OPPONENT 2: FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS
Sept. 9 @Bill Snyder Family Stadium, 6:10 kickoff

Returning Starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense)
2005 Record: 2-9
Coach: Howard Schnellenberger

Owl to Watch: Linebacker Cergile Sincere (6-0, 225 Jr.)
The strength of the Owls' defense lies in the defensive backfield, but the key could very well be the play of Sincere, the top defender in the front seven for FAU. Sincere racked up 70 tackles and tallied two sacks as a sophomore starter last season, and the 6-foot, 225-pound junior must lead a defense that will lack size along the defensive line and also start a pair of sophomores at the other two linebacker spots.

Wildcat to Watch: Running back Thomas Clayton
Clayton will be forced to miss K-State's season opener due to suspension, and it will be interesting to see just how involved last year's starting running back will be upon returning to action in week two. Whoever earns the start in the previous week's game against Illinois State will have an opportunity to establish himself as the starter at running back; will K-State's leading rusher in 2005 be able to make a case for the job if given the opportunity against the Owls?

Instant Analysis: K-State will face its first Division I-A opponent of the 2006 season when Florida Atlantic visits Manhattan on Sept. 9.

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