Klieman: “Average wasn’t going to be good enough” as Wildcats turn focus to Texas Tech
- Jon Grove
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Chris Klieman opened Monday’s press conference with the same calm tone he’s had all season — but with a clear message. Kansas State’s 38-14 win over Kansas wasn’t a finish line. It was a step forward.
"Good afternoon, everyone. It was obviously a great day on Saturday, a really good win over a good team in a really good environment. I thought our guys had a great week of preparation, had really good focus and played their best when we needed to have their best. I told them early in the week that average wasn't going to be good enough. We needed to raise our level of play, and they did that. So, it was fun to see us put a game together like that and get a big win. Now, it just raises the stakes, and it gets tougher and tougher. We've got a really good football team coming in here in Texas Tech. We are excited to have them at home, but we have to come up with great plans, have to have great focus, because it's going to be a heck of a battle here at The Bill."
Fine-tuning preparation
Kansas State’s improvement, Klieman said, stems from changes made about a month ago.
“We now practice on Friday instead of Thursday,” Klieman explained. “The guys have really bought into that. We do a long walk through on Thursday, and you’ve got to buy into it if you’re going to make a change when you’re not having success.”
With November setting in, health management has become just as critical as scheme.
“You can’t be out there banging on guys right now,” Klieman said. “We’ve got to be really good with film prep, walkthroughs, and taking care of our bodies.”
Avery Johnson’s steady hand
Sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson didn’t post eye-popping stats, but his efficiency and command drew praise.
“I thought it was one of his best games,” Klieman said. “We didn’t have the ball much in the first half, but we were efficient. The conditions weren’t great, and once we got control of the game, we wanted to shorten it. Avery managed it really well.”
Johnson connected with wideout Jace Brown on a key vertical touchdown — a play that showed the growing chemistry between the two.
Winning the physical battle
Kansas State’s defense held Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels to one of his toughest outings of the year, mixing coverages and bringing pressure with four.
“I thought we did a great job disguising looks,” Klieman said. “If you line up and let Jalon know what you’re in, he’ll pick you apart. Coach Klanderman and our guys executed really well.”
The Wildcats also won in the trenches. K-State didn’t allow a sack while recording several of their own. Klieman credited the rotation up front and the return of depth pieces like JB Nelson and Terrence Enos.
“Sam Hecht is playing like the best center in the Big 12,” Klieman said. “TP had one of his best games, and we were able to rush for 150 yards when it mattered most.”
Mind on the ball
Defensively, the Wildcats continue to lead the nation in takeaways — a stat that Klieman ties to effort and accountability.
“It’s mind on ball — that’s what the mob mentality means,” Klieman said. “Our kids hold each other accountable. If you’re not going for the football in practice, someone’s going to call you out.”
Injuries and redshirts
Freshman running back Dylan Edwards will remain sidelined this week as he continues to recover from a lower-body injury.
“Trust me, Dylan wants to play,” Klieman said. “But his body’s not there yet. We’ve got to make sure he gets healthy.”
Rising contributors
Klieman highlighted several young and developing players, including cornerback Zashon Rich, tight end Linkon Cure, and running back Joe Jackson.
“Zay’s patience and balance make him really special,” Klieman said. “Lincoln’s starting to understand the speed of college football — that first catch he had Saturday, he wouldn’t have made that four weeks ago. And Joe’s confidence has grown so much. He’s running hard, running physical, catching the ball. He’s got more good football in him.”
Looking ahead
Klieman isn’t shying away from recent history. In each of the past two seasons, Kansas State followed a win over Kansas with a loss the next week.
“We’ve talked about it,” he said. “That was a great win, but we have to move forward — and we can play better. I know we can play better.”
As the Wildcats prepare for Texas Tech, Klieman’s focus is clear: stay disciplined, stay healthy, and don’t let satisfaction creep in.
“When you get into November, you’ve got to take care of your body,” he said. “It’s all about how we prepare this week. Because the next one’s going to be a battle.”
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