Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State enters another bowl wondering what could have been. Gone are hopes of a national title, washed away in a late-season drubbing at Nebraska. The Wildcats again received criticism for their weak non-conference schedule, facing Temple and Texas El Paso at home in the season's first two games, However, a win in Lincoln would have had them playing for a title; instead they'll have to settle for a trip to San Diego. QB Jonathan Beasley did his best Michael Bishop impression all season long, only to come up short through the air, completing less than 45 percent of his passes. The Kansas State offense is capable of producing fireworks, but spent most of '99 sporting an inconsistent attack. The Wildcat offense features three different backs who have split time this year due to injury; all three have different running styles, making them a difficult backfield to gameplan for. Defensively, LB Mark Simoneau spearheads one of the country's most punishing groups -- No. 1 in the nation against the pass and ranked among 1-A's top 25 against the run.

Washington Huskies
Rick Neuheisel's first year in the Pacific Northwest got off to a slow start when the Huskies dropped their first two games against BYU and Air Force. By season's end, Neuheisel had saved some face, showing resolve in leading Washington to 7-4 finish. Controlling the clock on offense with a solid ground game allowed the Huskies to get back on track, as well as keep their defense well-rested. A running-back-by-committee system provided fresh legs and a diversified ground assault throughout the year. However, the offense revolved around QB Marques Tuiasosopo, whose 11 interceptions did not reflect poor decision-making on his part, but the weak Husky receiving corps. Tuiasosopo finished with 2,221 passing yards and 541 rushing yards, ranking him at 24th in the nation with 251 yards per game. On defense Washington ranked seventh in the Pac-10 overall, allowing 389 yards a game. However, led by ILB Lester Townes, the Husky defense was a bend-but-don't-break unit that performed well in the red zone.

Keys to the game
1. Washington's time of possession. All season long the Huskies have controlled the clock. The Kansas State offense matches up very well with the Washington defense and will exploit that weaknesses if the Huskies are left on the field for an extended period of time. Washington QB Marques Tuiasosopo will need to work out of the option attack and have success using it if the Huskies are to move the ball on the ground, kill the clock, and keep their defense well rested.

2. Kansas State ILB Mark Simoneau. ILB Mark Simoneau was named to the NCAA's first team All-American lineup and for good reason. Simoneau was the catalyst of one of the nation's best defenses and has the ability to snuff out opposing attack units by himself. Washington's offensive line will need to reach Simoneau on running plays before he can reach the Husky ball carrier. If Simoneau can blow up the Husky running game and turn their offense into a one-dimensional unit it will spell disaster for Neuheisel's team.

3. The efficiency of Wildcat QB Jonathan Beasley. The Huskies' defensive unit will test Kansas State QB Beasley with a couple of third-and-long riddles early. AHow Beasley reacts will possibly dictate the tempo of the game early. Beasley is often erratic, but for the most part he's picked his moments and played up to par in pivotal situations. However, if Beasley cannot convert on third and long it could provide Washington with some momentum early, letting them in the game.

War Room Edge: Kansas State Wildcats
Washington's offense is entirely too inconsistent and one-sided to pose a constant threat against the Kansas State defense. Mark Simoneau and the Wildcat linebacking corps will systematically take Washington QB Marques Tuiasosopo out of his game plan by varying blitz looks and playing a wide zone from time to time, containing his quickness. On offense, Kansas State won't need to worry about throwing the ball. With a comfortable lead it will be able to rely on the strength of the offensive line and running game. This will be a cakewalk for the Wildcats.

Material from The War Room. Visit their web site at http://www.nflwarroom.com