Postgame Reaction: K-State vs. UCLA
by TB on Sep 6, 2010 9:14 AM CDT
in Football
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PrintHeading into the game against UCLA, K-State's mantra sounded like that of another California icon: "Just win, baby." For all the Chiefs fans, I apologize for quoting Al Davis, but it really was as simple as that. Any ending that had K-State with a higher point total than the Bruins was perfectly acceptable.
And we got what we asked for, I suppose. It wasn't the prettiest game, and it left some questions, but the home team picked up the win. By doing so, this team has set itself up to achieve some of the goals the fans have been talking about this offseason, such as qualify for a bowl game. It also opens the door to a record that's better than merely bowl eligible, such as 7-5 or 8-4. But we'll take those goals one at a time.
Hit the jump for more reaction...
What I liked...
...Daniel Thomas running wild. If ever you could say a player had a "quiet" 234-yard-rushing day, this was probably it. Going into the fourth quarter, I remember thinking to myself that DT had run well, though not necessarily spectacularly. I knew he had carried the ball quite a bit, but it didn't seem like he had made many particularly big runs other than the 44-yarder on the first drive of the second half. When he tacked on the 35-yarder for the game-icing touchdown, it was suddenly obvious to me that he had a monster day. What can I say, I'm a slow learner sometimes.
...a backup emerging for Thomas. William Powell was more than adequate in the time he spelled DT. On just six carries, he racked up 72 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown run to start the second half. We've talked a lot this offseason about needing someone to step up and take the pressure off of DT, but we tended to talk in terms of wide receivers or the quarterback. Turns out Powell should be able to take some carries away from DT.
...a solid defensive effort. The overall numbers were not spectacular, as UCLA picked up 313 yards, including 193 rushing. But with the exception of one horrible collapse in the second half when the Bruins scored on a two-play drive, the defense made UCLA earn every inch it got. Throw in a couple interceptions, and it wasn't a bad showing.
...solid kicking game. Anthony Cantele looks like a nice addition.
What I didn't like...
...more uneven quarterback play. I'm still going to give Carson Coffman the benefit of the doubt, given his apparent health issues on Saturday, but at some point you wonder if he's ever going to break out, or if he is what he is. To his credit, he protected the ball in this game, never throwing an interception or fumbling the ball away. But he still was too indecisive, which helped lead to six sacks on the day.
...very little pass rush. On 26 passing attempts, we sacked Kevin Prince twice. Oftentimes, he had all day to lounge around in the pocket and pick out a target. Credit to the coverage that we didn't get lit up, but that's not going to be the case all year.
What it means and where we're going...
As mentioned above, this game was a must if we wanted to feel good early about being able to get bowl eligible this year. It sets up the very real possibility that we can win all four non-conference games, which in turn puts a 7-5 or 8-4 record in play. Along with that, it also was probably a useful shot of confidence for a program that could use one.
In the immediate future, it means we're going to welcome Missouri State to Manhattan next weekend. I'd like to see us come out and take care of business early in that one, the better to get some playing time for the backups. It wouldn't be surprising to see a bit of a flat effort after the big crowd and emotion of playing a program like UCLA this week, but here's hoping they come out sharp.
Around the Big 12
Unfortunately, I didn't see a lot from the other games in the Big 12, so I'll give a quick take on them and direct you to SB Nation's excellent sites that cover each team.
Iowa State 27, Northern Illinois 10
Through the first half, Iowa State looked like a thoroughly disciplined and efficient, if not particularly explosive, team. They led 17-0 and were on the verge of running NIU out of Ames. But Austen Arnaud is still prone to throwing the ball to the other team a few times, and NIU got back in the game, cutting the lead to a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Credit the Cyclones for responding and putting the game away. Iowa State will not be a team to be taken lightly this year by anyone in the Big 12.
Clone Chronicles, Red and Black Attack
Missouri 23, Illinois 13
Caught the first half of this one at So Long before heading to Bill's House for our game, which means I saw Missouri at its worst. The Tiger defense looked lost against Nathan Scheelhaase and Illinois' offense. But Mizzou came out ready to play in the second half and put the game away. I'm not ready to say this calls into question Mizzou's ability to compete for the North, but they did look considerably less impressive than I'd expected, Blaine Gabbert in particular.
Rock M Nation, Hail to the Orange
Colorado 24, Colorado State 3
Didn't see a second of this game and don't have a clue what is expected of the Rams this year. But you have to give the Buffaloes credit, even in past years when CSU was demonstrably mediocre, they figured out ways to lose, and lose embarrassingly, in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. I won't say "Colorado is back!" just yet, but a game like that makes you wonder.
Texas 34, Rice 17
Another game I completely missed. Peter over at Burnt Orange Nation noted that it wasn't as close as it looked, and easily could have been a 49-10 laugher but for a play here or there. Probably not surprising with a young group of thoroughbreds who haven't quite put it all together yet. Because Texas is Texas, they'll get a pass on a game like this.
