No. 23 K-State still has eyes on a Big 12 title shot as its trip to rival Kansas arrives
Associated PressLAWRENCE, Kan. — The Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas hasn’t been much of a showdown over the past decade or so. Then came last Saturday’s game against Texas Tech, when Bean sustained what Leipold called “a head injury” and walk-on freshman Cole Ballard played the rest of the way in a last-minute 16-13 loss. Leipold expressed optimism Monday that Bean would be able to play, then backtracked the following day on a local radio show, saying that “Cole will be ready to go, and that’s probably the direction we’re going to have to plan on at this moment.” Klieman doesn’t think the Jayhawks’ approach will change no matter who is under center. “I know it was a smaller sample size,” Klieman said, “but I really didn’t think they changed a whole lot offensively when came in last week. But it still comes down to you better not take any shortcuts, you better focus on your preparation and attack today.” TITLE PICTURE Kansas State could still wiggle its way back into the Big 12 title game but needs to beat Kansas and Iowa State the next two weeks and get some help.