Nebraska-Kansas State Football: Top Players To Watch
This is the biggest game of the year for Kansas State. Don't believe us? Check this out.
Coming into this much anticipated matchup with a very impressive 4-0 record, K-State is looking to make a huge statement on national television.
Nebraska, currently ranked seventh in the AP Top 25, will certainly be looking to hand out another beat down. Also 4-0 to begin the year, the Huskers have been handling the opposition mightily with an average margin of victory exceeding three touchdowns per contest.
Which players will be the keys to a victory? Can the Kansas State defense hold back the dangerous Nebraska offense, or will they be embarrassed on a grand stage?
Ethan Norof is a writing intern for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.
5. Daniel Thomas, RB Kansas State
1 of 5
After leading the Big 12 in rushing last season, Thomas seems to have picked up right where he last left off.
Now in his senior season, the power back (6'2", 228 lbs) Thomas is averaging an astounding 6.0 YPC and is having no problem shredding through opposing defenses. Really beginning the year with a bang, Thomas ran for 234 yards and two TDs in K-State's first matchup (v. UCLA) and further legitimized himself in the eyes of many college football insiders.
A true workhorse, Thomas is averaging well over 20 carries per contest and is clearly an integral piece of the offense. With six touchdowns in his first four games, Thomas could be in store for quite an evening.
However, if he has a tough time exploiting the holes like he did against UCF two weeks ago (22 carries, 76 yards), his team is going to have an awfully tough time moving the ball on offense.
4. Brodrick Smith, WR Kansas State
2 of 5
Smith has had no problem taking Brandon Banks' role as the starting wideout in this offense.
Although K-State is a run-first team, Smith has clearly established himself as QB Carson Coffman's most reliable (and trusted) receiver. After sitting out last season because of transfer rules, the wide receiver's inaugural campaign has been as advertised.
Already with 14 receptions for 191 yards and three TDs, Smith is on pace for an incredible season and could very well sniff double digit touchdowns this year. Clearly a guy with a knack for the highlight play (13..6 YPC, 47 long), the 20 year old has begun to mature as a football player and is developing into a very intriguing prospect.
At 6'2" and 206 lbs, his ability to be physical on the outside will be critical in tonight's matchup as he will be sure to see a whole lot of Nebraska's star corner, Prince Amukamara.
3. Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
3 of 5
Currently projected to go in the top 10 of the 2011 NFL draft, Amukamara's skill-set is the best of any cornerback in college football outside of Patrick Peterson (LSU).
A terrific cover corner, the opposition has already showed an early inclination this season to throw to whatever side of the field he is not on.
With good size at 6'1", 205 lbs, he can go toe to toe with just about any opposing wide receiver. After piecing together a highly impressive junior campaign that really put him on the map, Amukamara is college football's closest thing to Nnamdi Asomugha, both in name and skill.
It will be very interesting to see how many times Kansas State looks to test the rising star.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
2. Carson Coffman, QB Kansas State
4 of 5
It's time to show off your skills, kid.
Now in his senior season, Coffman has stepped in as the starting QB for K-State and has impressed with his early performance. Completing better than 60 percent of his passes, Coffman's accuracy will be critical if his team has any chance of winning tonight's contest.
With Nebraska looking to put this one away early, the Wildcats will be forced to throw the rock quite often. Although Nebraska's defense is notoriously good, Coffman can really make his presence felt if he establishes his arm early in the game.
With a very dangerous weapon behind him in Daniel Thomas, the play-action pass will be an integral component of the attack and Coffman will have to prove that he can connect on the deep ball as well as the short pass.
If he can't get it going, Nebraska is going to sit on the run all night, and it won't be pretty for K-State.
1. Taylor Martinez, QB Nebraska
5 of 5
There's a whole lot of love being spread around for Michican QB Denard Robinson, but it's about time Taylor Martinez got some recognition, as well.
A very mobile QB, Martinez is averaging 5.8 YPC this season and has is averaging better than 10 rushes per contest. Although his arm isn't the best, his presence on the field (much like Michael Vick) is a headache for the defense as he's a true weapon.
Additionally, Martinez has completed 59.6 percent of his passes. While his 2:3 TD:INT ratio is a little worrisome in the early going, his eight rushing touchdowns give fans a much better idea of his true value to the Huskers.
What's most remarkable about this guy? The fact that he's doing this all for Nebraska as a true freshman. Martinez has come into a program and has really been a leader since day one, which is no small feat for such a young man and truly a testament to his abilities to successfully quarterback this team.
If Kansas State lets Martinez roll out of the pocket tonight, this one is going to be a slaugher.
Ethan Norof is a writing intern for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
