By Anthony Gorges JC Post

On Thursday night, Junction City senior and former Blue Jay football player Michael Boganowski, was presented a U.S. Army Bowl Jersey and officially accepted the invitation to play in the bowl game.

The chairman and founder of the U.S. Army Bowl, Mr. Rich McGuiness, announced that Boganowski is one of just 80 players that were selected to play in this game.

McGuiness spoke about what led to Boganowski’s selection and what makes him an elite football player. “What excites us is he can tackle, he can cover, and his athleticism, in my mind, gives him a lot of potential to be successful at the next level,” McGuinness said.

With the selection, Michael Boganowski is the first Junction City High School athlete to compete in the U.S. Army Bowl. “With it being the Army Bowl, and Junction City being an Army Community, I think it’s a great opportunity for an army kid to play in the bowl,” Boganowski said.

Along with several family and friends in attendance, Junction City head football coach Randall Zimmerman was present and spoke to the crowd. Zimmerman applauded Boganowski for being a four-year starter at Junction City High School and noted that throughout his career, Boganowski tallied 265 total tackles, six interceptions and had ten offensive touchdowns his senior season.

The U.S. Army Bowl will be played in Frisco, Texas, on December 18 at 7:00 p.m.

The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702049668898.jpeg" alt="Official invitation to play in the U.S. Army Bowl. Pictured from left to right: Junction City head football coach, Randall Zimmerman, Calissia Boganowski (Mother of Michael Boganowski Jr.), Michael Boganowski Sr. (Father to Michael Boganowski Jr.), Michael Boganowski Jr., and Colonel Terry Tillis." />
 <figcaption>Official invitation to play in the U.S. Army Bowl. Pictured from left to right: Junction City head football coach, Randall Zimmerman, Calissia Boganowski (Mother of Michael Boganowski Jr.), Michael Boganowski Sr. (Father to Michael Boganowski Jr.), Michael Boganowski Jr., and Colonel Terry Tillis.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony Gorges JC Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702049314898.jpeg" alt="Michael Boganowski accepts U.S. Army Bowl Invitation" />
 <figcaption>Michael Boganowski accepts U.S. Army Bowl Invitation</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday night, Junction City senior and former Blue Jay football player Michael Boganowski, was presented a U.S. Army Bowl Jersey and officially accepted the invitation to play in the bowl game.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702049411943.jpeg" alt="Mr. Rich McGuiness, the founder and chairman of the U.S. Army Bowl explains what the Army Bowl is" />
 <figcaption>Mr. Rich McGuiness, the founder and chairman of the U.S. Army Bowl explains what the Army Bowl is</figcaption>
 </figure>The chairman and founder of the U.S. Army Bowl, Mr. Rich McGuiness, announced that Boganowski is one of just 80 players that were selected to play in this game.McGuiness spoke about what led to Boganowski’s selection and what makes him an elite football player. “What excites us is he can tackle, he can cover, and his athleticism, in my mind, gives him a lot of potential to be successful at the next level,” McGuinness said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702049515839.jpeg" alt="Michael Boganowski accepts U.S. Army Bowl Invitation" />
 <figcaption>Michael Boganowski accepts U.S. Army Bowl Invitation</figcaption>
 </figure>With the selection, Michael Boganowski is the first Junction City High School athlete to compete in the U.S. Army Bowl. “With it being the Army Bowl, and Junction City being an Army Community, I think it’s a great opportunity for an army kid to play in the bowl,” Boganowski said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702049635895.jpeg" alt="Junction City head football coach Randall Zimmerman supports Boganowski, who was a four-year starter on the football field." />
 <figcaption>Junction City head football coach Randall Zimmerman supports Boganowski, who was a four-year starter on the football field.</figcaption>
 </figure>Along with several family and friends in attendance, Junction City head football coach Randall Zimmerman was present and spoke to the crowd. Zimmerman applauded Boganowski for being a four-year starter at Junction City High School and noted that throughout his career, Boganowski tallied 265 total tackles, six interceptions and had ten offensive touchdowns his senior season.The U.S. Army Bowl will be played in Frisco, Texas, on December 18 at 7:00 p.m.The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Michael Boganowski officially accepts Army Bowl Invitation

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - Just after noon on Friday, December 8th, Kansas State University President Richard Linton released a statement to the community about the recent decision by the University and the Athletic Department to release Nae'Quan Tomlin from the Men's Basketball team.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to address our university community — students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and friends — regarding the questions and sentiments permeating social media and other events in recent days. Your passion demonstrates your interest in this university’s future, and we must all be committed to doing what is best for K-State. I want you to know that I am also committed to sharing our processes with transparency in regard to how we approach developing every student to meet the standards of this university.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We share a common aspiration to develop young men and women to make our world a better place. Our faculty, staff, coaches and administrators work every day to teach, guide, mentor and, at times, hold accountable members of our community. I recognize that leaders are often called upon to make difficult decisions. Some difficult decisions are very visible; others are not. Some of the policies that govern our decision-making are widely understood, yet again, others are not. As difficult decisions are made, it is also important that we have a sense of community and accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The principal question at the heart of Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s release from the men’s basketball team seems to be around understanding the role a university president plays in student-athlete conduct decisions. I want to take the opportunity to outline the policy governing this process in full transparency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The NCAA Board of Governors has required each member institution to adopt a “serious misconduct policy” covering a number of potential allegations, including Title IX. Under the university’s serious misconduct policy, the university president is involved in collaboration with the athletic director and head coach when making a final decision concerning a student-athlete’s conduct and team membership.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The decision to release Nae’Qwan from the men’s basketball team was made in full compliance with all applicable policies. When decisions like this are made, a range of factors are considered, including the entire history of a student athlete’s behavior.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reporting that this decision was made solely due to an incident at a bar in Aggieville is not accurate.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There remains much we cannot share with the university community under federal laws, namely FERPA, which protects a student’s right to privacy while attending a university. I know this is difficult, as you want to understand all that has transpired. But in the absence of being able to share any more specifics, I hope that the details I am sharing today help bring resolution to any lingering questions.&nbsp;

I want you to know that our university and our athletics department are unified. There is no “us” versus “them." Together, we are One K-State. The relationship between the university, athletics and the K-State community at large is special, and I will never take it for granted.&nbsp;

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - Just after noon on Friday, December 8th, Kansas State University President Richard Linton released a statement to the community about the recent decision by the University and the Athletic Department to release Nae'Quan Tomlin from the Men's Basketball team."Dear K-State Community,&nbsp;I am grateful to have the opportunity to address our university community — students, faculty, staff, alumni, fans and friends — regarding the questions and sentiments permeating social media and other events in recent days. Your passion demonstrates your interest in this university’s future, and we must all be committed to doing what is best for K-State. I want you to know that I am also committed to sharing our processes with transparency in regard to how we approach developing every student to meet the standards of this university.&nbsp;&nbsp;We share a common aspiration to develop young men and women to make our world a better place. Our faculty, staff, coaches and administrators work every day to teach, guide, mentor and, at times, hold accountable members of our community. I recognize that leaders are often called upon to make difficult decisions. Some difficult decisions are very visible; others are not. Some of the policies that govern our decision-making are widely understood, yet again, others are not. As difficult decisions are made, it is also important that we have a sense of community and accountability.&nbsp;&nbsp;The principal question at the heart of Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s release from the men’s basketball team seems to be around understanding the role a university president plays in student-athlete conduct decisions. I want to take the opportunity to outline the policy governing this process in full transparency.&nbsp;&nbsp;The NCAA Board of Governors has required each member institution to adopt a “serious misconduct policy” covering a number of potential allegations, including Title IX. Under the university’s serious misconduct policy, the university president is involved in collaboration with the athletic director and head coach when making a final decision concerning a student-athlete’s conduct and team membership.&nbsp;&nbsp;The decision to release Nae’Qwan from the men’s basketball team was made in full compliance with all applicable policies. When decisions like this are made, a range of factors are considered, including the entire history of a student athlete’s behavior.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reporting that this decision was made solely due to an incident at a bar in Aggieville is not accurate.&nbsp;&nbsp;There remains much we cannot share with the university community under federal laws, namely FERPA, which protects a student’s right to privacy while attending a university. I know this is difficult, as you want to understand all that has transpired. But in the absence of being able to share any more specifics, I hope that the details I am sharing today help bring resolution to any lingering questions.&nbsp;I want you to know that our university and our athletics department are unified. There is no “us” versus “them." Together, we are One K-State. The relationship between the university, athletics and the K-State community at large is special, and I will never take it for granted.&nbsp;Richard Linton President"

K-State Pres. Linton releases statement on Tomlin's release 

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Jeff Grimes, a coaching veteran with 30 years of experience and more than 15 bowl games coached, has been named Kansas Football’s next assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, head coach Lance Leipold announced today.

Grimes is among the top offensive coaches in the country, having been named a finalist for the Frank Broyles Awards, awarded to the nation’s top assistant coach in 2021 while at Baylor and 2020 at BYU, and was named the 2021 Football Scoop coordinator of the year. While at Baylor, Grimes helped lead the Bears to the 2021 Big 12 Championship, while directing one of the most productive offensive attacks in the country.

"We’re excited to welcome Jeff, his wife Sheri and four children, Bailey, Jada, Garrison and Greydon to Lawrence. Jeff is a coach with a lot of experience and is a great relationship-builder, football mind and a high-quality person. He will be a great fit with our staff and offensive philosophy and is an exciting addition."

LANCE LEIPOLD, KANSAS FOOTBALL HEAD COACH

"My family and I are thrilled to join the KU program and be a part of what Coach Leipold and his staff are building in Lawrence. I’ve admired Kansas football over these last few years and it has been impossible to ignore the momentum behind the program. That momentum doesn’t happen without strong alignment among tremendous people committed to a common goal. I get fired up just thinking about the opportunity to coach these talented players and I can’t wait to get started. Rock Chalk!"

JEFF GRIMES, ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Grimes comes to Kansas after three years at Baylor, where he served as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Grimes has extensive experience coaching the offensive line and has seen 17 linemen who have played in his offense since 2000 go on to play in the NFL.

In his first year at Baylor, the Bears saw drastic improvement as Baylor’s offense ranked 10th&nbsp;nationally with 5.37 yards per rush and 6.32 yards per play. Baylor increased its rushing production by 129 yards per game, compared the 2020 season, raising its rushing average from 90.3 yards per game (123rd nationally) to 219.3 yards per game (10th nationally).

