Dustin: [00:00:00] Welcome to Talk Angry with Kuhn and Eldridge on today's show, we will discuss where the shockers are at after six games in a five. And one start we'll also get you ready for two big non-conference match-ups against big 12 opponents. Great show coming up right after this. Welcome back to talk angry with Coon and Eldridge. The shockers are off to a five and one start. And since it's been a little while, since the game in Vegas, I want to start a little bit more big picture today. Taylor, at the beginning of the season, had you said the shockers would be five and one at this point, I think most all fans would be happy with that.

Most expected a one-and-one trip to Vegas. And that means you got a road win over an SEC opponent in Missouri. But on the other hand, I, I just don't know how to feel just yet, because it hasn't necessarily been the most aesthetically pleasing basketball, four out of the six games. actually five out of the six games have been.

Six points or less. It's come down to the end. Very rarely have the shockers been able to, you know, get somewhat of an extended lead. And even with the trip to Vegas, the one in one trip you were so close against Arizona, you go 12 of 24 from the free-throw line and you see an Arizona team. That's now ranked number 11 in the AP poll and you kind of kick yourself and you say, what if so for maybe just for me, or really for all Shakur fans after this five and one start where we're exactly.

Do you think this team is.

Taylor: Yeah. I mean, I think, you kind of hit the nail on the head or it's just, it's not looking pretty great. Now I'm in the five and one record is what everyone, you know, what are the expected at this point? and you know, really the free throw shooting, you hit on that too. And that, you know, really hurt them in the Arizona game.

They come all the way back from 16 down, and if they make their free throws at just an average clip, you know, they, you can make the argument that, which I'll state might've won that game in regulation. Not even didn't even need a overtime, just cause they missed so many freebies at the line. And then kind of the same problem happened at Missouri where, you know, they're up 13 with two minutes left and because of miss free-throws stupid turnovers, you know, and then even before that, you know, they had so many mistakes on the fast break, it was hard to watch and, you know, that should have been a 15 to 20 point win.

And I talked about that because, you know, a six point when at Missouri, you know, no one's gonna, you know, it's hard to nitpick that anytime you can get a road win against an sec team, You know, come March, you know, it's going to be an important, you know, those, those 10 points they left on the board at Missouri, that's going to matter because you know, you look at the analytics, you know, the, you know, the kenpom ratings of the world and it takes it on a possession by possession basis.

And, you know, they were favored to win that game by one. And, you know, winning by six is nice. But man, if you could have won that game by 1820 points and you outperform the, the margins by that much, you know, your, your ratings are only going to go up. Your efficiency is only going to go up. And so that was a real missed opportunity for Wichita state, but there were a lot of things from that game that, you know, are promising, you know, the pick and roll game look better than ever.

Craig Porter had a really, really nice floor general game Mo. kind of found his niche and they were able to open the floor up for him more. And, so that, that part was pretty promising. The defense continues to be excellent. just kind of went through some of the notes, after rewatching the game and, you know, the defense, they were at 0.7 points per possession through the first 62 possessions that the game that then they just kind of had some brain farts down the stretch the last two minutes.

But, you know, to hold a team to 0.7 points per possession for basically the good portion of that game, very, very impressive. The defense continues to be the strong suit. You know, they, they put the best defense against Arizona. They've seen all year, they continue to be in the gaps. it's impressive what they're doing without a real kind of shot blocking presence on the inside at the five position.

And they just continue to play solid defense and just scrape by on offense. And like you said, it's not always. But, you know, the turnovers are a little infuriating, especially on the fast break, but, you know, that's, optimism view, you know, there's a lot of easy fixes to that stuff. And if they can just clean that stuff up, no, it's, it's easy to see a road to a, you know, a better often.

Dustin: They had won the turnover battle in their first five games, the Missouri game, where [00:05:00] they had 18 turnovers was the first game that they lost. Next. I want to ask you two questions about Tyson MTN first being, what is he doing at halftime that all of a sudden makes those shots go in in the second half against Arizona, he scores 24 of 27 after halftime against you on LV scores, 23 of 28 in the second half against Mizzou.

He scores 13 of 18 in the second half. So that's the first part of the question. My second part, he has 41 more shots than the next closest shocker on the team. I think we always knew he was going to be who kind of, you know, the, the spoon that stirs the drink on offense. But do you think they need to get a little bit more diversification with the shot taking on the offense?

Taylor: Yeah. So I I've actually asked Tyson about that this season. And, his answer was he kind of plays himself into a rhythm and, you know, maybe the shots aren't falling at the, in the first half and he just kind of shoots his way into rhythm. And, you know, obviously that's not, ideal, you know, you would hope that he can, you know, take good shots and, and, make, good shots, you know, first half, second half regardless.

But I think it's one of those things where he just maybe kind of finds a rhythm and, that second half, and I don't know, he's just, you know, a big time player and, you know, you've seen him take over games down the stretch, you know, obviously you had the, viral game winner at the very first game.

you've seen him take over, down the stretch, you know, three, three of these games now. And. You don't really close the door on a, on opponents and even the Arizona game, you know, he's made a ton of clutch shots and that come back to, so, I think he's just, you know, just something about the, you know, when the stakes are raised, you know, he's at his best, but, to go to your, the second part of the question.

Taylor: Yeah. I think there, there definitely needs to be a little bit more of a balance, for which I'll say offense to, to really hit its peak. you know, obviously Tyson at the end is gonna take a lot of shots. You know, he's going to be the number one option, you know, on the offense. And, I think you saw in the second half of the Missouri game, maybe the ideal offense, you know, they had a lot of stupid turnovers and that you can cut that out.

But if you look at this, the shots. you know, take out the turnovers, forget those, you know, there were 16 to 25, you know, they, they were just slicing up Missouri's defense. They were using Tyson as kind of a decoy and the pick and roll game and using his gravity, to, to really put defenses in a behind and, you know, no one's going to help off on Tyson.

So they're using that to their advantage. And, Craig Porter was so good, you know, in the pick and roll that they were able to hit Mo and, and Kenny a few times and just wide open, dunks on, down the land. So I think that's the most encouraging part of that Missouri game. To me, it was just, what should I say?

It looked like it finally found, you know, some kind of identity on offense and it's not just, you know, Tyson dribbling around, and then chucking a shot in the last five seconds. You know, we saw a lot of that, you know, really the first five games they've gone to, mostly a ball screen offense. And, you know, haven't got, you know, a ton of good looks out of that just cause the spacing has been, you know, not as, as a man, terrible, but it's just, you know, it's not great.