Nebraska 49, Western Kentucky 10
The result of this game was considerably less interesting than who played in obtaining it. After Bo Pelini went all Bill Snyder (x100) with his depth chart and quarterback situation, Taylor Martinez started at QB for the Huskers. Just going off the stats, he was pretty impressive, picking up 127 yards on only 7 carries and passing for 136 yards on only 16 attempts (9/16). Consider the competition, of course, but that's a pretty impressive first outing. Interestingly, WKU ran for 179 yards on Nebraska and came within three feet of 300 yards on the day.
Oklahoma State 65, Washington State 17
I have no idea what to make of this game. Either OSU is going to be surprisingly good despite all they lost last year -- Kendall Hunter being the obvious exception -- or Washington State is just shockingly, unbelievably terrible.
Cowboys Ride for Free, Coug Center
Oklahoma 31, Utah State 24
This was supposed to be one of OU's early-season laughers, where they put up Texas Tech Playstation-like numbers on some hapless outfit. Alas, that was not the case. Again, I have no idea what it means, but no matter the explanation, it can't be all that comforting for OU, especially with No. 20 Florida State next on the docket.
Baylor 34, Sam Houston State 3
Robert Griffin's back and leading the Bears in every statistical category. As long as Griffin is healthy and effective, the Bears are going to be a pain in the rear for everyone they face.
Texas A&M 48, Stephen F. Austin 7
It was a bad night for Texas universities named after famous men in Texas history. We kind of figured the Aggies would be able to fun over bad teams like this. I'm more interested to see how their defense holds up against better competition.
North Dakota State 6, KU 3
I'm not even going to try to quantify how bad it is to lose to an average FCS team. That's bad. But KU didn't even get in the end zone against an average FCS team. Georgia Tech should be a real treat for KU in Lawrence next week.
Texas Tech 35, SMU 17
It wasn't quite the Mike Leach massacre that we've been used to seeing out of Tech in recent years, and they "only" racked up 431 yards on offense. But hey, a win's a win in a new coach's debut. Right, KU?
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Not to quibble...
…But Coffman did fumble the snap that led directly to a UCLA TD and losing all of the momentum. If we hadn’t done that, maybe we march down and score and the rout is on?
I also felt the same way as you about DT. I couldn’t believe it at the end of the game when I looked at the scoreboard and saw how many rushing yards he had. Definitely a “quiet” 234 yards.
I am a little nervous about Iowa State. They looked good the other night. Robinson is going to be tough to stop and Arnaud has now been there for like 15 years and is a solid QB. That will be a big win for us if we can get it.
Good catch...
…that one slipped my mind.
We'll carry the banner high!
Bring On The Cats
by TB on Sep 6, 2010 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
I was never a quarterback
But I’ve never put an exchange on the quaterback. The qb knows the count, he puts his hands in the same place. If the qb never had the ball, how can he fumble it?
That said, yes CC gets charged with the fumble. The big ugly upfront caused it.
by BlackCats on Sep 6, 2010 10:51 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I blamed Coffman because he's Coffman
No more reason than that. You’re right Black, I don’t know who to actually blame, but good lord that couldn’t have been more awful.
I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - Gen. George S. Patton
I played center for a long time and even a bit into college
Honestly most the time there is a mistake in the exchange when the QB is under center its more about the QB moving out too soon. It would be interesting to know what the play call on that was. If it was some type of quick pitch or long handoff that may be the exact case. On the replay it seems to have made it to the hands of Coffman but you obviously can’t tell if the ball was already loose or turned or whatever. And of course, coming form a center… it’s always the QB’s fault!
Ha ha ha
Thanks for your input. Whoever it to blame, that one play damned near lost the game for KSU. No more of that crap thanks!
I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - Gen. George S. Patton
As a current member of the Big 12
Please beat the crap out of CU next week. Usually I’m all for rooting for the Big 12 to do well in non-conference, but I can’t help myself wanting NU and CU going 0-11 the rest of the way.
Surgeon General's Warning: K-State-Mizzou basketball may increase the risk of high blood pressure. Please consult your doctor prior to watching any of these games.
I suspect Cal probably will make a quite a habit of beating CU in the next few years.
In coaching terms, Jeff Tedford approximately >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hawk.
My favorite part of the game?
Aside from DT was easily Powell. What a great performance by the backup. Well, once the offense stopped trying to be cute and just started to pound UCLA. I don’t want to see Coffman in the shotgun the rest of the season, thanks.
My least favorite was the D. Yes, UCLA didn’t have that many yards, but I don’t credit the Cat D, but rather blame the UCLA O (especially their WRs). Pass rush wasn’t great, the coverage wasn’t either, I don’t know if the LBs made a single play all day long. If the UCLA WRs didn’t have magic-ball-repellent on their hands UCLA wins that game pretty easily.
Sure, Coffman didn’t do well, but I wasn’t expecting anything out of him. Well, at least he didn’t toss a pick, but how many stupid sacks does it take to equal one pick?
