Rapid Recap: Eyes on the Kansas State backfield distribution

Kansas State RB distribution

After not having Treshaun Ward for the UCF game and seeing the production that resulted in that from running back DJ Giddens, it is fair to wonder what the distribution between the two Kansas State backs should be moving forward.

After all, the Junction City product ran for 207 yards, had another 86 receiving and four total touchdowns when asked to shoulder the load. At the same time, it is not reasonable to expect him to net nearly 40 touches per game either.

According to K-State offensive coordinator Collin Klein, they’ll play it by ear. Some of it will be dependent on how well Ward is feeling and how well Giddens is doing as well. The opponent plays a role. The flow of the game plays a role.

However, reading in between the lines of what we have heard from both Klein and Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman this week, they are willing to swing the pendulum more towards Giddens than they were doing in prior weeks.

Keagan’s health

It was Tuesday when Klieman revealed that K-State wideout Keagan Johnson was practicing more than he has in a while. That was further enforced on Wednesday when we spoke to Klein and asked him about his wideout.

He agreed and acknowledged that it has been the best Johnson has felt in quite a while. They’re hoping that it manifests itself in even more production for the Wildcats this week.

Beginning of K-State games

For those that have recognized it, Kansas State has scored on their opening drive in all four games this season. Typically, that is an ode to the offensive coordinator since most script the first possession of each contest.

Some will script out as much as 20 plays.

Klein first praised the execution and preparation of his players, of course. They are the ones that get themselves ready before a game and prepare just as much throughout the week, too.

The K-State play-caller admitted that he enters with a bit of a plan and has plays that he wants to pair together, but he doesn’t really script it out play-by-play like other coordinators in the industry. The field position and the down and distances can be too varied for it to exactly unfold as rehearsed.

Evolving role for Oakley

A question that I asked both Klieman and Klein this week was just how good Kansas State tight end Garrett Oakley can be and what kind of impact he can have on the offense moving forward. Is he going to play an integral role?

It’s fair to say that is an astounding yes.

Klieman focused more on his ability and why he’s able to be such a good athlete but Klein was more willing to share that they have to give him more chances to make plays. He’s too fast, too physical at the point of attack and has too good of ball skills not be included in the plan every week.

The K-State offensive coordinator even reflected on how they probably missed him for two different scores during Week 4 home game versus the Knights.