The difference maker will be RB Darren Sproles. The soon-to-be senior could bolt early to the pro ranks. If this happens, Kansas State will likely find their poll position to be much lower, especially considering Ell Roberson will also depart from his QB position. With the receiving corps lacking experience and big play capability, the task of locating a brand new offensive backfield (should Sproles leave) makes the job of rebuilding, as a team, extremely difficult. But the Wildcats and Coach Bill Snyder have formed a habit of finding solid replacements just like many of the other upper-level programs. Some key All-Conference departures will be C Nick Leckey and LB Josh Buhl. Although KSU heated up to close out 2003, while winning the North Division title, the pollsters are unlikely to grant the purple clad such a lofty Top 10 ranking like last August. This is a wait-and-see type of campaign brewing in Manhattan.