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With the Wildcats hitting their bye week, head coach Chris Klieman took a moment to reflect on the team’s progress so far. Coming off a stretch of games that showed both promise and room for improvement, Klieman gave insight into how his squad is shaping up and what needs to happen next.
From the challenges of playing on the road to bouncing back after turnovers, here's a breakdown of what he had to say in his latest press conference this Monday.
Reflections on Recent Performance: Strides and Areas of Improvement
K-State head coach Chris Klieman opened his press conference by reflecting on the Wildcats' recent games, expressing overall satisfaction with the team's progress. "Going back and looking at the film, I thought our guys played really well. I thought we played really hard," Klieman noted.
Despite the positive strides, he acknowledged areas needing improvement, stating the bye week comes at a crucial time for recovery and continued development.
Klieman emphasized that the season has been strategically segmented for the Wildcats. "We had four weeks of camp, then five weeks of games, and now we get a break," he explained, noting the importance of using this time to rest and build depth for the remainder of the season.
Road Challenges: Focusing on Execution
When asked about the team’s struggles on the road, Klieman was candid, highlighting the importance of minimizing mistakes. “We didn’t execute really well at BYU,” he said. "When you're on the road, the margin for error is thin. Turnovers and red zone efficiency are critical areas that can make or break a game."
Klieman pointed to the need for consistent execution, referencing their ability to adjust in the second half against Tulane as a positive example. He stressed the need to avoid critical errors on the road and stay focused, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Defense Stepping Up: Adjusting After Adversity
One of the highlights for K-State in recent games has been the defense’s ability to make key stops. Klieman was pleased with how his defense responded after a quick turnover, forcing their opponents to settle for field goals. "We emphasize it all the time, but we executed," he said, crediting the players for their mentality of keeping the opposition out of the end zone.
The coach also praised quarterback Avery Johnson for bouncing back after turnovers and playing with increased confidence. "He doesn't carry turnovers into the next play," Klieman said, praising his poise and growth as a key factor in K-State’s offensive resurgence.
Injury Updates and Player Development
Klieman addressed the team’s injury concerns, mentioning that while some players remain sidelined, their recovery timelines are positive. Uso Seumalo’s injury was not as severe as initially feared, though he will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
The coach also highlighted the continued development of younger players like Dylan Edwards and Ty Bowman, who are seeing increased playing time as a result of injuries to key contributors.
“Every game plan is different, but we need to see guys like Ty and Dylan more,” Klieman stated. With depth being tested, the Wildcats will rely on emerging talent to step up in the weeks ahead.
Looking Ahead: Late-Night Matchups and Future Challenges
The conversation shifted to the challenges of playing late-night road games, with Klieman acknowledging the difficulties of bouncing back after long travel.
“It’s going to be a long Sunday,” he joked, referencing the team’s upcoming schedule that includes consecutive road games. However, he also saw the late-night game as a compliment, adding, “We’re playing on the best networks in prime spots, and that’s a credit to how we’ve been playing.”
As the Wildcats prepare for the next phase of the season, Klieman emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and not getting caught up in external narratives, such as bye week records or must-win scenarios. “You just have to play your best football, home or away,” he concluded.