Snyder in the running for Coach of the Year honors

He's been a strong candidate for Big 12 Coach of the Year all season, but now that Bill Snyder has Kansas State one win away from bowl eligibility and possibly a North division title, he's beginning to be mentioned in the national race as well.

In his first season back, at the age of 70, he has led a K-State squad comprised of 12 first-year starters to a 5-2 record in its last seven games and a 4-2 mark in conference play. Compared to the beginning of the season, when the Wildcats struggled to beat UMass and lost to Louisiana-Lafayette, it is a remarkable turnaround.

There are lots of other wonderful candidates out there (we'll get to them in a second) and climbing to the No. 1 spot in the country will be difficult. But he is in the conversation, and that is impressive.

In no particular order, here is a list of National Coach of the Year candidates:

Kirk Ferentz, Iowa -- The Hawkeyes are on top of the Big 10 with one loss.

Gary Patterson, TCU -- Some (rightfully or not) believe the Horned Frogs are the best college football team in Texas.

Chris Petersen, Boise State -- The Broncos are headed for yet another undefeated regular season.

Steve Sarkisian, Washington -- UW hasn't been great since upsetting USC at home early on, but remember the Huskies were winless a year ago.

Chip Kelly, Oregon -- The Ducks lost their first game and running back at Boise State but have lost once since.

Bill Snyder, Kansas State -- The Wildcats are on top of the Big 12 North after being picked by some to finish last in the preseason.

Brian Kelly, Cincinnati -- Kelly's Bearcats are undefeated and in the national championship hunt.

Kevin Sumlin, Houston -- Aside from one awful loss at UTEP, the Cougars are having a dream season.

Paul Rhoads, Iowa State -- The Cyclones own a win at Nebraska and can qualify for a bowl with one more victory.

Robb Akey, Idaho -- Words cannot describe how amazing it is that the Vandals are 7-3 and headed to the postseason.

Jim Harbaugh, Stanford -- Captain Comeback has Stanford back in the Top 25.

Al Golden, Temple -- He has won seven straight games at Temple, proof that anything is possible.

Nick Saban, Alabama -- The Crimson Tide is undefeated.

Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech -- If not for a loss at Miami, Georgia Tech would be in the national championship conversation.

Dave Wannstedt, Pittsburgh -- Pitt is ranked in the Top 10. Who would have thought?

Mack Brown, Texas -- The Longhorns appear destined for the national championship game.

Urban Meyer, Florida -- The Gators are undefeated.

That's a strong list of candidates, and with Snyder's late arrival on the national scene it will take something incredible for him to best them all (say an upset victory by Kansas State in the Big 12 championship game). But if it keeps winning, the oppurtunity is there.

More realistically, Snyder can capture Big 12 Coach of the Year honors by winning the North and playing Texas tough in Dallas.