Is It Time For Kansas State Wildcats To Make This Key Offensive Lineup Switch?

Think back to the summer when Big 12 Media Days were taking place in Frisco, Texas. 

That was when Kansas State Wildcats running back Joe Jackson was first asked about the addition of transfers Rodney Fields and Jay Harris. They were supposed to provide competition in training camp for Jackson, who was the incumbent entering this season. Jackson viewed it as a good thing because he felt it would help. 

And then a strange thing happened. 

Jackson lost the starting spot to Fields by the time of the season opener. Jackson almost became an afterthought in the K-State offense. Somehow, the Wildcats had an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection getting limited touches. 

That all changed in Saturday's game against the Kansas Jayhawks in the Sunflower Showdown. Jackson was once again in the lead role he held the majority of last season. 

He responded by carrying 27 times for 159 yards and a touchdown in the Wildcats' 35-24 victory at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. It was the 18th straight victory for K-State in the long-running series. 

And a lot of it had to do with Jackson. 

He became the first K-State running back to reach 100 yards since the Big 12 season began. Fields carried the load during the non-conference schedule, which made many feel he was the apparent starter throughout the season. 

Once conference play began, Fields started to struggle. His average per carry dropped. His production diminished. And now first-year coach Collin Klien has a decision to make. 

Should he go back to Jackson as the full-time starter? 

It was the same dilema coach Chris Klieman had a year ago. The Wildcats started the year with Dylan Edwards as the starter. That lasted a few games before Jackson worked his way to the top. Edwards is now playing for the Jayhawks while Jackson finds himself in a similar situation as last year. 

While Fields was productive against the Jayhawks as well (he had 66 yards and a touchdown), it may be time for Klein to just settle on one primary back. There would still be time for Fields and Harris to get reps but give the most of them to Jackson. 

Klein has little time to make the decision. After the rivalry victory, the Wildcats play at the Arizona State Sun Devils. This is a must-win if Kansas State wants to stay in contention in the Big 12. Even a win might not be enough because the Utah Utes, BYU Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders are all playing so well.