MANHATTAN — When my editors pitched me on the idea of taking a new job and covering Kansas State football, they sold me on the opportunity to immediately cover a Big 12 contender.
After the Army game, I jokingly texted my editor that I wanted my old job back.
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The point stands that this year wasn’t anything I (or anyone else, for that matter) thought I was getting myself into. At 2-4, the most positive thing to come from this season would be if the team is able to rally and qualify for a bowl game.
My perception of the Kansas State football program from afar was one of healthy respect for the Wildcats and their coaching staff. I was a fan of its style of play, having observed some Chris Klieman-coached teams in my years covering the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
How do I see the Wildcats now? I’ve learned a great deal over the last month. Here are some thoughts my fresh eyes can provide:
Kansas State football’s identity is unclear
I’ve always thought of Kansas State football as a fundamentally well-coached program that can line up and run the ball behind a big, physical offensive line. The Wildcats haven’t been able to do that this season, and I have no idea what the program’s identity is at this moment.
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Running the ball consistently has been a challenge, and I don’t think that’s going to change when it doesn’t seem like Dylan Edwards is going to be at 100% for the rest of the season. You would’ve thought they could still line up and get a push against those across from them, but that hasn’t been the case. K-State entered the year with questions along the offensive front, and that still seems to be the case when rotating players in.
Defensively, good form tackling in open space is the quickest way to my football-loving heart. Thinking that would be a certainty for a Klieman defense, it hasn’t been. Pro Football Focus has handed the K-State defense low grades over the last two weeks, including a season-low mark last week at Baylor. That has been disappointing.
Avery Johnson hasn’t taken a step toward superstardom
Avery Johnson is a very good college football player, and he doesn’t deserve much of the blame for the team’s performance this season. Still, he hasn’t taken a step towards superstardom nor paid off anyone that might’ve taken a flyer on him in his longer Heisman odds.
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You would’ve liked to see that this season. For far too long, he wasn’t using his legs, when his athleticism is his greatest weapon. Outside of rallying his team from an embarrassment against FCS North Dakota, he hasn’t made the game-changing, winning plays that a player of his potential should be making in their second full year behind center.
His arm and downfield accuracy were never something that many thought would “wow” NFL scouts when his pro ceiling might be one of a late-round pick when his college eligibility runs out. However, he possesses the necessary tools to be a fantastic college football player, and utilizing his legs and making game-winning plays are integral to that. We haven’t seen that consistently this season.
Chris Klieman, in this age of college athletics, is something I wonder about
My thoughts on Klieman haven’t changed much. Like most coaches, I figured he’d be one to speak in cliches and his respect for his athletes. It doesn’t surprise me that he’s often one to talk about how proud he is of his team in defeat, even when that gets the fanbase boiling.
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With a 58-year-old college football coach who has been on the sidelines coaching since 1991, it was fair to wonder going in how much he has adjusted to the current day and age of college athletics, whether that be with the transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness.
I would venture to guess that he’d prefer the old ways more, in terms of developing players out of high school. He’s handled the changes well, qualifying for bowl games in each of the last four years, but this year is one where you can question the construction of the roster.
It’s unlikely Klieman is going anywhere, considering a near-$30 million buyout and this being his first truly disappointing season. However, watching how he adjusts in the months ahead will be telling about the direction of the program, whether that involves changes to his staff and/or throughout the roster.
Kansas State has gotten better in recent weeks
There is truth to what Klieman said following the Wildcats’ loss to Baylor — they have been playing better since their Week 4 open date, even after collapsing against the Bears.
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If the Wildcats had held on to beat the Bears, we’d be talking about their improved play and long-shot chances at reaching Arlington. Even with the 2-4 record, I’d only circle the Nov. 1 Texas Tech game in Manhattan as the only for-sure loss left on the schedule. Everything else is winnable.
K-State’s ability to run the ball has improved, and we’ve seen Johnson play a little more like he did a season ago. The defense has given the Wildcats a chance in each game, even when there is plenty of room for improvement in tackling. Outside of Johnson’s pick-six, it felt like the coaching staff was more at fault for the Wildcats’ loss to Baylor, rather than it all being on those on the field.
There are talented players on the roster, and there is no question that Kansas State has underachieved. Like many of you, I have been surprised by the way this season has gone. At the same time, the schedule sets up for the Wildcats to instill some hope heading into next year.
Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football disappointing season through fresh eyes
