10 college football teams with momentum heading into 2017

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans coach Clay Helton poses with the Leishman Trophy after the 103rd Rose Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats players celebrate after winning the Texas Bowl against the Texas A&M Aggies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Kansas State Wildcats

Bill Snyder worked his magic once again in a solid season for Kansas State, which will enter 2017 as a darkhorse Big 12 title contender with plenty of returning talent.

The 77-year-old Snyder has led the Wildcats to seven straight bowl appearances after coming out of retirement in 2009. Kansas State didn’t receive a ton of fanfare last offseason following a 6-7 campaign in 2015, but looked capable in a hard-fought road loss to Stanford to open the year.

A 1-2 start in Big 12 play knocked the Wildcats out of title contention early, although both losses were on the road against tough competition. Kansas State closed out the season with six victories in seven games, ending the year with a solid mark of 9-4.

The Wildcats were particularly impressive in the Texas Bowl with a 33-28 win over a talented Texas A&M team. Kansas State was arguably the best defense in the Big 12 this year and will return just about every key piece outside of Jordan Willis, while productive quarterback Jessie Ertz could be in for a huge senior season with plenty of returning experience on the offensive line and skill positions.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will be the favorites in the Big 12, but the Wildcats have the makings of a team that can win at least 10 games in 2017. Kansas State has a manageable non-conference schedule and could enter an October 21 matchup with the Sooners in Manhattan at 6-0.

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