Breaking Down Kansas State’s Most Innovative Red Zone Plays
In 2024, the Kansas State Wildcats showcased impressive creativity in the red zone. While most teams rely heavily on quarterback runs, play-action passes, or RPOs, the Wildcats found a way to seamlessly blend these concepts. Their innovative approach consistently put defenses on their heels, allowing Kansas State to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Q Counter Rail
On this play, Kansas State runs a Q G/T Counter paired with a rail route to the running back out of the backfield. With the Wildcats' quarterback run game posing a constant threat, the defenses were forced to load the box, committing extra bodies to the line of scrimmage. Tulane follows suit, but as they focus on stopping the quarterback, Kansas State capitalizes. The running back sneaks out on the rail route, creating an easy scoring opportunity for the Wildcats.
Outside Zone Play-Action
Kansas State dials up an outside zone play-action, using a YY Counter look to sell the run. Into the boundary, they run a post-wheel-shoot concept. The defense is quickly overwhelmed, biting hard on the run fake while struggling to cover the layered routes. To make matters worse, the defense executes a poor corner blitz, leaving the Wildcats with an easy opportunity to exploit the coverage.
Kick Play Action
Kansas State uses a well-executed play-action off "kick" run action. Instead of running a common goal line run concept, the Wildcats leak the fullback into the flat, where he’s left wide open for an easy touchdown pass. It’s a simple yet effective way to capitalize on the defense’s commitment to stopping the run.
In this example, Kansas State once again uses their Kick action to sell the run. However, instead of targeting the fullback in the flat, they find the tight end slipping behind the defense for the touchdown.
Q Power Action
Kansas State runs a Q Power Bash play-action here, similar to the concept from the Q Counter Rail play earlier. The defense get caught with their eyes in the backfield, leaving the running back free on a rail route. While the play-action design is slightly different, the result is the same, an easy touchdown for the Wildcats.
This play follows a similar concept to the previous one but uses a Q Power Toss Read action instead. This time, Kansas State targets the tight end on a wheel route. By making slight adjustments to their established run concepts, the Wildcats create another effective red zone play-action, ready to be used at the perfect moment for a touchdown opportunity.