Winners and Losers: Four Kansas State sellouts and counting

We wrap up the week was in the world of Kansas State sports and college athletics.

WINNERS

1.) Wicks: The MLB Debut for Jordan Wicks on Saturday was marvelous. The former Kansas State pitcher struck out nine batters in five innings while only allowing two hits in his first appearance in the big leagues. He also recorded 15 consecutive outs at one during the outing and was the first Cubs pitcher to do in their MLB debut since at least 1974. Wicks also became the first Cubs pitcher to strike out nine batters and record a win in their MLB debut since Mark Prior in 2002.
2.) Purnell: It should not go unnoticed how the K-State coaches discuss linebacker Desmond Purnell. In a loaded position group, the sophomore won his starting role rather easily. The Topeka product could be in store for a big, big season in Manhattan.
3.) President Linton: Cancer isn’t going to stop Kansas State University President Richard Linton. He gave a great, passionate and fiery speech to the football team before the season and vowed to be in the stadium for a few of the games.
4.) Fans: K-State fans are not messing around this year. The first four home football games have already sold out. It is also looking like consecutive seasons where every game is at full capacity. Not to mention, ticket sales for all of the other Kansas State sports are doing very wel.
5.) Zachariah Branch: Although USC struggled at times with San Jose State, Zachariah Branch did not disappoint. The true freshman put on a highlight reel in game one for the Trojans. Branch tallied four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown to go along with a 96-yard kick return touchdown and averaged 22 yards per punt return.

Every day. Every play. #KState x @KState pic.twitter.com/V13l9Ot7Tk

— K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) August 14, 2023

LOSERS

1.) Big 12 Rumors: Rumors continue to swirl about the Big 12 adding the remaining Pac-12 schools when that is not the case. Oregon State, Washington State, Stanford and Cal will not be conference members with K-State.

2.) UTEP: UTEP lost their season opener 17-14 to Jacksonville State who was in their first game as an FBS opponent. The loss really stings for former Kansas State assistant Dana Dimel the Miners because they had a third and one and a fourth and one with the game on the line at the Gamecocks 24 yard-line and could not convert.

3.) Lincoln Riley: The early returns for USC’s defense this season are not great once again. San Jose State had no problems going up and down the field on the Trojans at times, putting up nearly 400 yards of offense.

4.) Ray Anderson: It is very hard to think of a program with more chaotic leadership than Arizona State at the moment. The latest from Tempe is that athletic director Ray Anderson announced a self-imposed bowl ban for this season just five days before the opener. Remember the allegations stem from the Herm Edwards regime with the Sun Devils. Instead of gladly accepting that punishment from a year ago, they instead stuck by Edwards’ side for as long as they could. It is becoming more and more amazing how Anderson keeps his job at Arizona State.

5.) Weather: I’m on the record for being a big fan of Summer. I like hot weather much more than cold weather. However, it is going to be very, very hot on Saturday for the K-State season opener and doesn’t look much better for the game against Troy. It will be in excess of 100 degrees.