Chris Klieman utilizing two quarterbacks to rectify Wildcats’ offense
Kansas State Coach Chris Klieman glances at the scoreboard during a timeout in the second quarter against UCF Saturday September 23, 2023 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State earned its’ eighth-straight victory over Texas Tech last week, and Coach Chris Klieman was able to accomplish that feat with two quarterbacks.
Will Howard and Avery Johnson each attempted nine passes and got similar results. However, what separated the two signal-callers was their contribution to the Wildcats’ rushing attack. Johnson basically had his coming out party, and generated 90 yards on the ground, to go along with a jaw-dropping, five rushing scores. Not to mention Johnson averaged 6.9 yards per carry.
There’s no denying Johnson’s performance raised eyebrows around the Big 12. He also left a lasting impression on Kansas State fans. So much so, that everyone is wondering if Johnson is going to replace the embattled Howard as the Wildcats’ starter behind center. Klieman quickly put all of the quarterback controversy to rest at his weekly press conference, by emphasizing how he plans on using both gunslingers against TCU this Saturday.
After all, Klieman was in a similar situation last year with Howard and Adrian Martinez. He understands the value that Howard and Johnson brings to the offense as a whole. Howard has the experience and leadership, considering he led the Wildcats to a Big 12 Title last season. Johnson has that eye-popping production, and his explosive mobility will draw in defenders. Which is why Klieman wants to utilize both of their skills, and dive deeper into the playbook.
“What we’ve learned from this past Saturday is that we’ve seen Will play at a really high level and be successful, and then we saw Avery play at a high level a be successful,” Klieman said. “So we feel comfortable with both guys leading this football team.”
Klieman has options now, and Offensive Coordinator Collin Klein is a former quarterback himself, so there’s going to be wrinkles added to the offense. Johnson could potentially take more snaps out of the Wildcat formation, or Klein could put both quarterbacks on the field at the same time. Klieman still hasn’t decided on who’s going to be his starter against the Horned Frogs though. Everything is up in the air as Saturday night’s matchup at Bill Snyder Family Stadium looms.
“We have no idea, we’re going to go through the game plan, and see who, where and what gives us the best opportunity,” he said.
Klieman just wants whoever he inserts in the lineup to command the huddle, and make others around him better. The 38 points the Wildcats put on the scoreboard in game six was their most on the road in nearly a year. Obviously playing both quarterbacks gave the offense a spark, and kept the Red Raiders’ defense on their toes. The unknown is going to give Klieman the advantage over Sonny Dykes in terms of scouting purposes. Klieman needs to take advantage because TCU (4-3) doesn’t know how Kansas State is going to use Howard and Johnson.
“That’s why I’m excited about the fact that we have two guys that we think we can win with,” the 56-year old coach said. “Avery is a better thrower than maybe the rap on him is, because of how much we’ve run him, I’ve seen him do it an awful lot, and when healthy Will is a really good runner.”
The magnitude of this contest is huge because it’s the rematch of last year’s Big 12 Championship Game. Kansas State (4-2) is still in the Big 12 race. And a win over the Horned Frogs will inch the Wildcats a step closer to defending their conference crown.
