Coordinator corner: Kansas State figuring out ways to defeat TCU

KANSAS STATE AVOIDING THE TURNOVER

Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez is just one of two starting quarterbacks in college football to not throw an interception this year. That comes after dealing with the turnover bug at Nebraska in grand style.

He has been tremendous in the last three games and his teammates have rallied around him. Martinez has become more and more of a leader in the locker room and those around him are following him and looking to him for guidance.

The K-State signal-caller has been more aggressive in conference play but still found a way to let the game come to him, simultaneously, which has impressed his offensive coordinator, Collin Klein. Experience has also helped Martinez and he has been great in preparation.

Kansas State needed a playmaker at quarterback and they’re getting it. He’s understanding the pictures defenses are throwing at him more and more, and that has helped him not guess on plays or force the issue. That’s where he has walked into trouble in the past.

BYE WEEK CLEANS THE INJURY REPORT

The bye week couldn’t have came at a better time for K-State, as they were pretty beat up on both sides of the ball. Even Klein admitted that much and he typically avoids anything regarding health at all. Guys appear much fresher in this week of practice.

Having the entire weekend off did wonders for the Kansas State roster.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah was pretty dinged up, but he is healthier than he has been all season according to his defensive coordinator. Khalid Duke left the Iowa State game with an injury and didn’t return, but he is also on track to play against TCU after practicing a few days this week.

It also came at a good time to keep bringing young players along and develop them more. Three players mentioned by Joe Klanderman as making more strides during the bye week were Jake Clifton, VJ Payne and Gavin Forsha.

GLANCE AT TCU’S OFFENSE

One of the best offenses in the Big 12 this year resides in Fort Worth, and the Horned Frogs are highlighted by quarterback Max Duggan. He is playing at an All-Big 12 level and wide receiver Quentin Johnston is garnering lots of NFL Draft buzz.

Duggan is actually healthy and playing with a lot of confidence. Johnston is a big play threat at all times. He’s not alone, though. Klanderman opined that the TCU wideouts are the best in the league, though K-State has yet to play against Texas or Oklahoma State.

From a formation standpoint, the Frogs run more four-receiver sets than anyone else in the Big 12. Knowing that, Kansas State will have to match their personnel a bit more than usual and potentially have more corners on the field in certain situations.

MORE PRAISE FOR LINEBACKER AUSTIN MOORE

Linebacker Austin Moore has played at an All-Conference level this season for K-State and the praise for him has been consistent and ongoing. Klanderman called him one of the most consistent players on the Kansas State defense this season of any position.

As a former walk-on, Klanderman is proud of his starting linebacker’s journey and how he is playing. He went as far as to call the linebacker the epitome of K-State football, which is the second time that has been said about Moore.