Grimes was among five finalists for the Broyles Award for the second time in his career, while offensive lineman Connor Galvin was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and running back Abram Smith ranked among the nation’s best in yards per carry (14th, 6.23), total rushing (5th, 1,601), and rushing touchdowns (tied for 39th, 12).

Baylor’s offensive attack continued to excel in 2022, ranking among the top-10 in program history in a several categories, including scoring the seventh-most TDs (34), while totaling the 10th&nbsp;most total yards (5,380) and first downs (296). In the air, Baylor ranked fourth-best in single season history, completing 63 percent of its passing attempts.&nbsp;Individually, Richard Reese shattered the program standard for freshman rushing yards, earning Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors.

Prior to his three seasons at Baylor, Grimes directed a high-powered offense at BYU in 2020 that finished its season ranked in the top-15 of 10 different statistical categories, including scoring (3rd, 43.5 ppg), total offense (7th, 522.2 ypg) and passing offense (8th, 332.1 ppg).

The 2020 BYU Cougars tied for the national lead in yards per play at 7.84, and led all of FBS in plays of 30 or more yards with 45. Overall, BYU scored 40 or more points nine times in 12 games.

Under Grimes’ leadership, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and Manning Award, as well as a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Maxwell Award and the Davey O’Brien Award. In 2020, Wilson passed for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns and posted a 196.4 passing efficiency. He finished the year ranked in the top-10 nationally in 11 offensive categories.

Led by All-American offensive lineman Brady Christensen, the BYU offensive line allowed only 12 sacks in 12 games, the eighth best per-game average in the country, and helped the Cougars to the fourth-most rushing touchdowns nationally with 34. Running back Tyler Allgeier rushed for 1,130 yards, the ninth-best total in BYU history and the eighth-best total by a FBS player for the season.

Overall, BYU had four offensive players named to All-America teams in 2020, including Wilson, Christensen, and wide receiver Dax Milne. Additionally, freshman tight end Isaac Rex earned Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic. Wilson (1st round, No. 3 overall, New York Jets), Christensen (3rd round, Carolina) and Milne (7th round, Washington) were each selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.

In addition to his time as a coordinator, Grimes has extensive experience as one of the country’s top offensive line coaches. Since 2000, 17 offensive linemen that played under Grimes have been selected in the NFL Draft including three first rounders (Levi Jones, Nate Solder and Greg Robinson).

He served as offensive line coach and run game coordinator at LSU from 2014-17. While in Baton Rouge, Grimes had three of his players selected in the NFL Draft to go along with nine earn All-SEC honors and four be selected as All-Americans (La’el Collins, Vadal Alexander, Ethan Pocic and Will Clapp).

LSU’s offensive line helped pave the way for four consecutive 1,000-yard rushers in each of Grimes’ four seasons. In 49 games as LSU’s offensive line coach and run game coordinator, the Tigers had at least one running back reach the 100-yard rushing mark 34 times.

Grimes spent one season as run game coordinator and offensive line coach at Virginia Tech in 2013 following four seasons as offensive line coach at Auburn from 2009-12 that included the program’s second National Championship in 2010.

During Auburn’s 2010 national championship season, Grimes’ coached an offensive line that helped set school records for total yards of offense (6,989) and points (577) for a second consecutive season. The Tigers were No. 5 nationally in rushing yards per game (284.8) and led the SEC in scoring (41.2). Auburn’s 2010 team set school records for rushing touchdowns (41), passing touchdowns (31), rushing yards (3,987) and had three offensive linemen earn individual honors.

Grimes also had successful stints leading the offensive lines at Colorado (2007-08), BYU (2004-06), Arizona State (2001-03) and Boise State (2000). He got his start in collegiate coaching at Hardin-Simmons (1998-99), and also served as a graduate assistant at Texas A&amp;M (1996-97) and Rice (1995). Following the completion of his playing career, he coached at Riverside High School in El Paso (1993-94).

Grimes earned his bachelor’s degree in education from UTEP in 1991 and a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&amp;M in 1997.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701987070889.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Jeff Grimes, a coaching veteran with 30 years of experience and more than 15 bowl games coached, has been named Kansas Football’s next assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, head coach Lance Leipold announced today.Grimes is among the top offensive coaches in the country, having been named a finalist for the Frank Broyles Awards, awarded to the nation’s top assistant coach in 2021 while at Baylor and 2020 at BYU, and was named the 2021 Football Scoop coordinator of the year. While at Baylor, Grimes helped lead the Bears to the 2021 Big 12 Championship, while directing one of the most productive offensive attacks in the country."We’re excited to welcome Jeff, his wife Sheri and four children, Bailey, Jada, Garrison and Greydon to Lawrence. Jeff is a coach with a lot of experience and is a great relationship-builder, football mind and a high-quality person. He will be a great fit with our staff and offensive philosophy and is an exciting addition."LANCE LEIPOLD, KANSAS FOOTBALL HEAD COACH"My family and I are thrilled to join the KU program and be a part of what Coach Leipold and his staff are building in Lawrence. I’ve admired Kansas football over these last few years and it has been impossible to ignore the momentum behind the program. That momentum doesn’t happen without strong alignment among tremendous people committed to a common goal. I get fired up just thinking about the opportunity to coach these talented players and I can’t wait to get started. Rock Chalk!"JEFF GRIMES, ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/OFFENSIVE COORDINATORGrimes comes to Kansas after three years at Baylor, where he served as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Grimes has extensive experience coaching the offensive line and has seen 17 linemen who have played in his offense since 2000 go on to play in the NFL.In his first year at Baylor, the Bears saw drastic improvement as Baylor’s offense ranked 10th&nbsp;nationally with 5.37 yards per rush and 6.32 yards per play. Baylor increased its rushing production by 129 yards per game, compared the 2020 season, raising its rushing average from 90.3 yards per game (123rd nationally) to 219.3 yards per game (10th nationally).Grimes was among five finalists for the Broyles Award for the second time in his career, while offensive lineman Connor Galvin was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year and running back Abram Smith ranked among the nation’s best in yards per carry (14th, 6.23), total rushing (5th, 1,601), and rushing touchdowns (tied for 39th, 12).Baylor’s offensive attack continued to excel in 2022, ranking among the top-10 in program history in a several categories, including scoring the seventh-most TDs (34), while totaling the 10th&nbsp;most total yards (5,380) and first downs (296). In the air, Baylor ranked fourth-best in single season history, completing 63 percent of its passing attempts.&nbsp;Individually, Richard Reese shattered the program standard for freshman rushing yards, earning Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors.Prior to his three seasons at Baylor, Grimes directed a high-powered offense at BYU in 2020 that finished its season ranked in the top-15 of 10 different statistical categories, including scoring (3rd, 43.5 ppg), total offense (7th, 522.2 ypg) and passing offense (8th, 332.1 ppg).The 2020 BYU Cougars tied for the national lead in yards per play at 7.84, and led all of FBS in plays of 30 or more yards with 45. Overall, BYU scored 40 or more points nine times in 12 games.Under Grimes’ leadership, BYU quarterback Zach Wilson was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and Manning Award, as well as a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Maxwell Award and the Davey O’Brien Award. In 2020, Wilson passed for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns and posted a 196.4 passing efficiency. He finished the year ranked in the top-10 nationally in 11 offensive categories.Led by All-American offensive lineman Brady Christensen, the BYU offensive line allowed only 12 sacks in 12 games, the eighth best per-game average in the country, and helped the Cougars to the fourth-most rushing touchdowns nationally with 34. Running back Tyler Allgeier rushed for 1,130 yards, the ninth-best total in BYU history and the eighth-best total by a FBS player for the season.Overall, BYU had four offensive players named to All-America teams in 2020, including Wilson, Christensen, and wide receiver Dax Milne. Additionally, freshman tight end Isaac Rex earned Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic. Wilson (1st round, No. 3 overall, New York Jets), Christensen (3rd round, Carolina) and Milne (7th round, Washington) were each selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.In addition to his time as a coordinator, Grimes has extensive experience as one of the country’s top offensive line coaches. Since 2000, 17 offensive linemen that played under Grimes have been selected in the NFL Draft including three first rounders (Levi Jones, Nate Solder and Greg Robinson).He served as offensive line coach and run game coordinator at LSU from 2014-17. While in Baton Rouge, Grimes had three of his players selected in the NFL Draft to go along with nine earn All-SEC honors and four be selected as All-Americans (La’el Collins, Vadal Alexander, Ethan Pocic and Will Clapp).LSU’s offensive line helped pave the way for four consecutive 1,000-yard rushers in each of Grimes’ four seasons. In 49 games as LSU’s offensive line coach and run game coordinator, the Tigers had at least one running back reach the 100-yard rushing mark 34 times.Grimes spent one season as run game coordinator and offensive line coach at Virginia Tech in 2013 following four seasons as offensive line coach at Auburn from 2009-12 that included the program’s second National Championship in 2010.During Auburn’s 2010 national championship season, Grimes’ coached an offensive line that helped set school records for total yards of offense (6,989) and points (577) for a second consecutive season. The Tigers were No. 5 nationally in rushing yards per game (284.8) and led the SEC in scoring (41.2). Auburn’s 2010 team set school records for rushing touchdowns (41), passing touchdowns (31), rushing yards (3,987) and had three offensive linemen earn individual honors.Grimes also had successful stints leading the offensive lines at Colorado (2007-08), BYU (2004-06), Arizona State (2001-03) and Boise State (2000). He got his start in collegiate coaching at Hardin-Simmons (1998-99), and also served as a graduate assistant at Texas A&amp;M (1996-97) and Rice (1995). Following the completion of his playing career, he coached at Riverside High School in El Paso (1993-94).Grimes earned his bachelor’s degree in education from UTEP in 1991 and a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&amp;M in 1997.

🏈 Jeff Grimes named KU assistant head coach/offensive coordinator

KANSAS-&nbsp;The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is happy to announce the assistant coaches for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth. The assistant coaches are chosen based on the success of their season, as well as eligibility limitations and coach availability. The East assistant coaching staff features five coaches with Shrine Bowl experience, while the West assistant coaching staff will all be making their first coaching appearance in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.&nbsp; The 2024 Head Coaches, announced earlier this year, are Wamego’s Weston Moody for the East and McPherson’s Jace Pavlovich for the West.&nbsp; The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played at Welch Stadium, on the campus of Emporia State University, on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, at 7 p.m.

