Kansas State Routs Miami, Serves Big 12 Notice
By Kyle Kensing
Sep 8, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Collin Klein (7) drops back to pass during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-US PRESSWIRE
Oklahoma was the overwhelming Big 12 preseason favorite, and newcomer West Virginia with its high-powered offense generated buzz, but AP No. 21/Fansided No. 20 Kansas State served notice to the nation with today’s 52-13 rout of Miami: don’t sleep on the Wildcats.
K-State won 10 games a season ago, but seemed to linger below the radar this summer. Maybe it’s the old school, ground-and-pound offensive style. Maybe it’s venerable Bill Snyder manning the sidelines without much bravado. Maybe it’s the many close games the Wildcats won in 2011.
Among those close wins so closely scrutinized was a nail biter in Miami. The Hurricanes repaid the ‘Cats’ visit, and there was nothing close this time. K-State imposed its will on the Hurricanes from the outset, jumping up big early and never looking back. Collin Klein showed why he is a Heisman Trophy candidate, scoring four touchdowns: three on the ground, one in the air.
His passing was almost impeccable: a ridiculous 88 percent completion rate for 210 yards. Add that to his 81 rushing, and that’s not a bad day for Mr. Klein. If Saturday’s win is indicative of the aerial accuracy Klein cultivated in the off-season, the Big 12 must take notice — the rest of the nation, too. These Wildcats might be the team to beat.
The Big 12 is characterized by offense, and the Wildcats are obviously potent on that side of the ball. Klein got plenty of back-up from John Hubert and Daniel Sams, who scored three combined touchdowns and picked up over 150 yards. But in a conference where offense is king, defense could be what makes K-State stand out.
The Wildcats were dominate on that side of the ball, stifling the Miami rushing attack to a combined 44 yards. That forced quarterback Stephen Morris to throw frequently, a scenario that does not suit his skill set. Many of the offenses in the conference are built around passing frequently, but need a consistent rush to supplement the aerial attack. If K-State can stymie the league’s running backs the way it did Miami’s today, watch out.
More importantly, K-State exhibited what it took away from one of its close, 2011 victories. This is an experienced bunch with a well-tenured head coach; assuming the Wildcats were not going to grow from those fortitude-testing clashes a season ago was a folly.