Kansas State football: Will Year 2 of Chris Klieman bring Big 12 title contention?

Skylar Thompson returns to lead depleted offense

Expectations for the Wildcats are not as high this season for the team as opposed to last year. Part of that is the limited number of experienced starters returning. The Wildcats are only slated to return two starters from last year’s offense that was ranked 61st in the nation (eighth in the conference) in points per game (29.6) and 103rd (ninth in the conference) in total yards (358.9).

There is potential with this offense but there is plenty of work to do with little time left.

The offense is trending towards a solid rebuilding path that could have them compete with Texas and Oklahoma soon. Offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham is in his second season with the Wildcats after following Klieman from North Dakota State. The Wildcats look to be more balanced on this side of the ball.

There’s potential as they look to capable to beat opposing defenses through many different formations and player utilizations like at North Dakota State.

Skylar Thompson is entering in his fourth year as the starting quarterback. He looks to finish his career on a high note after some efficient development within the past year. He looked more comfortable playing under the direction of Klieman and Messingham.

Last season, Thompson passed for 2,315 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 405 yards and 11 touchdowns on 114 attempts. While he brings an edge with his dual-threat abilities, the Wildcats are looking to become more progressive in throwing the ball. They are still looking to establish high efficiency in the short passing game.

The run game for the Wildcats looks to make some strides this season with Thompson returning for his senior season. They are also looking for their new starting running back to take over and potentially relieve Thompson. Former Louisville back Harry Trotter returns after starting in three of the 13 games he played last year for the Wildcats. Last season, he rushed for 263 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries.

Overall, the Wildcats were ranked 47th in the nation in rushing yards per game (178) while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

For Kansas State to have a more balanced offense, it will need to be more proficient in the passing game. Last season, the Wildcats were ranked 108th (last in the conference) in passing yards per game (180.9).

They will have to create some explosiveness in the receiving corps.

Malik Knowles is the lone returning starter for the Wildcats after he had 397 yards and three touchdowns on 27 receptions. Kansas State looks to utilize Joshua Youngblood in the passing game after becoming one of the conference’s best kickoff returners in 2019. The Wildcats could use rely on Phillip Brooks and Northern Iowa tight end transfer Briley Moore-McKinney as well.

Kansas State has to completely replace its entire offensive line from 2019. This is one of the biggest concerns for the team overall as the Wildcats are looking to create a more progressive passing offense and establish a decent run game.

Josh Rivas is one of the more experienced Wildcats in the offensive line. Despite no starts, he has played in the past 25 games for Kansas State and was named 2019 second-team All-Big 12.

Between the four projected offensive linemen that are projected to start (excluding Rivas), they have a total of 11 games of experience between them with none of them eclipsing three games.