One popular theory about Collin Klein is the Kansas State quarterback is throwing the football more effectively.
Yet even his coach, Bill Snyder, who loves to talk about Klein’s work ethic and dedication, seems a bit dismayed by the attention he is receiving as a more complete player.
“We’re at the bottom of the conference in pass offense, so I don’t know that we’re doing more than what we have,” Snyder said. “We would like to retain balance in our offense in a variety of different ways, but so much of that is dictated by defenses.”
And when defenses use good coverage to squeeze any opportunities that are presented in the passing game, Klein usually resorts to running the football. Although he has not needed to exercise his legs too much during the Wildcats’ 3-0 start, Klein has still rushed for 210 yards entering a Sept. 22 showdown at Oklahoma (2-0). His 203-yard passing average ranks ninth among Big 12 quarterbacks.
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops has noticed a few differences about Klein and the confidence he exudes as a passer, though his complete grasp of the Kansas State package is most impressive.
“The preparation for them is always complicated,” Stoops said. “Coach Snyder has a big playbook, and the way they use the quarterback and all the different ways they run play-action, there’s a lot to work on.”
Thing is, the Sooners will have two weeks to work on it after being idle on Sept. 15. With the Wildcats coming off a lackluster 35-21 win against North Texas, trouble lurks without marked improvement. North Texas actually used one of Kansas State’s tricks and controlled the ball for 37-plus minutes. The Wildcats ran just six plays in the first quarter after getting a 96-yard kickoff return by Tyler Lockett for their first touchdown, which tied the game.
The performance was the kind Snyder can use to command his team’s attention after being miffed at how the Wildcats practiced throughout the week leading into the North Texas game.
Yet in Stoops, he will be opposing the coach who is quite familiar with that big Kansas State playbook. Since beating the Sooners in the 2003 Big 12 championship game, the Wildcats have lost five straight in the series, including four with Snyder as coach.
A 58-17 defeat last season was the worst Kansas State suffered during a 10-3 run and was one of the finest performances of the year by Landry Jones, the Oklahoma quarterback the Wildcats must defend again.