K-State Previews Big 12 Opener at Weekly Press Conference
Sep 21, 2026 | Football
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Collin Klein and select players met with members of the media on Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview K-State's Big 12 opener at Cincinnati on Saturday night inside Nippert Stadium. Links to video and audio of Klein's press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klein's press conference is below.
COLLIN KLEIN, HEAD COACH
Opening Statement…
"Well, good morning, everybody. It's good to see you. After going through the tape, I think a lot of things held pretty much what we talked about after the game. Looking back on it, though, I think Brandon White did an incredible job of securing those punts. Some of the wind was very, very spotty and created some really, really tough situations. He saved a lot of field position, was secure with the football and did a really, really nice job back there. Even though he didn't get one returned, that was big in the ball game. I thought holding those returners down in all the kicking game phases was tremendous and eliminated some of the explosiveness there. In the special teams battle, we were 18 yards – a win – in hidden yardage. The game was pretty clean on both sides, so it was a tie in the difference-maker plays, but being able to hold that was really, really good on special teams.
"Offensively, I think we settled in, obviously, in that middle section. We were only in 3rd and 7-plus three times in the total course of the ball game, which was down considerably. Our 1st and 2nd down efficiency was actually up in total, which was a really, really good thing. We weren't in as many as in as many 3rd and longs. Had the one drive, got inside the 10 and didn't come away with a touchdown, had to kick a field goal, which we have to finish that one. I was proud of how our guys settled in and were able to make adjustments and competed on that side of the ball, finishing with a four-minute drive and finishing with the ball in your hand is always a good thing.
"Defensively, the conversion downs kind of told the story. There was a lot of good defense played in total that we let them off the hook a couple times and let them stay on the field on conversion downs. We missed some tackles in space that we hadn't the first couple weeks. Nothing that can't be corrected and improved on. I thought they competed extremely hard, even though being on the field for a couple long drives and forcing those field goals, which was a really, really good thing, and ended up being very, very big in the ball game.
"Tremendous challenge this week. I have a lot of respect for Coach (Scott) Satterfield and the job he's done. The amount of offensive production and consistent offensive production that he's had for a very, very long time, averaging over 200 yards rushing and passing per game consistently season over season, program over program at every program that he's been at. It's going to be a huge challenge for us. Their offensive line is very, very big, very, very talented and athletic. I think their quarterback is extremely competitive and made plays for them last week when the game was in jeopardy and did some really nice things there. I think their running back is hard to tackle, so we have a big challenge defensively. Offensively, new defensive coordinator, new defensive scheme. He's brought in a lot of new players to fit his scheme and do what he wants to do. They do a very, very good variety of structures and fronts, and has a history of playing very, very sound fundamental football. So, we have to be good on that side of the football. Then, special teams, being on the road, being at night, there's going to be some chances for some difference-making plays that we need to be on the right side of. So, excited for the challenge. Our guys are excited for it, and kickoff conference play."
On the challenges of playing the first road game of the season at a new venue…
"There's a little logistic kind of acclimatization that takes place when you get into a new stadium. It sounds simple, but it's like, 'Hey, where are the play clocks? Where's our side?' Like, some of those things you can't really take for granted because in crunch time, it matters, and those are seconds and those things help you make decisions. So, I think there's a little bit of that, but at the end of the day, it's what happens in between the white lines, and that's the same everywhere."
On if he thinks that even one penalty is too much for his team…
"I think there's a layer to controllable or out of your control. There is a level to when you're playing as hard and when you're straining as hard as we want to strain and play, at times, there's going to be a time that you get called for a holding here or something like that. So, I think there's a little level of understanding there. The procedures, 100% in our control, can't happen. After the whistle play, an unsportsmanlike or whatever it happens to be, unacceptable, completely within our control. That's kind of the line that I would draw on it."
On what he tells players after a penalty…
"It just depends. In the moment, I just tell them, 'Hey, we have to be smarter than that. You're better than that.' They know. Every one of our guys has been just outstanding as far as buying into the philosophy and how we want to play the game, and they're beating themselves up and are very, very hard on themselves because they care that much. So, we have to move on, we got to stay together and don't let it happen again."
