Three things I think, three things I know before K-State plays Nicholls
- Kansas State expects Avery Johnson to run more assertively under Collin Klein's new scheme, using selective quarterback carries rather than a high-volume rushing workload.
- Kansas State views its versatile three-back rotation as a potential offensive strength and could deploy multiple running backs together to stress opposing run fits.
- The offensive line enters Week 1 without star John Pastore and with additional health concerns, creating a major obstacle to Kansas State's desired physical, line-of-scrimmage identity.
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In the Trenches with Big B: Can the offensive line handle injuries?
- Kansas State lost projected offensive-line anchor John Pastore to a season-ending lower-leg injury and George Fitzpatrick for the year after already needing to replace the other four 2025 starters.
- Tanner Morley has also dealt with availability issues, Missouri transfer Keiton Jones is working back from injury, and potential starter Oliver Miller may miss several weeks.
- Redshirt freshman Dylan Villarouel could be forced into a major role at center as Kansas State rebuilds line chemistry during the opening portion of the season.
- Kansas State needs enough athleticism up front to reach the second level and execute Collin Klein's movement-based run concepts, while Avery Johnson's mobility can mitigate but not solve the unit's protection issues.
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