JACK'S SMACK: Despite Oklahoma upset, K-State still struggles to be taken seriously

Is Kansas State really deserving of all this praise since upsetting Oklahoma?

Why not? They're getting a lot of love around here.

This is the same team that couldn't score a touchdown until the second half against Missouri State. K-State has a perception problem.

Even the most vocal supporters find themselves constantly defending the program. They strongly believe their ‘Cats don't get enough respect.

They pull off a big upset, and the detractors suggest that a team such as Oklahoma is overrated -- and I intend to go along with that.

One of the reasons K-State is not taken seriously by many is their recruiting reputation.

Bill Snyder established a pipeline to junior college programs many years ago, and still taps into it on a regular basis.

That's all fine and good, but it doesn't turn many heads outside of Aggieville.

College football fans love big time, 5-star recruits. K-State simply doesn't attract enough marquee players to make its presence felt on the big stage of college football.

So nobody knows how good this team is.

They've got eight to play.

There's a push now to drum up interest in Colin Klein for the Heisman. That's legit, based on sheer grit and what he means to this football team.

He's tough as nails and deserves to be in the Heisman conversation.

Now, KU is next on K-State's schedule. I can't imagine they'll spend more than several minutes in drawing up a game plan for the Jayhawks.

This looks like a 50-point blowout that you can take to the bank right now. ‘Cats have a bye week, then KU, so it’s basically three weeks before they play anybody.

Let’s do this. We'll revisit the Wildcats after the West Virginia game and determine then if they’re a contender or pretender.

Right now, I'm iffy on that -- probably leaning to the latter.

That’s Jack’s Smack.