Rapid Recap: Kansas State looking to get in a rhythm
Kansas State lacks rhythm
It is no secret Kansas State has lacked some rhythm offensively through two games. The lack of it has caused slow starts, but the Wildcats have had strong second halves in both contests. It has also created a low play count through two games.
K-State offensive coordinator Conor Riley called the lack of plays frustrating. He also acknowledged some players have to get the ball more, but more plays will help in that department.
The Wildcats have also struggled to convert on third down. Some of that has been lack of execution on third down, but Kansas State has also struggled to get enough yardage early and put them in at a disadvantage on third down.
The K-State offensive coordinator also took ownership of the last offensive drive of the game versus Tulane. He blamed himself for not being more aggressive in that instance.
Riley wants to have more tempo than Kansas State has showed in the first two games, but also acknowledged they have to get in more of a rhythm to do so. It’s a difficult thing to build when you’re going three-and-out so much.
Offensive line health updates
Like with Chris Klieman Monday, Riley gave a look at some injuries along the K-State offensive line.
Carver Willis has progressed well and practiced Tuesday. Willis actually got hurt on the second drive of the game against the Green Wave and returned. Hadley Panzer has been really limited in practice this week. Riley feels better about Willis playing than Panzer.
A look at Arizona defensively
Arizona possess a few unique challenges for the Kansas State offense.
The Wildcats are one of few teams remaining in college football that run a four-down front. About every Big 12 program will show you an odd look, and clearly the Wildcats practice against an odd front most of the time.
The main difficulties are mostly technical.
It is on the offensive line on how to see where Arizona’s defensive linemen and linebackers are for potential double teams. It has been important for Riley to have his offensive line see the four man front in practice because some have not played in a game against it at the collegiate level.
