Cosgrove: KSU molds system for Freeman
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
OMAHA -- Kansas State offensive coaches have done a good job of adjusting their system to fit the talents of true freshman quarterback Josh Freeman, Kevin Cosgrove said Friday.
“They’ve done a nice job of putting together a package for him,” the Nebraska defensive coordinator told a Big Red Breakfast crowd of about 200 at the Holiday Inn Convention Centre. “They’ve limited some things. They’re watching him grow within their system.
“They’re protecting him - trying to run the ball more. He’s a very good player now, and I think he’ll be an outstanding player. He’s everything we thought he’d be.”
Nebraska (5-1, 2-0 Big 12) recruited the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Freeman and now gears to defend him when the teams square off at 6 p.m. Saturday in Manhattan, Kan.
Freeman, of Kansas City, Mo., made his first college start in last week’s 31-27 home win against Oklahoma State. K-State coaches required little of Freeman for most of the game, as he attempted only eight passes through three quarters.
However, during the final 4 minutes, 25 seconds, Freeman led touchdown drives of 92 and 58 yards to erase a 10-point deficit. He finished 10-for-15 passing for 177 yards. On the season, he’s 24-for-62 for 391 yards and no touchdowns, with four interceptions.
Freeman played extensively Sept. 30 in a 17-3 loss at Baylor, going 11-for-33 with three interceptions, as Kansas State kept a plan in place designed for previous starter Dylan Meier.
“Last week (against Oklahoma State), they changed what they were doing in the run game,” Cosgrove said. “And they changed a little of what they were doing in the passing game. There were the same West Coast concepts, but they probably simplified a little, just because it was (Freeman’s) package.
“I think it’ll expand this week.”
The Wildcats rushed for 180 yards against the Cowboys, with true freshman Leon Patton picking up 151 yards on 21 attempts.
Nebraska used its dime defensive package (six defensive backs) against Iowa State last week for the first time this season, but likely won’t need extra-DB sets against Kansas State because the Wildcats seldom use four-receiver sets.
In fact, Cosgrove said, K-State (4-2, 1-1 Big 12) often uses a “22” personnel grouping, meaning two running backs and two tight ends.
In the question-and-answer session that followed Cosgrove’s speech Friday, nobody asked him about Freeman, although Freeman reneged on an oral commitment to Nebraska last December.
“Josh has talent,” Cosgrove said. “We knew that. That’s why we recruited him.”
In injury news, Cosgrove said junior weakside linebacker Steve Octavien practiced “full-go” on Thursday. However, the coach was unsure whether Octavien would play tonight after missing the past three games with a hamstring injury.
“I just want to be smart with him,” Cosgrove said.
While Octavien practiced only one day this week, sophomore strongside linebacker Clayton Sievers practiced all week and is expected to play today after also missing the last three games with a hamstring injury.
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