And you know, they don't have this shooting to really, you know, convinced defense is not to help off. And then you have a big guy, you know, more shoe Desi. Who's not great in the short run. And so it's kind of hard to, you know, run a ball, screen offense, super efficient. you know, when you, you don't have really the pieces to make it work are really the pieces that are, are performing, you know, at a high level to make the defenses pay.

So, I think you saw the adjustments that wish I stayed, made this last game and took Tyson off the ball and used him as more of a decoy and a use that gravity against, you know, the opponent. And I think that's something you could see moving forward where, you know, in the first five games we saw Tyson a lot on the ball, you know, kind of snaking his way through screens and then taken, you know, tough fadeaway twos and, and tough, you know, contested three is in, you know, less of that, more of Tyson coming off, screens, catching and shooting more.

you know, Mo setting a solid ball screen and Tyson can just take one dribble around it and pull up wide open. Like he did the very first play the Missouri game. And so they need more of stuff like that, less of the, you know, contested mid range twos that, you know, he's kinda settling for, or really hat had to shoot because we I'll say it's offense was so bogged down and they didn't get a clean look.

Taylor: And the first, you know, 15, 20 seconds of the shot clock. So that's, yeah, that's, that's a great point and something I wished I say, it's going to need more balance going forward, you know, cleaner look for everyone around, and less, you know, Tyson taken 20, 25 shots again.

Dustin: You brought this up a little bit already, but in my discussions with shocker fans over the last few weeks, maybe the biggest issue, and I don't want to use the term disappointment, but the biggest point of confusion has been the play of Moe. You [00:10:00] Desi. He certainly has not looked like the player that we saw in the NCAA tournament game against Drake.

I think folks just due to his tenure in the program had a lot of expectations. He really improved on his free throw shooting last year as well. So maybe just talk and you touched on this a little bit already, but what can the, the shocker offense do to get him a little bit more involved or get him going at a quicker pace so that we see more of those 15 point type outputs like he had against the title.

Taylor: Yeah, I think the biggest difference is that which I'll state is really gone heavily to the ball screen offense and put him as a, you know, a screener at the top. And, you know, last year he had a lot of his success back to the basket, you know, moving from block to block. you know, getting the, kind of just an ISO, in the post and, you know, taking that big drop step lower and his shoulder.

And, you know, it's not always pretty, but, you know, I got the job done and, we haven't seen that very much at all this season, you know, he's hardly scored out of the post. He did get back to that a little bit, that Missouri game, you saw him score twice out of that. the low post speeds. and then, you know, he's just kind of feeling his way out is, you know, this new life and the ball screen or offense, you know, like I said, it's not really his strong suit catching on the, you know, he's going to set that screen, Porter's gonna come off or grant and, you know, they're, they're going to have to on the ball.

And, you know, the, the guard has got to throw that slot pass and mode is going to catch it the free throw line and, you know, you know, good teams, you know, they're going to have that guy that a Playmaker there that can, you know, shoot the short jumper, go in and make a floater, take it to the rim, drive in further and kick it out.

to collapse the defense and that's not really most, you know, that's not as forte. and, and that's really where he struggled this year. And that's why I was talking about earlier how important it was that WSU introduced that wrinkle, especially down the stretch of that Missouri game, where they use Tyson Etienne as that decoys.

Taylor: And, so what they would do is, you know, have Mo Mo and, most at the ball screen for Porter, and then they would have Tyson underneath the basket. And as soon as Porter would make his, Tyson's clearing out. He's going from underneath the basket to the top of the key to bring that defender with them.

And usually, you know, that defender would be responsible for, for providing the help defense tagging the roller, you know, preventing Mo from catching, but because no, one's going to leave Tyson that guy's going straight to the three point line. Craig is doing a really great job of drawing two defenders, bringing that help over from the big guy and then just dumping it over.

And because that guy is so worried about Tyson, that's why Mo had so many wide open dunks last game. And that's what, what should I say? It's got to get back to, you know, got to get, you know, kind of spoonfeed Mo those easy baskets, get the confidence back. you know, he was so good at that last year, kind of waiting in the dumper and the dunker spot, waiting for Alta reek or someone to, to drive in and then just dump it off and taking that one big drop step.

And then. And, you know, you saw a little bit of a return to what made Mo great last year, the end of last year, especially. So those are stuff that, you know, that's the things that you can look forward to. I think, that's the, the, the road to success for Mo is, you know, try to get, you know, two or three posts up assets, every, every game, and then just stay in that dunker spot, wait for your, you know, dump offs.

And then, and then, like I said, though, that Etienne wrinkle, that's something to watch this Oklahoma state game, especially they have a big time, big time shot blocker and a CSA. And, you know, they're going to try to draw him away from the rim and put him in that ball screen action. And, hopefully they can get, you know, Mo going that way because that, that should be an easy, easy road.

And it really puts defenses in a bind and makes them make a tough choice.

Dustin: In NFL cities where the starting quarterback is struggling. The joke is that the backup quarterback, so is the most popular guy in town. I feel bad for Mo but man, when you have a seven foot freshmen and Kenny Poteau and some of the moves that he's been making, and even just some of the, almost dunks that he's had, it really, it gets you excited about the future, but he was also the American freshman of the week.

And certainly you maybe see him getting a little bit more time at that five spot as the season goes on.

Taylor: Yeah. I mean, they have a very intriguing one, two combination they're at the five position. Cause you know, Mo is like, we just talked about, you know, it was approved or down low, not great on the short roll. And I mean we shall say that's why, you know, Kenny Poteau is so valuable because he provides such a different look and can really change Wichita state's offense in a pinch because, you know, he, he can pop to the perimeter.

And make the three, he can do that short role. I mean, he's an underrated passer. We haven't seen much of that this season yet, but in, in the, in the few chances we have, I mean, he's very good at catching that slot pass at the free throw line, not charging into, you know, the defender stopping, identifying where the open shooter [00:15:00] is in the corner and making that pass.

So Kenny has a such a high upside and, you know, really, it's just a matter of, you know, putting some weight on him, getting that experience in the low post and, you know, just trying to hold his own. cause right now, you know, WSU is offense goes up, you know, big time when Kenny is in the game.

And I don't think it's a coincidence. I think he has a large impact on that. just because, you know, we talked about spacing and how tough it is for wishlist states to space the floor. Well, when you have a five guy that can set the screen and you have Tyson and coming off of it, that puts so much pressure on the defense.

and we've seen Tyson find him a lot and he just hasn't made that three as consistently as a, you know, wishlist state would like us sees three for 14 on the year. That's a, not a great percentage, but, you know, they're, they think they view him as, you know, that 40% type of three point shooter, you know, they think those averages will, will even out over the course of the year.

