Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops learned a lot of things under former Kansas State coach Bill Snyder. Among the traits passed down from the engineer of the “Manhattan Miracle” was the importance of special teams.

Kansas State used them to fuel their resurgence a little over a decade ago. Kick returns and blocks were a key ingredient in the Wildcats’ winning formula.

“As much as anything, just trying to create points,” Stoops recalled as the reason for the early emphasis. “I think maybe early on we were a little stronger maybe overall defensively early on than we were offensively, and it was a way to create some points and field position, and we felt like maybe if we roughed ‘em, we still had a great defense, maybe we’ll get off the next three downs.”

It’s a tradition the Wildcats have kept going since Snyder stepped down and Ron Prince took over. Prince, a former Virginia assistant, saw how Virginia Tech used special-teams play to boost its status.

No team in the Big 12 has capitalized on special teams points more. Last season’s stunning 41-21 upset of Texas was energized by a kick return and punt return for a touchdown.

This season it’s been blocking kicks that’s helped keep Kansas State competitive.

The Wildcats lead the nation with six blocked kicks — four punts and two extra points — and the punt-return unit has produced five touchdowns this season. To put that in perspective, there have been 10 touchdowns scored via punt returns or punt blocks this season in the Big 12.

Prince is banking on it being a factor when the fourth-ranked Sooners (6-1, 2-1 Big 12) face the Wildcats (4-3, 1-2) at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Snyder Family Stadium.

“ There is a way to win every game,” he said Tuesday. “We are going to have to take a look at it. Most of my concentration has been on their offensive side of the ball. Our offensive coaches will look at their defense and I’ll take a look at that a little bit later this afternoon. The kicking game and turnovers will have an impact for us in a positive way.”

They must for the Wildcats to have a chance at the upset. They’re no better than sixth among Big 12 teams in any offensive or defensive statistic.

Special teams have to be a gamechanger for the Wildcats. The Sooners know it.

Stoops loaded his special teams with starters to shore up some issues in last week’s victory over Kansas. The same model will be followed against the Wildcats.

“Well, it’ll get extra attention this week,” he said.

John Shinn

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