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With the loss to #18 Iowa State, coach Klieman and the Kansas State Wildcats finish the regular season 8-4, 5-4 in Big 12 Conference play. They end the season ranked middle of the pack in the big 12 at #8, just behind Texas Tech and ahead of West Virginia. The Cats are bowl eligible, which bowl they will be invited to remains to be seen.
Season deflation
Out of context, most would say winning 8 games in college football should be looked at as an accomplishment. However, looking at the context and how the 8 wins were achieved, it becomes much more understandable as to why K-State fans would be frustrated and disappointed with this season.
Coach Klieman and the Cats were able to go into Big 12 play undefeated, with a lot of momentum. They then started off with a shocking loss to BYU in Provo. Kansas State quickly bounced back and went on a 4-game win streak including wins against Colorado in Boulder and in state rival Kansas on national television. K-State was sitting in the driver’s seat for their Big 12 title hopes at a record of 7-1.
However, following a bye week, things began to unravel for the Wildcats. Losing two games in a row to Houston and Arizona State, the holes and weaknesses in this Kansas State team began to show their ugly heads for fans to notice. The Cats would bounce back and show some hope against Cincinnati on senior night and with still a slight chance for them to make to Arlington for a Big 12 Championship, all eyes turned to Ames for Farmageddon. The Cats would go on to lose after an uninspired performance with many costly turnovers and missed opportunities.
Offensive Struggles
Avery Johnson and the Wildcats offense showed flashes of what they were truly capable of throughout this entire season. However, the Cats offense always struggled to find a consistent flow early in games.
Newly appointed offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Connor Riley showed his limitations throughout this season as a first season play caller, never able to truly utilize Avery Johnson’s dual threat ability and to get the ball to playmakers on a consistent basis. Riley’s absence on the sideline was greatly missed for offensive line play who consistently struggled throughout the season.
Defensive weakness
The defensive side of the ball showed more consistency for what to expect from them each game. The front seven were the greatest strength of this defense allowing just an average of 114.9 yards/game and 3.5 yards/carry, the best in the Big 12.
However, the play from the secondary proved to be a major liability for this Kansas State defense. The few bright spots being strong safety VJ Payne and cornerback Jacob Parish.
Special Teams U is no more
Bill Snyder made it a point to always make special teams a major point for winning competitive games. To always be disciplined and make opposing teams pay when they did not do the same.
Unfortunately, this cannot be said anymore, especially after this season. With multiple botched snaps that lead to missed field goals, the offensive line not being on the same page for blocking assignments leading to blocked kicks, and with only one punt returned back for a touchdown against Arizona in week 3, its clear special teams needs to be looked at more in order to get the consistency there that Kansas State is known for.
Looking forward to a brighter future for K-State Football
So, what needs to be done? There are many routes to take that could lead to improvement for the football program, but they need to be pursued fast to not only attract possible prospects, but to also persuade current players to stick with the team.
Priority #1, Restructure the approach and scheme of the offense to compliment Avery Johnson’s play style.
Overhaul the secondary. Do whatever it takes to keep players like VJ Payne and Jacob Parish.
Revamp the offensive line through the transfer portal and the development of current players.
Add a true WR 1 who will be an instant weapon for Johnson to utilize and will also give young players like Trea Spivey more time to develop.
K-State Football still has a bowl game to play that they are eligible for. It remains to be seen if Coach Klieman will implement any big changes to the wildcats strategies on the field.
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