The Kansas State Wildcats' defense has struggled against the run the past two games
The biggest takeaway from the first loss of the season for the Kansas State Wildcats was the poor run defense.
The Wildcats gave up 271 rushing yards last week to the Cincinnati Bears in a 31-26 loss. Both of the UC running backs had at least 100 yards.
Even though it wasn't as glaring, the Wildcats also had similar problems the previous week versus the Tulane Green Wave. So the challenge for first-year coach Collin Klein is getting those issues fixed.
"Well, I think the Tulane game, they came out and played triple option football, which really they hadn't done out of some formations that we hadn't prepped, and it took us a second to get our feet on the ground from that standpoint," Klein said. "Saturday night [against Cincinnati] was more of we got pushed around a little bit up front inside and had bad eye discipline and some fit structures that were a problem, and probably a different problem."
K-State is off this weekend but return to action next Saturday against the Houston Cougars in another Big 12 conference showdown. Like the Bearcats, the Cougars have an impressive running back tandem.
Makhi Hughes leads the way with 56 carries for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Then there's Ra'Shaun Sanford II, who has 37 carries for 252 yards and two scores. Quarterback Conner Weighman can also hurt defenses, rushing 29 times for 106 yards and three touchdowns.
So, eventually, the Wildcats have to get it together on defense because the opposing offenses only get tougher as the season progresses.
K-STATE SETTLES WITH FORMER HOOPS COACH
The Wildcats parted ways with basketball coach Jerome Tang after last season.
But the breakup never finalized Tang's final payment. Apparently, both parties have come to an agreement. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Wildcats are finalizing a deal to pay Tang $12 million by the end of 2027. There was $18 million left on his contract.
MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS
What has Collin Klein learned thus far and why he is focused on moving forward?
New K-State hoops coach Casey Alexander knows he can't turn things around in a day
Do the K-State Wildcats have a problem with the offensive line?
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
