I know you’re all bummed about another close loss, but don’t direct your ire at Ron Prince. It’s not his fault.
In some ways, what did in the Wildcats last night in Stillwater is the same thing we suspected might be this team’s downfall all along - run defense. As Prince said late night, there wasn’t much of any, and that’s been the case the last three games now. That, folks, is a trend, and that’s going to be the blueprint for attacking this team the remainder of the year.
With that said, who has the tools to pull off what KU and OSU did, and what Colorado attempted to do? Not Baylor and its spread offense. Even if Iowa State played the perfect game - at home, no turnovers, and was more physical than K-State, as the Cyclones were during the first half of their loss Saturday to Oklahoma - that still looks like a Wildcat victory.
Where it gets interesting is Nebraska. The Huskers are a shell of themselves, and this team has clearly quit on Bill Callahan. It’s funny - the old Nebraska, as in the power running game, would give K-State fits. But with the mess on the field in Lincoln these days, that’s looking like a win, too.
I don’t like K-State’s chances against Missouri and at Fresno State. But that would still give the Wildcats seven wins, which would match last season’s win total, which isn’t bad.
What else?
- Had to be impressed with Josh Freeman, even if he wasn’t impressed with himself, which is a good sign. I’ll have a story on him in tomorrow’s Eagle.
- It was strange to hear how much praise Prince and the Wildcats heaped on Oklahoma State. K-State was very complimentary, and for once, I didn’t think it was bluster. The Cowboys are a good team, no question, and I thought they were better than K-State last night - primarily because they were playing at home. I love their offense, but that defense is sketchy at best. It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out.
- My curiosity was rewarded. I wondered how Adarius Bowman was a bigger NFL prospect than Jordy Nelson. While Nelson has been ultra-productive, Bowman is a man. No better way to put it. I mean, he’s so physical. Bowls people over, takes contact. In a pure passing offense, he’d have staggering numbers. He’s the prototypical possession receiver in the 21st century.
- Speaking of the NFL, scouts from the Oakland Raiders, New York Giants and one other team - it’s escaping me right now - were in attendance Saturday. They were talking about quarterbacks, and one mentioned ESPN’s Friday night telecast of Louisville-UConn. During that game, the announcers were wondering how anyone couldn’t think Brian Brohm wasn’t a high first-round pick, a comment the scouts at Boone Pickens Stadium were snickering about. Also, there was ridicule for Hawaii’s Colt Brennan and his release.
- What has happened to Rob Jackson? And, to a lesser extent, Ian Campbell? Weren’t people predicting All-Big 12 seasons for those two? I think I heard Campbell’s name called once last night.
- Good to see Marcus Watts making plays again - in something besides special teams. But that missed tackle in the end on Brandon Pettigrew will probably haunt him all day.
Have some thoughts? Holler at me in the comments below…
12 Comments
JMART- I knew you would have something early. You said you thought Okie State was the better team, but from what i heard on the radio we shot ourselves in the foot with the two TE fumbles and the one muffed punt.
Some questions: Did Garvin make that interception that was overturned?
How ballsy did you think going for two was?
Would you agree that we are essentially one drive, each game, from being 7-0? I would say that Okie state was the only game we lost that i didnt think RP got outcoached. It came down to who had the ball last. We give the ball to Patton on the 11 with 1:15 left to run down the clock, but he scores. Definetely trying to run the clock down, but what do you do, gotta take the TD when you can.
If Nelson runs sub 4.5 he is a late second early third round pick. Will not make it past the first day. you agree?
Yes, there were botched plays. But what if OSU takes points earlier instead of going for it on 4th and 1? I mean, that makes a difference, too. When I said OSU was the better team, I meant Saturday and mainly because the Cowboys were playing at home. Neutral or at The Bill, I like K-State’s chances. Garvin’s butt came down on the sideline chalk, so he was out of bounds, which means it wasn’t a pick. I loved the two-point call. I love that Prince also brought up Illinois State’s Denver Johnson in defending the call, which shows a couple of things - this man will learn anytime, anywhere from any coach, which is an impressive trait. And two, he coaches to win. Anyone who suspects otherwise needs to check him or herself. Your bigger point about almost being perfect, maybe. I don’t subscribe to “one play here or there,” but I’ll say this: the Wildcats are growing and learning. This team might end with the same record as last year’s, but it is so much better than the 2006 squad it’s frightening. This team has a legitimate case for being one of the 25 best teams in the country - how you’d quantify that is beyond me because the polls surely aren’t doing a good job - whereas last year’s was a house of cards. You have to appreciate the direction the program is heading, which is a testament to Prince. Hey, I’ve been harsh on the man, but not for his coaching acumen. He’s doing good things.