The Assistant coaches for the East team are Steve Buhler (6A - Washburn Rural), Jason Swift (5A - Shawnee Heights), Preston Troyer (4A - Tonganoxie), Mark Smith (3A - Frontenac), Garrett Michael (2A - Sabetha), and Shawn Seematter (1A - St. Mary’s Colgan).&nbsp; The East coaching staff had a combined record of 67-15 in 2023, with five of the seven coaches leading their programs to the State Semifinals. The East staff boasts plenty of experience with both Steve Buhler (2012, 2020) and Jason Swift (2013) having both been Head Coaches in the Shrine Bowl previously.&nbsp; Mark Smith, Garrett Michael and Shawn Seematter were all on the 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl East staff that helped lead the East team to their most recent victory over the West, a 21-14 victory in Pittsburg. Smith was also part of a Shrine Bowl victory for the East team in 2004 as a player, the only former player on the 2024 East coaching staff.

Assistant coaches for the West team are Dominick Dingle (6A - Wichita Heights), Darrin Fisher (5A - Eisenhower), Jeremiah Meeks (4A - Wellington), Trey Teeter (3A - Holcomb), Mitch Gebhardt (2A - Southeast of Saline), and Nicolas Schmidt (1A - Medicine Lodge). The West Coaching staff had a combined 56-20 record in 2023, with 1A Assistant Nicolas Schmidt making the deepest postseason run with a semifinal appearance at Medicine Lodge. Outside of Head Coach Jace Pavlovich, the West staff will all be coaching in the Kansas Shrine Bowl for the first time. Only Trey Teeter, Holcomb, has previous Kansas Shrine Bowl experience as a player on the 2016 West team.

“We’re excited to have this group of coaches on board for the 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Brice Kesler of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “They give up valuable family time and time with their own programs to be a part of this great tradition. This is a group of men and leaders who truly understand our cause and the purpose of this event. We’re thrilled to have their knowledge and leadership for our respective teams this year.”

The annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Player Selection Show is set to air on Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 10 a.m. The show can be watched live at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/KansasShrineBowl" target="_blank">www.Youtube.com/KansasShrineBowl</a>.

For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>&nbsp;or call the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656.

All Kansas Shrine Bowl events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. In 2023, the Kansas Shrine Bowl donated $100,000 to Shriners Children’s and has given more than $3.8M since 1974. Shriners Children’s offers care for a range of orthopedic issues, as well as care for burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care and spinal cord injuries, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year in Kansas, by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, now known as Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has donated over $3.8M to Shriners Children’s.

The game has been played throughout Kansas each summer since 1974. Host cities have included Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City and Hutchinson.&nbsp; The West football team camp will be held at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, and the East team camp will be held at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. The East Camp Directors are Jack Call and Jim Whitehead. The West Camp Directors are Richard Steele and Greg King. &nbsp;

Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2023, the West leads the series with 31 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Notable NFL alumni include Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau, current NFL player Cody Whitehair, and many others.

The Kansas Shrine Bowl week also includes the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, Kansas Shrine Bowl Cheer Camp, Friday Night Event, Pep Rally, Parade, Golf Tournament and more. Learn more about other events during the week of the Kansas Shrine Bowl at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/events" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/events</a>.

2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Weston Moody High School: Wamego 2023 Record: 9-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 47-18 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2023) High School Played For: Salina South Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Fort Hays State

6A Assistant Coach: Steve Buhler High School: Washburn Rural 2023 Record: 11-1 Overall Head Coach Record: 184-97 (Washburn Rural, Rossville) Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Head Coach (2020, 2012); Assistant (2001, 2006, 2011, 2019) High School Played For: Regis Jesuit (Denver, CO) Undergraduate: Benedictine Graduate: Fort Hays State

5A Assistant Coach: Jason Swift High School: Shawnee Heights 2023 Record: 8-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 101-111 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Head Coach (2013); Assistant (2012, 2020) High School Played For: Blue Valley Undergraduate: Emporia State Graduate: Baker

4A Assistant Coach: Preston Troyer High School: Tonganoxie 2023 Record: 9-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 13-7 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: Lake Highlands (Dallas, TX) Undergraduate: Kansas Graduate: Fort Hays State

3A Assistant Coach: Mark Smith High School: Frontenac 2023 Record: 9-2 Overall Head Coach Record: 94-38 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2018), East Player (2004) High School Played For: St. Mary’s Colgan Undergraduate: Pittsburg State Graduate: Pittsburg State

2A Assistant Coach: Garrett Michael High School: Sabetha 2023 Record: 10-2 Overall Head Coach Record: 104-59 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2018) High School Played For: Silver Lake Undergraduate: Kansas State Graduate: Baker

1A Assistant Coach: Shawn Seematter High School: St. Mary’s Colgan 2023 Record: 11-1 Overall Head Coach Record: 57-21 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2018) High School Played For: Royal Valley Undergraduate: Kansas State Graduate: Fort Hays State

2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Jace Pavlovich High School: McPherson 2023 Record: 7-4 Overall Head Coach Record: 79-22 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2023) High School Played For: Onaga &amp; Canton-Galva Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Fort Hays State

6A Assistant Coach: Dominick Dingle High School: Wichita Heights 2023 Record: 5-4 Overall Head Coach Record: 26-7 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: LeavenworthUndergraduate: Appalachian State Graduate: Pittsburg State

5A Assistant Coach: Darrin Fisher High School: Eisenhower 2023 Record: 10-2 Overall Head Coach Record: 29-39 (Eisenhower, Canton-Galva) Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: Englewood, CO

4A Assistant Coach: Jeremiah Meeks High School: Wellington 2023 Record: 8-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 34-37 (Wellington, Moundridge, Pawnee Heights) Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: Hanston Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Emporia State

3A Assistant Coach: Trey Teeter High School: Holcomb 2023 Record: 7-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 7-3 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: West Player (2016) High School Played For: Goodland &amp; Holcomb Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Emporia State

2A Assistant Coach: Mitch Gebhardt High School: Southeast of Saline 2023 Record: 10-1 Overall Head Coach Record: 131-74 (Southeast of Saline, Lincoln) Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: Ellsworth Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Fort Hays State

1A Assistant Coach: Nicolas Schmidt High School: Medicine Lodge 2023 Record: 9-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 12-9 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: TMP-Marian Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Fort Hays State

KANSAS-&nbsp;The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is happy to announce the assistant coaches for the 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth. The assistant coaches are chosen based on the success of their season, as well as eligibility limitations and coach availability. The East assistant coaching staff features five coaches with Shrine Bowl experience, while the West assistant coaching staff will all be making their first coaching appearance in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.&nbsp; The 2024 Head Coaches, announced earlier this year, are Wamego’s Weston Moody for the East and McPherson’s Jace Pavlovich for the West.&nbsp; The 51st Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played at Welch Stadium, on the campus of Emporia State University, on Saturday, June 29th, 2024, at 7 p.m.The Assistant coaches for the East team are Steve Buhler (6A - Washburn Rural), Jason Swift (5A - Shawnee Heights), Preston Troyer (4A - Tonganoxie), Mark Smith (3A - Frontenac), Garrett Michael (2A - Sabetha), and Shawn Seematter (1A - St. Mary’s Colgan).&nbsp; The East coaching staff had a combined record of 67-15 in 2023, with five of the seven coaches leading their programs to the State Semifinals. The East staff boasts plenty of experience with both Steve Buhler (2012, 2020) and Jason Swift (2013) having both been Head Coaches in the Shrine Bowl previously.&nbsp; Mark Smith, Garrett Michael and Shawn Seematter were all on the 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl East staff that helped lead the East team to their most recent victory over the West, a 21-14 victory in Pittsburg. Smith was also part of a Shrine Bowl victory for the East team in 2004 as a player, the only former player on the 2024 East coaching staff.Assistant coaches for the West team are Dominick Dingle (6A - Wichita Heights), Darrin Fisher (5A - Eisenhower), Jeremiah Meeks (4A - Wellington), Trey Teeter (3A - Holcomb), Mitch Gebhardt (2A - Southeast of Saline), and Nicolas Schmidt (1A - Medicine Lodge). The West Coaching staff had a combined 56-20 record in 2023, with 1A Assistant Nicolas Schmidt making the deepest postseason run with a semifinal appearance at Medicine Lodge. Outside of Head Coach Jace Pavlovich, the West staff will all be coaching in the Kansas Shrine Bowl for the first time. Only Trey Teeter, Holcomb, has previous Kansas Shrine Bowl experience as a player on the 2016 West team.“We’re excited to have this group of coaches on board for the 2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Brice Kesler of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “They give up valuable family time and time with their own programs to be a part of this great tradition. This is a group of men and leaders who truly understand our cause and the purpose of this event. We’re thrilled to have their knowledge and leadership for our respective teams this year.”The annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Player Selection Show is set to air on Monday, January 1st, 2024 at 10 a.m. The show can be watched live at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/KansasShrineBowl" target="_blank">www.Youtube.com/KansasShrineBowl</a>.For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>&nbsp;or call the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656.All Kansas Shrine Bowl events are produced and presented to benefit Shriners Children’s. In 2023, the Kansas Shrine Bowl donated $100,000 to Shriners Children’s and has given more than $3.8M since 1974. Shriners Children’s offers care for a range of orthopedic issues, as well as care for burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care and spinal cord injuries, colorectal and gastrointestinal care, and sports medicine. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients' ability to pay.The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year in Kansas, by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children, now known as Shriners Children’s. The Kansas Shrine Bowl has donated over $3.8M to Shriners Children’s.The game has been played throughout Kansas each summer since 1974. Host cities have included Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Topeka, Hays, Emporia, Pittsburg, Dodge City and Hutchinson.&nbsp; The West football team camp will be held at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, and the East team camp will be held at Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. The East Camp Directors are Jack Call and Jim Whitehead. The West Camp Directors are Richard Steele and Greg King. &nbsp;Beginning in 1974, the flagship event has been the East/West All-Star Football Game. As of 2023, the West leads the series with 31 wins, the East has 17 wins, and there have been two ties. Notable NFL alumni include Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, All-Pro Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson, All-Pro NFL Defensive Back Terrance Newman, former Kansas State and Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Gary Spani, former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Mark Simoneau, current NFL player Cody Whitehair, and many others.The Kansas Shrine Bowl week also includes the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band Camp, Kansas Shrine Bowl Cheer Camp, Friday Night Event, Pep Rally, Parade, Golf Tournament and more. Learn more about other events during the week of the Kansas Shrine Bowl at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/events" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/events</a>.2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl East Coaching StaffHead Coach: Weston Moody High School: Wamego 2023 Record: 9-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 47-18 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2023) High School Played For: Salina South Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Fort Hays State6A Assistant Coach: Steve Buhler High School: Washburn Rural 2023 Record: 11-1 Overall Head Coach Record: 184-97 (Washburn Rural, Rossville) Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Head Coach (2020, 2012); Assistant (2001, 2006, 2011, 2019) High School Played For: Regis Jesuit (Denver, CO) Undergraduate: Benedictine Graduate: Fort Hays State5A Assistant Coach: Jason Swift High School: Shawnee Heights 2023 Record: 8-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 101-111 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Head Coach (2013); Assistant (2012, 2020) High School Played For: Blue Valley Undergraduate: Emporia State Graduate: Baker4A Assistant Coach: Preston Troyer High School: Tonganoxie 2023 Record: 9-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 13-7 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: Lake Highlands (Dallas, TX) Undergraduate: Kansas Graduate: Fort Hays State 3A Assistant Coach: Mark Smith High School: Frontenac 2023 Record: 9-2 Overall Head Coach Record: 94-38 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2018), East Player (2004) High School Played For: St. Mary’s Colgan Undergraduate: Pittsburg State Graduate: Pittsburg State2A Assistant Coach: Garrett Michael High School: Sabetha 2023 Record: 10-2 Overall Head Coach Record: 104-59 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2018) High School Played For: Silver Lake Undergraduate: Kansas State Graduate: Baker1A Assistant Coach: Shawn Seematter High School: St. Mary’s Colgan 2023 Record: 11-1 Overall Head Coach Record: 57-21 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2018) High School Played For: Royal Valley Undergraduate: Kansas State Graduate: Fort Hays State2024 Kansas Shrine Bowl West Coaching StaffHead Coach: Jace Pavlovich High School: McPherson 2023 Record: 7-4 Overall Head Coach Record: 79-22 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: Assistant (2023) High School Played For: Onaga &amp; Canton-Galva Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Fort Hays State6A Assistant Coach: Dominick Dingle High School: Wichita Heights 2023 Record: 5-4 Overall Head Coach Record: 26-7 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: LeavenworthUndergraduate: Appalachian State Graduate: Pittsburg State5A Assistant Coach: Darrin Fisher High School: Eisenhower 2023 Record: 10-2 Overall Head Coach Record: 29-39 (Eisenhower, Canton-Galva) Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: Englewood, CO 4A Assistant Coach: Jeremiah Meeks High School: Wellington 2023 Record: 8-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 34-37 (Wellington, Moundridge, Pawnee Heights) Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: Hanston Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Emporia State3A Assistant Coach: Trey Teeter High School: Holcomb 2023 Record: 7-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 7-3 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: West Player (2016) High School Played For: Goodland &amp; Holcomb Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Emporia State2A Assistant Coach: Mitch Gebhardt High School: Southeast of Saline 2023 Record: 10-1 Overall Head Coach Record: 131-74 (Southeast of Saline, Lincoln) Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: Ellsworth Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Fort Hays State1A Assistant Coach: Nicolas Schmidt High School: Medicine Lodge 2023 Record: 9-3 Overall Head Coach Record: 12-9 Kansas Shrine Bowl Experience: none High School Played For: TMP-Marian Undergraduate: Fort Hays State Graduate: Fort Hays State

