How The Kansas State Wildcats Plan To Tackle Early-Season Bye Week
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein is going to have a lot of "firsts" this season.
He gets another one this week when the Wildcats have the first bye of the Klein era. It will give him an opportunity to correct some of the issues from last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bears. It was the Big 12 conference opener for both teams.
Here's what Klein had to say about this week during his press conference.
"It'll be a normal midweek phase for us," Klein said. "So, we'll be able to put some pads on and play a little bit, keep our motors going, and continue to move timing and continuity forward. But, we're also going to get guys that have a lot of reps banked a little bit more reps through phase two, so that we're taking care of them and utilizing the time."
Getting healthy is one of the goals of this week. Two players, tight end Will Anciaux and receiver Jaron Tibbs, sustained undisclosed injuries last week against the Bearcats. Both players left the game in the first half.
While Tibbs could return to action sooner than later, Anciaux could be out an extended period of time. The Wildcats got big games from tight end Garrett Oakley and receiver Derrick Salley Jr., who combined for seven catches for 220 yards and a touchdown.
Aside from health, the Wildcats are also looking for answers to solve the problems with the run defense. They were shredded by the Bearcats running game, which produced 271 yards and three touchdowns. Both running backs, Cole Tabb and Gi'Bran Payne topped 100 yards.
The week off will also give Klein an opportunity to further break down the game film. He said he noticed some problem areas that didn't exist during the 3-0 start that included wins against the Nicholls Cowboys, Washington State Cougars and Tulane Green Wave.
After the week off, the Wildcats return to action Oct. 10 against the Houston Cougars at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS
The latest injury updates for the Kansas State Wildcats
The moment momentum shifted for K-State in loss to Cincinnati
Why K-State will focus on run defense during bye week
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos