MEMPHIS, Tenn.
Tom Hayes uses a clever drill to prepare Kansas State for the high-octane offenses that dominate the Big 12. Before every play in practice, the defensive coordinator tells his players to turn their backs to the ball until the offense is ready to go. When they finally whip around, they have less than five seconds to analyze the formation and defend it accordingly.
The Wildcats use this exercise seemingly every week, as it has helped them keep pace with up-tempo juggernauts through the years, but it will be of little use in the Liberty Bowl.