Kansas Shrine Bowl Announces 2024 Assistant Coaches

MANHATTAN —Kansas State senior forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin is no longer a member of the basketball program.&nbsp;

A statement from K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor released late Wednesday said, “We have heard the concerns and the questions from K-State fans and friends around Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s indefinite suspension from the men’s basketball team."

“Situations like these are difficult. We know you want answers, but federal privacy laws largely prohibit the University and K-State Athletics from publicly discussing specific information around circumstances like this. Those laws are in place to protect our student-athletes, and more specifically in this instance, to protect Nae’Qwan as he is working through a process designed to support him and lift him out of a difficult time."

"Allowing for that space and time is critical, but in today’s digital age, that unfortunately can lead to the spread of rumors and misinformation — and in this case, much of the information on social media is incorrect."

“I have been monitoring this situation and overseeing Nae’Qwan’s suspension with Coach Tang’s involvement. While we cannot share the specifics that have led to this outcome due to the reasons stated above, K-State Athletics can now share that Nae’Qwan Tomlin will no longer be able to continue with the K-State men’s basketball team."

"This decision was not made lightly by me, but it is the decision warranted by the circumstances that brought it to bear," according to Taylor.

Just before 2a.m. October 29, <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/43e99053-dc8f-48ea-9281-3a6e500b27d7">police arrested 22-year-old Nae'Qwan Tommy Nicholas Tomlin at Tubby's Sports Bar</a>, 1127 Moro Street in Manhattan, according to the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/583e809f-4962-48ec-a53e-f6b724db00bb">Riley County Police Department arrest report</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tomlin&nbsp;averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds and started all 36 games for the Wildcats last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698592993697.png" alt="Tomlin-photo KSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Tomlin-photo KSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN —Kansas State senior forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin is no longer a member of the basketball program.&nbsp;A statement from K-State Athletic Director Gene Taylor released late Wednesday said, “We have heard the concerns and the questions from K-State fans and friends around Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s indefinite suspension from the men’s basketball team."“Situations like these are difficult. We know you want answers, but federal privacy laws largely prohibit the University and K-State Athletics from publicly discussing specific information around circumstances like this. Those laws are in place to protect our student-athletes, and more specifically in this instance, to protect Nae’Qwan as he is working through a process designed to support him and lift him out of a difficult time.""Allowing for that space and time is critical, but in today’s digital age, that unfortunately can lead to the spread of rumors and misinformation — and in this case, much of the information on social media is incorrect."“I have been monitoring this situation and overseeing Nae’Qwan’s suspension with Coach Tang’s involvement. While we cannot share the specifics that have led to this outcome due to the reasons stated above, K-State Athletics can now share that Nae’Qwan Tomlin will no longer be able to continue with the K-State men’s basketball team.""This decision was not made lightly by me, but it is the decision warranted by the circumstances that brought it to bear," according to Taylor.Just before 2a.m. October 29, <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/43e99053-dc8f-48ea-9281-3a6e500b27d7">police arrested 22-year-old Nae'Qwan Tommy Nicholas Tomlin at Tubby's Sports Bar</a>, 1127 Moro Street in Manhattan, according to the <a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/583e809f-4962-48ec-a53e-f6b724db00bb">Riley County Police Department arrest report</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tomlin&nbsp;averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds and started all 36 games for the Wildcats last season.

🏀 Nae’Qwan Tomlin dismissed from the K-State basketball team

6A Girls 1. OP-Blue Valley North 2. Shawnee Mission South 3. Wichita South 4. OP-Blue Valley 5. Wichita Heights 6. Topeka-Washburn Rural 7. Wichita Southeast 8. Olathe Northwest 9. Lawrence 10. Liberal

5A Girls 1. Andover 2. OP-St. Thomas Aquinas 3. Lenexa-St. James Academy 4. Topeka - Seaman 5. Wichita - Bishop Carroll 6. Emporia 7. Maize South 8. Basehor-Linwood 9. Andover Central 10. Topeka-Highland Park

4A Girls 1. Bishop Miege 2. McPherson 3. Wamego 4. Wellington 5. Parsons 6. Clay Center 7. Tonganoxie 8. Eudora 9. Altamont- Labette County 10. Independence

3A Girls 1. Silver Lake 2. Topeka - Hayden 3. Colby 4. Seneca-Nemaha Central 5. Hesston 6. Carbondale - Santa Fe Trail 7. Rossville 8. Halstead 9. Cheney 10. Goodland

2A Girls 1. Pittsburg-St. Mary's Colgan 2. Wathena - Riverside 3. Hillsboro 4. Hoxie 5. Leoti-Wichita County 6. Wichita-The Independent School 7. Smith Center 8. Elbing-Berean Academy 9. Remington 10. Eureka

1A-Div 1-Girls 1. Little River 2. Frankfort 3. Clyde - Clifton-Clyde 4. Montezuma-South Gray 5. Highland - Doniphan West 6. St. John - Hudson 7. Norwich 8. Olpe 9. Claflin -Central Plains 10. Centralia

1A-Div 2- Girls 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Bucklin 4. Beloit-St. John's /Tipton 5. Sharon Springs-Wallace County 6. Hutchinson -Central Christian 7. South Haven 8. Attica 9. Ingalls 10. Wheatland/Grinnell

6A Boys 1. Wichita Heights 2. OP-Blue Valley Northwest 3. Shawnee Mission Northwest 4. Shawnee-Mill Valley 5. Derby 6. Olathe North 7. Olathe West 8. Topeka-Washburn Rural 9. Lawrence 10. OP- Blue Valley

5A Boys 1. Maize South 2. Wichita- Kapaun Mt. Carmel 3. Topeka - Highland Park 4. De Soto 5. Topeka - Seaman 6. OP-Blue Valley Southwest 7. Topeka- West 8. Andover 9. Pittsburg 10. Hutchinson

4A Boys 1. McPherson 2. Hugoton 3. Atchison 4. Bishop Miege 5. Eudora 6. Towanda-Circle 7. Baldwin 8. St. George-Rock Creek 9. Ottawa 10. Fort Scott

3A Boys 1. Wichita-Collegiate 2. Hesston 3. Cheney 4. Beloit 5. Haven 6. Wellsville 7. Marysville 8. Galena 9. Gypsum - Southeast of Saline 10. Topeka-Hayden

2A Boys 1 Sterling 2 Wichita Independent 3 Moundridge 4 Bennington 5 Meade 6 Pittsburgh-St. Mary's Colgan 7 Lyndon 8 Medicine Lodge 9 Oxford 10 Sedan

1A-Div 1-Boys 1. Montezuma-South Gray 2. Coldwater-South Central 3. Macksville 4. Osborne 5. Olpe 6. Canton-Galva 7. Clyde - Clifton-Clyde 8. Little River 9. Centralia 10. Sylvan-Lucas

1A-Div 2-Boys 1. Lebo 2. Axtell 3. McPherson-Elyria Christian 4. Hanover 5. Almena-Northern Valley 6. Beloit-St. John's/Tipton 7. Dighton 8. Cunningham 9. Hartford 10. Bucklin

