K-State Football: Three Keys to Victory Against UCLA in Cactus Bowl
By Jake Barbee
Run, Run, and Run Some More
This offense when it started the year was expected to have a stout offensive line, a capable signal caller, and the running back depth to make any team jealous. However, things didn’t go to plan and the run game was a virtual no show in big games.
Alex Barnes underperformed along with the rest of the backfield, and Bill Snyder refuses to play high potential back Mike McCoy. “Not to worry, Kansas State uses the quarterback a ton in the offense and Jesse Ertz will get going” some said.
Well, Ertz didn’t get going. In fact, he got hurt. A super high ceiling mobile quarterback Alex Delton came in to relieve him and well, he got hurt too. K-State’s luck was down, but not out, as Skylar Thompson came in and won some games. He looked impressive while doing it too!
Thompson’s ability with his arm is what really opened up the offense in recent weeks, mainly being utilized in the right time to make the Wildcats multi dimensional and boost the run game. KSU needs, and I mean desperately needs, not only Thompson to step up, but the backs behind him to get going on the ground.
This will open up the play action pass and if Thompson is able to complete the passes they give him, the offense should run smoothly. Also, with Barnes and company picking up three to four yards on first down, it no doubt opens up the playbook tremendously.