K-State struggles in 35-21 win over North Texas

Perhaps it was inevitable. After annihilating MIami last weekend, and with Oklahoma looming on the horizon next weekend, a game against a Sun Belt team wouldn't command K-State's full attention.

But even so, tonight's 35-21 win over North Texas was more than a little disappointing. It started with ineffective play on both sides of the ball early, and was exacerbated by the injury to Arthur Brown. Fortunately, Brown came back and played well.

Bill Snyder may well have been using the game to work on something before the Oklahoma game. If that's the case, then it seems like we may be throwing the ball more against the Sooners. Collin Klein was 16-21-1 for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Tramaine Thompson and Chris Harper were the clear benefiticiaries of this strategy, combining for 180 yards on 10 receptions.

The defensive effort was not especially impressive, as North Texas was able to sustain drives. But as an illustration of what K-State wants to do on defense -- prevent big plays, force sustained drives -- it was pretty effective. It took UNT 68 plays to gain its 344 yards, or an average of 5.1 per play. Meanwhile, K-State averaged 8.0 yards per play.

Disappointment aside, K-State completes the non-conference schedule at 3-0. Now it's time for Big 12 play, and it starts next week with the trip to Norman, Okla.

Let's go.