Last week we gave you Four Bold Predictions to open up the 2017 season, and this week we will settle in to the weekly feature you’ll see on K-StateOnline, Three Bold Predictions – or 3BP, as we’ll call it going forward. Among the topics addressed this week by Jeffrey Martin, Derek Young and Matt Hall are trying to decide exactly who the most underrated player on the Wildcat team is.

With that said, let’s jump in to 3BP: Vol. 2.

1. The most underrated player on the Wildcat roster is __________

Martin: Quarterback Jesse Ertz. Here’s my reasoning - ask any expert who the top quarterback might be in the Big 12, and watch how many names are thrown around before Ertz is mentioned - even IF he’s mentioned. Obviously there are other players on the roster certain to surprise all of us this season, and that’s cool. But from a national standpoint, I’m not sure people realize how good Ertz is, or how good he can be. He has a ton of weapons around him, and that offensive line should, in short order, prove to be as stout as we thought it might be.

Young: Admittedly, I don't exactly what the pulse is around Manhattan regarding certain players, so perhaps the one I select isn't underrated to begin with. Anyhow, my pick is Scott Frantz. He's a sophomore that starts at left tackle and has generated little buzz about his play from what I've seen. He's reliable despite being young. Frantz likely has an NFL future.

Hall: Fullback Winston Dimel. Now, I think most accept that Dimel is a fantastic fullback, arguably the best in college football. But his use near the goal line (and relationship to offensive coordinator/father Dana Dimel) invites a chance for criticism due to the circumstances. Some allow that discussion to take away from the fact that not only is Dimel excellent at what you want out of a fullback – he’s also an elite receiver (relative to the position he plays) and a far above average runner for a fullback. He really is a weapon. He gives you a third ball carrier in the backfield that you have to be concerned about, a receiving option that occupies a capable coverage man (or he’ll burn you in the passing game), and he makes the biggest difference as a lead blocker for the likes of Alex Barnes. He’s not K-State’s best offensive player, but he’s closer to the top of that list than some notice.

2. If K-State were to drop an "unexpected" game this year, it would be to __________

Martin: TCU. I can’t get a handle on the Horned Frogs - there’s talk that Gary Patterson might be tempted should A&M relieve itself of Kevin Sumlin - and how they might be. But TCU is the choice here more because of who falls next on the schedule - Oklahoma. It’s just human nature to wonder what could be, how the Wildcats stack up with the Sooners. And we all know what happens when teams are caught looking past an opponent. I could see that happening here.

Young: I can actually think of three - road contests at Vanderbilt and Texas, and against TCU at home. Will the Longhorns be improved enough by then? I don't know but I better get off the bandwagon before I embarrass myself. I know it's in Manhattan but Gary Patterson is an excellent coach and the Horned Frogs aren't going to roll over. TCU is my selection.

Hall: Vanderbilt. The Commodores aren’t one of the better teams K-State will play this year, but I fear Wildcat fans aren’t taking this SEC opponent seriously enough because the name isn’t Georgia or Tennessee. As a coincidence (okay, not really, I set this up on purpose) Vandy hammered those two teams late last season at home on the way to a decent season under head coach Derek Mason. Vandy had success doing two things – running the football and finding a way to stop teams from scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Sound familiar? The Wildcats are better than Vanderbilt – and playing in Nashville won’t be a hostile environment. I’ve been to games at Vandy, and I wouldn’t be shocked if the crowd is no more than a 70-30 Commodore split. All that said, this is at least a road game against a capable P5 team. If the Wildcats play their ‘C’ game, it’s going to sour a lot of vacations to Music City.

3. One Big 12 team (other than Texas), most likely to fall short of expectations is __________

Martin: Oklahoma State. I can’t decide if this is uninspired because, duh, the Cowboys have yet to actually breakthrough despite elevated expectations, or if it will prove to be prescient since so many seem convinced that this is, finally, the year it all falls into place. Consider me a skeptic - OSU under Mike Gundy feels like Georgia under Mike Richt. Lots of talent, but always lacking a little something when it matters most. I can see K-State going to Stillwater in mid-November and leaving with a win.

Young: Is Baylor an option? The Bears just lost to Liberty at home. I imagine folks still anticipated seeing them at least in the bowl discussion. Now we are left wondering if they can win more than three games.

Hall: TCU. I’m not NEARLY as high on the Horned Frogs as many. Kirk Herbstreit even went so far as to pick Gary Patterson’s team to win the Big 12 Conference. To me, that’s craziness – and I love Herbstreit. This was not a good football team last year. Yes, they were young, but so was Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, K-State and Texas. West Virginia brings back a better squad as well, in my opinion. I don’t love Kenny Hill as a leader and consistent winner, and I think the defensive praise is still based a little bit on hype from years past. Do I think TCU is a bowl team? Yes, absolutely. Do I think they are a league contender? No way. I think it’s more likely they finish 7th or 8th than they do first.