On how he looks at how the offensive line plays whether it's a running back or quarterback rushing…
"I think all rush yards are created equal, so I don't think they're any different as far as who's carrying it, right? I think it's the family of scheme that, 'Hey, what happened on that scheme versus that front, versus that pressure? What are the fundamental things that we need to clean up? Do we need to get ourselves out of that situation, or keep from putting ourselves in that situation?' Again, it's the beauty of what we're able to do, and what Avery (Johnson) allows us to be able to do is keep people honest, so that if they are taking other things away, or doing certain things, then they can't defend the whole field. So, being able to hold them accountable to their edges was big in the ball game."
On if he wants to settle on five offensive linemen or keep rotating…
"No, I think it's been good. The competition has continued, and that's been really good. I think Tanner (Morley) continuing to get healthy and feel good has continued that progression there. It's going to be really, really good for us as we go through. We're going to play the guys that are playing the best. We'll be able to give them some spells and give other guys chances to compete. It'll kind of be a week-by-week thing, and we'll see how things progress."
On using the tight ends more in the Tulane game…
"They did a great job and made plays when their number was called. With the amount of post safety zone coverage that we were seeing, there were a lot of pockets and schemes that they became very, very viable for us and will answer the bell. Before the game, you kind of map out and have an idea of what's going to happen. But, in the passing game, it's going to depend on the coverage, the leverage, and the progression of the quarterback. So, when their number was called, they did a great job, and I know they're going to be big for us moving forward."
On updates on safety Logan Bartley and defensive end Jordan Allen…
"Progressing well. It's day to day, but I think everything's tracking well."
On Simon McClannan's improvement from last year…
"Hard to say because me not being here last year, I don't know if I could put my finger on that. In our time together, his work ethic's been tremendous. His approach has been fantastic. He's been a great teammate and builds a lot of camaraderie through the specialist group and the entire football team. So, I haven't seen anything different per se. I think I said it even maybe in camp, he's striking the heck out of the ball."
On how well he knows his team after three games…
"I think we're learning more every day. I think we're learning more every week. You're never a finished product. We're constantly growing, and I think that's something that we put a lot of emphasis on as a staff and our players are embracing, too. We have new opportunities, we have new challenges that we've got to find a way to overcome together this week, and that's going to shape who we become. The more we find out, the more that process is very contagious and also builds true confidence, and also builds true chemistry and relationships. You only get that through real experiences, positive and negative, and the games do reveal that and help us give us more opportunities to grow. So, I think we learn more every week, every time we have a chance to go through it together. Been very, very pleased with what we found out as we've kind of worked through this process and as we continue to build."
On if it's good to see offensive linemen in live action…
"There's no doubt. There's no doubt. It's good that we have guys that can do that, and that we're in that position to have that luxury. It is. Even with some of the injuries that we've had, to be able to have a couple pieces that are still competing and growing and getting better and all of those things. I think is really, really good. Position flex is huge at that position because you never know what can happen, as we've lived. So, we'll take it week to week, but I know all of us, myself, our entire staff, like I've told you guys too – it's about competition, it's about getting better, and nobody's ever comfortable because that's not a good place to be."
On if he expects anyone that has been out long-term to return from injury this week…
"Probably not this week. I think maybe after the bye, we might get one more back."
On Logan Bartley's injury against Tulane…
"He landed on the ground hard. Like I said, it's day-to-day, but it's tracking well that he'll play."
On if he is targeting different receivers week-to-week by design…
"No, we had one of the plays – just an easy one for an example – but we run the naked play, and Josh (Manning) is on the wide side, and they roll the safety over him and take him away, and we throw the over, which we had thrown the comeback three times the previous two weeks. The scheme is designed to be able to have those different layers and options to make it hard to take it all away. So, I think a lot of it was that. Then, because of the family of coverage and how we were structured there, the ball found him a couple more times."
On what he wants the team's mentality to be going into the Big 12 road opener…
"It's about composure. It's about mental toughness. It's about the consistency of competitive nature that we have through the ups and the downs that these football games will take, and not caring how it looks, not caring how it feels, and having that mindset of, 'Hey, whatever it's going to take, and whatever I need to do individually to help my team leave this place successful, then that's what we need.'"
On if there is a defensive player who is maybe an underrated player…
"I think Zashon Rich and JoJo Scott quietly are just very, very sound. They really have done a nice job in coverage taking things away at times and have done a really, really good job there. A lot of guys have made plays, so maybe a little bit of a hard question to answer that way, but I've been proud of the whole unit."
