Kansas State Wildcats Proving They Can Rely On Three Running Backs This Season

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For one game, the Kansas State running backs unit had a break. 

They were able to sit back and watch quarterback Avery Johnson do all the heavy lifting for the ground game. Johnson ran for a career-high 152 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-20 victory against the Tulane Green Wave Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. 

While Johnson grabbed the spotlight, the performance was also a reminder of how first-year coach Collin Klein plans to utilize the backfield. Before the season, he said he was going to use all of the running backs at some point. 

Apparently, he wasn't kidding. 

Starter Rodney Fields and backup Joe Jackson had shined in the two previous games but Saturday proved Jay Harris is still in the mix. Harris, a transfer from the Oregon Ducks, had two touchdowns in the victory.

Although they both were one-yard scores, it just further proves Klein has every intention of giving all three running backs a chance to produce. Jackson had 24 yards on nine carries while Fields had just 18 yards on 10 attempts. 

For Fields, it was his first game he failed to reach 100 yards. With him and Jackson struggling, it was the perfect opportunity for Johnson to take control. It also showed Harris that the coaches have confidence in him. 

A three-headed attack (four if you include Johnson) gives the Wildcats a solid collection of runners. It also makes it difficult for opposing defenses to prepare because of the uncertainty. 

That's the whole point for Klein. He wants to keep defenses guessing. It's why he holds weekly competitions for starting spots. It forces players to compete at peak level on a daily basis. 

This strong running game combined with Johnson regaining his confidence makes the Wildcats a dangerous team in the Big 12 conference. Now, they get the chance to prove they are more than just a sleeper. 

After being pegged as a middle-tier team in the league, the Wildcats have their first chance to show they are much better. They open the Big 12 schedule this Saturday on the road against the Cincinnati Bearcats.  

MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS 

Kansas State improves to 3-0 after Tulane victory 

Gabe Powers becoming force at linebacker for Wildcats

K-State's Collin Klein is adjusting to new role on the fly 

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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com 

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