Rapid Recap: Kansas State embracing the challenge of Alabama

KANSAS STATE HAS A CHIP ON SHOULDER

When speaking to the Kansas State contingent after practice on Tuesday, it was clear that they have a chip on their shoulder about facing Alabama. They know nobody expects them to win and relish the opportunity to take down a giant.

While respecting the Crimson Tide, they also did not want to make them into a goliath that was impossible to take down, either. Many shared how immensely talented they are, and K-State safety Josh Hayes shared that it was a lot like what they see from Texas on an annual basis.

Drake Cheatum even noted that Kansas State is excited that Bryce Young and Will Anderson are playing for Alabama because it means that there isn’t any excuses and they get to see the Crimson Tide at full strength and are tasked with the largest challenge at their disposal.

AVAILABLE

We discovered that K-State quarterback Adrian Martinez would be available when we watched the first part of practice. He had missed the last few games due to a leg injury, but he was not limited during the portion that was available to the media.

He also spoke to us like he expected to see some kind of snaps.

In addition to Martinez, we also saw Kansas State players Uso Seumalo, Ekow Boye-Doe and Malik Knowles be full participants for the session on Tuesday as well. That trio left the Big 12 Championship Game versus TCU with an injury and did not return.

All were padded up on Tuesday.

In addition to that, K-State running back Deuce Vaughn and defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah were also practicing at full strength in case anyone believed that there was still a possibility of them opting out. That does not appear to be the case.

ONE LAST GO-AROUND

It will be the final college football game in a Kansas State uniform for some. Four of those are Hayes, Martinez, Cheatum and kicker/punter Ty Zentner.

While Zentner made sure to admit that he was trying to avoid those thoughts and focus on the game and preparation for it, it has crept into his mind. More than anything, he is just going to miss the flights back and the camaraderie with his K-State teammates.

Conversely, Hayes pointed out how it has been something that he has thought about for weeks. Even though he didn’t necessarily think that he would be playing Alabama on a huge stage when he chose the Wildcats, it was always something that he wanted to work towards. He loves having it as his final college performance.

Martinez is just grateful to be playing in a bowl game, being able to suit up for it and having the experience of playing an historic team in an historic bowl at an historic venue.

BROOKS’ DECISION

Because he was available to the media on Tuesday afternoon, Kansas State receiver Phillip Brooks was asked about his status and if it would be his final game with the Wildcats. He actually has another year of eligibility if he wants to exercise it.

Like many of the other K-State players that have been asked about the future, he acknowledged the question but insisted that he had not came to a decision and wouldn’t do so until after the Sugar Bowl.

TWO QUARTERBACKS FOR K-STATE

Will we see Kansas State use a two-quarterback system in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama? After all, Martinez is healthy, was a cog in this year’s club that helped pace the Wildcats and had a hand in delivering a Big 12 title to Manhattan.

If anything, it could be seen as a reward for his commitment, loyalty, dedication, leadership and work ethic.

Normally, I’d be against it. They typically do not work and cause more chaos, distractions and confusion than anything positive. However, it may not be the worst thing versus the Crimson Tide, given that they have struggled against running quarterbacks all season.

In general, that has been a kryptonite for Nick Saban and company over the years.

The players certainly made it seem like it was an angle that K-State could use in their favor.