It’s been a rough stretch for Kansas State fans lately. The football team hasn’t secured a win in nearly a month, and the men’s basketball team is off to a shaky start despite holding a 3-1 record. Hopefully, this mailbag will offer some relief for loyal members of EMAW Nation. Let’s jump into your questions—thanks, as always, for submitting them.
Question: Is our offense better now than when we replaced Courtney Messingham? I recall being able to predict the play calls with about 60% accuracy back then. Unfortunately, I’m starting to feel like a fortune teller again. The only real difference now seems to be the level of talent.
Yes, K-State’s offense is better now than it was under Courtney Messingham, but there’s been a noticeable drop-off from Collin Klein to Conor Riley. It’s worth noting that K-State’s offense performed well during the first eight games of the season. Here’s the breakdown:
- Tennessee-Martin: 41 points, 449 yards
- Tulane: 34 points, 396 yards
- Arizona: 31 points, 391 yards
- BYU: 9 points, 367 yards
- Oklahoma State: 42 points, 559 yards
- Colorado: 31 points, 423 yards
- West Virginia: 45 points, 412 yards
- Kansas: 29 points, 479 yards
During that stretch, the Wildcats averaged 32.3 points and 434.5 yards per game with a 7-1 record. Fans had little to criticize.
However, the last two games have been a different story:
- Houston: 19 points, 327 yards
- Arizona State: 14 points, 412 yards
In those matchups, the team went 0-2, averaging just 16.5 points and 369.5 yards per game—a sharp decline in production.
Why the drop-off?
Predictable play-calling is part of the problem. Opponents expect the Wildcats to run DJ Giddens up the A-gap on first downs. But blaming the offensive coordinator alone is overly simplistic. Other factors include Avery Johnson’s struggles (multiple interceptions in all three losses), special teams errors, and inconsistent player execution. The offense’s response to this slump will reveal a lot about Riley’s abilities as OC.
Up-tempo offense as a solution?
Going up-tempo could help. The Wildcats looked their best against Arizona State when they picked up the pace in the second half, mounting a late comeback. Faster play can make the offense less predictable and keep Avery Johnson from overthinking at quarterback. If executed well, it could help K-State regain its early-season form.
K-State doesn’t currently have the depth at receiver to run five-wide sets effectively. However, there’s potential in motioning DJ Giddens or Dylan Edwards into the slot, allowing Avery Johnson to operate from an empty backfield with three receivers, one tight end, and one running back. This setup seems more promising than the run-pass option plays Conor Riley often favors.
While K-State has experimented with empty sets this season, the results haven’t been particularly effective. That said, incorporating designed quarterback draws or scrambles could make these formations more productive and add a dynamic element to the offense. It’s an adjustment worth considering to better utilize Johnson’s athleticism and keep defenses guessing.
Let’s see how Kansas State performs over the next two games and their bowl matchup before jumping to conclusions about next season. When Chris Klieman decided to move on from Courtney Messingham in 2021, it followed a dismal performance against Texas that made the need for change undeniable. The Wildcats haven’t reached that point yet, whether regarding a new offensive coordinator or a revamped strategy.
Klieman, rumored to be dealing with a personal matter, reassured fans during a recent press conference that he intends to keep coaching. At 57, retirement seems unlikely. He acknowledged facing challenges off the field but mentioned that things are improving. This appears to be a temporary situation.
As for offensive play-calling in 2025, that likely depends on how K-State finishes the current season. The effectiveness of the Riley/Wells duo will be under scrutiny based on their ability to pull the offense out of its recent slump.
On fan expectations
It’s intriguing how perspectives shift during a losing streak. Preseason optimism often gives way to frustration. When K-State was predicted to finish 9-3, some fans criticized the outlook as too conservative, with others expecting records of 11-1 or even 12-0. Yet, history shows that K-State has struggled to exceed nine wins under Klieman, largely because the Wildcats tend to falter as heavy favorites. They’ve also excelled as underdogs, with five upset wins under Klieman, but such opportunities are dwindling with Oklahoma and Texas leaving the Big 12.
Next season could bring a higher ceiling if Avery Johnson, as a more seasoned quarterback, can deliver game-winning plays consistently while minimizing costly errors.
Women’s Basketball: A Bright Spot
Kansas State women’s basketball is off to an impressive start and has quickly emerged as the top sports program on campus. With a roster featuring standout players like Ayoka Lee and Temira Poindexter, the Wildcats have dominated early opponents and are deservedly ranked in the top 10. Monday’s matchup against Duke on a neutral court will be a significant test as they gear up for the Big 12 title race. While attendance might be slow until football season concludes, success will bring larger crowds, just as it did during last season’s NCAA Tournament games at Bramlage Coliseum.
College Football Playoff Frustrations
The CFP rankings process continues to frustrate fans, raising questions about inconsistent criteria. Switching to a computer-driven system like the BCS formula could eliminate subjectivity, creating a uniform standard for evaluation. Currently, teams are judged inconsistently, with unclear weight given to metrics like strength of schedule, quality wins, and bad losses. Introducing more data-driven experts to the selection committee might help address these discrepancies.
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