school record with 15 touchdown passes.
Whittemore’s ability to run outside of the pocket will give Buhl plenty to do.
“What I see in Bill is a tough-minded quarterback,” coach Bill Snyder said.