On January 4th, LSU will face off against Kansas State in the Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Kansas State is a rare foe for LSU, with the two squads only having faced off once in 1980. Because of this unfamiliarity, LSU fans probably don’t know much about this Kansas State team. Let’s dive in.
Coaching Staff
Kansas State is led by head coach Chris Klieman, now in his third year with the Wildcats after putting together an incredible 69-6 record at North Dakota State.
Klieman has yet to win a bowl game at Kansas State but has had his team ranked at one point or another during every season of his tenure.
Shortly after the regular season ended, Klieman decided to part ways with OC Courtney Messingham and TE’s coach Jason Ray. Former Kansas State QB Collin Klein will take over the play-calling duties against LSU.
Despite the change at OC, it’s no secret what Kansas State wants to do on offense. They will try and establish the run game, playing a physical brand of football with some short pass game stuff spruced in.
The defense is run by Joe Klanderman and Van Malone. Klanderman has worked under Klieman for some time now, following him from North Dakota State. Malone, who works with CB’s and is the team’s defensive passing game coordinator, has a rich coaching history in Texas and the Big 12.
On defense, Kansas State will typically appear in a 3-man front, allowing their LB’s and DB’s to be patient and fly to the ball.
Next, the offense