Kansas football: 3 players to watch in Sunflower Showdown
By Stan Unruh
Kansas football hosts the Sunflower Showdown Saturday. Here are three Kansas State players to watch during the battle at Memorial Stadium.
David Beaty’s struggling Kansas football team is at one of the lowest points in program history. Fans have no idea what to expect from the Jayhawks this week. As a matter of fact, if there is any hope for a win or a touchdown in the Sunflower Showdown, the Jayhawks must keep close tabs on these three Wildcats.
The Big 12 ranks Bill Snyder’s defense in the middle of the Big 12 pack for points allowed. The “Cats rank 6th for overall team defense behind Texas. Senior linebacker Trent Tanking leads the team in tackles. The industrial engineering major originally walked on the team. He earned his way with hard work and brains. He is currently among the Big 12 leaders in tackles after seven games. The Jayhawks need to run the ball to win. They won’t want to run anywhere Tanking is lined up.
While Tanking leads the ‘Cats in tackles, Kendall Adams standouts because of takeaways this season. As a matter of fact, the junior defensive back from Texas is fourth in tackles and leads the purple with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Junior defensive back D.J. Reed received most of the preseason hype and is having a good season. If Peyton Bender is not careful, Reed and Adams will give him trouble Saturday.
Next: 1 Jayhawk is ready for the Sunflower Showdown
KSU offense led by the kicker
Bill Snyder’s best offensive weapon is not one of his quarterbacks Jesse Ertz or Alex Delton. Senior kicker Matthew McCrane is the number three scorer in the Big 12 Conference. He has not missed in 26 extra point tries and has connected on 12 of 16 field goals for 62-points. He is kicking more this season because the ‘Cats red-zone offense is weak. The Jayhawks can only hope McCrane kicks a lot Saturday and that the Bender and Air Raid shows up.