Kansas State football is facing concerns about the health of its offensive line as they prepare for their matchup against Arizona. The Wildcats had to shuffle some pieces along the offensive line in their Week 2 win over Tulane after senior right tackle Carver Willis and senior left guard Hadley Panzer left because of injury. Willis did return, but Panzer did not, and as of Monday, the Wildcats aren’t sure if they’re going to have either of their reliable senior leaders on the field Friday when K-State kicks off against No. 20 Arizona.
Offensive Line Injuries Could Force Lineup Changes
The No. 14 Kansas State Wildcats had to shuffle some pieces along the offensive line in Saturday’s win over Tulane after senior right tackle Carver Willis and senior left guard Hadley Panzer left because of injury. Willis did return but Panzer did not, and as of Monday, the Wildcats aren’t sure if they’re going to have two of their reliable senior leaders on the field on Friday when K-State kicks off against No. 20 Arizona.
Sophomore tackle John Pastore and junior guard Andrew Leingang stepped in for the two seniors Saturday and performed well, especially in the second half when K-State’s offense started to come alive after a slow start.
“They did a really nice job,” head coach Chris Klieman said on Monday. “We talked about having a true seven-guy rotation. … And (Leingang and Pastore) came in and did a really nice job. Been a big fan of both those guys, and they’re good enough to be starters here, and we consider them starters.
“I don’t have a timetable on Carver or Hadley. I don’t know if they’ll be available or not. They didn’t do anything yesterday, obviously, and it’s going to be a short week. We’ll have to figure that out. But we, as an offense, are comfortable if it’s going to be Leingang and Pastore. They’re experienced guys.”
Quarterback Avery Johnson was equally impressed and said he’d be more than comfortable if the two had fill Panzer and Willis’ spots come Friday.
“They were called up and they stepped up to the challenge,” Johnson said. “(Leingang) and (Pastore) did a really good job when their number was called. And that’s just credit to them and the work they’ve put in and how they’ve prepared throughout the week because there was no fall-off whenever they came in the game.”
“They stepped up and wanted to show who they are,” Portier said. “And I was really happy to see that. Just having them step up and know we need them throughout this whole year. It’s not like it’s just a starting five, we rotate guys in and out. So I’m really happy to see them step up.”
Beyond the Offensive Line: Key Players to Watch
While the offensive line is a primary concern, Kansas State's success will hinge on the performance of other key players. Here's a look at some of the players to watch:
- Dante Cephas: The senior wide receiver has been a reliable target for Avery Johnson, and his ability to make plays downfield will be crucial against a tough Arizona defense.
- DJ Giddens: The running back has been a force for the Wildcats, and his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact will be key to the Wildcats' offensive success.
- The Defensive Unit: Kansas State's defense has been solid through two games, and they'll need to maintain their momentum against a talented Arizona offense.
Looking Ahead: A Big Test for the Wildcats
The Wildcats will be facing a tough challenge against Arizona, a team that is also ranked in the top 20. The Wildcats' ability to manage injuries, overcome a slow start, and execute on offense will be key to securing a victory.
Fans should watch for potential shifts in starting positions and strategies based on player availability leading into the game. The stability of Kansas State's offensive line is crucial for their success against Arizona. While the defensive unit remains solid, offensive production will hinge on the performance of their players, especially receivers like Dante Cephas. Managing injuries effectively could be the key to a competitive game.