Taylor: And you saw in that UNL V game, you know, Kenny hit three threes and, it really showed us potential in that pick and roll game. And then even the Missouri game, he didn't hit threes, but he rolled and WSU was able to find him and he was able to, you know, grab an offensive rebound and, you know, get the foul.

And he's been such a good offensive rebounder so far too. So, great one, two combo that, that WSU has right now at the five, especially now that Moe is, you know, kind of back on track and, you know, when he's playing well and Kenny's obviously, I mean, it seems like he's going to be pretty steady. For a true freshmen.

So, that's big time for Wichita state to have that kind of, you know, firepower at the five. Now, you know, the challenge is, you know, getting someone like Dexter, Dennis, going get, getting somebody like Joe pleasant, you know, they really haven't got very much from, you know, the wings or really the point guards, you know, scoring wise.

So, right now, you know, the there's so much potential for this switched state offense to get it going. but right now it's a work in progress. And like we talked about earlier, they're leaving points on the table, which is frustrating now, but it kind of shows you the potential of this switches off state team.

Dustin: Well, let's move to the point guard position. That's probably the second most common discussion that I've had over the last few weeks is who's going to emerge at that point guard position for the first few games I was on the quake grant train. He actually has a steal in every game and leads the team with 10 steals, but I thought Craig Porter Jr.

Had his best game as a shocker against Missouri and really navigated the offense. Well, and I know you talked about that in your post-game article, so just maybe talk just a little bit about what you've seen from.

Taylor: You know what I mean? It kind of just goes back to what we were talking about with Mo you know, Craig Porter is kind of the one that was able to unlock Mo because you know, obviously Tyson that TN as a huge part of that, I mean, this play doesn't work. If, you know, if he doesn't have the shooting gravity.

That he has, but you know, it's also up to the point guard to, you know, you have to force that double team. You have to attract that second defender and the big man and Craig has been so good at snaking around the ball screen and, you know, not turning it over and drawing that big guy further and further away from, from the basket and, really setting up Mo he actually had five assists.

the box score said four, but they actually, miss identified, one of his assists. So, he was excellent. and he's really kind of taken hold of the point guard position. I was just looking at my stats and, so the last three games he's played, over half of the possessions, the last two games you put 71% against you.

Taylor: And 62% against Missouri. So, you know, Kobe was playing a lot in the first four games. And then now that Craig has been pointing so well, you know, the minutes have kind of gotten down for quake. and yeah, I mean, it's, it's kind of like the center position, you know, they have two good options, two options they feel good about.

And, you know, for quiet, it's just, you know, about slowing down, you know, he's a good basketball player. He makes good, he can make good decisions, but right now, really, really struggling in transition. You know, we saw that against Missouri. I mean, I think he had two or three of them where he kind of botched it.

And, so for him, it's just about getting that confidence going again. you know, we've seen a lot of good flashes, but we've also seen some flashes. No, he's, he's clearly making that transition from the division two level. Maybe it's on the fast breaks and you've seen it, you know, going to the basket where he'll challenge big guys and, you know, maybe he gets it over him last year, but you know, this year he's getting a lot of shots box.

So, you know, he's, he's been, good in, in first. And, the key for him now is just, you know, consistency and, avoiding turnovers, you know, as a point guard, you got to limit your turnovers if you're going to play for Wichita state. And, but they have two good options moving forward. I mean, courageous provides, a different kind of look for them much quicker, much more explosive when he's handling the ball where Craig license to kind of poke and probe.

And, you [00:20:00] know, he's much more smooth when he has the ball in his hands on defense. I mean, you see that explosion and, and rebounding. that's why I was talking to him after the game. I mean, most people think of, you know, explosive athletes, you know, on dunks and stuff like that, but, you know, He shows that explosive athleticism on rebounds and in shot box.

So, yeah, I mean, it's a good one, two punch. I wish I stayed. Has I suspect that, you know, both these guys are gonna play a lot of minutes, for Wichita state this season. They're, they're going to need both of them at different times. And, yeah, right now, Craig is just playing really, really well, even though he didn't score a single point, like you said, Dustin, I agree with you.

I thought that was the best game overall that Craig has played because he played great defense. he was in command of the offense, really ran the pick and roll well, and, yeah, I mean, that's something to build on going into Oklahoma state where that's going to be a really, really tough game. So they're going to need those point guards to take care of the ball.

Dustin: I think Jenkins has done well in flashes. I know there's only so many minutes to go around and most of those at the two guard spot are going to go to Tyson, but you see him having an increased role as we move through.

I mean, like in the, in the tight games, probably not. I mean, I thought, he would, after that Tarleton state performance, I thought he played really, really well. I was very impressed when I watched it back. just like his defense is what stood out to me. Like how you, how quick he was moving his speed, how much, you know, intensity and passion that he showed on that side.

Taylor: And obviously you had the big dunk and then the big time three and a, yeah, I thought he would earn a, earn a chance to kind of make an impression, but you know, over the last three games, we haven't really seen him much only played, you know, a minute or two against Arizona, then the same thing against Missouri.

So. I would suspect that that's kind of he's on the outside looking in right now. the good news for him though, is, you know, after Oklahoma state in K state, after this week, they had wished I'll say this for straight by games at home, Norfolk steak, Alcorn state, north Texas Prairie view a and M to basically close out non-conference play.

So he's going to see a lot of minutes in those games. I was suspect, and he's going to have a chance to really make an impression going into conference play that he does deserve, you know, those non at 10 minutes, that shooting guard, you know, however many they are, cause right now, you know, those are going to quake,quake grants.

Sometimes they play two point guards and they're going to Ricky counsel, they'll move him to the two. so Johnson is going to have to, you know, I think those four games, that four game stretch is going to be key for him if he plays well, then, you know, I think Ivy is going to feel more comfortable putting him in the rotation.

you know, in conference play, but I don't think there, I mean, I feel like there there's going to be, there's going to be a game where he's going to come in, whether it's foul trouble or injuries, whatever, some point during this season, I think he's going to have a big role in a win for Wichita state.

Dustin: As a team that we're up to number 56 in kin Palm. And I guess at this point in the season, you just keep stacking wins. We'll get to the two match-ups against big 12 opponents this week in just a second. But you beat in Oklahoma state in a K state. even without the, you know, maybe their, their typical team that they would have in the wild cats.

And you may be start to flirt with, that others receiving votes, call them of the top 25. When we look at their stats, you know, it. You know, gives an illustration of what we've been talking about this entire time. They're shooting under 40% from the field under 33%, from three 67% from the free throw line, one surprising statistic, they're averaging 4.7 blocks per game, which for a team that doesn't really have a whole lot of size, I thought that was an impressive number.

