Episode 71: The K-State Collegian's Tim Everson (feat. Jon Morse!)

K-State Collegian sports editor recently wrote a column titled "The Death of the K-State family" and if you haven't read it yet, you should do that immediately. We were so impressed with his eloquent summation of how K-State fans feel that we decided him to come back on the podcast and give us some more insight from an insider in Manhattan on the many issues currently facing the athletic administration, notably the Weber situation and Schulz's departure.

The big boss Jon Morse dropped by to offer his insights as well, so this is definitely a podcast you won't want to miss. We even talked a little football, because spring practices start soon, you know.

Be sure to follow Tim on Twitter at @IamTimEverson and check out his work at the Collegian.

Episode 70: The Mercury's Joel Jellison

If you want some help preparing for the tournament, or maybe when you're getting tired of all the commercials, take a listen to our Kansas State basketball post-mortem with The Mercury's Joel Jellison on this week's podcast. We began by taking a look at some progress as well as some negatives -- and we didn't even talk about the 'Cats' awful 3-point shooting.

From there, we went on to analyze Bruce's future, the possibility of K-State (or anyone else) hiring Brad Underwood and what the 2016-17 Wildcats recruiting class might look like. Finally, we offered some thoughts and predictions for the Big 12 in the NCAA tournament. Basically, trust the Jayhawks, Sooners and Bears, but be wary of Cyclones and Mountaineers.

As always, you can read Joel's work at The Mercury's website and follow him on Twitter at @Joel_Jellison.

Episode 69: The Des Moines Register's Danny Lawhon

Kansas State will make another trip to Ames on Saturday, so Eric Rubottom and I spent some time chatting with Danny Lawhon of the Des Moines Register about what he's seen from Iowa State this season. Basically, there are no obvious answers as to why the Cyclones have done things like beat Kansas and Oklahoma at home as well as lose in Ames to Northern Iowa and lose on the road at Texas Tech. But the loss of Naz Long and some troubles with Jameel McKay certainly have contributed.

If you've paid attention to Eric's analysis over the last few weeks you won't be surprised at all to hear how Danny believes Iowa State might attack the Wildcats, but you'll also be pleased to know the Cyclones don't have many guys willing to attack the basket on a regular basis. Naturally, we took a little break from looking at this weekend's matchup to assess Bruce Weber's job so far and his future going forward.

Be sure to check out the great work of Danny and others at the Des Moines Register, especially their Cyclone Insider section. You can also follow Danny on Twitter at @dannylawhon.

Episode 68: The KC Star's Jesse Newell

I don't often enjoy talking about Kansas basketball for extended periods of time, but I found an exception in this week's podcast with KC Star beat writer Jesse Newell (formerly of the Topeka Capital-Journal) our own Gracey Terrill, who did just fine in her Bring on the Podcast debut. It was almost like she's done this before or something.

We discussed the inexplicable hex KU has over the rest of the league to make everything go its way if a Big 12 title ever looks in doubt, and that was before Oklahoma lost in Lubbock. Jesse also talked a little about how K-State could exploit KU's weaknesses on Saturday and possibly extend Bruce Weber's stunning win streak to three games. Finally, we covered KU's "classiness," Brennan Greene's dunk, and other important issues.

Have a listen and be sure to check out Jesse's work at kansascity.com or kansas.com (The Wichita Eagle). You can also follow him on Twitter @JesseNewell.

Episode 67: Jordan Esco of The Football Brainiacs

I'm keeping this intro short because there aren't a whole lot of great things to say about this basketball team right now, other than the fact that they're fighting hard and playing competitively against much more talented teams. They'll face another one Saturday with Oklahoma, so The Football Brainiacs managing editor Jordan Esco returned to the podcast to talk with BracketCat and I about that game, as well as some thoughts on Signing Day for Oklahoma, Kansas State and the Big 12 in general. Have a listen for some valuable insights.

Keep in mind you can read Jordan's work here and you can follow him on Twitter @Jordan_Esco.

Episode 66: Cowboys Ride For Free's Gerald Tracy III

Perhaps the most important thing to know about this podcast is that it was recorded Tuesday morning, before Oklahoma State stunned Kansas in an 86-67 rout at Gallagher-Iba. Needless to say, Cowboys Ride For Free managing editor Gerald Tracy III would probably have been more optimistic had he know that would happen. He did not, though, and as a result we tried to figure out which offense is worse, what weapons OSU might have, and how the Cowboys are struggling to replace Phil Forte.

Naturally, we also discussed Travis Ford and his job status, which is another thing that may have changed considerably after his third straight win over Kansas in Stillwater. Finally, we talked about who might be able to at last knock the Jayhawks off their annoying perch atop the Big 12. Be sure to check out all the great content at CRFF, and you can follow Gerald @GeraldTracyIII.

