Perhaps it’s a coincidence that the Kansas State football team rushed for 281 yards and defeated Cincinnati 41-15 on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, after Conor Riley elected to call plays from the sideline rather than the press box for the first time as an offensive coordinator. Or perhaps that move ignited a fire under the Wildcats, allowing them to play at a higher level. Easton Kilty, a 6-foot-6 senior who plays left tackle for the Kansas State offensive line, believes he knows which of these claims is correct.
“We needed him on the sideline,” Kilty added. “Not simply to motivate us, but to ensure that we are on the correct course at all times and that we are doing the proper things. Obviously, that is what you witnessed on Saturday.” Where an offensive coordinator chooses to call plays on a game-by-game basis is one of the most overrated decisions in college football. Some play-callers are most effective when they can observe the game from above the field in the press box and communicate with players via headset. Others perform best when they are on the field, seeing the action up close.
Neither position has been shown to be clearly better than the other. Riley’s shift downstairs had a noticeable positive impact on the K-State offense. Not only did the Wildcats average 6.8 yards per play, their third-highest number in a conference game this season, but they also snapped a two-game losing streak in which they struggled to find the end zone. Their greatest improvement occurred when they ran the ball. The Wildcats carried for 89 yards in a loss against Houston and 154 yards in a loss to Arizona State. However, they comfortably surpassed those stats versus Cincinnati, as DJ Giddens led all rushers with 143 yards and two touchdowns. He had plenty of big holes to run through thanks to the Kansas State offensive line.
Riley is the unit’s coach. His presence on the sidelines inspired them to perform at their best. “Everyone came in with energy,” Kilty explained, “and everyone was eager to play. I believe it is why we started so quickly.” Riley is in his first season as coordinator. Prior to that, he coached the Kansas State offensive line, helping the Wildcats lay the way for some explosive offenses. He chose to move upstairs after being promoted. But head coach Chris Klieman believed a change of environment would benefit everyone. “The offensive guys — in general on the sideline — were really locked in and in tune with what was going on,” according to Klieman.
“We had a lot of really good conversations that I think typically take place, but when your OC is down on the field I think it makes it more valuable, especially for somebody like Riley that has so much energy and can get guys going with his juice.” Riley is expected to sit out when Kansas State travels to Iowa State for an important Big 12 matchup on Saturday. K-State center Sam Hecht is looking forward to playing another game alongside his offensive coordinator on the field. “We definitely like it,” he remarked. “He brings that energy to the team from the sidelines. “He’s an excellent coach.”
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