And that's mainly coming from the guards. We've seen Craig Porter Jr. With several blocks download. We've seen Dexter Dennis with several blocks, down well, but, let's start let's, let's switch to the coach. I actually tweeted you during the Missouri game. It was IBS first technical. And not that getting a technical is, you know, means you're a good coach, but I've liked the fire and the passion that I've seen from him so far this year, last season, I know it's different with empty arenas and your first season as being the head coach.

But, I sometimes I just thought, you know, there wasn't a whole lot of discussion with the officials. And once again, not that, that always leads to things, turning your way. When he got that technical against Mizzou, the next time down, the call actually went the shockers way. And you saw Kwanza Martin kind of with his hands in the air saying what's going on.

So it's been interesting to see a different IB. I saw that up close in, in LA the games in Las Vegas as well.

Taylor: Yeah. our photographer Chavez high and got a really good, picture of IB as you as getting that technical. So I told them I was joking with them after the game. If you want to like print out that picture and have like, my first. You know, plaque or something that that would be a good one to use. So, yeah, I mean, we don't see that kind of fire and really, I mean, honestly, you know, that's, that's a lot of fire from IB, but, you know, in terms of getting a 10 and I thought that was like extremely weak, you know, he stomped his feet, he went to the baseline, that was about it.

You know, I asked guys on the bench, [00:25:00] did he say anything? They were like, no, he didn't even say anything. It was just because he, you know, stomped and moved in the direction of the RAF. So that was a pretty normally Greg Marshall scale. That was like a two out of 10. I mean, that's something that happens just about every game.

I felt like so pretty weak tat and Cole, but you know, it took him 28 games to get one. So that's pretty good. You know, if you, if you keep it,you know, and some coaches, they kind of use it as a motivational point to, you know, if they don't like how the, their team is playing or they feel like they need to get fired up, you know, sometimes they'll take a technical and risk, you know, those two free throws.

Kind of sparked their team. And I mean, I don't think that's what I view is doing, but, that was that kind of set, you know, WSU off, they went on a Five-O run right after that kinda grabbed the lead back and it started playing, with some fires. So, yeah, I mean, I think they kind of fall following his lead and, yeah, it was kind of a, it surprised me to see him good at technical, but yeah, it was, I think fans do enjoy it.

you know, when they see him passionate and getting worked up like that.

Dustin: And lasted here before we go to break. you know, I know the team practices free throws. I know the team pass, it practices fast breaks. Do you think this is something that. they can easily correct at, you know, and particularly going into this week against Oklahoma state in K state?

Taylor: Yeah. I mean, that's,I mean, I've been asking IB a lot about the fast breaks. I mean the free throws. I think they're going to come and go. I mean, that's, that is just a, you know, a game to game and, you know, you'll get the first three, three games. I think there were like a really good, I think they were almost, you know, above 75% as a team.

So I think it's going to come and go. And, but the fast breaks that stuff that I feel like they can, you know, correct. And maybe that's taken,you know, the coaching staff a little bit longer to kind of realize, you know, how much of an issue it was, until that Missouri game. And then it just reared its ugly head.

So I looked on synergy, you know, 14 Fastbreak opportunities, only two points. You know, the national average is one point per possession, a little bit over that. So, you know, you're leaving 12 points on the board and if you watch the turnovers, you know, they should have had much more. I mean, they could have had 20 points, you know, on fast breaks, they had eight turnovers, many of which were just mind-boggling, you know, just, you know, just crazy stuff that we're having.

And, yes, that's mostly on the players, you know, they're, they're the ones on the court making the split section, split second decisions, you know, it's hard for, you know, put much blame on the coaching staff or, you know, what the guys are deciding in the moment. But, you know, I think that's a, that's a quality that can be drilled in practice and maybe they weren't focusing as much on that, in practice.

And I think that that Missouri game really got the coaching staffs attention. And, from what IB has told us, you know, they've been practicing non-stop on fast breaks on transition, capitalizing on two one-on-ones, three on ones, you know, three on twos. And, cause you know, fast break points are gonna be so crucial.

you know, in games like this, that they have coming up against Oklahoma state, you know, Oklahoma state is a top 20 D. There are elite in the half-court you do not want to be going against a set defense against them every time down. You know, when you get those 10 to 15 possessions in transition, you've got to convert, you know, you gotta make them pay, when WSU gets on the run and because they're leaving so many points on the board now, so I think that's going to be an improvement.

you know, going forward, I was curious, I mean, it just feels like they're just, you know, turning the ball over, you know, all the time and transition. So I looked it up on synergy and they are not the worst team in the country. no matter what, what it feels like. They're actually the second worst in the country.

Taylor: Number 3 57 on the, on the season, they're only scoring like 0.6, one points per possession and transition, which is just a horrific. And, so that's something, those are just easy, easy way points that you can just view, like going forward. I mean, that's an easy improvement to make for, I'll say to add, you know, anywhere between six to 15 points per game, just by, you know, just becoming in the average transition team, which is not too much to ask for from this group they're long.

they're, they're explosive that too many good athletes to be this bad in transition. So I would expect that, that number to drastically improve over the course of the season. And then, I think you'll see a improvement from a WSU from there.

Dustin: Averaging 7.8 steals per game. So to your point, the opportunities are there. The athleticism is there, but just need to find a way to make it happen. And to your point being second to last, there's only one way. Well, there's, I guess you'd go a little down, but most of the way up from there. So let's take a break.

When we come back, we will preview Wednesdays matchup at Oklahoma state and Sunday's match up with K state at Intrust bank. [00:30:00] We'll come back to talking re with Coon and Eldridge on Wednesday at 7:00 PM on ESPN plus the five and one shockers will travel the Stillwater to take on the six and one Oklahoma state Cowboys. They're led by a head coach, Mike Boynton in his fifth season, and they were picked fifth in the big 12 pre-season poll.

Currently kin Palm number 38, their best wins of the year against NC state in Charleston. Their one loss was to Oakland 56 to 55 earlier in the season. Taylor, you touched on them just a little bit, before the break top 20 defensively, but what else do you see from the.

Taylor: Yeah. I mean, that's the biggest thing that stands out to me is that this is going to be a very, very tough game for Wisconsin. as we talked about earlier, that's why it's so important that the transition offense gets better because, you know, going against the set defense every time down against Oklahoma state has not been a recipe for success for many opponents this season.

