Did Bye Week Play A Role In Kansas State Dropping A Second Straight Game?

  One of the toughest things about sports is dealing with a loss. 

It becomes even more difficult when there is a space in between the next game. The Kansas State Wildcats found this out recently after they were defeated by the Cincinnati Bearcats two weeks ago in the Big 12 conference opener for both teams. 

Despite holding a 17-10 lead at halftime, the Wildcats were outplayed in the second half. It led to their first loss of the season. The worst part of it all was K-State allowed the defeat to impact the following game. 

After the loss to the Bearcats, the Wildcats had to endure a bye week. It may have been the cause for a slow against the Houston Cougars two weeks later. The Wildcats played arguably their worst of the season in the 35-19 loss to the Cougars. It was their second straight defeat and now puts first-year coach Collin Klein under the spotlight. 

At some point, Klein needs to right the ship. They started so strong with impressive wins against the Nichols Cowboys, Washington State Cougars and Tulane Green Wave. Many thought the Wildcats were on their way to national relevance after knocking off the Green Wave, who made the College Football Playoffs a year ago. 

Unfortunately, that big victory was followed with a thud against the Bearcats. Even then, many chalked that loss up to the Wildcats playing their first road in the Klein era. They played well in the first half before imploding. But most expected the Wildcats to regroup, especially with two weeks off. 

It gave them an opportunity to get healthy while also addressing their issues. Instead, the Wildcats showed even more glaring concerns in the loss to the Cougars. They were unable to stop the run. They were unable to stop the pass. And the offense, especially the running game, was unable to keep pace with the Cougars. 

Now, the Wildcats are in a super tough predicament for Klein. 

One, he is dealing with a two-game losing streak when most felt the team would be undefeated at this point. He now must find a way to get the team ready for playing against the rival Kansas Jayhawks this weekend at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. 

Can you imagine the uproar in Manhattan, Kan., if the Wildcats somehow fall to the Jayhawks? It would end a 17-game winning streak in the series. So this means the game could arguably be the most important of the season for Klein. 

Let's hope this losing streak ends so Klein can stay in good graces with the fan base.