Something strange happened this week after the K-State secondary was torched repeatedly during a 34-27 victory over the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday. Some people focused on the offense. More specifically, many wondered why transfer running back Dylan Edwards wasn’t utilized more often in the game after rushing for 54 yards in only four carries against the Green Wave. Edwards was definitely electric, but I didn’t get the feeling he was underutilized. During his weekly press conference, head coach Chris Klieman was asked about Edwards’ playing time and said they probably need to get him more touches.

Are the media and fans making a mountain out of a molehill here? Starting running back DJ Giddens was productive in the game both on the ground and through the air. Not once while watching the game did I think that Dylan Edwards needed to get the ball more. So I was somewhat perplexed that this is a major storyline this week. I did some digging and compared the production of both running backs to see if I was missing something. I found out that both running backs were productive, but Edwards’ productivity over time, and so far this season, doesn’t necessarily justify him taking carries away from Giddens.

Here are DJ Giddens’ career statistics, broken down by each season:

2022
14 games
89 rushes 518 yards 5.8 average, 6 touchdowns
8 receptions, 98 yards, 12.3 average

2023
13 games
223 rushes, 1,226 yards, 5.5 average, 10 touchdowns
29 receptions, 323 yards, 11.1 average, 3 touchdowns

2024
2 games
32 rushes, 238 yards, 7.4 average
7 receptions, 69 yards, 9.9 average, 1 touchdown

Tulane Game
19 carries, 114 yards, 6.0 average
4 receptions, 63 yards, 15.8 average, 1 touchdown

Here are Dylan Edwards’ statistics:

2023
12 games
76 rushes, 321 yards, 4.2 average, 1 touchdown
36 receptions, 299 yards, 8.3 yards, 4 touchdowns

2024
2 games
9 rushes, 97 yards, 10.8 average, 2 touchdowns
3 receptions, 17 yards, 5.7 average, 1 touchdown

Tulane game
4 rushes, 54 yards, 13.5 average, 1 touchdown
1 reception, minus 2 yards, minus 2 average

Looking at the numbers, it is obvious that both running backs have been productive. Through two games, DJ Giddens has been averaging 7.4 yards per carry and 9.9 yards per reception. Putting myself in the shoes of the offensive coordinator, as the game is flowing, if the starting running back is productive, there is probably no conscious effort to get the backup on the field other than the occasional change of pace or to give the starter a breather. If the starting running back was NOT productive, it would be much easier to switch things up and get someone else some touches. But that’s not the case here.

Also, keep in mind that we are only two games in with a new offensive coordinator, with an assistant (Matt Wells) providing input. They’re learning what works and what doesn’t, and I expect the playcalling will improve with each game. After all, Matt Wells has coordinated or been the head coach of some top ten-ish offenses in his past. He knows what he’s doing. I’m confident that the offense will be just fine.

Is there an overreaction to Dylan Edwards not getting enough touches? Yes, probably so. Will he continue to get more and more touches per game as the season progresses? Also, yes, probably so. I am much more concerned about the secondary than I am about Dylan Edwards getting enough touches in a game, especially in a game that K-State won. If Giddens were not productive, it would be a different story. But he is being productive. Patience, my friends.

This week we get Friday Night Lights at Bill Snyder Family Stadium against Arizona. I think the point spread is about right. K-State 34 Arizona 24.