By Wendell Barnhouse | wendell@big12sports.com
Big 12 Sports.com Correspondent

2010: 7-6 overall, 3-5 in Big 12.
Bowl: Lost to Syracuse 36-34 in Pinstripe Bowl.
Starters returning: 5 on offense, 7 on defense.

Overview
In Year Two of Bill Snyder version 2.0, Kansas State made it to a bowl game for the first time since 2006. The Wildcats are 13-12 under Snyder since he decided to return to coaching. That record belies the fact that the program is making progress.

To continue moving forward, Kansas State has to answer a number of questions. Who will take over for running back Daniel Thomas, who gained over 2,800 yards in two seasons and touched the ball on 60 percent of the Wildcats' plays last season. Who will take over at quarterback? Can a porous defense play better and take pressure off an offense that could be a work in progress this season.



Who's missing
The offensive line must replace three starters. Quarterback Carson Coffman struggled at times in his senior season but he was effective enough as a runner and a passer to give the Wildcats another option on offense. Aubrey Quarles led the team in receptions last season and also was a dangerous kick returner.

Who's back
Wide receiver Chris Harper, who sat out the 2009 season after transferring from Oregon, became more of a weapon as the season progressed. Tight end Travis Tannahill has the potential to be an effective target while fullback Braden Wilson will be an effective lead blocker for whoever carries the ball.

Spring news
* Sophomore Bryce Brown, a native of Wichita who transferred from Tennessee, is expected to be a solid replacement for Thomas at running back. Brown is 6-foot, weighs 220 pounds and has been timed at 4.4 in the 40. "He's a very fine player," Snyder said. "He is developing into a multi-faceted player. He's improving on his blocking capabilities and can be involved in the passing game."

* Arthur Brown is Bryce's older brother and transferred from Miami. He wowed his teammates and coaches last season on the Kansas State scout team as he waited to become eligible for this season. Playing middle linebacker, Brown had 14 tackles in the spring game and brings the type of speed that last year's defensive unit lacked.

* Collin Klein emerged from spring practices as the top candidate to replace Carson Coffman at quarterback. Klein saw spot duty last season; he started Kansas State's victory over Texas. But he was basically a running quarterback, attempting just 18 passes. In the spring game, though, he completed 25 of 37 passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns. Junior-college transfer Justin Tuggle and senior Sammuel Lamur also are in the mix at QB.

* With last year's leading receiver (Aubrey Quarles) gone, the Wildcats need to find some new pass catchers. Tramaine Thompson (seven catches for 106 yards) and Sheldon Smith (five catches for 138 yards) both were impressive in the spring game.

Coach Bill Snyder says
"The (defense understands) - they know. They've been beaten up in as bad a way as you can be beaten up. They read the newspaper - they understand that they stink. … We are faster. We're bigger. We're just physically a little better oriented to play the game than what we were last year. We have good, young guys and intelligent young guys who had a feel for the system, but I just think we've physically gotten better."

Schedule

Sept. 3	Eastern Kentucky
Sept. 17	Kent State
Sept. 24	at Miami (FL)
Oct. 1	Baylor
Oct. 8	Missouri
Oct. 15	at Texas Tech
Oct. 22	at Kansas
Oct. 29	Oklahoma
Nov. 5	at Oklahoma State
Nov. 12	Texas A&M
Nov. 19	at Texas
Dec. 3	Iowa State