Okay, so Kansas State has impossible odds to win the conference and get a playoff spot.

But at this point in the year, those expectations are out the window, and every week is just a chance to redeem a lost season. And one news outlet's latest CFB rankings have significant acclaim for the Wildcats for the remainder of the season. CBS Sports put Kansas State at No. 61 in the country, eight spots above last week's ranking.

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The Wildcats' continuing climb illustrates the positive direction the team has been taking over the past three weeks. A few weeks ago, some fans were concerned the team might not win another game in 2025. Now, a bowl game is definitely in the scope. Moreover, fans are back to enjoying seeing their team on Saturdays instead of dreading watching the product this season.

And the confidence is pouring over each game. The players and staff have re-established the K-State standard since the bye week.

"I didn't see us as an underdog going into today's game, and I don't see us as a 3-4 team now," quarterback Avery Johnson said in his TCU postgame interview. "When games don't go your way, things can look a lot worse than what they are. We're all really happy to be at K-State and play for K-State."

ESPN HAS MORE PROPS FOR KANSAS STATE IN LATEST FPI RANKINGS

It's safe to say, Kansas State has fallen far below its preseason expectations at 3-4.

However, it's starting to return somewhat to form over the last three weeks, and it certainly has a better outlook than it did a month ago.

One media outlet proves it. ESPN revealed its Football Power Index (FPI), with Kansas State at No. 8 among the Big 12 teams.

ESPN, like many, was a massive preseason advocate for the Wildcats dominating their conference. A slow start has the team below .500 and at risk of finishing with a losing record. The team has looked more like itself the last few weeks, averaging 36.3 points while finally starting to lock down on defense. The chunk plays need to be halted, but there were a lot of positives for a reeling defensive unit.

"I want to credit the kids and the coaches because it’s been hard," Klieman said in his TCU postgame interview. "I just keep telling them to keep improving. I believe in them, I love them, and if we stay the course and keep fighting for each other, I still think we have a really good football team."