Today is the first meeting since former Kansas State assistant Bob Stoops became head coach at Oklahoma and hired three assistants away from Bill Snyder, his former mentor. While both sides downplay the issue, there is bad blood between Snyder and former assistants Mike Stoops, Brent Venables and Mark Mangino. Snyder, at least publicly, refuses to vent his anger. It's not an issue. Snyder was not upset with the hiring of Mike Stoops, brother of the Oklahoma coach, but is believed to be livid at the hiring of the two other assistants, feeling it would undermine Kansas State's recruiting efforts in the Oklahoma area, which has been successful.
Guys change jobs all the time.
Quarterback Jonathan Beasley accounted for five touchdowns in a game for the second time this season. Beasley is 16-1 as a starter, leads the nation in passing efficiency and is fifth in the nation in individual scoring. Kansas State is often criticized for its easy early-season schedule, but the Sooners had a soft slate before last week's win. Bob Stoops was in charge of a solid defense at Florida under Steve Spurrier, but Oklahoma wins with offense. Senior Josh Heupel has completed 66.5 percent of his passes with nine TDs.