What to watch for, keys to victory, prediction for K-State football vs. Charlotte
Charlotte at Kansas State
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan
TV: Fox Sports KC
Radio: KCSP (610 AM)
Line: K-State by 35 1/2
The Lowdown: This is a mismatch. K-State is coming off a 55-19 victory over Central Arkansas, while Charlotte lost its first game to Eastern Michigan 24-7. Bill Snyder has been coaching the Wildcats (26 years) much longer than the 49ers have played football (five years). For K-State, this game is all about staying healthy and moving to 2-0.
K-State keys to success: Stop Charlotte quarterback Hasaan Klugh when he runs, avoid turnovers, don’t overlook the 49ers.
Charlotte keys to success: Run the ball, create turnovers, avoid major mistakes like the pick-six Klugh threw last week.
Charlotte player to watch: Linebacker Jeff Gemmell did a little bit of everything in the 49ers first game. He made 14 tackles, including two for loss, and consistently got pressure on the quarterback.
Key matchup: K-State linebackers Trent Tanking and Jayd Kirby vs. Klugh. Central Arkansas piled up yardage on the ground against the Wildcats last week with a mobile quarterback running the option. Charlotte uses a similar offense with a similar quarterback. It would be a bad look for K-State’s linebackers if they have another subpar effort.
Prediction: Kansas State 50, Charlotte 7. This is the easiest game on K-State’s schedule. As long as the Wildcats take the 49ers seriously, which they should do considering who their coach is, the rout should be on by halftime.
Kellis Robinett: @kellisrobinett
This story was originally published September 7, 2017 at 4:31 PM with the headline "What to watch for, keys to victory, prediction for K-State football vs. Charlotte."