Ted Sims Promotion

There will likely be one lineup change on Saturday when Kansas State plays Oklahoma State in an 11:40 a.m. kickoff in Stillwater against Oklahoma State.

Wildcat coach Bill Snyder announced Tuesday that Ted Sims had been working at the No. 1 "Mike" linebacker spot over Matt Butler.

After Butler left the field after being knocked woozy, Sims, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound sophomore from Newton, Kan., entered the game and recorded 15 tackles, according to the grading of tapes by the Kansas State coaching staff.

"Right now, he’s working No. 1 because of his performance," Snyder said.

Of Sims play against Texas, Snyder added, "Ted entered the ball game as a No. 2. He went on the trip not knowing whether he would step on the field or not, but he prepared for the opportunity. A lot of youngsters wouldn’t do that. But he worked hard, studied and was a focused practice player. He’s an ideal guy for a coach because he is into every snap whether it’s in practice or a game."

In limited playing time, Sims has 28 tackles to rank seventh on the team. Of those, four have been sacks for a negative-28 yards.

"He has an endless motor to the football," said linebacker coach Brett Bielema. "He plays like Josh (Buhl)."

Of his own game against Texas, Sims said he was pleased, but quickly added, "We didn’t win.

And of possibly starting on Saturday against the 4-1 Cowboys, he said, "That has always been my goal, my dream to start. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and now I’m in that position."

Other possible changes in the startling lineup include:

* It’s either/or at defensive end between Kevin Huntley and Thomas Houchin, and, either/or at free safety between Jesse Tetuan and James McGill.

* Antoine Polite is listed No. 1 over Jermaine Moreira at wide receiver.

* Malcolm Wooldridge has made the switch from defense to offense with the 6-2, 320-pounder now listed as a backup to Mike Johnson at right guard.