Can Kansas State Replicate Its 2011 Magic In 2012?

Kansas State emerged as one of the 2011 season’s pleasant surprises. Every indicator suggested the Wildcats would be comparable at best to the 7-6, 2010 Wildcats. After all, K-State lost its most productive offensive player (running back Daniel Thomas), won four single digit decisions, was starting a former wide receiver at quarterback and had one of the oldest coaches in FBS on its sideline.

Yet, the Wildcats slogged their way to 10 wins and second place in the Big 12. A ball controlling style gave K-State an edge over its air-it-out Big 12 brethren. Bill Snyder’s grind-it-out approach sufficiently took the wind out of opponents’ sails, and Collin Klein masterfully captained the rush predicated system.

There was a time, not long ago even, when an offense that passed nearly 600 times like Oklahoma State was considered gimmicky and a steady rushing offense was the norm. However the Big 12 featured four teams with over 500 pass attempts, and K-State’s 606 rushes to 290 pass attempts was the gimmick. And the question with any system perceived as a gimmick is how does it sustain success after it’s been exposed?

Opposing defenses will be more prepared for Dana Dimel’s system this season. Arkansas laid a blueprint in January’s Cotton Bowl for slowing Klein, thus shutting down the Wildcat rushing attack. The formula Arkansas and Oklahoma both had was simple enough, yet highly effective: get into the backfield on first and second down, and turn third downs into passing plays.

Klein’s production warranted modest Heisman consideration: 27 rushing touchdowns, 1141 yards, 13 passing touchdowns and another 1900 yards through the air. But no one will ever confuse him for a great passer. His outstanding play was a product of the system — the same can be said of any quarterback whose coordiantors tailor schematics to fit their abilities. In Klein’s case though, what Dimel ran accentuated his talents.

Dimel employed sets akin to what Oklahoma ran with Blake Bell; key difference is OU saved such formations for goal line stands, whereas K-State relied almost exclusively on them. Thus, Klein rushed the ball over 300 times. Klein may have a build only slightly less burly than a defensive end, but 300-plus carries is a helluva beating for any position to take, let alone quarterback.

Greater incorporation of speedy John Hubert into the offense could spell Klein enough to keep defenses guessing. At 5-foot-7, 180 pounds, Hubert is reminiscent of another back who flourished under Snyder, current New Orleans Saint Darren Sproles. Hubert carried the ball 200 times for 970 yards and caught 24 passes. Don’t be surprised to see his workload bump up by 15-25 carries in 2012.

Backfield mate Angelo Pease could settle into more of a feature back role. His adjustment from the JUCO ranks was rocky, as he only averaged 4 yards per attempt. He only carried 36 times though, and was unused in four games altogether. Should he adjust to a level where he can rush 100-plus times, the Wildcat rushing attack will be diverse enough to look completely different from last season.

Even more integral to incorporating in the offense is big tight end Andre McDonald. His contribution was modest last season: nine receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown. However at 6-foot-8, 280 pounds, he’s a massive target. His primary role was that of blocker, but his development into a short range option reliable enough for 2-3 grabs an outing would give Klein a weapon akin to Aaron Hernandez’s role with Tim Tebow at Florida.

And ultimately, a middle class man’s Tebow is a realistic ceiling for Klein. He’s proven his running ability. His 57 percent completion percentage last season was underwhelming, but he doesn’t often make bad decisions with his throws. There’s no shortage of experience up and down the receiving corps, including talented Chris Harper and explosive Tyler Lockett.

K-State won’t be sneaking up on anyone in 2011, but with the sky high potential on the offensive side of the ball, it may not need to.