Wildcats still searching for their first Big 12 win following bye-week

MANHATTAN, Kan. — After losing three of their first four games to start the season, the Wildcats are feeling fresh coming off a bye-week, and eager to get back on the gridiron.

Coach Chris Klieman is looking to right the ship on Kansas State’s season, and has a perfect opportunity with UCF invading Bill Snyder Family Stadium Saturday morning. The Knights are already exceeding expectations in Scott Frost’s first year back on the sidelines, outscoring their first three opponents 119-26.

Klieman understands his players will have a slim margin for error against a team that’s playing at a high level, and with confidence. The last thing Klieman needs is another loss, and to start off 0-3 in Big 12 play. There were several glaring weaknesses through Kansas State’s 1-3 start, including an abysmal ground game, poor execution on defense, dropped balls by the receivers.

Regardless of the matter, Klieman refuses to point fingers for all of the shortcomings, and just wants his players to respond to the adversity they’re facing.

“It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself, but nobody is going to feel sorry for us, so those guys gotta dust themselves off, get off the deck and play better football,” Klieman said. “Some of it’s us as coaches trying to simplify things.”

Quarterback Avery Johnson appears to be regressing in his second year as a full-time starter, and it doesn’t help that Matt Well’s play-calling has put him in tough situations. Klieman is hoping to get one of Johnson’s weapon back against UCF. Running back Dylan Edwards is practicing throughout the week, and will likely make his return to the field since muffing a punt against Iowa State in week zero.

Klieman is finding encouragement in his staff taking some accountability, and needs them to respond with putting the players in the right places to be successful.

“Some of it is our coaches getting punched in the mouth, as far as what didn’t work, now we have to find something else, and we gotta get these kids believing in what we’re doing is the right thing, and getting them playing with their hair on fire,” he said. “That hasn’t happened yet one either side consistently.”

Joe Klanderman’s defense needs a spark up front, with stopping the run, and getting to the quarterback. Every opponent Kansas State has faced so far scored at least 23 points. With the Wildcats approaching the meat grinder of conference play, the opposition will be looking to attack those holes. However, Klieman trusts Klanderman’s system, and that everything will eventually start clicking on all cylinders.

“We’re not making wholesale changes form a scheme standpoint,” the 58-year old said. “I think we’re maybe trying to simplify, and let them play faster, and with more disruption on that side of the ball.”

Klieman is making it a priority for Johnson to minimize the mistakes, and to use his breathtaking mobility to move the chains when necessary. It all starts with the big boys up front, and Johnson needs better protection, instead of the pocket constantly collapsing on him. Klieman is familiar with Frost, considering they were both on Northern Iowa’s staff for three years together. He’s expecting the Knights’ best.

It’s basically now or never for Kansas State, and a win over UCF will rejuvenate the season. Klieman is anticipating his players will put on a performance the fans can be proud of, and kickoff can’t get here fast enough.