On entering the Big 12 season with the nation's top passing defense…
"The game of football is won and lost up front. So, our secondary has done a great job. They are doing a great job. Teams are afraid to drop back and pass because of our ability to rush the passer and get to the quarterback. So, through the first three weeks, there's been a conscious decision on our opponents' part to adjust how many times they drop back and how many times they put the ball in the air. That's a credit to everybody. It's part of the game of them scheming and doing what they think is in their best interest to win. I'm excited as we move through the season as they continue to grow and develop when we get tested."
On how he could tell that Jordan Peterson was a great defensive backs coach…
"I could tell that ever since we worked together. You could the detail of technique, you could tell the detail of approach. Being able to hear and see his approach to how he built the mental strategy of how you play press coverage, how you use your hands, what you do with your leverage, and just all of those things that then translate. The players respond so well to that because it's great teaching. It makes them better. They feel like they get better, and then they want more. That's a very healthy growth cycle."
On trying to keep the defensive mentality and types of number they have put together…
"The only time the statistics really matters is at the end of the year because it's the full body of work, it's the full process and the journey that we've all gone through, and how we've made it through. Then you can dive in and look and see where those can help us point to where we need to get better, and then how we do that. Right now, it truly is we have to focus on the little things of getting better, and there were a lot of opportunities on both sides of the ball on Saturday that are front and center in our staff's mind and our players' minds that we have to get corrected to become the best team that we can possibly be."
On causes tackling efficiency to change from week to week…
"First and foremost, you look at the speed of the ball carriers differently, and that changes angles, it changes approach. No. 6 was a long cat. The reach of slicing somebody down through a stiff arm. Until you get it done in real time and real speed with how fast they were carrying the football, there's a difference there. At times we handled it well, at times we did not, but I think the mentality and growing through that experience is really good for us."
On how helpful it is to have the non-conference experience of tackling before heading into Big 12 play…
"I think it's tremendous. I mentioned it after the game – every football game and every good team you play, it doesn't matter what conference they're in, it doesn't matter how talented people think they are or they're not, or how they compare to you, it is truly about the competitive nature and that battle of will between those two teams. That was a really, really good football team. They're coached extremely well. They compete extremely hard. Until you get in those battles, it's not going to bring out what you really need and where you're really at to get better. So, yes, it's a great thing."
On how good Cincinnati's offensive line is playing…
"It's going to be a big challenge for us. They're very, very athletic. They're long. Like I said, Coach Satterfield and his staff have run the ball very, very effectively for a long time."
On how good defensive tackle Kamari Burns has been…
"He's been tremendous, and his attitude and mentality in practice have never wavered. He's always had great spirit, great camaraderie with the other players and has worked and improved every day that he's gotten here. I'm really, really excited for him to be able to have a good night."
On what it's like to be involved more defensively…
"It's been good. While still calling plays and as involved as I am on the other side, Coach Peterson and I, we touch base every night – 'In the time I've got and what I've watched, here are some thoughts.' I've watched the practice and be able to see how we're building things, and so that everybody's on the same page and can try to help and troubleshoot from my perspective as best as I possibly can. But, it's been good and our staff has been tremendous. I've been very, very impressed with how they've solved problems in real time, in game, on the field, in the staff room to predict them, and then our players' ability to absorb and adapt and adjust. Those are really good things."
On how the interior defensive line has been so far…
"I think Kamari (Burns) and Eli (Jackson) have really taken the tip of the spear from that aspect. I've been very, very pleased with them. I knew and felt good about where they were at. Just like I said about and was brought up about our entire team, we'll be able to answer that at the end of this week with the type of front that we're going against."
On if Mitch Holthus means something special to Kansas State football…
"There's no doubt. He's a K-Stater through and through. He was here for a long, long time and did a tremendous job. He had spoken to the team way, way back in the mid-90s. He had done some motivational team motto with them back then. Did so in 2011 with our team – my fourth year – he has spoken a couple times since then, and has been very, very involved in Kansas State football and very involved in high school football through the state of Kansas. It's a blessing and an honor to have him around as much as we can get, and he does a tremendous job for our players."
On what he makes of the Big 12 this season…
"It will be extremely competitive. The margins are thin, and whichever teams do the little things well and consistently, are going to win a lot of games just because the margins are so thin. I think that's across the board, not just in the Big 12."
