Kansas State Wildcats: Big 12 preview
The Wildcats finished 4-6 (4-5 in the Big 12) in HC Chris Klieman's third year with the team. Klieman has a 12-11 record with Kansas State and a career record of 84-78. Kansas State won the Big 12 title back in 2012 and was even ranked as #1 in the nation. They haven't reached the top 25 since 2014, though. They lost their starting QB early in the season, derailing the whole campaign.
2021-2022 Big 12 conference preview: Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State's strengths: The offense, when healthy, can be a consistent group in the Big 12. QB Skylar Thompson had 626 yards and 4 TDs in three games before getting injured. Will Howard is now a solid experienced QB2 after replacing Thompson. RB Deuce Vaughn has 642 rushing yards and 7 TDs. The OL is returning and should improve in another year together.
Kansas State's weaknesses: The loss of key starters will affect their 2021 season. Star pass rusher Wyatt Hubert is gone and so are his 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Drew Wiley had 4.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss in 2020 and he's moved on, too.
Kansas State Wildcats key players: Offense
RB: Deuce Vaughn - Vaughn is an undersized speedster who needs the OL to open up better lanes for him to have a great year. He had two 100-yard games last year and could be a versatile player on the offense. A consistent QB under center will also improve his performance.
WR: Chabastian Taylor - He's 6'4'', 223 pounds and a deep ball threat. Taylor and Malik Knowles can feed off each other and spur each other on. Thompson's healthy now and should distribute the ball better to his main targets.
Kansas State Wildcats key players: Defense
S: Jahron McPherson - McPherson is a strong safety who led the team with 54 tackles. He has great speed and field vision to make plays in the backfield and to pressure on the QB. He's one of the few returning starters and will likely make a jump this year as he builds his case for the NFL draft.
CB/S: Julius Brents - A transfer from Iowa, Brents is a 6'3'' DB who had just 17 tackles last year. He's got an ideal size and should find success with McPherson in the secondary.
2021-2022 Kansas State Big 12 schedule
Week 1: Saturday, September 4, vs. Stanford
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs. SIU
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs. Nevada
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, at Oklahoma State
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs. Oklahoma
Week 6: Saturday, October 16, vs. Iowa State
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Texas Tech
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs. TCU
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at Kansas
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs. West Virginia
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs. Baylor
Week 12: Friday, November 26, at Texas
2021-2022 Kansas State Wildcats Big 12 prediction (7-5 overall, 4-5 Big 12)
The Wildcats will start off with three straight wins against non-Big 12 opponents. They will beat Texas Tech, Kansas, Baylor, and Texas for the rest of their wins. The Big 12 is a relatively poor conference and the top of the group looks much stronger than it is.
