Chris Klieman losing sleep over Navy’s offense as K-State prepares for Liberty Bowl
When kickoff arrives at the Liberty Bowl later this month Kansas State will have spent more than three weeks preparing for Navy and the unique triple-option offense it famously runs.
Still, Chris Klieman wishes the Wildcats had more time.
“It’s a real big challenge,” Klieman said. “It’s had us up late at night and doing a lot more game planning, probably taking away a little bit from the developmental side of things we want with some of the younger guys. We’re practicing all the developmental things, but probably not getting as much time watching and reviewing the developmental tape because there’s a new formation that we’re trying to get everybody aligned to. This is foreign territory. We haven’t faced this in a long time.”
This will be a major adjustment for K-State’s defense. After spending the majority of the regular season trying to slow down pass-happy offenses in the Big 12, the Wildcats must now switch gears and try to stop the nation’s top rushing attack.
The Midshipmen have been a juggernaut on the ground this year behind quarterback Malcolm Perry, averaging 363.8 rushing yards per game and 6.1 yards per rush attempt.
Anyone who needed a reminder of Navy’s running capabilities got one last week when it defeated Army 31-7 in a nationally televised game. Perry rushed for 304 yards and two touchdowns, with his teammates chipping in 91 yards and a score on their way to a blowout victory.
Klieman, K-State’s first-year coach, faced the option a handful of times during his time at North Dakota State. And several of his assistants, including defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton, have coached against it before. But it’s new for K-State players.
And none of them have seen a better option quarterback than Perry, who has rushed for 1,804 yards and thrown for 1,027 yards this season.
“We have to get a lot of stuff done this week because it is very challenging,” Klieman said. “If you’re not right with everybody’s responsibilities, eyes and reads, the quarterback is going to run for 400 yards. It’s a big challenge.”
It is unclear how much K-State will change its defense as it prepares for Navy. But it’s bound to look a little different from what fans saw on a weekly basis against Big 12 opponents.
Whatever Klieman decides, the Wildcats seem up for the challenge.
“It’s been unbelievable the amount of focus that they’ve had,” Klieman said. “I think they’re excited to learn something, excited to see a different offense, excited about the challenge of facing the Naval Academy because it’s the Naval Academy. I think our practices have been really good. I’m excited because some guys are playing positions they’re never really played before.”
Teaching the triple-option offense to K-State’s scout team has also been an adventure. The Wildcats did install a few option plays for a pair of games this season, but nothing as complicated as what Navy runs.
Under Ken Niumatalolo, the Midshipmen utilize misdirection and keepers and pitches with their quarterback and several running backs. That keeps defenses guessing. But they also pass on occassion, which makes it hard for opponents to sellout against the run.
K-State was better against the pass than the run this season, as it allowed a Big 12 worst 4.9 yards per rush. This will be a test for the Wildcats.
At least they have time to study.