ISU defensive coordinator Wally Burnham described the offense of Kansas State the only way he could: “old school.” 

Currently that offense sits atop the Big 12 in rushing offense, leading in rushing attempts, yards per carry, touchdowns and total yards by more than 200.

Alongside that explosive running game, Kansas State (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) is ninth in the Big 12 in passing offense, only averaging 139 yards per game. 

“Old school football: It’s a very interesting style,” Burnham said. “It’s different, and that’s what makes it so difficult.”

Led on offense by quarterback Collin Klein, Kansas State’s offense has carried the ball more than twice as many times as passed and scored nearly three times as many touchdowns on the ground than through the air. 

Klein receives the bulk of the attention as the second-leading rusher on the team, with 73 carries for 405 yards and seven touchdowns, and can run the ball like a big fullback. 

“He’s a very durable guy,” said ISU coach Paul Rhoads. “Some guys are big, but they’re not durable. He’s big and durable, and he’s got a great knack for understanding when and how plays develop.”

Klein also passes the ball, ranking sixth in passing efficiency in the Big 12. Rhoads said it’s that efficiency that gives Kansas State such a good offense. 

“They do it with a run emphasis, and they do it without turning the ball over,” Rhoads said. “They do something that the spread offenses in our league don’t do, which gives them an advantage.”

One player on Kansas State that is particularly overshadowed with Klein in the spotlight is running back John Hubert. 

With only three more carries than Klein has this year, Hubert leads the Wildcats in rushing, while averaging a staggering seven yards per carry.

“You tell your kids you’ve got to do this — you’ve got to do this to stop the quarterback, then the tailback spits one out of there and maybe goes 20 or 30 yards,” Burnham said.

Hubert also sits at second in the Big 12 rushing category behind by only two yards to Oklahoma State’s Joseph Randle. Hubert also leads the Big 12 in rushing touchdowns with eight — the next closest is Klein with seven. 

Burnham said Klein and Hubert are possibly the best tandem in the backfield based on how they play off of each other. 

ISU defensive end David Irving, who returned an interception against TCU last Saturday, has an old school plan of attack on how to play Klein when it comes to the game Saturday. 

“I just have got to play my part, and when I get the opportunity I’ve got to hit him and make him not want to keep it,” Irving said.

The game against Kansas State kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.