Defensive Preview: Kansas State

The Kansas State defense was lit up last week by a West Virginia offense that had their way all game. Texas will look to carry over their offensive momentum into Manhattan as the Wildcats try to find a way to string together some stops. Let’s take a look at what to expect from the Kansas State defense:

Defensive Line

Kansas State sorely misses the presence of Will Geary, who graduated after being a 3-year starter and a premiere run stuffer in the Big 12. Without Geary, the Wildcats are allowing chunk yardage in the run game. DE Reggie Walker is probably the most talented defensive lineman of the bunch, but the junior is having a relatively quiet year with only 1 sack.

The Wildcats defensive line is not talented enough to get to the quarterback with 3 and 4 man rushes, but they will likely be content to drop 7 and 8 in coverage and force Texas to dink and dunk their way down the field. Where the Longhorns can really do damage is running between the tackles. If there is a game for the offensive line to show they have truly made big strides, this is it.

Linebacker

Texas native and former Trinity Valley Community College standout Da’Quan Patton is the leading tackler on the Wildcats defense with 22. Sam Sizelove and Elijah Sullivan are your typical hard nosed Kansas State linebackers, but both can be exploited when left out in space.

Defensive Back

Duke Shelley has started over 30 games in his career at CB and is one of the most reliable corners in the Big 12, but his height is something Texas can take advantage of. The Longhorns offensive staff would love to match up the 6’6 Collin Johnson against the 5’11 Shelley. On the opposite end of the field, AJ Parker is still finding his way as a starter and was lit up by Will Grier last week.

Safeties Denzel Goolsby and Kendall Adams are experienced, but that is about it. Goolsby is a former wide receiver who is still finding his way as a defensive back.