Kansas State vs. Syracuse
This game is all about who can run and when they can run. Both teams bring strong running games and questionable quarterback situations to the table, so I expect this game to be low scoring and old school.
Kansas State has a great runningback in Daniel Thomas and he basically is the Kansas State offense. When he is successful, the Kansas State offense is successful, when he falters, they fail. Everyone in college football is aware of this fact and it allows Syracuse to stack the box with safety Shamarko Thomas. That’s bad news for a Kansas State offensive line that already has to deal with defensive tackles Bud Tribbey and Andrew Lewis both of whom are good at gaining leverage an opposing lineman and closing down running lanes. For the lanes that do open up, linebackers Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue will likely be there to plug those holes. The passing game will likely be an afterthought, as starting quarterback Carson Coffman has not been good this season and the Syracuse secondary is very talented. Kansas State may be better served just lining Daniel Thomas up at quarterback the majority of the game.
Syracuse may take more chances in the passing game, but quarterback Ryan Nassib has been only slightly better than Coffman and is best off the play-action. Syracuse is more likely to focus their game on pounding the rock with runningbacks Delone Carter and Antwon Bailey. Carter will be the focal point and probably see the most carries. He is a strong runner who can break arm tackles and punish those who don’t try to wrap him up when they tackle. Kansas State’s secondary has been notorious for their bad tackling and that is a weakness that will be exposed by Carter.
Prospects to Watch
Kansas State
Daniel Thomas – Runningback: Thomas has a good combination of size, strength and speed. This gives him a good edge over other runningbacks in this draft, because there won’t be the questions about his durability. He has shown great production, competitiveness, vision and power. However he has only average speed and agility, and his polish in pass protection is less than great. The he does have are still difficult to ignore and unless he tests horribly between now and the draft, he’ll go in the second or third round. A good 40 time may even sneak him into the late first round.
Syracuse
Ryan Bartholomew – Offensive Center/Guard: While he lacks prototypical size, Bartholomew is solid, experienced center who knows how to compete at the line of scrimmage. He is deceptively strong and could make the transition to guard where his size will be less of an issue against 3-4 defenses. However size does matter on the offensive line and if he is drafted, it’ll probably be in the 7th round.
Final Pick
Syracuse – A stronger defense and runningbacks whose strengths will be enhanced by the weaknesses of the Kansas State defense lead me to this pick.
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