Rapid recap: Kansas State still with room to grow
Better second half
Kansas State struggled in the first half against Tulane. The offense struggled to get going and K-State’s defense was allowing some big plays leading to the Green Wave taking a 24-10 lead going into the half. Kansas State did play much better in the second half and outscored Tulane 24-7 in the second half of the game.
Chris Klieman challenged his players to be better in the locker room at halftime. Marques Sigle, Avery Johnson, Austin Moore, and the other captains all challenged the players to be better as well. Klieman called the 34-27 come-from-behind win a culture win for the Wildcats.
Kansas State’s adjustment
Tulane’s offense struggled to get going in the second half only scoring seven points in the second half. Klieman and Kansas State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman‘s adjustment was to send more pressure. The defensive line struggled to get pressure and that led to more time for Darian Mensah to throw the ball. Tulane also max protected which led to K-State sending more and more pressure as the game went on.
OL notes
Moving forward to Friday versus Arizona, Klieman was very pleased with Andrew Leingang and John Pastore versus Tulane. Those two will be counted on more and more as the season goes along. Both of those players are even considered as starters by Kansas State in their seven-man rotation. Michael Capria would be the eighth, but the Wildcats do not want to rotate at center often.
Leingang and Pastore may be counted on even more than they were last week versus Arizona. Both Carver Willis and Hadley Panzer were dinged up during the game against the Green Wave. Willis returned to the game while Panzer did not. Neither practiced Sunday for the Wildcats and it is still a bit early to see if either will be available Friday.
Have to improve
The constant message Monday afternoon from Klieman was Kansas State has to get better. He is not pleased with how K-State has played despite starting 2-0. He knows the Wildcats have to do better in pass coverage, the passing game offensively and sustaining drives. Third down offense and defense was also a major point of emphasis for the Kansas State head coach.
More snaps for Dylan Edwards
Dylan Edwards has been very impressive despite his lack of snaps. His three touchdowns lead K-State this season and he has done that on just 12 touches. Klieman knows they have to find more ways to get Edwards the ball and more snaps. He has challenged the Kansas State offensive staff to find more opportunities for the sophomore running back.
Klieman also pointed out that K-State has not had the ball enough to get Edwards more involved. The Wildcats have averaged just 55 plays per game this season. Against UT-Martin the offense struggled to get going so they weren’t on the field much. Saturday versus Tulane the defense struggled to get off the field leading to fewer plays for K-State’s offense. Kansas State must find ways for their playmakers to get the ball more and Klieman knows that falls on the Wildcats coaches.
