Mathematically, Kansas State is likely out of the playoffs. They could have survived a one loss game to BYU. Now, their only hope is for BYU and Iowa State to drop two games. If Kansas State can stay undefeated till the end of the year, they have a slim chance of making the Big 12 Championship since Iowa State lost their first game today.
This afternoon’s loss is an embarrassment. There were no fans in the stands for the Houston Cougars, yet the Cougars played their hearts out. The Cougars play today says a lot about their coaching staff. They played with guts and intestinal fortitude while the Wildcats failed to rise to the occasion.
This is the second time Coach Klieman has coached Kansas State in a loss against a Willie Fritz coached squad. Two years ago Coach Fritz led Tulane into Manhattan and left with a stunning victory. Apparently, Willie Fritz and Chris Klieman have a long history. Its time for Coach Klieman and his staff to figure it out how to beat him.
Special teams were abysmal today. The field goal team muffed two attempts. One was a field goal, and the other was an extra point for a net loss of 4 points.
Avery Johnson was a bit inconsistent. However, I don’t believe it was completely his fault. He did not execute one boot play today. The offensive coaching staff has failed to move the pocket around for their quarterback.
After Johnson threw his first interception be came conservative and threw only short routes when there were downfield opportunities. Johnson has to learn to just keep slinging it. In the end, when everyone knew he was going to throw down the field, he was intercepted again.
With an athletic quarterback like Avery Johnson, the offensive staff must create movement so he is not a stationary target. Johnson can create magic on his own. However, the defense can create funnels to trap him. The Cougars did a decent job of containing him because his pockets and runs were predictable.
If the offensive coordinator takes the initiative by moving the pocket around a bit, it will give Johnson a greater chance of success. Johnson has proven he throws the ball well on the run. The offensive staff must design some plays that capitalize on Johnson’s movement. The bootleg is perfect for Johnson.
Weather is never an excuse for a loss. It’s on the coaching staff and the players to anticipate and plan both mentally and physically. It was pouring down late in the third quarter. Under severe pressure, Johnson uncorked a beautiful long ball to Jayce Brown who was running a go route. It was a 61-yard play in the driving rain. Unfortunately, the payoff was merely a field goal.
Last year Kansas State lost a winnable game against Iowa State in the snow. The Wildcats must figure out how to win bad weather games.
The other key to the loss was the lack of drive the offensive line executed in the run game. Houston’s defensive line is stout and they flat out didn’t move. Again, this is why moving the pocket around is important because it gets the defensive linemen’s legs moving.
The best way to beat big defensive linemen is to make them run. Kansas State was happy to execute zone runs and basic pass protection and they suffered today’s loss because of it.
Hopefully this loss humbles the Wildcats. It’s easy to see the projections that Kansas State is going to win the Big 12. Yet, it’s way too early to believe your own press clippings. The Wildcats must focus on each game as if it’s their only game. Only then can they hope to achieve the kind of success they want.