So, you know, Oklahoma state is good. They're not on the Arizona level. but they are, you know, you know, if they could play in the NCAA tournament this year, I think they would be an NCAA tournament team or, or certainly at least on the bubble. so this is a, you know, a stiff test for Wichita state.

you know, they don't have, you know, last year, obviously they had the number one draft pick, you know, in the NBA and Kate Cunningham. They don't have that this year. They don't really have, you know, you know, a dominant score or they're very balanced this year. I think they have like nine guys that are averaging between six and 11.

Taylor: And so, you know, there's not one guy that, that you have to absolutely stop. that's why I focus more on the defensive side and. So Wichita state is just going to have to, you know, do a lot, I think they're going to have to replicate what they did down the stretch against Missouri, where they use Tyson more as a decoy, but Craig and Mo in that screen and, and try to get, you know, milk that for as much as they can.

and then Tyson's going to have to have a good game. And, and then I think a lot of, you know, we're going to see how much WSU has learned from the Arizona game, where, you know, they, they try to drive a lot and got blocked a lot. Arizona is so big, Oklahoma state, very similar defense, their profile.

Taylor: They block a ton of shots at the rim. WSU guards are going to have to be a lot smarter going to the basket, you know, sometimes driving a kick instead of just driving with a shot in mind, which sometimes leads. So, you know, crazy, you know, forced shots, a very low percentage. so the decision-making is going to have to be much better from the guards and they're going to have to drive and try to collapse the defense and look to, to, you know, kick in the corner, kick to the wing.

And then it's just going to come down to, you know, how many wide open threes can Wichita state make? You know, if they, I feel like a 10 threes is always kind of the, the mark in my head, if they can hit 10, you know, they're, they're gonna win a lot of games. So, you know, it's gonna come down to that. And, you know, like we talked about, you know, Joe pleasant, Dexter Dennis, you know, wings like that, you know, can they, they can, they make enough shots to make the defense pay and, you know, someone like Kenny podo, can he come off the bench and, and really put Oklahoma.

defense in a bind because, you know, assists, she say is a big time shot Barker. He wants to stay, you know, close to the rim. He's going to chase a lot of block shots. So, you know, they can put them in that ball screen action and have Kennedy pops to the three-point line. That's, that's an action where I could see what shots they giving Oklahoma state a lot of problems because you know, CCA is not used to guarding their perimeter.

Taylor: So, that's something to watch and,you know, it's a, it's a tough matchup, for Wichita state. but it's, it's one where it's not unwinnable. you know, I, I would, I would still make Oklahoma state the. six point favorite on Kim Palm. Maybe that's a little bit high, but I still think that, you know, playing at home, they're going to be the favorite going in.

So it's going to take a really good effort from Wichita state, to, to win this game. And it's a big one, you know, come March, this isn't going to be like a marquee win. It's like, okay. Or they won an Oklahoma state. They have to get into the tournament. But you know, it's a very, it's a, you know, it's going to be a Q1.

It's going to be a nice chip, come March if they can win this. And it's going to be one of those wins that only builds your case instead of just looking at it as a missed opportunity, if it's a loss.

Dustin: I think this game is one of those that the first team to 60 wins, one stat that I failed to mention earlier is the shockers have held four out of their six opponents under 60 points. So I also think the shockers are the toughest matchup for Oklahoma state thus far, when you look at their schedule. So yes, they go on then as the favorites.

Yes. They're higher on kin Palm. Yes. They have a little bit more linked, but I don't think they've seen the defense of Wichita state so far. They are shooting it, the Cowboys 47% from the field, but only 29% from three they're turning the ball over 11 times per game. excuse me, 15 times per game, but they are getting 11 steels and seven blocks.

So, [00:35:00] they, they seem to have a lot of defensive strengths. We seem to have a lot of defensive shrinks and that's what it will come down to. And you mentioned kind of the, the balanced scoring there's three players that are all averaging about 10 points per game. There's two guards with the first name of Bryce, Bryce Williams and Bryce Thompson, and then 69, ju junior Ford, Kayla boons.

So they don't, you know, have someone like Tyson up, you know, 18, 19 points per game, fairly balanced across the board.

Taylor: Yeah. You mentioned the turnovers that's been there, there bugaboo this season much like, which just stayed on offense. And that's the part of the game where, you know, Wichita state could turn it in its favor. Cause you know, Wichita state has done a very good job at forcing turnovers this year. I believe they're,top 40 in the country.

Yeah. The number 31 on Palm and forcing turnovers. And it goes, again, it goes back to transition. You know, you're going to force a lot of turnovers. Can you capitalize on those fast breaks and transition? You know, you know that they're going to get some live ball turnovers. So, that's a huge part of this game.

In my opinion is how much, which I'll say is going to be able to capital. On forcing turnovers and how many they can force, because this is a Oklahoma state team. That's a little susceptible to turning the ball over. So I would expect wishlist states a slap on that three quarters press that IB likes and see if they can't, you know, speed them up and, take, make them take some rush shots and, rustic citizens that, that lead to turnovers.

So, that, that's one part of the game where I think you nailed it. I think Wichita state has a chance there, to, to flip the game in there.

Dustin: You talked about some bind games coming up for the shockers. I think Sunday might be one of those too. I'm just kidding. It's the annual interest bakery, the game, the K state wild cats at three and two come in on the year. they play Albany on Wednesday. So more than likely will be four and two coming in.

They were picked ninth in the big 12 pre-season poll, their kin Pomme, 80. They lost to Illinois and Arkansas and Kansas city. The exact same score in both. They lost 72 to 64 to both Illinois and Arkansas. but when you look at the Wildcats, this shouldn't be a game that the shockers are favored and really need to take care of business to.

And Ohio is ideal, but one-on-one, I think is still kind of acceptable on that. you know, these projections, when we're looking at the beginning of the season where they needed.

Taylor: Yeah. I mean, this is kind of the key five game stretch and which should I say, it's non-conference schedule where you play probably the Fest five best teams. You're going to play at a conference and,yeah, three and two was kind of the bar, foreign one, you know, okay, now we're talking, you know, raise the expectations if they can win at Oklahoma state and follow it up with K state, on, on the, you know, in a neutral court, in which, Okay.

Now you're, you're starting to build that case for, you know, maybe getting some votes in the top 25, you know, Oklahoma state, when would be nice, like I said, but it's not gonna, you know, push you over the top or, you know, people are going to be like, oh, which I'll say definitely belongs in the top 25.

But the important thing is it's going to get that kenpom rating up, you know, a lot before conference and that's going to be key because I think the American is going to be a, you know, improved from last season. So there's going to be a lot more opportunity. To keep it that high and even improve. And, you know, what should I say at squeaked their way in last year?

