If there were ever two programs that paralleled each other, it may be Kansas State and Oklahoma State.
After all, the two schools are both in the midwestern plains, both are historically agricultural and mechanical schools, and for the most part both pretty much wandered in college football obscurity until the last two decades.
Kansas State had the good fortune of having an alumnus win the lottery in the early 90′s and a lot of it went to the football program, while Oklahoma State’s big donor story is well known with Boone Pickens.
The Wildcats were voted the worst college football team in the first century of the sport, but other than a few bright spots the Cowboys weren’t that far behind.
K-State had a horrible facility until Bill Snyder came along, while O-State’s facility was called “Rustoleum Stadium” by many until Pickens broke open his piggy bank nearly a decade ago.
OSU was ranked #2 in the BCS nearly a year ago and had a bonafide Heisman contending quarterback, while a year later KSU is #2 and Collin Klein is the current Heisman frontrunner.
Both sets of fans pull for the other, when they’re not playng each other, and there is a lot of respect for the other programs…perhaps because they know how far the other has come. They’ve both been there, and don’t ever wish to go back.
Looking for a great game Saturday night in Manhattan.
