Chris Klieman eager to end Wildcats’ losing streak to Cyclones

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Wildcats are opening up the season against an opponent in the Preseason AP Poll for the first time since 2016, and their head coach doesn’t want to disappoint.

The Big 12 will take center stage in Ireland for week zero, with a pivotal clash between No. 17 Kansas State and No. 22 Iowa State, and Chris Klieman understands the magnitude of the matchup. After all, the Aer Lingus Classic is mega exposure for both programs, and Klieman plans on taking advantage of the spotlight.

Although there’ll be a lot of buzz leading up to the game, the pressure will be on the Wildcats, considering they have lost two-straight to the Cyclones. Not to mention Iowa State has outscored Kansas State 71-56 in those games. Klieman is focusing on changing the narrative this time around, but knows it won’t be easy matching wits with Matt Campbell and his staff.

“I just think the consistency of what they do, being in that system and program for as long as they have, they don’t beat themselves, and if you look over the last couple of years we’ve done things that have beaten ourselves,” Klieman said. “They capitalized on those, whether it’s turnovers or explosive plays, so that’s something we gotta do a really good job of is protecting the football, and eliminating the explosive plays.”

The Wildcats will practice in Dublin for the first on Thursday, and a pep rally will take place on Friday. In the meantime, Klieman plans on keeping his players hungry for the gridiron, but wants them to also enjoy themselves. Everyone has to adjust to the time change, including body schedules, rest, and transportation. As bad as Klieman wants a win, he’s making sure that his players understand this will only be the first game of the season, and there’ll be 11 more to play.

He also did his research on the history of this game, including results from this decade. Northwestern beat Nebraska in 2022, but lost the next 11 games. Georgia Tech beat Florida State last season, but wound up losing four of its’ next eight contests.

“I keep talking about it, and cautioning everybody that this is not a one-game season, it’s a 12-game season, and a really important game for the conference race,” he said. “All of our attention is on this football game without a doubt, but when it’s over we have to be able to reset and prepare.”

Klieman expects his leaders to keep the rest of the team in line leading up to kickoff, and confident everyone will perform up to their potential. Quarterback Avery Johnson is more comfortable in Matt Wells’ system as he approaches his first year of calling plays full-time. Running back Dylan Edward is one of the most explosive players in the league, and Kansas State arguably has one of the best tight end rooms in the country.

Defensively Klieman anticipates a major outing from defensive back VJ Payne, who also has a great supporting cast around him. Linebacker Austin Romaine is a tackling machine, and Cody Stufflebean can wreak havoc off the edge. Having all of that talent, experience and production makes Klieman feel positive leading up to kickoff.

“That’s the goal every year to start 1-0 no matter who you’re playing,” the 57-year old coach said. “I think it would do wonders for what we’ve done this offseason to prepare for this opportunity.”

The Big 12 is full of elite gunslingers this season, and the Cyclones have one of the best in Rocco Becht. He combined for five touchdown passes over the past two wins against Kansas State too. Becht won’t have two elite wideouts this time around though, so Klieman is making it a priority for the defense to set the tone.

This game could very well go down to the wire, and Klieman trusts that his players can deliver in the clutch. There’ll be a lot of hoopla over the next two days, so the Wildcats need to continue focusing on the task at hand. Being mentally, physically and emotionally ready will go a long way for Klieman’s squad.

“I think it’s more within our walls that we need to show really good maturity, and not worry about what the outside noise and expectations are.”