The No. 3 ranked Kansas State Wildcats will open their season against a James Madison Dukes squad that went 13-20 last season. After more than a decade of disappointment, the Wildcats have returned to national prominence and expectations are as high as ever.

K-State’s return to the limelight can be directly attributed to the terrific coaching of reigning Big 12 Coach of the Year, Frank Martin. The Wildcats reached their first Elite Eight in nearly two decades last season en route to posting the most  wins in school history with 29.

K-State returned two senior starters from last year’s Elite Eight Squad. AP Preseason All-American Jacob Pullen returned to Manhattan after briefly mulling the NBA, as did Curtis Kelly. Rodney McGruder, Martavious Irving, Wally Judge, and incoming transfer Freddy Asprilla should all look to step up and accept significant roles with this year’s team.

Jamar Samuels, the reigning Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year, sat out both exhibition games but should be ready once the Wildcats take on James Madison.

James Madison returned their senior leader, Denzel Bowles, who paced the Dukes last season with 20.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Their second-leading scorer, Julius Wells, and two other starters also returned from last year’s squad.

Nonetheless, the Wildcats have not lost a season-opener since the 2002-03 season when they played the Brigham Young Cougars. This season, the Wildcats should not have too much trouble fighting off the Dukes at the Octagon of Doom.

Tip is November 12, 2010, at 9:00 pm. The game will air on ESPNU or ESPN3.