West Virginia and its potent rushing attack pose a welcome challenge for K-State

Some Big 12 football teams might look at West Virginia and see one of the most challenging defensive tests on their conference schedule.

Not Kansas State.

Even though the Mountaineers have averaged 5.2 yards per rush and have scored 14 touchdowns on the ground this season, it will take more than that to intimidate the Wildcats.

Coach Chris Klieman’s team ranks first in the Big 12 against the run, allowing just 2.5 yards per attempt and 71.7 yards per game.

In all honesty, K-State defenders are probably looking forward to this matchup.

After facing a string of quarterbacks who torched them through the air — Shedeur Sanders (388 yards and three touchdowns), Alan Bowman (364 and one touchdown), Noah Fifita (268 yards) and Darian Mensah (342 yards and two touchdowns) — defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman and the Wildcats are eager to play a team that is willing to try running against them.

“I think Coach Klanderman is going to do an awesome job of getting us a game plan ready,” K-State linebacker Austin Romaine said. “And then we’re going to go execute that game plan.”

Stopping the WVU rushing attack may be a welcome challenge for K-State, but it will still be a challenge.

The Mountaineers rank fourth in the Big 12 with 210.5 rushing yards per game, and they have several capable runners. Jaheim White and CJ Donaldson have both rushed for nearly 400 yards and five touchdowns this season. Quarterback Garrett Greene is also a threat to use his legs, as he has 382 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

This offense is the polar opposite of what K-State saw last week at Colorado.

“They run the ball really effectively with with three different players,” Klieman said. “Both tailbacks are really good and can beat you inside or outside, and they’re two different size backs, but they both run inside and they both run outside.

“Then Greene is one of my favorite kids to watch play. Now, I don’t know if I’m going to really like watching him on Saturday night, but he’s a competitor and he makes plays.”