GIRLS RANKINGS6A Girls 1. OP-Blue Valley North 2. Shawnee Mission South 3. Wichita South 4. OP-Blue Valley 5. Wichita Heights 6. Topeka-Washburn Rural 7. Wichita Southeast 8. Olathe Northwest 9. Lawrence 10. Liberal5A Girls 1. Andover 2. OP-St. Thomas Aquinas 3. Lenexa-St. James Academy 4. Topeka - Seaman 5. Wichita - Bishop Carroll 6. Emporia 7. Maize South 8. Basehor-Linwood 9. Andover Central 10. Topeka-Highland Park4A Girls 1. Bishop Miege 2. McPherson 3. Wamego 4. Wellington 5. Parsons 6. Clay Center 7. Tonganoxie 8. Eudora 9. Altamont- Labette County 10. Independence3A Girls 1. Silver Lake 2. Topeka - Hayden 3. Colby 4. Seneca-Nemaha Central 5. Hesston 6. Carbondale - Santa Fe Trail 7. Rossville 8. Halstead 9. Cheney 10. Goodland2A Girls 1. Pittsburg-St. Mary's Colgan 2. Wathena - Riverside 3. Hillsboro 4. Hoxie 5. Leoti-Wichita County 6. Wichita-The Independent School 7. Smith Center 8. Elbing-Berean Academy 9. Remington 10. Eureka1A-Div 1-Girls 1. Little River 2. Frankfort 3. Clyde - Clifton-Clyde 4. Montezuma-South Gray 5. Highland - Doniphan West 6. St. John - Hudson 7. Norwich 8. Olpe 9. Claflin -Central Plains 10. Centralia 1A-Div 2- Girls 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Bucklin 4. Beloit-St. John's /Tipton 5. Sharon Springs-Wallace County 6. Hutchinson -Central Christian 7. South Haven 8. Attica 9. Ingalls 10. Wheatland/GrinnellBOYS RANKINGS6A Boys 1. Wichita Heights 2. OP-Blue Valley Northwest 3. Shawnee Mission Northwest 4. Shawnee-Mill Valley 5. Derby 6. Olathe North 7. Olathe West 8. Topeka-Washburn Rural 9. Lawrence 10. OP- Blue Valley 5A Boys 1. Maize South 2. Wichita- Kapaun Mt. Carmel 3. Topeka - Highland Park 4. De Soto 5. Topeka - Seaman 6. OP-Blue Valley Southwest 7. Topeka- West 8. Andover 9. Pittsburg 10. Hutchinson4A Boys 1. McPherson 2. Hugoton 3. Atchison 4. Bishop Miege 5. Eudora 6. Towanda-Circle 7. Baldwin 8. St. George-Rock Creek 9. Ottawa 10. Fort Scott3A Boys 1. Wichita-Collegiate 2. Hesston 3. Cheney 4. Beloit 5. Haven 6. Wellsville 7. Marysville 8. Galena 9. Gypsum - Southeast of Saline 10. Topeka-Hayden2A Boys 1 Sterling 2 Wichita Independent 3 Moundridge 4 Bennington 5 Meade 6 Pittsburgh-St. Mary's Colgan 7 Lyndon 8 Medicine Lodge 9 Oxford 10 Sedan 1A-Div 1-Boys 1. Montezuma-South Gray 2. Coldwater-South Central 3. Macksville 4. Osborne 5. Olpe 6. Canton-Galva 7. Clyde - Clifton-Clyde 8. Little River 9. Centralia 10. Sylvan-Lucas 1A-Div 2-Boys 1. Lebo 2. Axtell 3. McPherson-Elyria Christian 4. Hanover 5. Almena-Northern Valley 6. Beloit-St. John's/Tipton 7. Dighton 8. Cunningham 9. Hartford 10. Bucklin

KBCA HS Basketball Rankings: Week Two

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will hit the road tonight for the first of two final regular season games in 2023.

The Coyotes will square off with Ottawa on Tuesday evening before returning to Salina to face Saint Mary on Saturday.

Team Records - Kansas Wesleyan WBB (5-5, 3-1 in KCAC) - Ottawa WBB (4-4, 1-3 in KCAC) - Kansas Wesleyan MBB (6-3, 3-1 in KCAC) - Ottawa MBB (5-5, 2-2 in KCAC)

The Series On the women's side the Coyotes have won eight of the last ten meetings with Ottawa. KWU won both regular season match-ups last season, 72-55 on December 7 at home; and 70-68 on February 4 in Ottawa. Ottawa won the KCAC quarterfinal match-up 74-70. KWU is 46-45 all-time against Ottawa.

On the men's side, the Coyotes have won three in a row against Ottawa and are 5-5 in the last 10 games. KWU swept last year's meetings, December 7 in Salina 78-77; and February 4 in Ottawa 87-76. This will be the 196th meeting between the teams. Ottawa leads the all-time series 107-88.

The Kansas Wesleyan basketball teams will hit the road tonight for the first of two final regular season games in 2023.The Coyotes will square off with Ottawa on Tuesday evening before returning to Salina to face Saint Mary on Saturday.Team Records - Kansas Wesleyan WBB (5-5, 3-1 in KCAC) - Ottawa WBB (4-4, 1-3 in KCAC) - Kansas Wesleyan MBB (6-3, 3-1 in KCAC) - Ottawa MBB (5-5, 2-2 in KCAC)The Series On the women's side the Coyotes have won eight of the last ten meetings with Ottawa. KWU won both regular season match-ups last season, 72-55 on December 7 at home; and 70-68 on February 4 in Ottawa. Ottawa won the KCAC quarterfinal match-up 74-70. KWU is 46-45 all-time against Ottawa.On the men's side, the Coyotes have won three in a row against Ottawa and are 5-5 in the last 10 games. KWU swept last year's meetings, December 7 in Salina 78-77; and February 4 in Ottawa 87-76. This will be the 196th meeting between the teams. Ottawa leads the all-time series 107-88.Live Coverage<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/505fdff8-6e3f-4b5a-84f7-d71bae2975c6?elinkdata=3154" target="_blank">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d50338f-d80c-492e-b1a0-14217671d38b?elinkdata=3154" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a>&nbsp;for the women and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/30c325cd-e10d-46cb-a31d-431e0e12e127?elinkdata=3176" target="_blank">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/mbball/summary</a>&nbsp;for the men</li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post. The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9b80b14c-bd82-476d-8980-230405f59485?elinkdata=3154" target="_blank">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>. Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at 5:30 on Wednesday.</li>
 </ul>

KWU Basketball Travels to Ottawa for Doubleheader on KINA

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UMKC-game-book.pdf">BOX SCORE</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/09-Kansas-City.pdf">POSTGAME NOTES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/mens-basketball-vs-kansas-city/">GALLERY</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. had a career-high 25 points, KJ Adams scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half, and second-ranked Kansas beat Kansas City in an 88-69 victory Tuesday night.

Hunter Dickinson added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Jayhawks (8-1), who appeared to be caught looking ahead — or behind — in a pitfall-type game between their win over No. 5 UConn last week and their game against bitter rival Missouri on Saturday.

Cameron Faas and Khristion Courseault scored 18 points apiece to lead the Roos (6-3), who trailed by eight with three-and-a-half minutes left before the Jayhawks scored 10-straight points to put the game away.

The Jayhawks initially looked as if they carried the momentum from their win over the Huskies into Tuesday night. They opened on a 14-4 run, followed with a 15-3 charge fueled by easy transition buckets, and they eventually built a 31-11 lead.

Undaunted, the Roos responded by outscoring their mighty neighbor to the west 19-14 heading into the break, then kept coming in the second half.

The Jayhawks pushed the lead to 75-57 with just under five minutes left, but the Roos scored 10 unanswered points on just three trips down the floor, forcing Kansas coach Bill Self to call two timeouts in rapid succession.

Kansas scored 10 consecutive points out of the last timeout to lock up the win. Freshman Johnny Furphy tabbed 10 points, all of which came in the second half to help the Jayhawks in its Tuesday night victory.

UP NEXT Kansas City plays Lindenwood, which moved up to Division I last year, on Saturday.

Kansas welcomes the Missouri Tigers back to Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701834950433.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas Athletics<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/UMKC-game-book.pdf">BOX SCORE</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/09-Kansas-City.pdf">POSTGAME NOTES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/mens-basketball-vs-kansas-city/">GALLERY</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. had a career-high 25 points, KJ Adams scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half, and second-ranked Kansas beat Kansas City in an 88-69 victory Tuesday night.Hunter Dickinson added 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Jayhawks (8-1), who appeared to be caught looking ahead — or behind — in a pitfall-type game between their win over No. 5 UConn last week and their game against bitter rival Missouri on Saturday.Cameron Faas and Khristion Courseault scored 18 points apiece to lead the Roos (6-3), who trailed by eight with three-and-a-half minutes left before the Jayhawks scored 10-straight points to put the game away.The Jayhawks initially looked as if they carried the momentum from their win over the Huskies into Tuesday night. They opened on a 14-4 run, followed with a 15-3 charge fueled by easy transition buckets, and they eventually built a 31-11 lead.Undaunted, the Roos responded by outscoring their mighty neighbor to the west 19-14 heading into the break, then kept coming in the second half.The Jayhawks pushed the lead to 75-57 with just under five minutes left, but the Roos scored 10 unanswered points on just three trips down the floor, forcing Kansas coach Bill Self to call two timeouts in rapid succession.Kansas scored 10 consecutive points out of the last timeout to lock up the win. Freshman Johnny Furphy tabbed 10 points, all of which came in the second half to help the Jayhawks in its Tuesday night victory.UP NEXT Kansas City plays Lindenwood, which moved up to Division I last year, on Saturday.Kansas welcomes the Missouri Tigers back to Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday.

🏀 MBB: No. 2 Kansas defeats Kansas City on Tuesday

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma scored 26 points, Tylor Perry hit a step-back 3-pointer to cap the scoring with 3.9 seconds left and Kansas State beat Villanova 72-71 in overtime Tuesday night in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle.

Kansas State (7-2) has won four games in the row, the last three in OT.