Episode 65: Arkansas Fight's Doc Harper

Arkansas Fight editor Doc Harper joins me as the podcast returns from a December hiatus to preview K-State's difficult Liberty Bowl matchup against the Razorbacks. I'm not sure whether it was just Southern hospitality or if he's legitimately nervous about the long layover, but Doc was very cautious in his optimism despite the November dominance of Arkansas' offense. We also discussed some ways K-State could exploit the Hogs' defense, but much of it involved accurate passing, so that could be a problem.

Of course, we also talked some about our old friend Bret Bielema, and what he's done well in Fayetteville. The future remains somewhat vague, but it's clear he definitely has a future at Arkansas. Finally, we took a look at the SEC-Big 12 matchups this bowl season, including last night's LSU-Texas Tech game since we recorded this podcast Tuesday morning, as well as a potential OU-Alabama national championship.

You can check out Doc's work at the site listed above, and also give him a follow on Twitter at @Doc_Harper.

Episode 64: The Smoking Musket's David Smith

If you can make your way through random tangents on the sons of rappers, weather and probably some other stuff, David Smith provided KSUEMAW! and I with some valuable insight on what to expect when watching Kansas State host West Virginia on Senior Day this Saturday. Oddly enough, the Mountaineers have relied on defense and a good running game to win 7 of 11 games, including the last four, even those Dana Holgorsen is allegedly still the head coach.

We also talked briefly about basketball, and David told us how West Virginia is adapting to life without Juwan Staten and officials actually calling fouls against the Mountaineers' press. Sadly, Bob Huggins seems to be doing just fine, although we'll really find out when West Virginia comes to town on Dec. 8. As always, you can read work from David at The Smoking Musket and his Twitter handle is SmithFire13. I'd highly recommend a follow.

Episode 63: Tod Palmer of the KC Star

After that football game, you're probably looking for a way to relax and come down off an unexpected high, and you might even still be too drunk from when K-State had lost to read more than a few sentences strung together. We're here to help with a special early basketball podcast to get you ready for the Kansas State-Missouri showdown Monday at the CBE Classic in Kansas City. Feel free to just skip ahead and press play.

Missouri and K-State basketball have a lot in common these days, and much of it is not good. Suspensions, transfers, bad offense, and of course, plenty of losing have marred the last year for both programs, but there's reason for optimism in Columbia and Manhattan. First-time guest host Eric Rubottom (TheBigE) talks about it with me from the K-State perspective, while the KC Star's Tod Palmer discusses the Mizzou side.

He also helped us break down Monday's matchup, discussed Kim Anderson's future and briefly touched on all the madness happening at Mizzou. Finally, we switched to a much happier subject as Tod told us about his experience covering the Royals this fall and what it was like to be at perhaps the largest gathering in Kansas City history. You can read Tod's work on the KC Star's website and follow him on Twitter @TodPalmer.

Episode 62: WRNL's KnowDan

Iowa State and Kansas State have a lot in common this season. Losing records, an inability to hold onto a second-half lead against Oklahoma State, and some nearly inexplicable offensive playcalling, among other things. KnowDan from the great Wide Right Natty Lite heard plenty of familiar complaints in a frustrated rant from our own BracketCat, which even included the suggestion that if the rest of November goes poorly, John Currie might suggest to Bill Snyder the time has come to hand over the reins once again.

The situation is a little different in Ames, where KnowDan says only a ridiculous contract would keep Paul Rhoads at the helm after a third straight dismal season and even that might not be enough. These Cyclones have some talent, including a talented wide receiving corps KnowDan says must be taken seriously. He also noted K-State should be able to run to the outside on the Iowa State defense, which probably means it won't be attempted. You know, because they'll be expecting that.

Really, this podcast just features a lot of mutual commiserating until we get to the basketball section at the end, so be prepared for somewhat of a damper on your day. Sorry. Hopefully you'll still enjoy it in some way, and thanks for listening. Be sure to follow KnowDan on Twitter at @WRNLKnowDan and as a programming note, we might not have a podcast during Thanksgiving week. Stay tuned, and we'll definitely be back to preview the season finale against West Virginia.

Episode 61: Matt Wilson

It's always a blast when we talk with Our Daily Bears part-time contributor Matt Wilson, and this week was no exception. Along with KSUEmaw, we rehashed the loss against Baylor without getting into any fights, then moved on to this Saturday's game at Texas Tech. Matt believes Kansas State can win, though admittedly Lubbock can be a scary place to play. For the record, we did not give Dudebro credit for a victory over TCU in 2013, his only Big 12 win against teams other than Kansas, Iowa State and West Virginia.

While Matt showed he's fully capable of dropping knowledge and sharing valuable insight, the best reason for you to listen to this podcast is probably to enjoy his wit and pure sports hate when it comes to things like TCU and the College Football Playoff committee. You can also learn why he's terrified of Baylor's game at Oklahoma State, what he liked about Duke Shelley, and how we all feel about McDonald's and Taco Bell.

As always, be sure to go read stuff from all the great folks at Our Daily Bears and follow Matt on Twitter @mattisbear.

