2-0

Rant: I asked several K-State football "fans" this week if they were going to the game this weekend. Their response? A sarcastic, "No. I'm not going to this game." I'm sorry. Do you not enjoy watching your team win? Were you not looking forward to seeing if Carson Coffman could throw the ball, and how our new receiving corp would do? Do you pay for season tickets just to say you do? Is it too much work to spend 4 hours outside on a beautiful Fall evening? You must have better things to do on a Saturday night in Manhattan, KS.

Short story, long - some K-State football fans need a bit of a reality check. Beating UCLA doesn't guarantee more victories later in the season. It doesn't guarantee a ranking, or a bowl game, or a conference champion or any future success. Part of the home field advantage is fan support. Loud, vocal, excited, energetic, in person support. For a home game that isn't televised, there's absolutely no excuse for not wanting to be there.

Luckily, 48,000 real fans agreed with me and were on hand to witness and cheer on our team to a 48-24 victory over Missouri State. Even better fans were treated to a fireworks show at the end of the game. K-State knows how to keep you in your seat.


Stop punking out, Manhattan. You're on notice.

***End rant***

Because Steven is a legitimate member of the community, he got us in on the Young Professionals tailgate special for this game. We got t-shirts, gift cards and free food in Cat Town, plus, the always awkward "networking opportunities." But it was fun to wear matching shirts to the game, even though they weren't purple.



I've been in awe of Coach Snyder since I was in the 4th grade, but this weekend I experienced something new to appreciate. As the team was stretching and warming up, Coach came by and said good luck to each of his players individually, and gave them a pat on the shoulder. It's such a small gesture, but to me it just exudes class and respect. I'm glad I got the chance to witness that.


After the game, fans were encouraged to stay in their seats to enjoy the fireworks show. Steven and I were worried about seeing them, since they were scheduled to go off right behind us. John Currie, however, thinks of everything and let everyone with end zone tickets sit on the field. I'm officially sold. I plan to have season tickets for the rest of my life, and I'm sitting in the end zone every single year. You're in the front, you're in the action, you're on the field. Though I did start to plan my escape route to the field when we inevitably upset Nebraska on October 7th. I think I'll have to climb over the fence in front of me and hop over... might not be graceful, but I think if Steven helps...


I tried to take pictures and/or video of the fireworks but there was too much going on. I will say that they were awesome, and timed to the fight song, the wabash and one of those patriotic country songs for 9/11. Truly a great way to end a great day in football.


Steven was pretty excited to take a picture in the cat's mouth. Too many people were around for him to fully commit to the possibilities, though.


This is the end zone I protect. I scream, I yell, I stand up so that young and old behind me cannot see. This is my end zone and I will do my part. Also notice my spiffy new gameday bag. Too expensive but completely worth it.

Happy 'Cats.

I can't stop watching this video. So adorably weird.

My abs are sore from Wabashing

Before:

Susan: How early do you want to get to the game?
Steven: I don't know, 30 minutes?
Long pause....
Susan: How early would be way too early to get to the game?
Steven: 5 hours?

Actual arrival time: 1:00p.m. Careful negotiation is the key to our relationship.


These were our seats. Getting there an hour and a half early has its advantages, but unfortunately I got greedy and tried to sit too low, and too in the middle. Those goal posts certainly don't wiggle when you're trying to see the snap. Another hazard of getting there too early and sitting behind the goal posts is kicking practice. We can personally vouch for the health of Kai Forbath. Every single kick made it through the uprights, though some were nearer to the third row than we appreciated. Also, they don't let you keep the ball if you catch it. Kind of crappy, if you ask me. Note for next game: choose a side.


You all know #8, and he was a BEAST up close. I can't believe how much he's grown in the offseason. But my favorite offensive player this year, because he's small and mighty and forgotten is #20, William Powell. Averaged 12 yards a carry versus UCLA and confused the heck out of the defense. It's good to have a pair, and I think this partnership will just keep getting better.

You'll be happy to know that Steven and I helped thwart the game-tying 2 point conversion, as they were threatening to score in our endzone. You're welcome. We'll be happy to offer our services again next weekend, though I think we learned another important lesson about afternoon games and sunscreen.


That's right. I've been branded by the sun.


Congratulations, Cats on an impressive opening victory. Now to face Terry Allen (everyone's favorite KU coach) and Missouri State. I'd like to see a blow-out, but I'll settle for a few more passing yards and a couple of sacks. Kick-off 6:10p.m. GO STATE!