Jordan Longino kicked it out to Eric Dixon for a wide-open 3-pointer to give Villanova a four-point lead with 1:20 to play. David N'Guessar made a layup on the other end 32 seconds later before Longino missed a contested pull-up jumper with 25 seconds remaining. Tylor Perry — who had been 1 of 9 from behind the arc to that point — hit a step-back 3 to make it 72-71.

Longino, who led Villanova with 16 points, tried to get to the basket but time expired before he got off a shot. TJ Bamba scored 15 points and Burton added 12 points and 11 rebounds — his second double-double this season. Dixon finished with 11 points and Hakim Hart 10.

Kaluma made 10 of 13 from the field, grabbed nine rebounds and had four assists for Kansas State and Cam Carter scored 10 of his 16 in the second half. Perry had 10 points, on 4-of-12 shooting, with six assists for Kansas State.

Burton hit two free throws early in overtime to make it 65-63 and give Villanova (6-4) its first lead since midway through the first half.

Jerome Tang is 9-0 in overtime games as Kansas State's head coach.

Villanova's Justin Moore left the game in the first half with an apparent knee injury and did not return. The 6-foot-5 guard went into the game second on the team in scoring (14.4 per game) and first in total assists (22) this season.

It was just the second all-time meeting between the schools, the last coming in 1940.

Villanova returns home for a matchup against UCLA on Saturday. Kansas State hits the road to take on LSU on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701831046519.png" alt="photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Arthur Kaluma scored 26 points, Tylor Perry hit a step-back 3-pointer to cap the scoring with 3.9 seconds left and Kansas State beat Villanova 72-71 in overtime Tuesday night in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle.Kansas State (7-2) has won four games in the row, the last three in OT.Jordan Longino kicked it out to Eric Dixon for a wide-open 3-pointer to give Villanova a four-point lead with 1:20 to play. David N'Guessar made a layup on the other end 32 seconds later before Longino missed a contested pull-up jumper with 25 seconds remaining. Tylor Perry — who had been 1 of 9 from behind the arc to that point — hit a step-back 3 to make it 72-71.Longino, who led Villanova with 16 points, tried to get to the basket but time expired before he got off a shot. TJ Bamba scored 15 points and Burton added 12 points and 11 rebounds — his second double-double this season. Dixon finished with 11 points and Hakim Hart 10.Kaluma made 10 of 13 from the field, grabbed nine rebounds and had four assists for Kansas State and Cam Carter scored 10 of his 16 in the second half. Perry had 10 points, on 4-of-12 shooting, with six assists for Kansas State.Burton hit two free throws early in overtime to make it 65-63 and give Villanova (6-4) its first lead since midway through the first half.Jerome Tang is 9-0 in overtime games as Kansas State's head coach.Villanova's Justin Moore left the game in the first half with an apparent knee injury and did not return. The 6-foot-5 guard went into the game second on the team in scoring (14.4 per game) and first in total assists (22) this season.It was just the second all-time meeting between the schools, the last coming in 1940.Villanova returns home for a matchup against UCLA on Saturday. Kansas State hits the road to take on LSU on Saturday.

Tylor Perry's 3 with 3.9 left in OT helps K-State beat Villanova 

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love showed the Kansas City Chiefs just how much he's learned since the last time he faced them.

Love connected with Christian Watson on two of his three touchdown passes and the resurgent Green Bay Packers won their third straight game, 27-19 over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

This marked the first time Love had faced the Chiefs since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-green-bay-packers-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-41a4bb9e3cfea38526e3d0ab0190638a">13-7 loss</a>&nbsp;at Kansas City two years ago in his first career start, after a positive COVID-19 test sidelined Aaron Rodgers.

“Obviously I've had this game circled for a long time,” Love said. “This was my first start and I obviously didn't play how I wanted to the first game. To be able to see these guys and get the victory is huge.”

The Packers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives and never trailed, with their defense making two big stops in the last 5 1/2 minutes. Green Bay knocked down Mahomes' pass into the end zone on the game’s final play.

Since losing four straight earlier this season, the Packers have won four of five to creep into playoff position.

“They're coming together,” Packers cach Matt LaFleur said. “They're working. They're getting better. They're playing faster, playing more confident.”

The Packers (6-6) improved their December record to 16-0 under LaFleur. The only team ever to win more consecutive December games was the San Diego Chargers with 18 straight from 2006-09, before their move to Los Angeles.

Love went 25 of 36 for 267 yards. Tight end Ben Sims had a 1-yard catch for his first career touchdown, and Love added TD passes of 9 and 12 yards to Watson.

Mahomes was 21 of 33 for 210 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (8-4), who lost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-packers-2a1a9e791afbf7a3cb86ec458b1aae67">in front of pop superstar Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;for the first time. Kansas City had won its previous four games Swift had attended since beginning her relationship with tight end Travis Kelce.

Kansas City still leads the AFC West but fell behind three other teams for the top seed in the conference.

“The Packers I thought did a great job tonight,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "They got after us, and it’s a good football team. We’ve got to be able to start faster on both sides of the ball. We’ve got to make sure we take care of that. Whether it was the penalties on offense or whether we weren’t getting off the field on the defensive side, those are things that cost us. We’ve got to learn from that and get better as we go forward.”

Isiah Pacheco rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown before getting ejected for punching Keisean Nixon during a scuffle on the game’s final series. Noah Gray had a 2-yard TD catch early in the fourth quarter that got Kansas City within two.

Mahomes had a couple of late chances to tie the game or take the lead.

Kansas City had a first down just beyond midfield when Nixon picked off Mahomes' pass intended for Skyy Moore with 5:14 left. The turnover set up a 48-yard field goal by Anders Carlson that made it 27-19.

Kansas City got the ball back at its own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts remaining.

Mahomes had a 10-yard run and got hit by Jonathan Owens while going out of bounds, leading to a personal foul that put the ball at Green Bay’s 45. Rashee Rice then appeared to fumble, with Green Bay’s Corey Ballentine returning it for a game-clinching touchdown, but replays showed Rice was down before the ball came loose.

The Chiefs argued in vain for a pass interference call on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the final minute. The Chiefs had the ball at Kansas City’s 33 on the game’s final play, when Mahomes threw into a crowd, and there was plenty of contact before the ball fell to the ground.

Chiefs: LB Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter. S Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the third quarter. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) didn't play.

Packers: Watson injured his hamstring while running for a first down late in the fourth quarter. CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder) missed a fourth consecutive game. RB Aaron Jones (knee) and TE Josiah Deguara (hip) were out for a second straight game.

Packers: At the New York Giants on Monday, Dec. 11.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701665740964.jpeg" alt="Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)." />
 <figcaption>Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke).</figcaption>
 </figure>GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love showed the Kansas City Chiefs just how much he's learned since the last time he faced them.Love connected with Christian Watson on two of his three touchdown passes and the resurgent Green Bay Packers won their third straight game, 27-19 over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.This marked the first time Love had faced the Chiefs since a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-green-bay-packers-kansas-city-kansas-city-chiefs-41a4bb9e3cfea38526e3d0ab0190638a">13-7 loss</a>&nbsp;at Kansas City two years ago in his first career start, after a positive COVID-19 test sidelined Aaron Rodgers.“Obviously I've had this game circled for a long time,” Love said. “This was my first start and I obviously didn't play how I wanted to the first game. To be able to see these guys and get the victory is huge.”The Packers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives and never trailed, with their defense making two big stops in the last 5 1/2 minutes. Green Bay knocked down Mahomes' pass into the end zone on the game’s final play.Since losing four straight earlier this season, the Packers have won four of five to creep into playoff position.“They're coming together,” Packers cach Matt LaFleur said. “They're working. They're getting better. They're playing faster, playing more confident.”The Packers (6-6) improved their December record to 16-0 under LaFleur. The only team ever to win more consecutive December games was the San Diego Chargers with 18 straight from 2006-09, before their move to Los Angeles.Love went 25 of 36 for 267 yards. Tight end Ben Sims had a 1-yard catch for his first career touchdown, and Love added TD passes of 9 and 12 yards to Watson.Mahomes was 21 of 33 for 210 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (8-4), who lost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-packers-2a1a9e791afbf7a3cb86ec458b1aae67">in front of pop superstar Taylor Swift</a>&nbsp;for the first time. Kansas City had won its previous four games Swift had attended since beginning her relationship with tight end Travis Kelce.Kansas City still leads the AFC West but fell behind three other teams for the top seed in the conference.“The Packers I thought did a great job tonight,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "They got after us, and it’s a good football team. We’ve got to be able to start faster on both sides of the ball. We’ve got to make sure we take care of that. Whether it was the penalties on offense or whether we weren’t getting off the field on the defensive side, those are things that cost us. We’ve got to learn from that and get better as we go forward.”Isiah Pacheco rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown before getting ejected for punching Keisean Nixon during a scuffle on the game’s final series. Noah Gray had a 2-yard TD catch early in the fourth quarter that got Kansas City within two.Mahomes had a couple of late chances to tie the game or take the lead.Kansas City had a first down just beyond midfield when Nixon picked off Mahomes' pass intended for Skyy Moore with 5:14 left. The turnover set up a 48-yard field goal by Anders Carlson that made it 27-19.Kansas City got the ball back at its own 30 with 1:09 left and no timeouts remaining.Mahomes had a 10-yard run and got hit by Jonathan Owens while going out of bounds, leading to a personal foul that put the ball at Green Bay’s 45. Rashee Rice then appeared to fumble, with Green Bay’s Corey Ballentine returning it for a game-clinching touchdown, but replays showed Rice was down before the ball came loose.Kansas City couldn’t capitalize.The Chiefs argued in vain for a pass interference call on a long incompletion to Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the final minute. The Chiefs had the ball at Kansas City’s 33 on the game’s final play, when Mahomes threw into a crowd, and there was plenty of contact before the ball fell to the ground.INJURY REPORTChiefs: LB Drue Tranquill left with a concussion in the first quarter. S Bryan Cook was carted off the field with an ankle injury in the third quarter. RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) didn't play.Packers: Watson injured his hamstring while running for a first down late in the fourth quarter. CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder) missed a fourth consecutive game. RB Aaron Jones (knee) and TE Josiah Deguara (hip) were out for a second straight game.UP NEXTChiefs: Host Buffalo next Sunday.Packers: At the New York Giants on Monday, Dec. 11.

Chiefs freeze up in Green Bay, lose ground in AFC with loss to Packers

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For the first time in school history, K-State Nation is headed to Florida for a bowl game, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will take place on Tuesday, December 28 at 4:45 p.m. (CT) and will air on ESPN.