Episode 60: The Wichita Eagle/KC Star's Kellis Robinett

Doom and gloom is inevitable following an 0-4 start in Big 12 play destined to become 0-5 following a home game against the No. 2 team in the country this Thursday night. But the Wichita Eagle/KC Star's Kellis Robinett reminds us while the way we got here might be surprising and incredibly disappointing, the record really isn't even when you consider the roster Kansas State had at the beginning of the year. In fact, he predicted an 0-5 start, but that doesn't mean the 'Cats can't still finish the season strong and make a bowl game.

Kellis also agreed it's premature to talk about Bill Snyder's potential retirement anytime soon, even if the playcalling this season has been suspect at times. The bigger problem is the personnel, particularly in the passing game, and Kellis believes Alex Delton could be an acceptable answer at quarterback. We also touched on what might keep Baylor from a total rout and had a brief discussion about Kansas State basketball at the end of the podcast.

If you enjoy Kellis's valuable insights into the program, you can find more at the websites of either The Wichita Eagle or The Kansas City Star. You can also follow him on Twitter @kellisrobinett.

Note: Just to clear up any confusion, please be aware this podcast was recorded last Wednesday, which is significantly further in advance than usual. Fortunately, not a lot has changed, but there are some references to news that broke early last week, and Iowa State looks like it may be a more formidable foe than expected.

Episode 59: The Mercury's Joel Jellison

These are dark times for Kansas State football, so rather than spend some more time rehashing all the Wildcats' problems, we brought on our friend Joel Jellison to talk about basketball. He broke down what little we know about all the K-State newcomers and what roles they might play for a team doing everything it can to keep last season in the past.

We also talked about new roles for returners Wesley Iwundu and Justin Edwards, as well as what we can expect from D.J. Johnson when he finally gets back on the court. The exhibition schedule begins Friday against Emporia State at Bramlage Coliseum, and Joel says many obstacles await in a difficult nonconference schedule. Ideally, the 'Cats will stay together and be much better by the time they get to conference play, where Joel says they'll find a Big 12 just as good, if not better than a year ago.

Be sure to check out Joel's work at The Mercury's website and if you're not already following him on Twitter, you can fix that by finding him @joel_jellison.

Episode 58: Barking Carnival's nobis60

After all the hand-wringing and possibly a little crying that went on last weekend, we tried to laugh a little and mostly stay focused on the next Saturday rather than the previous one in this week's podcast. Fortunately, nobis60 from Barking Carnival made it easy, providing Bracket Cat and I with some humor as well as valuable insight on how Texas' offense might attack the 'Cats, why the Longhorns' defense has made such drastic improvements, and much more.

We also compared Ron Prince to Steve Patterson, entertained the idea of putting Collin Klein on the field, and laughed at the special teams ineptitude of Michigan and the Indianapolis Colts this past weekend. Have a listen and don't forget to check out the great work at Barking Carnival, including Scipio Tex's smart preview of Kansas State and the "Hump Day Nooner" with Jon Morse.

Episode 57: The Oklahoman's Jason Kersey

OU beat writer Jason Kersey of The Oklahoman was just as confused as everyone else last Saturday when Texas stunned Oklahoma 24-17 at the Cotton Bowl. Even though the Sooners haven't lost back-to-back regular season games since 1999, Jason tells us Bracket and I on this week's podcast that this team might not have that same resiliency, and even Bob Stoops' power over his former mentor may be waning after two losses in three years, both in Norman.

A struggling offensive line and a shaky defense lacking in individual talent appear to be the biggest weaknesses for OU, who Jason said could be in danger of another 4-5 loss season if things don't change. That's all a little jarring for the folks in Norman, so the calls for Stoops to leave keep getting a little louder. How close he actually is to retirement is up for debate, and Jason offers us some thoughts on Stoops' future.

Be sure to give Jason a friendly hello if you see him in Manhattan this weekend. You can read his work at The Oklahoman and feel free to follow him on Twitter at @jasonkersey. He also has his own podcast, called The Non-Fiction Writers available on iTunes. His most recent guest was noted Kansas State beat writer Kellis Robinett of the KC Star and Wichita Eagle.

Episode 56: CoachMelissa of Frogs O'War

Some TCU bloggers might have just spent a podcast laughing in our faces and boasting about all the reasons why the Horned Frogs' offense is likely to crush the Wildcats for the second straight year. But fortunately, our guest coachmelissa from SB Nation site Frogs O'War took a levelheaded approach and even expressed some concern about going into Manhattan to face the genius of Bill Snyder. Of course, she also acknowledged TCU has an obscene amount of weapons to more than cover for an injury-depleted defense that just might be getting better anyway.

We also talked about Trevone Boykin's Heisman chances, TCU's national championship hopes, and why Melissa and her fellow fans are starting to feel right at home in the Big 12. Hopefully we'll all get to hang out for a while. Just don't put her in the same room with any Baylor fans. Feel free to give her a follow on Twitter at @TheCoachMelissa.