Breaking Down Kansas State’s Offense

Kansas State has shocked many people this year with their winning ways.  Kansas State is currently 9-2 and their offense has a lot to do with their success.  The offense got off to a slow start (10 points against Eastern Kentucky) but has since developed into one of the Big 12’s best.

The leader of the offense is junior quarterback Collin Klein.  Klein is an absolute warrior on the field.  Coming into the season, many fans wondered if he was even going to be the started for the Wildcats.  He has proven the doubters wrong with K-State’s success and his gritty playing style.  Collin Klein is not your typical passer with his awkward throwing motion but is still effective through the air.  So far on the season, Klein has completed 138 of 236 passes (58.5%) with 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.  Where Klein excels is running the ball.  Klein isn’t the fastest nor the most agile but he is a huge threat on the ground.  He leads the team in rushing with 1013 yards on 267 carries including 25 touchdowns.  The junior takes a beating every week, gets up with bloody elbows, he is often sacked, but he has the intangibles to still win the game for K-State.  Collin Klein is quickly turning into a lot of people’s favorite player including Kirk Herbstreit’s.

Besides Klein, sophomore John Hubert can also hurt the Clones on the ground.  Hubert (5’7, 185) has racked up 813 yards on 173 carries so far this year for K-State.  Hubert isn’t that big-time back but rather a guy that does a lot of little things like keeping his legs pumping for those extra yards.  He also has 21 receptions on the year.

When the Wildcats do pass, Chris Harper (#3) is their go-to-guy.  He leads the team with 39 receptions (21 more than than anyone else) and 5 touchdowns.  Harper transferred to Kansas State from Oregon.  Freshman Tyler Lockett is second on the team with 18 catches including 3 touchdowns.  However, Lockett suffered an injury against Oklahoma State and is out for the year.

Kansas State’s offense has done all this behind a beaten and battered offensive line.  The line has been changed a lot due to injuries and several younger players are now starters.

K-State’s offense likes to use all of the play clock by taking it down to the last seconds.  Their offense isn’t exactly explosive but methodical and sustains long, hard-earned drives.  A key for Iowa State on Saturday will be to keep Kansas State off the field.  Collin Klein and the Wildcats can wear down a defense.