Notebook: Beau Palmer replacement, offensive line depth, growth of Ty Bowman

SATURDAY, Kansas State will adapt to another edition of one of college football’s oldest rivalries.

Since 1911, K-State and Kansas have participated in the Sunflower Showdown, making it the fifth longest continuous series in college football history. It is the second longest between the state university (K-State) and the school that bears the state’s name (Kansas).

But enough history lessons, because you already knew that.

For the past 15 years, the Governor’s Cup has called Manhattan home. This is either program’s longest winning streak in the rivalry. However, K-State coaches are calling for no complacency.

Kansas enters the game with a 2-5 record, picking up its first win against an FBS team this weekend with a blowout victory over Houston. In some ways, Kansas reached the point of despair, needing wins to salvage a season that seemed largely dead.

On the other hand, K-State probably needs a win to keep its hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff alive.

“We don’t talk too much about their record,” defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman said. “They have the ability to beat anyone, just like West Virginia had the ability to beat anyone, just like Colorado has the ability to beat anyone. That’s what the Big is 12 right now I don’t think we are, by any means, feeling like we’re big and powerful just because we’ve won a few games.

The Tournesol Showdown is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. In the meantime, here are some notable notes ahead of the game.

On Monday, head coach Chris Klieman announced that linebacker Beau Palmer would miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury he suffered during the West Virginia game.

“I’m sick for Beau because I saw this happen to him a few years ago, and he fought to come back here and play for his friends,” Klieman said. “He played his best game of the season last year against KU when we needed him, when we were missing some guys.

“It’s going to put more stress on all those linebackers to kind of make up for the loss of Beau.”

Palmer was Team MIKE’s backup linebacker for most of this year, playing 85 snaps in six games. According to Pro Football Focus, Palmer played a season-high 27 snaps against Oklahoma State, posting a grade of 61.8.

With Palmer out for the season, keep an eye on Redshirt Junior Terry Kirksey, Jr.who looks set to see more playing time in the coming weeks.

“We’ve always represented Terry Kirksey, and Terry has played a little bit in some games. He’ll play Mike instead of Beau,” Klanderman said. “In some of our situations where we’re only using two linebackers, that now gives us a rotation of Austin Romaine, Austin Moore and Dez Purnell. That’ll probably take a little bit of that off Terry’s plate, so we feel good in what we have.

With Sculptor Willis missing last week due to injury, K-State turned to Andrew Leingang start at right tackle.

Leingang has primarily played offensive guard for the Wildcats, but the team feels comfortable with him being able to play any position, including both tackle spots. As a result, the team turned to him to play a record 53 snaps.

Leingang played well in his first start, allowing just one pressure and no sacks over 30 pass-blocking reps.

“It’s really about that next man up mentality, and let’s not hesitate, whether it’s in the middle of the game on the road or he gets called up in his first start,” offensive coordinator Conor Riley said. “For Andrew Leingang… to make his first start. He played a lot of football for us, but it was pretty special. And I know the other guys were really excited for him.”

Willis is expected to return this week, which means Leingang won’t start at right tackle. However, his versatility is key along the offensive line as injuries are inevitable. According to Riley, Leingang practices at multiple locations throughout the season, and the staff feels comfortable with him playing anywhere.

“Andrew has been here so long and to ask this kid to play all four positions, and even in the spring we had him playing center. This is a guy who made his first start,” Klieman said. “I’ve been here a long time and everyone in this locker room trusts Andrew Leingang.”

Keep an eye on Leingang this week, as he could start at offensive guard instead of Hadley Panzer. Klieman was hesitant to give Panzer a status after he left the West Virginia game due to injury.

Ty Bowman hasn’t seen much playing time this season, playing just 47 snaps in five games. He played six snaps against West Virginia, but had one catch for a first down on a fourth-down conversion.

It’s unclear if his performance against West Virginia will lead to more playing time, but Bowman will certainly be involved throughout the season.

“Ty has been very consistent in running, consistent as a leader, consistent in that he knows where he’s going to be, and Avery knows where he’s going to be, he’s a big target,” Klieman said. “I’m so happy for Ty. He’s going into his senior year and he’s one of the best special teams guys K-State has ever seen, period… Now I have the opportunity to not only contribute but also have an impact on what we do offensively, I know everyone on this football team is excited about what Ty was able to do because he earned it.”

With some inconsistency around K-State’s wide receiver room, it appears Bowman could continue to see a role in K-State’s offense. He won’t be a starter, but Johnson trusts him, and his versatility as a run blocker could make a difference.

“I just think his versatility and his ability to run blocks and get open. I think he can run blocks really well and run routes and all that,” Johnson said. “We can use him almost like a spread tight end at times, and he’s a lot more agile and athletic than a tight end.”

***

Do you like what you read? Consider subscribing to EMAW ONLINE with a PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION.

Come join the conversation on THE CAT CAVE FORUM.

Follow EMAW EN LIGNE on Twitter: @RivalsFielder, @EMAWOnline