I think they were in the fifties, this year, you know, the goal should be a top 40 team on Kim Palm. Then you're going to feel a lot better about your chances come, come March madness. So, yeah, I mean, if you, if you're serious about becoming an NCAA tournament team, you can't lose, you know, and trust bank arena at the K state this year, you know, they're, they're in rebuild mode.

no, they've actually played a little bit better than I was expecting against Arkansas and Illinois, but still, you know, they're looking like a, you know, a bottom three team in the, in the. they're not going to be close to, you know, NCAA tournament projections. So you cannot take a loss here. If you're wishing I'll stay, you know, you know, obviously there's plenty of time to, to, you know, get it back.

Taylor: It's not like a must win game, but, you know, it's going to be a bad loss if they take that loss at home. And, you know, I feel like K state just kind of like a worst version of, of what we shall say likes to do, you know, they like to get in those rocks. they're a really good defensive team. You know, Bruce Weber always has him well coached on the defensive end, but, you know, K state has struggled, you know, a lot on offense, from what I was,watching on, on synergy, you know, they, they made a lot of really, really tough shots.

And, you know, maybe that, that evens out over the course of the season and maybe that's why they played so well against Arkansas and Illinois, but, you know, they, they've made a lot of really, really tough shots. They've been horrendous and transition. They're almost close to Wichita state. I think they're bottom 20 in the country and transition offense.

So they've had their own struggles there. And, yeah, this is a game where, like I said, and you know, they like to do a lot of the same stuff that Wichita state does, you know, make it tough on opponents to score and then just try to win a rock fight. but I think what should I say? It has a little more juice on offense and they're a little bit better defensively.

So that's the game that, that, you [00:40:00] know, they play well, you would expect to win by, you know, upwards of 10. right around that range. And then if they don't play well, you know, you're just hoping to, you know, survive down the stretch. Kind of like they've done a couple of times at interest. I remember that Southern miss game a couple years ago where, you know, they just didn't play well at all, but you know, they, they pulled it out in that last minute.

So maybe you see something like that. But, you know, I know, it just goes back to, you know, talking about the efficiency, the possession by possession stuff, you know, the more they can rack up these, you know, double digit wins the better it's gonna look come March. Although, I mean, I would point out that, you know, I, I tried telling people that it was first three teams, they employ, they were all good teams.

They're all very good. Mid-majors and I think you've kind of seen that play out since then, you know, Tarleton state made a lot of noise last night. They took on Zagat down to, you know, they were thin one with like seven minutes left with, you know, a top three team, like. So charlatan's, state's a, it's a good ball team.

And then south Alabama, you know, they've won five in a row, right after the wishlist state game, they took Alabama, down the stretch. So that's another team. I think it's going to be very, very good, in their conference and probably gets to the NCAA tournament. So, I think now that, you know, there's some distance between those games, some other results have happened.

I think maybe WSU fans can kind of appreciate, you know, those are tough teams, you know, not roll over opponents and those are going to be solid wins. You know, it's not going to move the needle for Wichita state, with the, the team profile. But those are, you know, tough wins that I think made, which I'll state a better basketball team.

Dustin: The game with K state tips at 5:00 PM on Sunday, and we broadcast on ESPN. You, I hope there's a good walk-up crowd. I know there's still tickets available. I think it's just cool to have the series with K state. Again, I believe this has got to be a four year series back and forth. So the fact that coach Weber was willing to play the shockers.

And the fact that it starting in Wichita is this first year, I think is good. They're averaging eight steals per game, but only 1.8 blocks. So they don't quite have the size of an Arizona or maybe an Oklahoma state. So hopefully that's another area that the shockers can have some success with the two players to watch out for them.

Nigel pack is averaging 15.6 points per game. Marquee snowball is averaging 12.8. The guards and both of them are either six foot or under six foot. So, once again, I think there'll be more of a guard matchup. Hopefully Moore's you Desi can have a little bit of a better game. And then overall, we hope we just have a nice crowd down there at Intrust bank arena.

This is an aside you brought up Gonzaga, but did you see that duke and zaggy game that, that one cat for duke he's a real.

Taylor: Yeah, that was a high, high level game. I got to catch the end of that one after the Missouri game. So, yeah, those are arguably the two best teams in college basketball and, yeah, that was a lot of fun to watch, but, yeah, to, to go back to K state, you know, like you said, those are the two guards.

Those are the, the two to watch. Nigel pack is just like shooting the lights. He was one of those guys I was talking about, it makes a ton of tough shots and, he's, you know, shooting like a ridiculous percentage on, off the dribble. And, you know, Markey's Noel was doing the same thing, you know, in pick and rolls.

They're making a lot of really, really tough shots. And, so that's kinda the things I wonder, you know, if those shots start going out, you know, what the case state's offense look like, you know, they've been solid to this point, but you know, those two have really carried them and they don't have much of an inside presence.

So you're right. You know, that's an area where wish I said, it's going to look to, to really take advantage with, with Mo inside and Kenny, you know, those, that one, two punch and, you know, it's still waiting for, you know, Joe pleasant was a, was a very capable of score at Abilene Christian. And we just haven't seen much office from him.

so still waiting and a kind of a spark for him. Maybe see if he can get something going over these next two games. And, and then Dexter Dennis too. I mean, same thing, you know, it seems like he starts out slow every single year. And, you know, you just kinda, you have the feeling that he's in store for one of those big games, you know, four or five threes in a game that he's going to get wide open looks, just because of the driving kick nature, which saw stays on offense.

Taylor: So if you can have a good shooting game, that's something to watch for too this week.

Dustin: I think with K state, we should have a beat writer bed, you know, you and Kayla should have some sort of contest or competition that the loser has to go through.

Taylor: Yeah. Well, I'll have to get ahold of Kelis. You know, I was, you know, to be fair, I was a K state fan growing up and I've watched a lot, I can't say basketball over the years, so

Dustin: I didn't want to bring it up, but yeah.

Taylor: yeah, I'm a little email. So, you know, it's been, it's been a tough, it's been a tough, last few years. You know, this, it's looking like a rebuilding year.

Like I said, I try to watch as much as I can. It's just kind of hard during what shot state basketball season, but, you know, they, they have some nice, nice pieces and,but I think this is a, you know, a game that was shall state should, should be able to win, just because their defense, you know, it's been so good.

I feel that it's [00:45:00] kind of gets overshadowed because of the offensive troubles and, you know, the offense has not been good. you know, it's not a secret, it's been a little bit below average, but, the defense has just been lights out and they've been given just about everybody problems. so, you can't really say, you want to try to emphasize that and, you know, for people not to lose sight of just, you know, how good was Chastain has been.

