KSU VS Stephen F. Austin: TV Info and More
By Eddie Grier
College football is finally back in Manhattan when KSU takes the field against Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks tonight. For K-State it is a chance for redemption after their big time stumble on last season’s opening night against North Dakota State. We here at KC Kingdom have all of the info you need for the big game.
Game #1
Who: Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. #20 Kansas State Wildcats
When: Saturday Night 6:00pm
Where: Manhattan, Kansas
TV: none; live stats during the game on KStateSports.com
Series History: First Meeting
The Wildcats and Bill Snyder (who is entering his 23rd season as head coach) like to forget about last year’s opening game and create new memories. For a team that won six out of their last seven games, the ceiling is high for KSU. K-State cannot afford another opening game letdown.
Inside Look: K-State Offensive vs. Stephen F. Austin
Quarterback Jake Waters was on a tear in the second half of year. Last year Waters was in a different situation and dealing with another quarterback in Daniel Sams.
This time there is no Sams and this is Waters chance to make a statement that this season it is his team. Waters has wide receiver Tyler Lockett back and look for this combo to make big plays on Saturday night.
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The biggest question for the Cats will start to unfold: who will get carries as the K-State running back. K-State could throw at least three different backs against the Lumberjacks.
The Wildcats had issues especially on 3rd down against the run. If the Cats don’t do well against the run then it could be a long night at the Bill.
Inside Look (Part #2): K-State Defense vs. Stephen F. Austin
K-State will have six new starters playing in Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Ryan Mueller and company will have to contain the running game and Stephen F. Austin’s Gus Johnson. Johnson posted 1,o61 yards a year ago.
The Wildcats had issues especially on 3rd down against the run. If the Cats don’t do well against the run then it could be a long night at the Bill.
Like the offense, some of the cards will be unfolded of the who’s who for Kansas State. Also, the secondary will be tested against seniors Tyler Boyd and DJ Ward. Dante Barnett will lead the K-State secondary; with that two starters new cornerback will get taste of college football.
THE Answer
Stephen F. Austin will have Clint Conque for his first season as head coach entering his first game. You have new players all over the field and the Wildcats will be a team that will be ready rollout and play with confidence. There’s just too much at the stake for KSU to slip up early.
K-State’s Key Players: Stats from last season
QB Jake Waters 159 of 260 2,469 18 TDs 9 INT’s
WR Tyler Lockett 81 catches 1,262 yards, 11 TDs
LB Jonathan Truman 89 Tackles 57 solo 4.5 loss