On what he does to keep the guys relaxed and entertained all day on Saturday…
"It will be the exact same routine that we did here before week one. So, everything really stays very, very consistent minus an earlier start for the travel time on Friday. Our guys have been great. There's no magic routine or formula. It's about how we execute and how we focus through whatever schedule that they have. They've attacked it all, and that'll be the mindset. So, I'm excited for them."
On the little things a head coach has to think of for road games…
"How much weight is on the plane? Where the seats are? How many buses do you need? The time in between? The itinerary of when we start to kick, to warm-ups, to all that stuff. But, again, we've got a great staff, and it'll all be fine."
COLLIN KLEIN, HEAD COACH
Opening Statement…
"Well, good morning, everybody. It's good to see you. After going through the tape, I think a lot of things held pretty much what we talked about after the game. Looking back on it, though, I think Brandon White did an incredible job of securing those punts. Some of the wind was very, very spotty and created some really, really tough situations. He saved a lot of field position, was secure with the football and did a really, really nice job back there. Even though he didn't get one returned, that was big in the ball game. I thought holding those returners down in all the kicking game phases was tremendous and eliminated some of the explosiveness there. In the special teams battle, we were 18 yards – a win – in hidden yardage. The game was pretty clean on both sides, so it was a tie in the difference-maker plays, but being able to hold that was really, really good on special teams.
"Offensively, I think we settled in, obviously, in that middle section. We were only in 3rd and 7-plus three times in the total course of the ball game, which was down considerably. Our 1st and 2nd down efficiency was actually up in total, which was a really, really good thing. We weren't in as many as in as many 3rd and longs. Had the one drive, got inside the 10 and didn't come away with a touchdown, had to kick a field goal, which we have to finish that one. I was proud of how our guys settled in and were able to make adjustments and competed on that side of the ball, finishing with a four-minute drive and finishing with the ball in your hand is always a good thing.
"Defensively, the conversion downs kind of told the story. There was a lot of good defense played in total that we let them off the hook a couple times and let them stay on the field on conversion downs. We missed some tackles in space that we hadn't the first couple weeks. Nothing that can't be corrected and improved on. I thought they competed extremely hard, even though being on the field for a couple long drives and forcing those field goals, which was a really, really good thing, and ended up being very, very big in the ball game.
"Tremendous challenge this week. I have a lot of respect for Coach (Scott) Satterfield and the job he's done. The amount of offensive production and consistent offensive production that he's had for a very, very long time, averaging over 200 yards rushing and passing per game consistently season over season, program over program at every program that he's been at. It's going to be a huge challenge for us. Their offensive line is very, very big, very, very talented and athletic. I think their quarterback is extremely competitive and made plays for them last week when the game was in jeopardy and did some really nice things there. I think their running back is hard to tackle, so we have a big challenge defensively. Offensively, new defensive coordinator, new defensive scheme. He's brought in a lot of new players to fit his scheme and do what he wants to do. They do a very, very good variety of structures and fronts, and has a history of playing very, very sound fundamental football. So, we have to be good on that side of the football. Then, special teams, being on the road, being at night, there's going to be some chances for some difference-making plays that we need to be on the right side of. So, excited for the challenge. Our guys are excited for it, and kickoff conference play."
On the challenges of playing the first road game of the season at a new venue…
"There's a little logistic kind of acclimatization that takes place when you get into a new stadium. It sounds simple, but it's like, 'Hey, where are the play clocks? Where's our side?' Like, some of those things you can't really take for granted because in crunch time, it matters, and those are seconds and those things help you make decisions. So, I think there's a little bit of that, but at the end of the day, it's what happens in between the white lines, and that's the same everywhere."
On if he thinks that even one penalty is too much for his team…
"I think there's a layer to controllable or out of your control. There is a level to when you're playing as hard and when you're straining as hard as we want to strain and play, at times, there's going to be a time that you get called for a holding here or something like that. So, I think there's a little level of understanding there. The procedures, 100% in our control, can't happen. After the whistle play, an unsportsmanlike or whatever it happens to be, unacceptable, completely within our control. That's kind of the line that I would draw on it."
