MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — The school that once produced Chris Canty and Thorpe Award winner Terence Newman has struggled to defend in recent years in the pass-happy Big 12.

It still draws Kansas State coach Bill Snyder's ire.

The hard-to-please Hall of Fame coach was often quick to bemoan a bunch that allowed 272.7 yards per game through the air last season, better only than the sieve known as Texas Tech. Their shortcomings were only made worse when they were forced to stand beside by the Wildcats' staunch rush defense, which was by far the best in the Big 12.

But the Wildcats harbor hope for suc...