K-State Football: Report Card vs Kansas Jayhawks

I have tried to defend this group in the past. They run a bend but don’t break that allows a team to keep it close in the high-flying Big 12. I actually understand it because it does help to cover up a lack of athleticism that K-State football traditionally has with how they recruit.

This defense allowed 418 passing yards to Carter Stanley of KU, who has not been good for the Jayhawks. On the face that’s bad. When we dive it, it’s worse.

Stanley only completed 23 passes in 48 attempts. He finished with a QBR of 43.8. KU’s head coach David Beaty has pulled him so many times these last two years that Stanley may have whiplash before he graduates.

K-State generally deploys this approach with teams that are of equal or better talent.

The bend-but-don’t-break defense is supposed to limit big plays. It’s designed to keep everything in front of the defense and force teams to beat you with consistency. I understand it yet Steven Sims Jr managed wreck havoc.

Don’t get me wrong, he’s a nice player, but he’s not the kind of guy that should wreck your gameplan and get 233 yards receiving with a long of 60 yards. Not only that, K-State also allowed catches of 47 and 39 yards. It’s unacceptable.

The worst part? K-State generally deploys this approach with teams that are of equal or better talent. Why K-State is afraid of KU is a problem. The fact that those fears were founded is a firable offense for the head coach (there, I said it.)