J-Mart, why does Tibs line up in punt block on 3rd and long? How many times does this defense have to get burnt for him to make an adjustment? Tibs is getting worked as a defensive coordinator with every passing game that gets put on film. Teams know where our blitzes are coming from and when it’s going to happen. Ian Campbell and Rob Jackson have disappeared because of the 3-4, both need a DT to their inside in order to make their pass rush effectively one on one.
Agreed, Catzacker. I didn’t notice the punt block, but I’ll look for it on the replay. I don’t think there’s any question that enough tape is out there that people know how to attack K-State. I mean, it’s obvious and it’s the results the past three weeks. Again, that said, the next two opponents are ill-equipped to do much about it, so that has to be comforting. I think the 3-4 is a bust. The linebackers - at least these linebackers - aren’t good enough for this scheme. It will be interesting to see if K-State sticks with this moving forward in the coming years.
J-mart:
What is the consensus on Watts? Strong on run, Slow on pass? Still injured?
Also, how much pressure were we getting on the qb? Was the gameplan to account for his speed and not flush him? Wyattvision provided few details.
JMart:
I agree with you on the 3-4. What do you think the chances are of them making some adjustments mid-stream. I don’t think it’s practical to think they’ll junk the whole thing in the middle of the season, but I think there are things they can do to fortify the front. Just too many gaping holes at the line of scrimmage!
Couple of responses here:
KK, I think he’s working back into shape. Great instincts, decent on run. Not sure what the injury was, not sure if he’s over it. But I didn’t think he played poorly last night. There wasn’t much pressure, but Prince seemed to indicate that they realized Robinson would get his yards on the ground.
Scott, this coaching staff has shown the ability to make adjustments week to week, much better than in-game tweaking. I think the 3-4 works at the pro level because of the personnel - you need linebackers who can take on blocks and still win. That’s not happening right now. I think they’ll do some things to protect themselves, but I think they’ll be predictable things that can be exploited, like bringing Watts closer to the line of scrimmage, etc.
The 3-4 we run is like what the 3-4 Dallas ran when Parcells took over. Right system, wrong players. Dat nyguen was too small, just like houlik. both made tackles, but that was after a gain of 5 or more. Ian Campbell honestly is a good fit for OLB for this scheme, but not a DE or rush LB for it. We need size at the DT, DE, and ILB and speed on the outside. I mean, the 3-4 in the NFl doesnt have problems stopping the run because of the size they put emphasis on. We cant expect to be NFL size, but we need to get bigger. Whatever. As long as KU doesnt win the North, I consider the rest of the season a victory.
J-Mart: a couple of quick questions in the vein of Kat Kid’s, since Wyatt-vision really didn’t provide a whole lot of details…
1) Was KSU doing anything differently on offense last night for Freeman to blow up yardage-wise?
2) The NFL scouts were there… did you overhear their Jordy-related comments?
3) I think Prince really has a good idea of what he is trying to do (and for the most part, I’m impressed), but do you think he will use his team’s run D deficiency as a recruiting point? Perhaps pull in some JUCO studs to try and shore up the line for next year?
Gracias,
The Minister
Defense didn’t lose this game. Turnovers did. Forget the defense. This team beats anyone if they hang onto the ball. If they eliminate just one of their turnovers last night, they win. If they don’t turn the ball over at all, they win going away.
The offense is becoming electric, though…the future is electric.
K-State wasn’t doing much different. I mean, they lined up Murphy in the backfield a couple of times, but it was the same game plan as usual. OSU is suspect - at best - on defense. Didn’t hear any comments about Jordy, but they were impressed with Bowman - go figure. I don’t think there’s any doubt Prince will use the the run defense deficiency as a recruiting point, and I’d also expect him to go that same route with offensive linemen.
JMart…
I hope in some way, you are getting rewarded for your Blog K-Stated and your interaction with sport fans,,,
It is outstanding! And very much appreciated