Kansas State Looking For More Offensive Explosion Entering Kansas Matchup

The Kansas State Wildcats have struggled at times offensively during this two-game losing streak. 

While it's tough to pinpoint which unit is responsible for the issues, it's easy to see why they are happening. Among the biggest problems on offense is its inability to produce big plays. 

The Wildcats have struggled mightily in the department. It was especially evident in last week's 35-16 loss to the Houston Cougars at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. It was among the things first-year coach Collin Klein addressed during his weekly press conference. 

He said the Wildcats have to display more firepower if they are going to have any type of success the rest of the season. 

"So, we have to create more explosive plays collectively on offense," Klein said. "We only had six total. We need double that to be where we want."

The first chance to correct these issues comes at the perfect time. This week, the Wildcats play host to the rival Kansas Jayhawks in the annual Sunflower Showdown. It is a series that has been dominated by K-State in recent years. The Wildcats have won 17 straight against their in-state rivals. 

The key for them is moving past the three weeks of disappointment to focus on the Jayhawks. Before falling to the Cougars, the Wildcats lost on the road to the Cincinnati Bearcats to start this losing skid after a promising 3-0 start that saw them get non-conference wins against the Nicholls Cowboys, Washington State Cougars and Tulane Green Wave. 

At 3-2 overall and 0-2 in the Big 12 conference, Kansas State still has plenty of time to get things turned around. What better opponent to kickstart that than against the Jayhawks. 

But for that to happen, things must improve on the offensive end. Some of the responsibilities for the issues could be attributed to running back play. The likes of Joe Jackson, Rodney Fields and Jay Harris have all failed to produce the last two games. Fields has had a huge drop off since opening the season with consecutive games with at least 100 yards. 

When the running game is nearly non-existent, it leaves too much of the load on quarterback Avery Johnson. Even as a talented three-year starter, Johnson could use a little help. When the Wildcats are effective at running the ball, Johnson included, it makes for a more dynamic offense. 

If nothing changes, the Wildcats could be looking at their first loss in the series since 2008. That dates all the way to when Klein was a redshirt freshman for the Wildcats when they lost 52-21 to the Jayhawks in Lawrence.