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Rapid Recap: Kansas State embracing Texas challenge

On3 imageby:Drew Galloway•10/31/23•

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VJ Payne 2023
VJ Payne/USA Today

Kansas State offensive line clicking

The Kansas State offensive line has been rolling in the last three weeks. K-State has run for 794 yards in the last three games and the offensive line has been keeping both Will Howard and Avery Johnson clean in the pass game. After taking some criticism early in the season, the offensive line seems to have found its groove lately.

According to head coach Chris Klieman, much of the improvement has come with improved communication. The offensive line is communicating well about the different looks they are seeing. An example Klieman used is last week Houston ran more three-down lineman looks as opposed to four-down which is what they typically run. The experience of the offensive line lets them be able to communicate how to attack the three-down front and get them into better looks.

Praise for Texas

Much of Klieman’s press conference was spent focusing on Texas. In fact, the Wildcat head coach said this year is the best Longhorn team he has seen in his five years in Manhattan. Texas is very physical on both sides of the line of scrimmage and will be a challenge for Kansas State. Klieman believes the Longhorns don’t have a weakness in any of the three phases. He also pointed out they are playing with a confidence and belief in each other.

Importance of running the ball for Kansas State

Running the ball has been extremely important for K-State. It typically is important for every team, but for the Wildcats their offensive identity has been to run the ball and run it well. The ability to run the ball sets up everything for Kansas State offensively. Being effective in that area of the game helps manage time of possession and sets up more second or third and shorts as opposed to being in third and long.

Klieman also noted that K-State cannot go into the game this weekend thinking they are going to run for 350 yards. However, he also was quick to mention the Wildcats can’t air it out 55 times on Saturday, either. There has to be a balanced attack and a challenge this week for Kansas State will be to be successful in obvious run situations.

K-State’s improving defense

While the K-State offensive line seems to be in a groove, so does the defense. The Wildcat defense has not allowed a touchdown in nine quarters. Kansas State has been playing more team defense over the last three weeks. The secondary and front seven are playing well and feeding off of each other.

Another key to the defense improving has been improved tackling. With K-State’s tackling improving they are giving up less explosive plays as well. Klieman singled out VJ Payne and Kobe Savage as two players playing at a very high level.

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