K-State will be playing in the state of Florida for just the seventh time ever and the first since a 28-24 victory at Miami on September 24, 2011."We are thrilled to represent the Big 12 Conference in the Pop-Tarts Bowl," said K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/1976">Chris Klieman</a>, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to four bowl games in his first five seasons. "I am proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for keeping their heads down and grinding through this season. We appreciate Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan and his staff for their interest in us and look forward to heading to Orlando for the first time in school history and preparing for a great opponent in NC State."

The Wildcats finished No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25, a year after ranking No. 9 in the final poll. It marks the first time since 2011 and 2012 they finished ranked in the BCS or CFP Top 25. K-State, which finished with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big 12 action to tie for fourth in the conference, is among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th&nbsp;nationally and rank fourth in the Big 12 with 24. K-State will also be one of just 16 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the last 14 years.

"We are excited to be selected to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl," said Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor. "It will be a phenomenal opportunity for our fans and program as we travel to the state of Florida for the first time in our rich bowl history. We look forward to showcasing our football team and Kansas State University in Orlando, and I know our fans will continue to uphold their national reputation for traveling to bowl games when we head to the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Congratulations to our players and coaching staff for another great season as I know they are excited to end the year in this terrific bowl game."

Kansas State's eight-win regular season makes the Wildcats the only current Big 12 team with a three-year streak of winning at least eight games, while they are one of only 11 Power 5 teams to claim that feat. K-State's four losses in 2023 were by a combined 21 points as its 5.25 average margin of defeat this season is the smallest among three- and four-loss Power 5 teams.

Additionally, K-State enters bowl season as one of just 11 Power 5 teams ranked in the top 30 in both scoring offense (37.8 points per game) and scoring defense (21.2 points per game), as the Wildcats rank second in the Big 12 in each of those categories. Kansas State opened the 2023 campaign with a pair of home wins over SEMO and Troy – the latter being an 11-win Sun Belt Conference Champion – by a combined score of 87-13. The Wildcats closed non-conference play with a 30-27 loss at Missouri on an SEC-record 61-yard field goal, which propelled the Tigers throughout the season as they finished ninth in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Missouri will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

The Wildcats opened Big 12 play with a 44-31 home victory over UCF but dropped a 29-21 Friday-night contest at Oklahoma State, a team that went on to play for the Big 12 Championship. Sitting at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play, K-State won five of its final seven games, which included a road win at Texas Tech (38-21), back-to-back blowouts of TCU (41-3) and Houston (41-0), a 34-point victory over Baylor (59-25) and a come-from-behind 31-27 victory at then-No. 25 Kansas, the Wildcats' 15th-straight victory over its in-state rival. The first of just two losses over the final half of the season was at Texas, a game in which K-State battled back from a 27-7 deficit to force overtime before eventually falling to the playoff-bound Longhorns, 33-30. The other loss was a 42-35 home setback to Iowa State in a snowy battle in the final regular-season game. K-State and NC State will meet on the gridiron for the first time ever, while it will be the Wildcats' first game against a current ACC member since a 52-13 home victory over Miami. 

The 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl will be the first time ever the Wildcats will play a bowl game against a team in the ACC at the time of the game. K-State did defeat current ACC member Syracuse, 35-18, in the 1997 Fiesta Bowl and lost to the Orange in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl and 2010 Pinstripe Bowl when it was a member of the Big East, while the Wildcats lost another Big East-turned-ACC member Boston College in the 1994 Aloha Bowl.NC State finished the regular season with a 9-3 overall record and 6-2 ACC record to finish third in the conference. 

The Wolfpack enters the Pop-Tarts Bowl on a five-game winning streak, including a 24-17 win over Clemson, which finished at No. 23 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25.Tickets in the official K-State sections are available now online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame">www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame</a>&nbsp;and via phone beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Remaining tickets in the official K-State sections are priced by the bowl beginning at $45 and up to $170. Tickets in some sections were sold out through pre-orders. All Ahearn Fund members and fans who pre-ordered tickets will receive communication with information regarding their requests by the end of the day. K-State students will receive information regarding student tickets via email today.

The K-State Alumni Association will also provide official travel packages to the bowl game. Visit the Alumni Association's official bowl travel page –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesportstours.com/">www.k-statesportstours.com</a>&nbsp;– for travel package information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701640343070.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For the first time in school history, K-State Nation is headed to Florida for a bowl game, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will take place on Tuesday, December 28 at 4:45 p.m. (CT) and will air on ESPN.K-State will be playing in the state of Florida for just the seventh time ever and the first since a 28-24 victory at Miami on September 24, 2011."We are thrilled to represent the Big 12 Conference in the Pop-Tarts Bowl," said K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/1976">Chris Klieman</a>, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to four bowl games in his first five seasons. "I am proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for keeping their heads down and grinding through this season. We appreciate Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan and his staff for their interest in us and look forward to heading to Orlando for the first time in school history and preparing for a great opponent in NC State."The Wildcats finished No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25, a year after ranking No. 9 in the final poll. It marks the first time since 2011 and 2012 they finished ranked in the BCS or CFP Top 25. K-State, which finished with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big 12 action to tie for fourth in the conference, is among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th&nbsp;nationally and rank fourth in the Big 12 with 24. K-State will also be one of just 16 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the last 14 years."We are excited to be selected to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl," said Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor. "It will be a phenomenal opportunity for our fans and program as we travel to the state of Florida for the first time in our rich bowl history. We look forward to showcasing our football team and Kansas State University in Orlando, and I know our fans will continue to uphold their national reputation for traveling to bowl games when we head to the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Congratulations to our players and coaching staff for another great season as I know they are excited to end the year in this terrific bowl game."Kansas State's eight-win regular season makes the Wildcats the only current Big 12 team with a three-year streak of winning at least eight games, while they are one of only 11 Power 5 teams to claim that feat. K-State's four losses in 2023 were by a combined 21 points as its 5.25 average margin of defeat this season is the smallest among three- and four-loss Power 5 teams.Additionally, K-State enters bowl season as one of just 11 Power 5 teams ranked in the top 30 in both scoring offense (37.8 points per game) and scoring defense (21.2 points per game), as the Wildcats rank second in the Big 12 in each of those categories. Kansas State opened the 2023 campaign with a pair of home wins over SEMO and Troy – the latter being an 11-win Sun Belt Conference Champion – by a combined score of 87-13. The Wildcats closed non-conference play with a 30-27 loss at Missouri on an SEC-record 61-yard field goal, which propelled the Tigers throughout the season as they finished ninth in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Missouri will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.The Wildcats opened Big 12 play with a 44-31 home victory over UCF but dropped a 29-21 Friday-night contest at Oklahoma State, a team that went on to play for the Big 12 Championship. Sitting at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play, K-State won five of its final seven games, which included a road win at Texas Tech (38-21), back-to-back blowouts of TCU (41-3) and Houston (41-0), a 34-point victory over Baylor (59-25) and a come-from-behind 31-27 victory at then-No. 25 Kansas, the Wildcats' 15th-straight victory over its in-state rival. The first of just two losses over the final half of the season was at Texas, a game in which K-State battled back from a 27-7 deficit to force overtime before eventually falling to the playoff-bound Longhorns, 33-30. The other loss was a 42-35 home setback to Iowa State in a snowy battle in the final regular-season game. K-State and NC State will meet on the gridiron for the first time ever, while it will be the Wildcats' first game against a current ACC member since a 52-13 home victory over Miami. The 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl will be the first time ever the Wildcats will play a bowl game against a team in the ACC at the time of the game. K-State did defeat current ACC member Syracuse, 35-18, in the 1997 Fiesta Bowl and lost to the Orange in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl and 2010 Pinstripe Bowl when it was a member of the Big East, while the Wildcats lost another Big East-turned-ACC member Boston College in the 1994 Aloha Bowl.NC State finished the regular season with a 9-3 overall record and 6-2 ACC record to finish third in the conference. The Wolfpack enters the Pop-Tarts Bowl on a five-game winning streak, including a 24-17 win over Clemson, which finished at No. 23 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25.Tickets in the official K-State sections are available now online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame">www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame</a>&nbsp;and via phone beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Remaining tickets in the official K-State sections are priced by the bowl beginning at $45 and up to $170. Tickets in some sections were sold out through pre-orders. All Ahearn Fund members and fans who pre-ordered tickets will receive communication with information regarding their requests by the end of the day. K-State students will receive information regarding student tickets via email today.The K-State Alumni Association will also provide official travel packages to the bowl game. Visit the Alumni Association's official bowl travel page –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesportstours.com/">www.k-statesportstours.com</a>&nbsp;– for travel package information.

K-State to play in Pop-Tarts Bowl against NC State

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Making their second bowl appearance in as many seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks will play the UNLV Rebels in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, December 26. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. CT inside Chase Field – the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks — and will air on ESPN.

The bowl appearance will be Kansas’ 14th&nbsp;in program history, as the Jayhawks make their second consecutive bowl game for just the second time in program history. This year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be Kansas’ second appearance in the bowl, after playing in the 2008 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, resulting in a 42-21 victory over Minnesota.

Kansas and UNLV will meet for the third time in the series history, as the two teams played in a home-and-home series in 2002 and 2003. Kansas won the most recent meeting in 2003, 46-24, while UNLV won the inaugural matchup in Las Vegas in 2022, 31-20.

The Jayhawks enter the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl with their best regular season record since 2007, finishing 8-4 (5-4 Big 12) in its their third year under head coach Lance Leipold.

Kansas opened the season with a 4-0 start for the second-straight season, rattling off wins against Missouri State (48-17), Illinois (34-23), at Nevada (31-24) and BYU (38-27). Kansas suffered its first lost at No. 3 Texas on Sept. 30, 40-14.

The Jayhawks returned home on Oct. 7 and rushed for 399 yards to defeat UCF, 51-22 for its fifth win. Two weeks later, Kansas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma on Homecoming, 38-33, marking its first win over a top-10 team in Lawrence since 1984, while becoming bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season.

Kansas closed out its regular season with two road wins over its final four games, including a thrilling 28-21 victory over Iowa State in Ames on Nov. 4. Following two-straight losses at home, the Jayhawks completed its regular season with a 49-16 win over Cincinnati on Nov. 25.

The five Big 12 Conference wins for the Jayhawks were the most since the 2007 season, while Kansas reached eight wins for the 15th&nbsp;time in program history.

