For everyone – fans, media and players – this was already going to be a week to get excited for before K-State [trumped Texas][1] on Saturday.For the fans, it presented endless opportunities to throw message board blasts back and forth between the two stops on I-70.For the media, it was a hype machine that came with the most anticipated KU v. K-State contest in more than 10 years.For the players, well, the fact that it’s KU v. K-State never changes.Now it’s even bigger. With the Wildcats’ big win in the bag and a national ranking in their collective hip pocket, the pot just tripled.Just like last year.It just makes you wonder who’s going to drop this year’s version of Aqib Talib’s quote from last November following KU’s [39-20 win][2] over K-State (for those of you who don’t remember, he muttered this gem: “I was rooting for (K-State). I wanted them to beat Texas so that would make us look even better – after they beat Texas and come and get served by us.”).Don’t be surprised if quotes like that slip from players’ mouths at some point this week. And if they do, it’d only be natural. If they don’t, kudos to the kids for not supplying bulletin board material.Still, K-State’s win just puts more on the speculation plate.I’d still consider Kansas State the favorite. Not only because it’s in Manhattan. Not only because the ‘Cats just beat Texas. Not only because they’re ranked.But Kansas State learned a week ago what happened seven days later as a result of big win hangover. At Big 12 Media Days in San Antonio, Texas, this July, when asked about what happened last year in Lawrence, the K-State players present refused to admit that his players were still thinking about the Texas win or that they celebrated it for too long rather than focusing on Kansas. But I feel that’s just hard to buy. I also feel Kansas State learned its lesson, with most of the pieces from that team still playing in purple.Either way, it will be a close game. With both teams on as even a scale as they’ve been in who knows how long, a blowout would be a complete surprise.**_After the wild weekend in the Big 12, here’s some thoughts…_****-I agree with Ryan Wood in that** K-State’s [got to be the favorite][3] in the Big 12 at the moment. The ‘Cats certainly are holding the largest stacks of chips. Though one thing is for sure: KU is completely in control of its own destiny. For the Jayhawks, it was probably as good a weekend as any to be sitting on the couch watching football rather than suiting up, as they had the opportunity to watch the conference’s two national heavyweights, Texas and Oklahoma, fall in contests where they were favored by 14.5 and 23.5 points, respectively. The Big 12 is so messed up right now, and it could benefit KU, as they had the chance to watch what happens if you look past someone. Twice, actually.**-A week ago, I was thinking KU would need** at least a 6-0 start to crack any of the Top 25 polls. Even though I’m not a big fan of the whole comparative scoring thing, it’d be hard to deny the Jayhawks a spot should they come out of Manhattan with a win.**-I’m growing less and less convinced that** the Big 12 North is that bad. OK, the teams in total probably aren’t as talented as those in the South division, but the North is just as balanced. Iowa State is 1-4, but its four losses have come by an average margin of 9.5 points on the scoreboard. Colorado beat Oklahoma…that pretty much speaks for itself, seeing as some around the country last week were already jumping the Sooners over LSU in the national polls.How about a few videos, for old time’s sake?-Saw this movie at Liberty Hall this weekend. Highly reccommended. Here’s [the trailer][4].-Seeing Kentucky in the Top 10 this week makes me remember [this][5]. By the way, Kentucky plays LSU on Oct. 13 at home.-Last year it was a Scrubs clip I put up each week. This year, I’m going with The Office. In honor of my buddy Greg who was in town this past weekend, here’s [a dandy][6].See you on Thursday for Twisted Pick ’em v. 1.3.**_KUSports.com editor Ryan Greene can be reached at rgreene@ljworld.com, or by phone at (785) 832-6357._** [1]: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709290083 [2]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2006/nov/19/ku_bowls_over_cats/?football [3]: http://www2.kusports.com/blogs/sawin_wood/2007/sep/30/sawinwood093007/ [4]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neCY4hh1wJg [5]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anwl5AU5zZE&mode=related&search= [6]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kapwS807FAs
