Instant Takeaways: Kansas State Races Past Cleveland State

Rivals Show Promise In Season Opener

Kansas State started their new campaign on a high note, claiming a 38-33 home victory against FCS opponent Cleveland State on Saturday afternoon. The victory may not have been the most comfortable, but it marked a solid start to the Chris Klieman era in Manhattan. Here are some instant takeaways from the season opener:

Impressive Adrian Martinez Debut

The biggest storyline of the afternoon was the debut of Nebraska transfer Adrian Martinez. The junior quarterback displayed his dynamic skill set, rushing for a team-high 101 yards and a touchdown while completing 16 of 20 passes for 234 yards. Martinez's mobility and arm strength were on full display, giving K-State fans a glimpse of his immense potential.

Defense Shows Room For Improvement

While the offense shined, the defense left room for improvement. Cleveland State managed to gain 362 total yards, including 194 on the ground. The Vikings also converted 9 of 17 third downs, a number that will need to improve as the Wildcats face tougher opponents. The defensive line struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback. However, there were some bright spots, as the secondary forced two turnovers.

Special Teams Contribution

Special teams played a significant role in the victory. Phillip Brooks returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown, giving K-State a much-needed spark in the third quarter. The Wildcats also blocked a field goal in the second half, preventing Cleveland State from adding valuable points.

Balanced Offensive Attack

Kansas State displayed a balanced offensive attack, with Martinez leading the rushing attack and Malik Knowles leading the receiving corps with five catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. The Wildcats ran the ball 34 times for 152 yards and threw for 234 yards, showcasing their ability to attack defenses in multiple ways.

Looking Ahead

Kansas State will look to build on their season-opening victory when they travel to face Missouri next Saturday. The Tigers are coming off a disappointing 38-23 loss to Louisiana Tech and will be eager to rebound. The game will be a great test for the Wildcats, who will need to show improvement on defense to secure another victory.