Horns247 goes behind enemy lines with Ryan Gilbert of GoPowerCat.com before Texas takes on Kansas State for an in-depth look at what the Longhorns will face against the Wildcats.What is the most recent update on Kansas State’s quarterback situation? Who do you think will start if Skylar Thompson is unable to play on Friday?
Are there any other significant injuries or returns from an injury affecting the Wildcats’ chances in this game?
After suffering a leg injury that kept him out of the final stretch of Kansas State’s 20-10 loss to Baylor on Saturday, head coach Chris Klieman said earlier this week that Skylar Thompson could play on Friday.
Take those words with a grain of salt, though, because Klieman made similar comments about Thompson earlier in the season, only for the fifth-year quarterback to suit up and play against Oklahoma after missing some time. Thompson isn’t a lock to play, but his chances of starting to outweigh his chances of sitting.
Klieman also stated that if Thompson is unable to play, QB Will Howard will take his place.
Despite the fact that Howard is only in his second season out of high school, the Downingtown, Pennsylvania native has already played in 13 games as a Wildcat. Last season, Thompson suffered a season-ending injury in the third game of the season, giving Howard the starting spot for the rest of the season.
This season, Howard appeared in three games in Thompson’s absence and took a few snaps in garbage time in a rout of Kansas. Howard is still very young, so predicting how high his ceiling could be at K-State is difficult. Many fans have been disappointed with Howard (both this season and last), but some ultra-conservative playcalling, as well as a subpar wide receiver group, haven’t helped Howard’s case.
Apart from the quarterback position, the only notable Wildcat to keep an eye on is defensive back Jahron McPherson. The senior was hurt against Baylor on Saturday and will be a game-time decision on Friday. Despite representing the Wildcats at Big 12 Media Days, McPherson has had a disappointing season. Nonetheless, he is still regarded as a defensive leader and his departure would be a significant blow to the Wildcats.
Give us an update on how Chris Klieman is doing/fitting in as Wildcats head coach in Year 3? Klieman has done a good job at K-State as his third season comes to a close.
Following a three-game losing streak to start Big 12 play, the Wildcats had an eight-game losing streak against Big 12 teams dating back to last season. There was undoubtedly some discontent among Wildcat fans, but those cries have since subsided as the Wildcats have won four of their last five games. Sure, you can pick at some details and find flaws, but Klieman has just as many bright spots.
Back-to-back wins over top-five Oklahoma teams were huge for the program, but some poor performances (losses to Arkansas State, Texas, and Iowa State last season) almost canceled out the big ones. This season, as well as his first, has been very strong. However, as previously stated, last season was a colossal failure. Klieman lost command of his locker room, and the team walked out. We’ll give him a pass because of how hectic the season was due to the global pandemic, but every team was dealt the same hand. If there was one thing to criticise, it would be his selection.
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Yes, recruiting in Kansas is difficult, but his recruiting staff has been missing left and right, particularly on local prospects that Bill Snyder relied on for a living. On the recruiting trail, something needs to change.
Should they alter their strategy? Should they broaden their focus? Should you hire a new recruiting coordinator? All of this is debatable. Bottom line: the current formula is ineffective.
What are the K-State team’s strengths and weaknesses in each of the three phases? Where does it appear that one team has a distinct advantage over the other?
In the absence of Bijan Robinson, the Wildcats should be successful in the trenches on defense. Felix Anudike-Uzomah leads the nation in sacks (11) and has been a standout for the Wildcats this season. The rest of K-defense State’s is strong.
K-LBs State’s were the biggest unknown heading into the season, but they’ve performed admirably. The secondary for the Wildcats is also strong. On offence, it all comes down to whether or not Skylar Thompson Suri Cruise Sports Long Hair While Posing With Flowers & Goofing Off With Friends On15th Birthdayplays. If he does, the playbook is unlocked, and the Wildcats can do whatever they want against the Longhorn defense. Otherwise, K-offense State’s will appear disjointed. The Wildcats are well-known for dominating the third phase of the game on special teams. The Wildcats have had the most non-offensive touchdowns in college football since 1999.
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