Rapid Recap: Kansas State must be better on third down
Kansas State third down execution
Kansas State’s third down defense was not good against Arizona State. The Sun Devils were 9-for-15 on third down and converted six of their first eight. Typically K-State blitzes on third down and is able to get home. However, last week they were burnt by the blitz. On the four times the Wildcats sent pressure only one of them got home leading to a throw away.
Two times Kansas State did not get off the field, even though they blitzed, was due to a defender falling down in coverage. Arizona State also did a good job of getting the ball out quickly to avoid the blitz.
Pass rush
Sacks have been down the last few weeks for K-State, specifically for Brendan Mott. Mott has just 1.5 sacks over the last four games. Kansas State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman has schemed some plays up so the senior defensive end is not double-teamed. However, more teams are keeping running backs and tight ends to block.
A majority of K-State’s opponents in conference play are showing respect to the Wildcats’ pass rush by max protecting. Arizona State was a team that used max protection Saturday, even though they typically rarely go max protection.
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A look at Cincinnati
Cincinnati is a very multiple offense. The Bearcats have two good running backs in Corey Kiner and Evan Pryor and Brendan Sorsby can rush the football. It is another week Kansas State is facing a running quarterback which makes it five weeks in a row.
Because of Cincinnati’s good rushing attack, they are also a good team in play-action. Play action and the RPO game are where the Bearcats will look to attack K-State in the passing game. Klanderman called Cincinnati impressive in their ability to run their scheme and knows they will try and keep the Wildcats off balance.