Without, you know, if you're going to be like a top 20 defense, usually you have, you know, a six, 10 guy back back there and just block and, you know, three shots, a game. And, that's why it's so impressive. What, which I'll say has been able to do so far with really the rim protection coming from like Craig Porter and maybe a little Dexter down.

Dustin: Alright producer, Brian, what do you got for us today?

Bryan: Okay. So we talked earlier about the transition struggles of Wichita state. So buy or sell the transition struggles can be mainly. We did two players trying to not make the simple play and make the spectacular play. Let's start with you, Taylor, what are you?

Taylor: Yeah. I mean, I th I would probably buy that. I mean, I think there's just a, I mean, IB kind of mentioned it in this press conference this week where a, you know, a lot of, it's just, they're, they're trying to make that extra pass when really they just need to go up and, and, you know, force the defense to, to make a decision.

yeah, I mean, I think, that's, that's part of the reason why is that, you know, they're looking for maybe the flashy play the flashy pass, but, really it's just, you know, overpassing in my, in my opinion, you know, when you, you look at some of these turnovers are just, just, you know, kinda mind-boggling.

decisions. So, yeah, that's, that's probably a good, a source of, the problems right there.

Dustin: I'm going to sell it. I think it's just been poor decision-making. I mean, in the Missouri game, if they had a player trailing where they could pass it back easily for a dunk, they didn't, if they had, you know, several people that couldn't make a decision on who to go to. I mean, it just seemed like they never made the easy play or the, you know, the smart play at the time.

And, and that can be corrected as Taylor mentioned, but I think it was just strictly poor decision-making and getting sped up a little bit.

Bryan: All right. And we've talked some about Wichita state's defenses. You're certainly getting a lot of deflections getting a lot of steel. I want to know, buy or sell right now at this moment, are you classifying Wichita? State's defense as easily.

Dustin: I'm going to sell that too. I don't think it's quite elite. Opponents are shooting 41% from the field. It is only 25% from three and the 7.8 steels is good, but I think they could improve that a little bit. and really just go sometimes goes back to how they're playing offense. As Taylor mentioned, you know, you hit some free throws against Arizona.

You hit, you know, a little bit better shooting percentage against Missouri or make the easy plays. It's a little bit different game. I think they're doing well. And four out of six games under 60 is good, but that Arizona game, I guess, is the, the one that, you know, stops me from saying that.

Taylor: Yeah. I mean, I think there are elite in certain areas like forcing turnovers and, yeah, limiting, you know, field goal percentage, but I mean, they're not a lead in, in the terms there's overall, you know, two point percentage is usually a pretty good indicator of how good your defense is. They are, you know, right in the middle of the pack.

They're, pretty average. so, you know, they're getting by with, you know, some three point luck, you know, a teams just aren't shooting well against them. And, you know, that should be pointed out that some of that is game plan. You know, they, they know they can't make a, you know, aren't good shooter, so they're forcing teams to kick out and end to take shots they don't want to.

So, I mean, some of that is luck, you know, a team shooting under 26%. It's not going to happen for, you know, the whole season more than likely. So, I mean, I think they're on the edge of it. If they can clean up, you know, the rebounding has been much improved, but it's still just average, you know, it's not elite there.

So, you know, if you're looking to move into that, you know, a category is truly elite. I think you're going to have to shore up the rebounding and then, improve the two point defense a little bit. So, I mean, they're on the brink though. I mean, they're 43 on Campon, you know, they, if they can move into that top 30, then I think you're, you know, now you're in the conversation for being.

Bryan: We spent some time talking about Morris Udeze and Kenny Pohto setting, setting those hard screens. Some opportunities and the offense with Craig Porter dishing to them getting dunks, buy or sell the key for Wichita state's offense is Mo and Kenny setting that solid hard ball screen up top and getting a defense to actually need to scramble and do something.

Because when we see them do that, it really unlocks open shots from the perimeter for Tyson opportunities in the pick and roll game, getting a dunker spot or a floater in the line by yourself. Let's start with you.

Taylor: Yeah, I all a sell that, but I do think that is a big part of the, you know, the key to the offense to unlock it. But really in my mind, you know, you're going to have to start making sure. you know, at some point in the season, you know, they're shooting, [00:50:00] you know, just under 33%, it's not terrible, but you know, it's something where they feel like they're a better shooting team than that.

And really the biggest key in my mind, the offense is just spacing. You know, they've had bad spacing. most of this season has been great. you know, if you watch it kind of, you know, I, I can't really pick up on that stuff. Like in the game, I have to go back and rewatch, but now you kinda notice it the second time you watch it.

And it's just, you know, guys are on the way, you know, they're, they're just not properly space. It's really clogging up driving lanes. So in my mind, it's, it's spacing number one and then maybe, you know, the pick and roll stuff. And then, you know, just shooting from the outside too. It's going to be a big.

Dustin: I'm going to sell that as well. The first part of what Taylor said was kind of exactly spot on with what I was thinking. I think, you know, the more shots you make, the better the offense looks, but also sometimes I think guys are trying to do a little too much one-on-one, and not all the time. You know, sometimes they run these beautiful sets and it's like, that was perfect.

And, you know, everything works as it's supposed to when Mo in particular and in, you know, even Tyson to a certain extent, kinda go at it on their own. I, I think, you know, unless those shots are going in, the offense just is going to kind of look clunky and really what it has for the first six games of the year.

So more you're able to make shots. And the more you're able to maybe run a little bit more, sets from an offensive perspective, or even get out and fast break and convert those you're, you're going to be in a lumpy.

Taylor: Yeah. That's like one of the most constant criticisms I've heard from, you know, people on Facebook and just like people that all message. I think Dustin has a couple of these fake accounts. He just likes to post on there. And, and yeah, I mean, that's like the criticism is that, you know, why aren't they running sets? You know, they're, you know, it's just all one-on-one street ball. And, you know, some of that is true, but I mean, they are running.

It's not like they're just rolling it out there and just not running anything, you know, if you watch, you know, they're running sets, but it goes back to what I was saying, where the spacing is so bad is that, you know, they're not getting anything out of those sets. And, it, it does revert back to, you know, one-on-one play the last 10 seconds of the shot clock, but that's pretty much what everybody does at the last 10 seconds of the shot clock.

The goal is to knock. So the last 10 seconds of the shot clock and, you know, get something out of those sets and they just haven't been able to do that. you know, whether it's just bad spacing or, or not cutting hard or, you know, you know, just the, whatever it is, you know, they haven't been able to get a lot of, you know, easy baskets this season.

