K-State Previews Tulane Contest at Weekly Press Conference
- Kansas State's Dillon Duff is day-to-day, while Blake Barnett is expected to need longer after being hurt in the opener; Collin Klein said Barnett's issue was not season-ending. Klein also reported positive progress for Oliver Miller and Donovan McIntosh, but McIntosh's timing remained unclear. None of those updates establishes a confirmed return date.
- Klein praised Avery Johnson's third-down playmaking but wants cleaner eye discipline and more willingness to take easy throws rather than think several steps ahead or press. Kansas State sees room to improve passing efficiency and distribution without discounting Johnson's leadership or announcing a quarterback change.
- Klein said Kansas State's pass protection improved against Washington State enough to support deeper attempts. He highlighted growing confidence from Charlie Adams, Dylan Villarouel and Ryan Howard, plus more work for Tanner Morley. The line is progressing, but he explicitly described the offense as a work in progress rather than a finished unit.
- Klein rejected the idea that Joe Jackson had taken a lesser role merely because he did not receive Kansas State's first snap. He still views Jackson as integral in the run and passing games and praised the backfield's physical, unselfish approach. A different first-play back does not establish a demotion or a fixed reduced workload.
- Kansas State generated pressure from several players, with Travis Bates and Elijah Hill recording sacks and Darien Whitaker Jr. and Jordan Allen disrupting the quarterback. Klein also credited Gabe Powers' communication and processing for helping others align. Secondary coverage exchanges still need improvement despite the stronger front-seven play.
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