Conference call.

Kansas State's quarterbacks

One was supposed to be the next Michael Bishop. The other was poised to revolutionize--or at least subtly tweak--coach Bill Snyder's safe and steady offensive philosophy. Instead, Ell Roberson and Marc Dunn have two-stepped in and out of the lineup since the beginning of last season, costing the Wildcats valuable offensive consistency.

Roberson gives the team a dangerous, dynamic running threat, and Dunn gives K-State the deep passing game it hasn't had in years. The problem is, both quarterbacks show their talents only sporadically and rarely in big games. Dunn won the starting job in fall practice but already has been replaced by Roberson, who played well in a big win over USC but also fumbled twice and nearly cost the Wildcats the game.

Snyder has done little to stabilize the situation, changing starters and roles all too often. If K-State ever gets consistency at the position--and if either quarterback plays to his potential the Wildcats, who have started 4-0, will play in the Big 12 championship game and possibly a BCS bowl. But for now, the offense will continue to work under the shadow of a quarterback controversy.

QB Jason Thomas, UNLV

A breakout 2000 season--1,708 yards passing, 25 total touchdowns--led to talk of Jason Thomas going pro. But Thomas, now a senior, has thrown for just 1,843 yards and ...