This week, we're taking a closer look at one specific area each Big 12 team needs to improve before 2015. We continue the series with Kansas State, which has numerous holes to fill after graduating several key performers from its 2014 squad:
Position to improve: Running back
Why it was a problem: The Wildcats had a prolific air attack last season with 3,000-yard passer Jake Waters and 1,000-yard receivers Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton. But the running game bogged down for much of the season, especially after Waters' shoulder injury midseason limited the frequency he could keep the ball on read options. The previous three seasons, John Hubert was a standout in the backfield. But neither Charles Jones nor DeMarcus Robinson adequately filled Hubert's shoes as a feature back. Robinson averaged just 3.67 yards per carry. Jones didn't fare much better, ranking 21st in the Big 12 with an average of 4.06.
How it can be fixed: The Wildcats need one of their young backs to emerge. Dalvin Warmack redshirted last season after a heralded prep career in Blue Springs, Missouri, rushing for more than 4,500 yards and 77 touchdowns his final two seasons of high school. At 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, Warmack is in the mold of former K-State great Darren Sproles and offers some big-play ability. The Wildcats also have an intriguing three-star recruit Alex Barnes on the way. Barnes brings some much needed size to the K-State backfield and in theory would complement Warmack's scatback style well. Though Bill Snyder usually redshirts incoming freshmen, Barnes has the physical maturity to help right away.
Early 2015 outlook: With Waters, Lockett and Sexton all gone, the Wildcats have to get way more out of their running game to have any chance of finishing in the top half of the Big 12. With four starters back, the offensive line should be solid at the very least. But the Wildcats have to get more playmaking and consistency out of their backs. Whether it's Jones, Warmack or Barnes -- or some combination of the three -- running back will be a huge key to whether K-State factors again into the Big 12 title race.