The Jayhawks will enter the Guaranteed Rate Bowl with the No. 4 total defense in the Big 12, allowing an average of 377.6 yards per game. Kansas’ offense averages 33.6 points per game, which enters bowl game ranked 29th&nbsp;nationally.

UNLV enters the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at 9-4 including a 6-2 record in Mountain West Conference play. The Rebels advanced to the Mountain West Championship, falling to Boise State, 44-20, on Dec. 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701636541497.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Making their second bowl appearance in as many seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks will play the UNLV Rebels in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, December 26. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. CT inside Chase Field – the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks — and will air on ESPN.The bowl appearance will be Kansas’ 14th&nbsp;in program history, as the Jayhawks make their second consecutive bowl game for just the second time in program history. This year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be Kansas’ second appearance in the bowl, after playing in the 2008 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, resulting in a 42-21 victory over Minnesota.Kansas and UNLV will meet for the third time in the series history, as the two teams played in a home-and-home series in 2002 and 2003. Kansas won the most recent meeting in 2003, 46-24, while UNLV won the inaugural matchup in Las Vegas in 2022, 31-20.The Jayhawks enter the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl with their best regular season record since 2007, finishing 8-4 (5-4 Big 12) in its their third year under head coach Lance Leipold.Kansas opened the season with a 4-0 start for the second-straight season, rattling off wins against Missouri State (48-17), Illinois (34-23), at Nevada (31-24) and BYU (38-27). Kansas suffered its first lost at No. 3 Texas on Sept. 30, 40-14.The Jayhawks returned home on Oct. 7 and rushed for 399 yards to defeat UCF, 51-22 for its fifth win. Two weeks later, Kansas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma on Homecoming, 38-33, marking its first win over a top-10 team in Lawrence since 1984, while becoming bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season.Kansas closed out its regular season with two road wins over its final four games, including a thrilling 28-21 victory over Iowa State in Ames on Nov. 4. Following two-straight losses at home, the Jayhawks completed its regular season with a 49-16 win over Cincinnati on Nov. 25.The five Big 12 Conference wins for the Jayhawks were the most since the 2007 season, while Kansas reached eight wins for the 15th&nbsp;time in program history.The Jayhawks will enter the Guaranteed Rate Bowl with the No. 4 total defense in the Big 12, allowing an average of 377.6 yards per game. Kansas’ offense averages 33.6 points per game, which enters bowl game ranked 29th&nbsp;nationally.UNLV enters the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at 9-4 including a 6-2 record in Mountain West Conference play. The Rebels advanced to the Mountain West Championship, falling to Boise State, 44-20, on Dec. 2.

KU to play UNLV in Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26

NEW YORK (AP) —Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama were selected to the College Football Playoff on Sunday, making Florida State the first unbeaten Power Five conference champion to be excluded from the four-team field.

The final season of the four-team playoff before it expands to 12 next year presented the CFP selection committee with its toughest decision in the 10-year history of the postseason system.

The Seminoles (13-0) lost star quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending injury two weeks ago, but continued to win with a backup and then a third-string quarterback. But the committee is instructed to judge the teams for what they are heading into the playoff and decided FSU without Travis was not among the best four in the country.

Michigan will face Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington will play Texas in the Sugar Bowl in the Jan. 1 CFP semifinals. The national championship will be decided Jan. 8 against Houston.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

The four-team version of the College Football Playoff is going out with drama and controversy.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-playoff-championship-saturday-84e1b7f383307b7d91fc122ef8893389">Championship weekend created as many questions as answers</a>&nbsp;for the CFP committee and the selections Sunday will be the first in the 10-year history of the system where the field is truly hard to predict.

No. 2 Michigan (13-0) and No. 3 Washington (13-0) appear to be safely in. There are three — and maybe even four — teams in contention for the final two spots that in most years would have cruised into the CFP.

Not this year. And it won't be a problem next year when the playoff expands to 12 teams.

No. 4 Florida State (13-0), No. 7 Texas (12-1) and No. 8 Alabama (12-1) gave the 13-member committee a lot to think about Saturday night.

The Seminoles finished a perfect regular season with an Atlantic Coast Conference championship, leaning on their defense&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-state-louisville-acc-championship-score-d5c42a5a565809f6defd2ab946c6b34f">to beat No. 15 Louisville</a>&nbsp;while playing a third-string, freshman quarterback.

No unbeaten Power Five champion has ever been left out of the CFP, but with injured star quarterback Jordan Travis out for the season is Florida State really one of the four best teams?

“It’s entertaining to have the conversations, but I don’t think you need a conversation," Florida State coach Mike Norvell told reporters. "This is a team that is deserving. This is a team that earned it.”

Here are few other things that have never happened before that very well might Sunday.

— The No. 1 team heading into championship weekend had never missed the CFP, even with a loss.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-sec-championship-score-2cc4fa17be895cf367a1cd1479f45dff">After losing to Alabama,</a>&nbsp;top-ranked Georgia's quest to become the first team to win three straight national titles is in critical condition.

“When you talk about the four best teams, watch the game,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “Go ask the NFL talent evaluators. Go ask NFL scouts. It’s about the best teams.”

The Bulldogs (12-1) had a 29-game winning streak snapped in the Southeastern Conference championship game, but they might not even be a big part of the committee's discussion for one of the final two spots.

— No team ranked outside the top six of the second-to-last CFP rankings has ever jumped into the final four. Both Alabama and Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-championship-football-score-texas-oklahoma-state-b3dc2af3ee756ecf4e0c4b5d6e5d2d0f">which romped over No. 19 Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;in the Big 12 championship game, have a chance to make that leap Sunday.

— The SEC champion has never been left out of the College Football Playoff. Six times the CFP champion has been from the SEC and twice the conference has had both participants in the title game.

"So we’re the best teams, and do we want the best teams?” Smart asked.

The only thing that is certain heading into college football's selection Sunday is that a few fanbases are bound to be unhappy with the committee's choices.

NEW YORK (AP) —Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama were selected to the College Football Playoff on Sunday, making Florida State the first unbeaten Power Five conference champion to be excluded from the four-team field.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> Semifinal at the Allstate <a href="https://twitter.com/SugarBowlNola?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SugarBowlNola</a> 2️⃣. Washington // <a href="https://twitter.com/UW_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UW_Football</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHuskies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHuskies</a> 🆚 3️⃣. Texas // <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TexasFootball</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HookEm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HookEm</a> Monday, January 1. Will we see the Huskies or the Longhorns in the 2024 College Football Playoff <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalChampionship</a>? 🏈🏆 <a href="https://t.co/awagPMJi0d">pic.twitter.com/awagPMJi0d</a>&mdash; College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/1731367225708167352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The final season of the four-team playoff before it expands to 12 next year presented the CFP selection committee with its toughest decision in the 10-year history of the postseason system.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> Semifinal at the <a href="https://twitter.com/rosebowlgame?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rosebowlgame</a> presented by Prudential 1️⃣. Michigan // <a href="https://twitter.com/UMichFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UMichFootball</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBlue</a> 🆚 4️⃣. Alabama // <a href="https://twitter.com/AlabamaFTBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlabamaFTBL</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RollTide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RollTide</a> Monday, January 1. Will we see the Wolverines or the Crimson Tide in the 2024 CFP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalChampionship</a>? 🏈🏆 <a href="https://t.co/tmQHfm5qxv">pic.twitter.com/tmQHfm5qxv</a>&mdash; College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/1731366938738057474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Seminoles (13-0) lost star quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending injury two weeks ago, but continued to win with a backup and then a third-string quarterback. But the committee is instructed to judge the teams for what they are heading into the playoff and decided FSU without Travis was not among the best four in the country.Michigan will face Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington will play Texas in the Sugar Bowl in the Jan. 1 CFP semifinals. The national championship will be decided Jan. 8 against Houston.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.The four-team version of the College Football Playoff is going out with drama and controversy.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-playoff-championship-saturday-84e1b7f383307b7d91fc122ef8893389">Championship weekend created as many questions as answers</a>&nbsp;for the CFP committee and the selections Sunday will be the first in the 10-year history of the system where the field is truly hard to predict.No. 2 Michigan (13-0) and No. 3 Washington (13-0) appear to be safely in. There are three — and maybe even four — teams in contention for the final two spots that in most years would have cruised into the CFP.Not this year. And it won't be a problem next year when the playoff expands to 12 teams.No. 4 Florida State (13-0), No. 7 Texas (12-1) and No. 8 Alabama (12-1) gave the 13-member committee a lot to think about Saturday night.The Seminoles finished a perfect regular season with an Atlantic Coast Conference championship, leaning on their defense&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-state-louisville-acc-championship-score-d5c42a5a565809f6defd2ab946c6b34f">to beat No. 15 Louisville</a>&nbsp;while playing a third-string, freshman quarterback.No unbeaten Power Five champion has ever been left out of the CFP, but with injured star quarterback Jordan Travis out for the season is Florida State really one of the four best teams?“It’s entertaining to have the conversations, but I don’t think you need a conversation," Florida State coach Mike Norvell told reporters. "This is a team that is deserving. This is a team that earned it.”Here are few other things that have never happened before that very well might Sunday.— The No. 1 team heading into championship weekend had never missed the CFP, even with a loss.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-sec-championship-score-2cc4fa17be895cf367a1cd1479f45dff">After losing to Alabama,</a>&nbsp;top-ranked Georgia's quest to become the first team to win three straight national titles is in critical condition.“When you talk about the four best teams, watch the game,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “Go ask the NFL talent evaluators. Go ask NFL scouts. It’s about the best teams.”The Bulldogs (12-1) had a 29-game winning streak snapped in the Southeastern Conference championship game, but they might not even be a big part of the committee's discussion for one of the final two spots.— No team ranked outside the top six of the second-to-last CFP rankings has ever jumped into the final four. Both Alabama and Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-championship-football-score-texas-oklahoma-state-b3dc2af3ee756ecf4e0c4b5d6e5d2d0f">which romped over No. 19 Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;in the Big 12 championship game, have a chance to make that leap Sunday.— The SEC champion has never been left out of the College Football Playoff. Six times the CFP champion has been from the SEC and twice the conference has had both participants in the title game."So we’re the best teams, and do we want the best teams?” Smart asked.The only thing that is certain heading into college football's selection Sunday is that a few fanbases are bound to be unhappy with the committee's choices.___