Rapid recap: Progression from the Kansas State offensive line
Progression from the Kansas State offensive line
The Kansas State offensive line seemed to really find their groove in the win over UCF. The run game was especially effective for K-State, signaled by 281 yards on the ground. Cooper Beebe said it was the best they had performed in a while.
They needed to find their identity again and are excited to get after it again in two weeks. Beebe also believed the offensive line got stronger as the game went on, too. Being able to stay on the left side was a big help to him. Head coach Chris Klieman echoed that sentiment.
Kansas State ran for 157 yards in the second half and started to lean on the Knights’ defense.
Back on track
There was a lot of talk during the week about not allowing Missouri to defeat K-State twice. Being able to bounce back and respond was a big message. It is important to not get too low after a loss or high after a win, stay level and take care of the next business item.
As Ben Sinnott put it, you can’t win all the Big 12 games if you don’t win the first one. Starting 1-0 in conference play is big for Kansas State and it is now three out of five years under Klieman that the Wildcats have done so.
Never a doubt from Howard
While it seemed that the health of K-State quarterback Will Howard was up in the air throughout the week, even to the coaches, he and his teammates didn’t operate under that assumption at any moment leading up to the contest with UCF.
There was no doubt in their mind that No. 18 would be on the field. It was admittedly a tough week for Howard, who had to spent an inordinate amount of extra time with the trainers to be ready. He even praised their work and attention.
Klieman even admitted in his press conference that playing in a night game helped as well for an additional several hours of recovery. Howard had some good days and bad days, but he felt good enough to be able to play and run the offense and even the run the ball a bit.
Sinnott even said he knew as early as Monday that Howard would be the guy under center.
