How Kansas State football graded out in 45-0 shutout of Southeast Missouri State
MANHATTAN — Kansas State football opened its 2023 season Saturday night with a resounding 45-0 shutout victory over Southeast Missouri State in front of a sellout crowd of 52,066 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Here is how the Wildcats (1-0) graded out against the FCS preseason-ranked Redhawks 0-1:
Offense: Wildcats hit SEMO with a little of everything
Kansas State offensive coordinator Collin Klein didn't play it close to the vest, as is often common in season openers against lesser competition. The Wildcats amassed 588 yards total offense with a nice balance, rushing for three touchdowns and passing for another three, including a halfback option from running back Treshaun Ward to quarterback Will Howard
Grade: A
Defense: It's hard to do better than zero points
For the second straight year, the defense pitched a shutout in the opener, only this time with a less experienced unit than the year before. The Wildcats limited a veteran SEMO offense to 227 yards, including just 6 on the ground, and recorded 11 tackles for loss, including four sacks.
Grade: A
Special teams: Kicker Chris Tennant is back
With do-everything kicker and punter Ty Zentner now in the NFL, it was important for junior Chris Tennant to bounce back after losing the placement duties to Zentner midway through last season. Tennant was perfect, including a 51-yard field goal, and that was the big takeaway.
Coaching: What more could you ask for?
Not only did the coaching staff have all the starters ready to play, but there was no serious dropoff when the young backups got in the game. The Wildcats used 77 different players, including popular true freshman quarterback Avery Johnson, and nobody disappointed.
Grade: A
Overall grade: A+
Related: Kansas State football vs. Southeast Missouri State: Scouting report, prediction
Related: Why Kansas State football offensive coordinator Collin Klein is ready to use all three QBs
Related: Kansas State football's injury outlook improving ahead of season opener
Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football report card from victory in 2023 season opener