And, but it's not because they're not running sets, it's just, cause they're not running them well, that that's more of the criticism, just the poor spacing and then just the lack of execution too. So that's why I thought the second half of the Missouri game is so encouraging because you started to see them, you know, kind of have an identity and run stuff crisply.

And like I said, with the Etienne kind of wrinkle using him as a decoy, that they, I think they found something there. So, hopefully they can carry that over. And I think that's the reason for optimism coming out of that Missouri game. You just have to forget, try to forget about the, free-throws forget about the turnovers.

And, I think that's the biggest takeaway from that.

Bryan: right. And finally, I want to know what is. Most surprising thing maybe in which does states team may be across the American that you've seen so far, this early in the season. What, what are your biggest surprises?

Dustin: I don't believe that's a buyer sell Brian, but,

Bryan: I'm praying.

Taylor: No surprises.

Well, we saw Iowa state kind of boat, race Memphis over the weekend, I guess that would classify as a surprise. I think Cincinnati has played a little bit better than expectations so far.

Taylor: a Monmouth though. They ruined it.

Dustin: I know the epitome of brutality. You lose a by a game, but, at least they had played a little bit better up until that point.

But, Taylor, your, your w any surprises from you.

Taylor: Yeah. I was going to say, you know, since the admin assistant, I did be Illinois by 20. So that's a, that that should be noted. the American as a whole. You know, Memphis, you know, kind of the same deal. you know, th there's kind of undisciplined. I mean, it's the same criticism year after year with penny Hardaway teams, you know, they lost by 19, the Iowa state, which very well may have cost.

What shall state the recruit? I think, you know, to touch on the Trey king thing, I, I was told that he was waiting until kind of the weekend to decide, and then Iowa state goes out and wins two in a row and, in their, their mid season tournament and, and convincing fashion to, and they're six to no.

And, from everything I've been told, he's been leaning that way ever since. So, good job, Memphis, you might have a cost. What should I say to recruit and Houston? I watched them play against Wisconsin. that was a tough loss, but every other game, you know, they've been very good. I, I, I would still pick them number one and the American just cause I trust Calvin Samson more.

I would put. Man. It's hard to put Memphis too. [00:55:00] I mean, it's hard to put much trust in them, but just, they just have so much talent. And then I think what should I state is, is, you know, belongs in that, that upper tier and,you know, then you have teams like UCF, Cincinnati, SMU that are going to be fighting to move, move into there.

so that's kind of the rundown for me, for the America. And then in terms of which just state, I mean, Kenny Poteau, just how advanced he's been. I was told leading up to the season, you know, this guy is a really, really good in the post. he's surprised coaches, but I didn't know he would be this good this early.

so, and he hasn't even, like I said, he hasn't even shot well from three, so he's really, you know, it has some untapped potential there. let's see what else, you know, Tyson that TN just how many shots he's taken, kind of the shock quality. That's been a little surprising. let's see. Monzy Jackson.

Taylor: I feel like he deserves a little bit more run. just seems like good things happen whenever he's in the game. so I mean, I would expect his playing time to go up. and then maybe the biggest takeaway early on has been how good we shall states four guard lineup has been, when they played Dexter Dennis at the four.

And that goes back to, you know, maybe why Monzy has not been able to get a play very much because, you know, the four guard lineup with decks at the four has been so good that, you know, coach brown has really gotten to that at the end of halves to close games. I'm looking right now. So they have played about 117 possessions about 28% of the possessions total, and they have outscored opponents, 1 31, the 1 0 3 that's 0.2, three points per possession, a difference.

You know, the offense is peaked there at 1.12. with four guards on the floor and some people have asked me like, who were the four guards? Well, it hasn't really mattered. You know, the big thing is the extra at the four. And then you can kind of fill in the rest. It's usually quiet or Craig at the one Tyson at the two.

And then Ricky at the three that's the typical lineup for when WSU is at its best. So that's something to kind of keep in mind, going forward to see how much, how often they use that lineup. And, you know, if that's going to be the best lineup, cause really, you know, you're getting Ricky and Dexter and Tyson all on the floor, you know, that sounds like the best offense lineup.

So it's probably not a surprise that, that, that has been the most potent lineup. So, and then he's kind of tinkered with it too. He's put pleasant at the five, a few of those times. but really the, the, when the lineup really sparks, you know, is when Kenny is at the five with those four guards, just because the spacing has been so good.

So that's something a little, you know, a little nugget to, to kind of keep in mind, to look forward to as the season progressed.

Dustin: Well, the two big 12 opponents this week, and then the four by games between now and the end of the year. And then it's already conference play on Wednesday, December 29th. So just a few weeks away, crazy to think that tomorrow when they play Oklahoma state, the calendar will have already turned over to December.

And we're almost a month in here on the young season, but we'll start to go quick. Also at the end of the semester, you start to see the games, get spread out and, and, you know, timing a little bit. That means more practice time. Flashes all year long with the team. I think, you know, most of what we expected is is there, but now it's just bringing it all together as a, you know, kind of where I started at the top, hasn't always looked the best maybe instead of playing angry, they're playing ugly, but that has led to a five and one start.

And I think we'll still see some good things this year. So, I am getting married next week in Mexico, so I will be gone all week long. So I'm not sure if we'll have a show next week or not. There's just the one game next Saturday against, Alcorn state, I believe. No, that is Norfolk state. They play in the now corn state that following week.

So, we'll be back with you probably at least in a week or so. And, and keep this going through.

Taylor: Dustin. Is it true that they're filming the next hangover movie at your, at your wedding?

Dustin: Well, the bachelor party was down in Mexico as well, and that's already coming on. And some of the folks that listen to this podcast are,you know, were in attendance and you know, what happens on the road stays out on the road. So now, so, but, no, I I'm excited should be a good time and then ready to get back and, continue the coverage of our shockers.

Taylor: Congratulations, man. That's a big time moment. And I know we're, looking forward to the party back here in Wichita,new year's Eve. So we'll be, we'll be excited for that. And, yeah, I just wanted to say congratulations. That's a, that's awesome.

Dustin: I appreciate it. Well, what should our listeners do?

Taylor: Got to rate us faster.[01:00:00]

Bryan: Hey, Taylor, how many rolls did you eat for Thanksgiving?

you know, I, I went to uncontrolled environment with my girlfriend's family and, usually, you know, when it's my family, they know what I like. And, they had plenty of rules. This one I only got, you know, I think three or four in this appointing performance, but, you know, what can you do, they, they clearly don't listen to this podcast.

and knowledge for talking or your family?