Kansas State is just 62 days away from opening its 2024 season with a home game against FCS foe Tennessee-Martin in Manhattan. With almost two months to go, EMAW online is taking an early look at every opponent K-State will face this season.
Here’s your first look at UT-Martin.
Game date and time: September 7, 11am CT
Location: Yulman Stadium (New Orleans, LA.)
2023 Record: 11-3 (8-0 American)
Main returners: DT Patrick JenkinsLB Jesus MachadoRB Makhi HughesW.R. Yulkeith BrownYOU Alex Bauman
Main matches: QB michael prattW.R. Chris BrazzellIN Dario RodgersLT Cameron YarnO.C. Sincere Haynesworth
Main additions: QB Ty ThompsonW.R. Shazz Preston, W.R. Mario WilliamsO.C. Vincent Murphys Caleb RansawCB Lu Tillery
WHAT TO WATCH
A change to Tulane’s offensive line
Tulane returns just one starting offensive lineman — left tackle Cameron Wire — from last season, leaving uncertainty for a program that was built on explosive running and a strong offensive line.
There is a chance this offensive line will develop quickly, but with four new starters, this is an opportunity for Kansas State’s defensive line to have a strong performance, especially on the interior.
The first threat to Avery Johnson
Tulane has added multiple transfers in the secondary, but safety Caleb Ransaw (Troy) and cornerback Lu Tillery (Louisiana-Monroe) are talented players who should pose a strong challenge to the quarterback. Avery Johnson.
That doesn’t even begin to mention that new head coach Jon Summeral is one of the best defensive coaches in the country and should present some challenging looks for Johnson and the offense. This will be a challenge for Johnson and the offense, especially when trying to pass the ball.
A New Look Offensive for Tulane
Tulane will have a new attack, but it must have a lot of firepower. Quarterback Ty Thompson comes from Oregon, while wide receivers Mario Williams It is Shazz Preston both come from Power 4 programs. All three players are former blue-chip recruits and have a ton of talent.
Just like the offensive line, there’s a chance the chemistry won’t transfer right away. However, this level of talent should present a challenge for K-State’s defense, which will have plenty of experience.
A VICTORY WOULD MEAN…
Tulane is expected to be a legitimate contender for the Group of 5 spot in the College Football Playoff, so this could be a marquee win for K-State. With several places to win in the playoffs, this victory could be a milestone on their resume.
A LOSS WOULD MEAN…
That wouldn’t eliminate the chances of an at-large bid in the playoffs, but it could make things more challenging. K-State is likely in a position where it could only lose a game or two and still secure an at-large spot, so this game could have a similar effect to the loss to Missouri last season.
