K-Stated

One of the most important needs of the Kansas State football team in 2011 will be improved play from its linebackers.

The Wildcats were weak on defense a year ago, and a lack of depth and experience at linebacker was a big reason why. Alex Hrebec was the only proven player at the position to start the season, and underclassmen Jarell Childs, Blake Slaughter and Tre Walker all had to play major roles.

That entire group returns this year, along with Emmanuel Lamur, a converted safety, and Arthur Brown, a former high school All-American.

Lamur’s athleticism, Brown’s upside and the rest of the unit’s experience has created hope. K-State coach Bill Snyder already sees improvement.

“The group as a whole, we run better,” Snyder said. “I think we’re probably going to be a little more physical. I think we’re going to be a little bit better defending against the pass, because we’re probably a little more athletic than what we were.”
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Will Collin Klein start against Missouri on Saturday? Or will Carson Coffman regain the top quarterback spot?

Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder did not address that topic during his weekly segment of the Big 12 Teleconference today, but he did say there is a chance both quarterbacks will see action.

“I’ve never been committed to saying that we can only play one guy,” he said. “We’re in a position where we have less than 70 guys on scholarship. We don’t have a stock pile of people. We have to play to the talents of the youngsters that we have.

“You have to utilize all your youngsters the best that you can. That’s true at the quarterback position like it is anywhere else … I don’t have a problem playing two.”

Klein made the first start of his career against Texas two days ago and torched the Longhorns with his running ability. The sophomore rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns, and added a whole new element to the Wildcats’ running attack. But he was also asked to throw the ball four times. Coffman is a stronger passer.

Snyder said he would like more balance against Missouri. So platooning both quarterbacks could make some sense.
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It was a big day for Daniel Thomas and a big win for Kansas State.

After rushing for 234 yards and two touchdowns, Thomas was singled out all over the place. A few writers threw the word “Heisman” around, and ESPN analysts awarded him a helmet sticker on their late night college football show. He deserved the recognition.

Thomas was an absolute workhorse Saturday, and lived up to all the hype he created for himself by leading the Big 12 in rushing a year ago. Only Oklahoma State’s Kendall Hunter did better on opening day.

And because of Thomas’ efforts, K-State is off to a 1-0 start. With other teams across the Big 12 struggling with opponents they were expected to easily defeat, the Wildcats’ win over UCLA carries some weight.
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We’re midway through the football season, and Kansas State is right about where most preseason predictions had it at 3-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

With six games remaining, there’s a lot that could still happen. But after six games, here’s what we’ve learned:
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