Kansas State vs Louisana-Lafayette Wrap Up: Inside The Numbers

Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Was there any doubt the Kansas State Wildcats would take out some frustrations stemming from their week one loss to North Dakota State on the Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin’ Cajuns? The Wildcats led 34-3 in the third quarter before they let up on the poor Rajin’ Cajuns. Kansas State coasted to a 48-27 win.

It was not a perfectly executed ballgame on Kansas State’s part, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but things sure were a lot more rosy this Saturday night in Manhattan as the Wildcats rolled early and often in this one.

WHAT WENT RIGHT?

TWO QUARTERBACK ROTATION: Some believe if a team has to play two quarterbacks, it means they don’t have one good one. That is not always the case. Kansas State utilized Jake Waters and Daniel Sams in completely different ways, both effectively. Waters had a nice game through the air, completing 22 of 31 passes (71%) for 278 yards. Sams provided a nice change of pace, attacking Lafayette from the ground. Sams ground out 63 yards on 8 carries, 7.9 yards a carry. This dual quarterback situation just gives opposing teams more to plan for, and as long as it works like it did against the Rajin’ Cajuns, it will be a good thing for the Wildcats.

Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

TYLER LOCKETT AND TREMAINE THOMPSON – These two exciting receivers and return men are K-State’s own Dynamic Duo. Lockett snagged 8 balls for 111 yards and gives Waters a reliable passing target. He also return 3 kick-offs for 64 yards. Thompson had a relatively quiet night in the passing game, catching just 2 passes for 46 yards, but he was on monster on special teams. He returned 2 punts for 94 yards, and he returned the opening kick-off of the second half 94 yards for a touchdown. These two players have to cause opposing coaches headaches, trying to prepare their teams to face them.

KICKING GAME – Sophomore place kicker connected on both of his field goal attempts and all of his extra points. Junior punter Mark Krause averaged 47.5 yards per punt in this one, not allowing a single yard in returns.

PENALTIES – After drawing just 4 flags for 39 yards in this game, Kansas State has only been whistled for 6 penalties for 49 yards in two games. This is an amazing early season stat, and indicates the level of discipline Snyder and his staff instill in their players.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

40 MINUTES OF DEFENSE – Albeit, most of the Ragin’ Cajuns scoring and yardage came in the second half after the game was well in hand, Coach Bill Snyder could not have been thrilled by the yards his defense gave up. Louisiana-Lafayette gained 193 through the air and 177 on the ground. Just for the sake of making his team stronger, Snyder still has some work to do with his defense.

INTERCEPTIONS AND TOUCHDOWNS – Although Jake Waters did pass for a high completion percentage and 278 yards, Waters did throw 2 interceptions and no touchdowns. He will have to take better care of the ball as the season progresses. He must be more smart with the ball as the competition improves.

THE RUNNING GAME – Outside of Sams’ 63 yards, the running game was pretty stagnant. The rest of the ball carriers only amassed 86 yards on 29 carries – a paltry 2.97 average. John Hubert continues to struggle a bit, average just 3.1 yards per carry. This part of the Wildcat’s offense must improve going forward if the Wildcats want to successfully defend their Big 12 crown.

Kansas State hosts Massachusetts this weekend at 7 p.m. CDT. At this time, it looks like the game will only be broadcast on K-StateHD.TV.