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Rapid Recap: How Kansas State QB Will Howard got ready

On3 imageby: Drew Galloway09/24/23galloway__drew
Will Howard 2023
Will Howard/USA Today

Love for a Kansas State linebacker

The Kansas State player who received the strongest praise from head coach Chris Klieman after the win over the Knights was linebacker Desmond Purnell. He called the sophomore a dude for how he played. The Topeka native led K-State with seven tackles, including a tackle for a loss.

Purnell also forced a fumble in the win.

Klieman believes his ‘Sam’ linebacker is playing at an All-Big 12 level.

DJ’s big night

Sophomore running back DJ Giddens had his best game at K-State versus UCF. The Junction City product ran for 207 yards with four touchdowns and added 86 yards receiving. Giddens was challenged by Klieman and Kansas State offensive coordinator Collin Klein this week.

They knew he had to be a huge part of the offense with no Treshaun Ward playing due to injury.

The coaching staff told Giddens that he was going to have to shoulder a lot of carries. Being able to run the ball as well as they did is what Klieman believed was the formula on the evening. The run game kept the Knights’ explosive offense on the sideline and allowed for more sustained drives.

Plays and time of possession were also in the favor of K-State.

Howard’s status before game

It was not always a given this week that Will Howard was going to play. In fact, Howard probably didn’t progress as much as the Kansas State coaching staff would have liked between Wednesday and Thursday. The senior did practice a fair amount this week, though.

Playing a night game actually probably helped the quarterback in terms of being able to perform. He got an extra 12 hours of treatment, and that extra medical attention led him to be able to shine.

The K-State players all expected Howard to play against UCF and the senior quarterback wanted to play.

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