The Kansas State Wildcats are 3-0 after a big win against the Tulane Green Wave Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium
And now the rebuilding process continues.
The Kansas State Wildcats did what they were supposed to do in the first three games of the coach Collin Klein era. They won against three opponents many figured they would defeat.
After dispatching of the Nicholls Cowboys, Washington State Cougars and Tulane Green Wave, things get real for the Wildcats. They open Big 12 conference play this Saturday on the road against the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Although it is unlikely K-State reaches the Top 25 rankings, a win against the Bearcats would almost certainly put it on the mind of the voters. Realistically, the Wildcats likely won't make the rankings until they reach 5-0, maybe longer. K-State received three votes in the Associated Press poll.
The fact they entered this season with so little fanfare has them way off the national radar. The league media picked them to finish eighth in the conference. Some expected them to struggle while Klein adjusts to being a head coach.
But this has the makings of 2022 all over again. That year, the Wildcats were left out of both preseason polls. They turned the slight into winning the Big 12 championship. This year has a similar feel.
Gambling websites are now backing the Wildcats, mostly because of their schedule. All of the big, key games are at home. They don't face the Utah Utes, Texas Tech Red Raiders or BYU Cougars, which are generally regarded as the top three teams in the conference.
If Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson keeps playing this way, there's no telling how good this offense could become. The defense gave up its first points Saturday against the Green Wave but was solid for the most part.
How well they play against the Bearcats will tell a lot about the Wildcats, especially on the road. It won't be easy but a victory would start bringing some more attention to Manhattan.
"I'm proud of where we're going, and we just have to keep our heads down, Klein said.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
