Pete Golding planning for Kansas State to play two QBs

When Alabama and Kansas State get together in the Sugar Bowl, the Crimson Tide is fully prepared to be defending two different quarterbacks. But whether it’s Will Howard or Adrian Martinez, Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding isn’t going to be changing up the plan.

That’s mostly because Kansas State doesn’t change much going from one quarterback to the other, schematically at least. It’s more that Martinez and Howard bring their own little tweaks and twists to how the Wildcats operate, but the underpinning scheme stays constant.

“Up front I don’t think they change schematically really who they are,” Golding said. “Obviously there’s a little bit more of the quarterback run game, with [Martinez] in the game, but they’ll still do it with [Howard] in the game as well. So, the big thing, I think the difference with [Martinez] is when the coverage breaks down and it’s not there, the ability to extend the play. I think he’s a little more consistent than when [Howard] is in the game. But we gotta be ready for both of ’em.”

And for an Alabama defense that has at times struggled with down-to-down consistency and little lapses that lead to big plays, staying on top of who, exactly, is in at quarterback will be critical — and a challenge.

With an understanding that the overall looks will presumably be the same and what matters is knowing which quarterback is in, Golding is harping on the importance of identifying who they’re facing.

“Obviously we watched tape on both of ’em. Our kids understand there’s going to be two quarterbacks playing in the game, primarily. And we’ve gotta be aware of who’s in the game,” Golding said. “But, schematically from a run game and a pass concept, they are who they are. At least up to this point.”