Rapid Recap: Kansas State wants to be more aggressive on offense

LET IT RIP

For the first time this season, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman gave oxygen to the idea that quarterback Adrian Martinez was missing opportunities downfield and not being near aggressive enough with his decisions.

When asked if his signal-caller was being a bit too careful, Klieman answered “without question”. That’s a strong statement and one that is not common from the K-State football boss. He even shared that the two of them and offensive coordinator Collin Klein spoke about it in a meeting.

He wants Martinez to “let it rip” and not be afraid to make mistakes. They have to take chances in the passing game. Receivers are coming open sometimes and just not being seen. Klieman has mentioned that Martinez needs to not play afraid to commit a turnover and that has been echoed by Klein, too.

It’s clear that they are attempting to have that message get through to him. Klieman sees it as vital in order to get guys like Malik Knowles and Phillip Brooks more touches in the passing game. He believes in them and wants them to have opportunities.

MATLACK UPDATE

Kansas State defensive end Nate Matlack was the only player injured versus Tulane that did not re-enter the contest. Both Deuce Vaughn and KT Leveston were also hampered at times, but those setbacks were associated with cramps on a hot day.

Matlack had a lower leg injury that he is still dealing with and it has prevented him from practicing thus far, though he is beginning to run a bit according to his head coach. K-State hopes that he may be able to practice by the end of the week and be ready in time for the Saturday tilt with Oklahoma.

However, he’s best described as a game-time decision at this point.

DEFENSIVE ADJUSTMENT BY KANSAS STATE

When Matlack left the game and was unavailable the rest of the way, Kansas State had to adjust. They needed another body to come off the edge and chase the quarterback. Instead of digging deeper into their bag of defensive ends, they just played Khalid Duke at his old spot on the edge.

It might be where he is still the most comfortable but Shawn Robinson leaving the team has made Duke more important on the second level. But when they moved Duke back to the edge, they did resort to their alignment from last year where they inserted a defensive back into the ‘Sam’ linebacker position.

They brought in VJ Payne to play safety and moved Hayes to the second level where Reggie Stubblefield starred a season ago.