Kansas St. has vast edge in QB experience
Kansas State and LSU have met only one time previous to Tuesday’s TaxAct Texas Bowl, but each program has a healthy respect for the other. Because of the late date on the bowl schedule, the teams last played more than five weeks ago and have had ample time to prepare for this encounter between the Big 12 and SEC.
This is an adjustment period for LSU (6-6), which is transitioning to incoming coach Brian Kelly. Preparation for the game is being overseen by interim coach Brad Davis, the offensive line coach, who will remain on staff. Davis is of the belief that a bowl game can build momentum heading to the following season.
“The practices alone are worth their weight in gold,” Davis said. “Look at the guys that haven’t gone through bowl preparation, they’ve been done playing since Thanksgiving. For us, it’s allowed us to continue to keep our players in shape, keep them engaged, keep them together, building that team aspect.”
Kansas State (7-5) will have a healthy Skylar Thompson at quarterback. The sixth-year senior, who is in line for his 40th career start, missed the season finale with an ankle issue. The Wildcats are playing in this game for a third time, beating Texas A&M 33-28 in 2016.
LSU, playing in postseason for the 21st time in 22 years, is 2-0 at NRG, edging Wisconsin 28-24 to open the 2014 season followed by a 56-27 thumping of Texas Tech in the 2015 Texas Bowl. Of the Tigers’ 12 regular-season opponents in 2021, 10
advanced to bowl games.
The Tigers, designated as the visiting team, won their final two games to become bowl eligible. The Wildcats, who enjoyed a four-game conference win streak, come in on a twogame losing streak.
“It’s our last opportunity to play a game in front of a big crowd,” Kansas State linebacker Cody Fletcher said. “Every game is important but this one means a lot, we’re representing the Big 12, so that means a lot too.”
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH
Both teams want to win
1
Despite some opt outs, players and coaches from both teams have made it clear that they want to leave Houston victorious. No going through the motions.
“The guys are locked in,” said Thompson, who has passed for nearly 7,000 yards over his Kansas State career. “This is the most energy and focused prep that I’ve been a part of in a bowl game.”
The Wildcats missed out on a bowl game last season. In 2019, they fell to Navy 20-17 in the Liberty Bowl.
“We’re going to lay it all out there,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “It’s really important for our football team, it’s really important for those seniors to go out on top. A number of guys were there in 2019 when we got beat in the Liberty Bowl and they want to go out with a win. I know what it does to your offseason with the younger players and catapult those guys.”
Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, Kansas State is assured a winning record. LSU needs a victory to finish above .500.
“We still could end this season with a winning (record), that’s our mindset going into this game,” said LSU offensive lineman Ed Ingram.
Uncertainty at quarterback for LSU
2
Garrett Nussmeier is listed as the Tigers’ starting quarterback on the depth chart, but he is not expected to play. The NCAA would have had to grant a waiver for the true freshman to save his redshirt year.
The only scholarship quarterback on the roster, Nussmeier played four games this season. Davis has heard from the NCAA about the waiver but has not revealed the decision, keeping Kansas State in the dark.
Options at quarterback include walk-on Tavion Faulk, listed as Nussmeier’s backup, and Matt O’Dowd, who backed up regular-season starter Max Johnson. Johnson announced he was transferring to Texas A&M in December. Wide receiver Jontre Kirklin could take snaps from the wildcat position.
“We got an updated depth chart so we have an idea who we’re going to see,” Fletcher said. “But it’s been difficult. We don’t really know who’s going to be back there, we’ve had plenty of time to prepare.”
Kansas State’s offense
3
Former KSU quarterback Collin Klein was named the Wildcats’ interim offensive coordinator at the end of the season to go with his duties as coach of the quarterbacks.
It may be a little late in the season to mix up the offense, but the team has had time to throw in a few wrinkles.
“It’s about keeping things as simple as possibly while still making a few tweaks, just so they can play fast and play confident and finish this thing,” said Klein, who acknowledged that the extra time to prepare has helped him ease into his additional role.
A healthy Thompson, as well as All-America running back Deuce Vaughn make the offense roll. Klein said the Wildcats will ride the durable Vaughn, who rushed for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. They will attempt to establish the run with the 5-6, 172pound Vaughn taking the majority of reps. After that it’s carries by committee, including tight end, tailback and fullback.
Opportunities available for young Tigers
4
LSU is coming in with a depleted roster mainly due to injuries, players opting out and transfers. The depth chart lists only 45 scholarship players.
Among those by passing the bowl is Tigers AllAmerica linebacker Damone Clark, the team’s leading tackler (135). The team’s leading rusher, Tyrion Davis-Price (1,003 yards), is preparing for the NFL draft as is defensive lineman Neil Farrell.
“All the guys that maybe haven’t had playing time this year are going to get their chance,” said Liam Shanahan, the only offensive lineman to start every game this season for the Tigers. “I’m excited to see what some of these guys can do.”
Filling in for Davis-Price will be freshman Corey Kiner, who rushed for 271 yards.
Secondary is one area where the Tigers are thin. Freshman cornerback Damarius McGhee and senior cornerback Lloyd Cole saw limited playing time during the season. Pig Cage and Sage Ryan will also see time in the secondary.
Who will control the line of scrimmage?
5
For only the second time this season, LSU will start the offensive line that was expected to be the starting unit for 2021. Up front for the Tigers will be Cam Wire (LT), Ingram (LG), Shanahan (C), Chasen Hines (RG) and Austin Deculus (RT). The only game this group started together this season was a 20-14 loss at Alabama.
“It’s going to be a physical football game,” Davis said. “In the SEC, that’s the brand we play.”
Kansas State also likes to be physical on both sides of the ball. The Wildcats held their opponent under their season scoring average in all but one game. Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah is one of the nation’s top pass rushers.
“They’re not just going to roll over,” Ingram said. “They play a similar defense to Arkansas or Ole Miss. We can’t underestimate them.”