It’s that time of year again. No, it’s not the Battle for the Iron Skillet nor the much-anticipated clash with the Baylor Bears, but a bout against the Kansas State Wildcats. Few teams have been more of a thorn
in TCU’s side than Kansas State.
The Wildcats have won five of the last six matchups against the Horned Frogs, including the infamous 2022 Big 12 Championship Game. Still, anticipation has waned amid Kansas State’s tumultuous season. The Wildcats have fallen short of expectations after being slotted second in the Big 12’s preseason poll.
With that being said, we caught up with Wyatt Wheeler of the Topeka Capital-Journal to discuss the Wildcats’ 2–4 start, the shift in offensive philosophy, and what to expect on Saturday.
Frogs O’ War: It’s been a roller coaster of a season for the Kansas State Wildcats. Is all hope lost? Or, considering all four of the Wildcats’ losses have been one-score games, is there still a sense of optimism?
Topeka Capital-Journal: It probably depends on what your definition of “hope” is with this team. No, it’s not the Big 12 contender that many thought it would be heading into the season. But the four losses being by a combined 13 points can give you some optimism that they can get a few wins and maybe, just maybe, fight their way up to bowl eligibility. That appears unlikely with the hole they’ve dug themselves in. Injuries throughout the season haven’t helped either. There are some talented players who I think are capable of making this season look like it’s not a total disaster.
Frogs O’ War: Through this point in the season, which unit—offense or defense—has fallen short of expectations for the Wildcats?
Topeka Capital-Journal: The offense has been the biggest letdown. Injuries haven’t helped, especially at running back with Dylan Edwards’ nagging leg injuries, but we’re halfway through the season and the offensive line still doesn’t seem to be settled. Everything added together, injuries, offensive line play and a lack of run game, have made it really hard for a talented quarterback like Avery Johnson to take a next step that many hoped he would this year. He’s had some solid games, but he just hasn’t taken over and lifted this team out of tough spots as often as you would’ve liked to see from your star.
Frogs O’ War: Last season, the Wildcats had one of the best rushing attacks in the Big 12. This year, they’re near the bottom of the conference in rushing yards per game. Was DJ Giddens’ departure really that impactful, or are there deeper issues in the run game?
Topeka Capital-Journal: The offensive line was a huge question coming into the year and it remains one. That’s because of several different injuries along the unit and some inconsistent play from those they thought they were going to be able to rely on. You also have the Edwards injury being a huge deal in this offense, when he and Johnson were supposed to be a really good one-two punch. Johnson also isn’t using his legs as much at quarterback, when that’s what is supposed to separate him from others. He’s been running the ball better in recent weeks.
Frogs O’ War: What’s the temperature around Chris Klieman five games in? Does his track record suggest he’s safe, or are Kansas State fans starting to get antsy?
Topeka Capital-Journal: K-State fans, understandably, aren’t happy with how this season’s gone, but it’s hard to imagine that he won’t be the coach in Manhattan next year. He has a $30 million buyout and a really good track record, to where he’ll have the opportunity to make the necessary changes and turn this around.
Frogs O’ War: Kansas State has won five of the last six matchups against TCU. Does that history give the team extra confidence heading into Saturday, or does any confidence stem from it being a ‘prove-it’ game with the season on the line?
Topeka Capital-Journal: I haven’t heard anyone talk about Kansas State’s recent history against TCU this week. This season has been such a disappointment that everyone is just looking at Saturday, hoping they can prove something and inject some life into this season.
Frogs O’ War: What’s your prediction for Kansas State vs. TCU? Who wins? What’s the final score?
Topeka Capital-Journal: I think Kansas State is due to win a close game when it’s haunted the Wildcats all season. I think they’re capable of coming out with a win, but Edwards’ expected absence hurts. I predicted earlier in the week that I thought Kansas State would win this game close, and I’ve been leaning toward TCU as the week has gone on. Give me TCU 31, Kansas State 28.
Shoutout to Wyatt for offering his insight ahead of the Horned Frogs’ clash with the Wildcats. For all things Kansas State, be sure to check out Cat Zone on the Topeka Capital-Journal.
