Kansas State Coach Chris Klieman Says Wildcats Finding Identity In Offensive Stud
Running back D.J. Giddens is the anchor of the Kansas State Wildcats' offense right now. When all else fails, hand him the ball.
Not only does Giddens thrive in his own right, but also opens up passing opportunities for dual-threat sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson. Wildcats coach Chris Klieman acknowledged how crucial the junior running back is to the offense.
"Our identity is 31 right now," Klieman said. "As he goes, it opens up everything else and that's why Avery has been more successful throwing the football because we're able to rush the football."
This idea does not just apply to K-State. Numerous NFL teams rely on their ground game to find a rhythm in the air, including the Super Bowl contending Baltimore Ravens. Klieman continued to note when Giddens is taken away by the defense, he expects Johnson, Dylan Edwards, or another back to pick up the load.
"I assume they're going to play a lot of guys in the box and try to take D.J. away," Klieman said. "Then somebody else is going to have to step up, whether it's in the throwing game or somebody else rushing the football."
The Wildcats are facing off against Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes this weekend.
MORE K-STATE NEWS
Travis Hunter's Viral Basketball Mixtape Raises Concerns For Kansas State Fans
Kansas State Basketball Has No Problem Overcoming Their Lack Of Big Name Players
Anthony Pasciolla is a contributing writer to K-State On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci.
Follow our coverage on Facebook
X: @KStateOnSI
Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com