Manhattan ? For many people, Kansas State may seem to consist of a running back named Darren Sproles — and the other 10 guys who share the field with him.

His 42-carry, 221-yard performance in the Wildcats’ 27-13 win over Western Kentucky in the season opener shows that may be for good reason.

But as No. 13 Kansas State prepared for a much stiffer test today against Fresno State, those other 10 guys realized they need to help take the load off the All-American.

“We know people are going to key on Darren,” said quarterback Dylan Meier. “Hopefully that opens some things up in the passing game.”

The Wildcats’ passing game was a question mark after last season. Quarterback Ell Roberson, the program’s all-time leader in total offense, and James Terry, who had the most prolific receiving season in Kansas State history, were both lost to graduation.

Meier seemed to answer at least part of that question against Western Kentucky. The sophomore completed 10 of his first 13 passes and engineered an 80-yard touchdown drive on the Wildcats’ first possession.

In other aspects of the game, coach Bill Snyder said, Meier needs to improve.

“Though the stats don’t show it, he threw an interception and he overthrew two touchdown passes,” Snyder said.

“He had the opportunity to have a good ball game, but when push came to shove that didn’t happen.”

Kansas state running back darren sproles breaks away from Western Kentucky defenders during the season opener. Sproles rushed for 221 yards in last week's season opener.

Not all the pressure falls on Meier, though, and while Kansas State doesn’t have a go-to receiver such as Terry, a receiver-by-committee mentality appeared to work in its season opener.

Sophomore Yamon Figurs, who made his first start after transferring from Garden City Community College, caught five passes for 84 yards. Receivers Davin Dennis, Jermaine Moreira and Antoine Polite combined for seven more.

Fresno State is comin off a 35-16 victory over Washington. The Bulldogs had four interceptions and forced a fumble against the Huskies, returning three of the turnovers for touchdowns.