On what he tells players after a penalty…
"It just depends. In the moment, I just tell them, 'Hey, we have to be smarter than that. You're better than that.' They know. Every one of our guys has been just outstanding as far as buying into the philosophy and how we want to play the game, and they're beating themselves up and are very, very hard on themselves because they care that much. So, we have to move on, we got to stay together and don't let it happen again."
On how he looks at how the offensive line plays whether it's a running back or quarterback rushing…
"I think all rush yards are created equal, so I don't think they're any different as far as who's carrying it, right? I think it's the family of scheme that, 'Hey, what happened on that scheme versus that front, versus that pressure? What are the fundamental things that we need to clean up? Do we need to get ourselves out of that situation, or keep from putting ourselves in that situation?' Again, it's the beauty of what we're able to do, and what Avery (Johnson) allows us to be able to do is keep people honest, so that if they are taking other things away, or doing certain things, then they can't defend the whole field. So, being able to hold them accountable to their edges was big in the ball game."
On if he wants to settle on five offensive linemen or keep rotating…
"No, I think it's been good. The competition has continued, and that's been really good. I think Tanner (Morley) continuing to get healthy and feel good has continued that progression there. It's going to be really, really good for us as we go through. We're going to play the guys that are playing the best. We'll be able to give them some spells and give other guys chances to compete. It'll kind of be a week-by-week thing, and we'll see how things progress."
On using the tight ends more in the Tulane game…
"They did a great job and made plays when their number was called. With the amount of post safety zone coverage that we were seeing, there were a lot of pockets and schemes that they became very, very viable for us and will answer the bell. Before the game, you kind of map out and have an idea of what's going to happen. But, in the passing game, it's going to depend on the coverage, the leverage, and the progression of the quarterback. So, when their number was called, they did a great job, and I know they're going to be big for us moving forward."
On updates on safety Logan Bartley and defensive end Jordan Allen…
"Progressing well. It's day to day, but I think everything's tracking well."
On Simon McClannan's improvement from last year…
"Hard to say because me not being here last year, I don't know if I could put my finger on that. In our time together, his work ethic's been tremendous. His approach has been fantastic. He's been a great teammate and builds a lot of camaraderie through the specialist group and the entire football team. So, I haven't seen anything different per se. I think I said it even maybe in camp, he's striking the heck out of the ball."
On how well he knows his team after three games…
"I think we're learning more every day. I think we're learning more every week. You're never a finished product. We're constantly growing, and I think that's something that we put a lot of emphasis on as a staff and our players are embracing, too. We have new opportunities, we have new challenges that we've got to find a way to overcome together this week, and that's going to shape who we become. The more we find out, the more that process is very contagious and also builds true confidence, and also builds true chemistry and relationships. You only get that through real experiences, positive and negative, and the games do reveal that and help us give us more opportunities to grow. So, I think we learn more every week, every time we have a chance to go through it together. Been very, very pleased with what we found out as we've kind of worked through this process and as we continue to build."
On if it's good to see offensive linemen in live action…
"There's no doubt. There's no doubt. It's good that we have guys that can do that, and that we're in that position to have that luxury. It is. Even with some of the injuries that we've had, to be able to have a couple pieces that are still competing and growing and getting better and all of those things. I think is really, really good. Position flex is huge at that position because you never know what can happen, as we've lived. So, we'll take it week to week, but I know all of us, myself, our entire staff, like I've told you guys too – it's about competition, it's about getting better, and nobody's ever comfortable because that's not a good place to be."
On if he expects anyone that has been out long-term to return from injury this week…
"Probably not this week. I think maybe after the bye, we might get one more back."
On Logan Bartley's injury against Tulane…
"He landed on the ground hard. Like I said, it's day-to-day, but it's tracking well that he'll play."
On if he is targeting different receivers week-to-week by design…
"No, we had one of the plays – just an easy one for an example – but we run the naked play, and Josh (Manning) is on the wide side, and they roll the safety over him and take him away, and we throw the over, which we had thrown the comeback three times the previous two weeks. The scheme is designed to be able to have those different layers and options to make it hard to take it all away. So, I think a lot of it was that. Then, because of the family of coverage and how we were structured there, the ball found him a couple more times."
On what he wants the team's mentality to be going into the Big 12 road opener…
"It's about composure. It's about mental toughness. It's about the consistency of competitive nature that we have through the ups and the downs that these football games will take, and not caring how it looks, not caring how it feels, and having that mindset of, 'