K-State Wildcats vs. South Dakota Coyotes: Five things to know about season opener
The wait is over.
Kansas State will open its 2022 football season against South Dakota this weekend with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
The Wildcats are looking to build off an 8-5 campaign that ended with a resounding victory over LSU at the Texas Bowl. The Coyotes are fresh off a seven-win season and an appearance in the FCS playoffs.
Here is everything else you need to know to start preparing for the game.
The details
Kickoff: 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium
TV: ESPN+ (Online streaming service, subscription required)
Radio: KCSP (610 AM) in Kansas City and KKGQ (92.3 FM) in Wichita
Betting line: TBA
Five things to know
1. Chris Klieman doesn’t lose against FCS opponents. There is some hyperbole in that statement, but not much. Klieman has been crushing FCS foes since he became a head coach at North Dakota State in 2014. Over the past eight seasons his teams own a record of 69-6 against teams from the FCS. His most recent loss came in 2017. He is 2-0 against FCS teams at K-State.
2. Adrian Martinez will make his debut in a purple uniform. After watching Adrian Martinez start at Nebraska the past four seasons it’s time to see what he can do as a Wildcat. The transfer quarterback is ready for a fresh start. Will K-State bring out the best in him, and vice versa? That’s a question fans have been asking since he arrived on campus for the start of spring practices. It’s time to find out the answer.
3. South Dakota is a quality FCS team. The Coyotes lost to Kansas 17-14 in their only FBS game last season and then reeled off seven wins against FCS opponents. That was good enough for them to finish high in the Missouri Valley Conference standings and to earn a spot in the FCS playoffs. As far as guarantee opponents go, they aren’t bad. Quarterback Carson Camp returns after throwing for 2,252 yards last season. Travis Theis and Mike Mansaray give South Dakota a pair of reliable running backs.
4. Who starts at safety and other important spots on defense? It will be interesting to see who takes the field first in K-State’s secondary. Safety is the one position where Klieman is still keeping information close to the vest. Fans will certainly see a rotation of Josh Hayes, Kobe Savage, Cincere Mason, Drake Cheatum and T.J. Smith. But in what order? Who starts? Who plays the most? Saturday will provide some answers. Linebacker will be another fascinating position to monitor. Daniel Green is locked in as a starter, but newcomers like Will Honas and Shawn Robinson will see action for the first time.
5. Collin Klein will make his official debut as offensive coordinator. The former K-State quarterback impressed during his audition for the play-calling gig when he led the Wildcats to 442 yards and 42 points. But he was only the interim OC at the time, and LSU was playing at half strength. How much will he change things up now that he is officially in charge? Players have promised a faster, no-huddle offense this season. We will see how aggressive Klein chooses to be on Saturday.