I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - Gen. George S. Patton
On a side note,
Anyone else see what cam newton did at auburn this past weekend? Damn.
by Bauer Power on Sep 6, 2010 11:30 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Add that to what Denard Robinson did
and it makes me a little sick to my stomach…
Surgeon General's Warning: K-State-Mizzou basketball may increase the risk of high blood pressure. Please consult your doctor prior to watching any of these games.
You're both pricks
Thank you.
I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - Gen. George S. Patton
Of course DT had a quiet day...
He just doesn’t get those “Highlight Yards” that are so darn important. ;)
Like that run where he ran over Wilson or the final TD run, right?
I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - Gen. George S. Patton
It was nice to send a message
the game was scheduled before the realignment mess of last summer but it was pretty satisfying to beat one of the traditional marquee Pac-10 schools. If a “true” football conference can’t find ways to beat lowly Kansas State and Oklahoma State, then perhaps the Pac-10 is not quite the juggernaut they claim to be…
And yes, I’m probably more worries about the ISU game than the KU game now.
Congrats on the W!
However, your in-state counterparts left something to be desired…….Football in general.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
What are you saying?
Did the Ichabods cancel football?
Might as well have.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
My assorted Big 12 thoughts:
Caveat — I’ve DVR’ed the Missouri, Iowa State, Okie Lite and Texas Tech games, as well as ours, but haven’t yet had time to watch them in full. So these assessments are based on just bits and pieces I caught over the weekend.
We learned nothing about Baylor, Nebraska, Texas A&M and Okie Lite because their opponents were God-awful. Call me when they play real teams.
Yes, Taylor Martinez is a talent, but until I see him face Big 12 defenses and not throw picks, I’m not shaking in my boots. Plus, their defense is definitely worse without Suh. Duh.
Kudos to Texas Tech — I thought SMU was a real trap game for them and they handled it well. Yeah, the score was a bit close at the end, but the outcome never really was in doubt.
Texas and Oklahoma will be fine. First-game jitters and all that. When they face opponents who demand their attention (such as UCLA and Florida State, respectively), they’ll shape up quickly. Boredom is always the biggest challenge for those schools in September.
I can’t say anything about Colorado because I didn’t see a single highlight. But Colorado State is supposed to be epic bad this year and has a true freshman QB, so let’s classify that opponent as God-awful, too. The Buffs shouldn’t beat either Cal or Georgia, so if they do, they might be legit… for once.
Mizzou stumbled and I wrote them off at halftime, when I had to leave for our game. But give the Tigers credit for finding a way to win and doing it with defense. I know I’d love to have Carl Gettis and Aldon Smith, that’s for sure. Mizzou’ll still be nasty to deal with.
Ditto what TB said about Iowa State. We’re in complete agreement on that one and I’m already on the record as saying Farmageddon II is a dangerous, dangerous trap game for us.
I was going to pen a comment about KU, but I’m literally laughing too hard to continue typing, so screw it.
Re: Iowa State
After watching a replay of Farmageddon I and then the Northern Illinois game one thing is for certain. KSU will run for at least 200 on ISU. Watch the O-Line dominate ISU in last year’s matchup and then watch how Northern pushed their D-Line almost 5 yards off the ball most of the game. Arnaud appears to still have problems with bad throws especially under pressure. I suspect the D will be improved by then. There should be no surprise as to what ISU is capable of as a unit and thus no “trap”. We have lost enough times to them when favored in the Snyder era to not overlook them. A fact that will not be lost on the coach and thus the team as a whole.
As for Coffman it appears that he was very concerned with not throwing INTs and therefore held the ball way too long accruing sacks along the way. If he can learn to instinctively throw the ball away when time is running out then he should mature into a Kavanaughesque QB. Certainly he played better than Smargiasso did in his debut. Granted that is not saying much. His throws were just off but had some zip to them so let’s give him the benefit of the Missouri State game to iron everything out inside. Hopefully his rhythm, timing and nerves will all settle in the next game.
I tend to agree about Iowa State
I thought the same thing when NI was blowing them off the line. We will run all over them. I understand they could beat us, but honestly you have to give our offense still the edge with DT and our D played a real team and performed satisfactorily. Their D was pretty lacking against a lesser opponent. You have to remember UCLA knew we were running every down and still couldn’t stop us. Iowa State’s D is probably not as good so unless we really slip up, this game should be ours.
Get ready to roll...Go Cats!
About Coffman
Coffman needs to understand that everyone will still love him — think about it; his dad walked on at K-State and was all conference; his dad was a free agent tight end, and played (well) for years for the Packers and Chiefs. His big brother is all Big 12. If our QB is puking in the 3rd ad 4th quarter, I think he’s putting too much pressure on himself. Like the gifted golfer who can’t slow his breathing down to make the ten foot put.
Hope he can slow his breathing down, just play the game Carson — you can do it! You don’t have to live up to daddy’s and big bro’s rep to be okay in life!! Just play the game, be a decent QB, and this team might do great things.
oh hail the Purple and White
Very good point
I don't measure a man's success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom. - Gen. George S. Patton
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