K-Stated

For the first time since Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder returned to the sidelines, the Wildcats have a clear favorite in the race for starting quarterback.

Collin Klein will take the first snap with K-State’s offense when preseason practices begin in early August. From there, it is Snyder’s “hope” that Justin Tuggle and Sammuel Lamur are capable of competing with Klein for the right to take the first snap with K-State’s offense against Eastern Kentucky.

Doesn’t exactly sound like Snyder will need until the Tuesday before opening day to name his starter, does it?

That’s not to say Klein has already won the job. He hasn’t. But it is clearly his job to lose.

“He’s made tremendous strides in regards to his leadership of our football team,” Snyder said of Klein. “That’s extremely important. He’s made tremendous strides in his understanding. He’s a very intelligent young guy and grasps concepts well. He’s just grown and grown and grown in his understanding of the offense and how to have dominant control of our offense.”
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THE GOOD
1. Carson Coffman was limited to about 32 minutes of action, but you’d never know it looking at the final stats. The senior quarterback came on in relief of Collin Klein and absolutely torched Colorado’s defense by completing 16 of 23 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. He also scampered in to the end zone from six yards away for a score.

Throughout the second half, he made beautiful passes and continually found Aubrey Quarles and Chris Harper in tight situations near the sidelines. He was on the money all afternoon, and the one time he made a pass and threw into coverage Quarles fought for him and caught a tipped pass. It was the best K-State’s passing game has looked all season.

2. David Garrett continues to standout on a weak defense. On an otherwise awful day, the junior cornerback was everywhere for K-State. He made a whopping 16 tackles (14 solo and two for loss) and broke up a pass.
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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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Coming into the season, this looked like a very compelling game.

After dropping its last two games to Kansas State, it seemed like Texas would have revenge on its mind today in Manhattan. And with a traditional Big 12 powerhouse coming to town, the Wildcats would have the chance to pick up a statement victory.

The game is still compelling enough to be televised nationally at 7 p.m. on ESPN2, but it isn’t the match up everyone expected. The Longhorns (4-4) are struggling like never before under coach Mack Brown. The Wildcats (5-3) have lost two in a row.

Still, bowl implications mean the game is still important for both sides.
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Two surging offenses are about to encounter two struggling defenses.

That means those headed to Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday can expect a shootout.

Kendall Hunter will be going up against Daniel Thomas. Carson Coffman and his suddenly efficient arm will be challenged to outplay Brandon Weeden. And Oklahoma State’s wide receivers will be asked to fill in for the suspended Justin Blackmon.

With Kansas State and Oklahoma State’s defenses ranked 100th and 97th in the nation, respectively, forcing punts should mean more than usual. Turnovers will feel like touchdowns. The objective in this game is simple: Score.
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