AN INCONSISTENT SEASON
This afternoon’s game exemplified much of the Wildcat’s season this year. KSU football has been marred by inconsistency all year long. The reasons vary. One reason is Avery Johnson is a true sophomore. He took the reins and set the single season passing touchdown record for the school. He also made many mistakes throughout the season. He will benefit greatly from quarterback coaching in the off season.
Another reason is former offensive coordinator Collin Klein was replaced by not one, but two coaches. Conor Riley and Matt Wells worked together to coordinate the offense this year. Though Riley calls the plays, they both are responsible for the game plan. Johnson was used to being coached by one individual as Klein was responsible for the offense and the quarterbacks. This new structure had growing pains, and it showed on the field during difficult games.
The last reason for inconsistency rests with the defensive coordinator, Joe Klanderman. He is a master at pressure and zone blitzing. He struggles in all other aspects of coordinating the defense on game day. Today, the Rutgers spent much of the time carving up the Wildcat zone packages.
Klanderman spent the whole first half switching from cover 3 to quarters to cover 2 with no real pressure packages. The defensive backs and linebackers played on their heels most of the opening half. They seemed tentative and lacked aggression. That speaks to a lack of preparedness. Coaches are ultimately responsible for prepping their team and KSU looked out of their depth on defense. Thankfully Klanderman adjusted at half time.
WHY THE WILDCATS WON TODAY
Kansas State won the game in the second half due to four reasons. First, the offense executed the plays called. Offensive linemen hit their blocks, running backs hit their holes, Avery Johnson connected with his targets and the Wildcats played thru adversity.
Second, Joe Klanderman turned up the pressure. After Rutgers scored early in the 3rd quarter, the Wildcats started stunting and blitzing setting up third and longs. Another key adjustment was Klanderman moved from a three man front to a four-man front. As the game wore on, he began to toy with the offensive line by showing a three man front and then bring a fourth and fifth player to the line of scrimmage.
Four men were always coming and the quarterback always thought at least six could come. In college football, the constant threat of the blitz hurries the quarterback up. Just because they hurry up doesn’t mean they hurry right, and Rutgers quarterback was forced into a number of compromising positions due to the constant threat of pressure. Those threats were realized at least five times when he threw a pick and suffered four sacks in the second half. They were realized seven more times when he was forced to throw early on third and long and he failed to complete the pass.
Avery Johnson’s play contributed greatly to the win. He started the game slow missing wide-open backs and receivers on his first drive. Yet, in the second half he was hitting his teammates in stride and on target. During his third possession of the second half, he hit a streaking Garret Oakley on a crossing route in stride who converted the reception into a 13 yard touchdown. During the fifth possession he hit a slashing Joe Jackson in stride as he ran flare route for a touchdown.
Johnson has the ability to put the ball anywhere he wants to on the field. He just needs to learn how to do it consistently.
The last reason for the win is the Wildcats kept playing through adversity. Coach Chris Klieman has built a culture of toughness. He believes in the values passed down by the great Bill Snyder and he carries on the tradition well. Klieman has led his squad to 9 victory seasons three seasons in a row. That speaks to his ability to develop the right culture for the players to keep playing hard despite the circumstances.
TODAYS GAME PROJECTS WELL FOR THE FUTURE
The Rate Bowl has given a good picture for what the Kansas State offense might look like next year. Dylan Edwards rushed 18 times for 196 yards and two touchdowns while catching a third touchdown. True freshman Joe Jackson spelled him rushing 50 yards on seven carries and collecting three receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown.
Edwards’s and Jackson’s statistics don’t tell the whole story. Both players consistently found ways to be in position to convert key third downs and score touchdowns. Despite throwing an interception, Avery Johnson managed to throw three touchdowns and run for another. He accounted for another 57 yards rushing. In total, KSU rushed for 347 yards on a Big 10 football team.
Johnson’s passing game still needs marked improvement. He connected 15 of 30 passes. His first few key passes were off the mark. Had they been on the mark Kansas State would have never trailed Rutgers. Johnson must learn how to slow down his heart rate and calmly deliver the wide-open route when it counts. You can see him get excited and then overshoot the target. Johnson oozes talent. He needs coaching and instruction on how to calm down and make the right type of pass in the right moment.
While the season was a bit frustrating, it is good to end on a positive note. The Wildcats have something to build on. On to Spring Ball!
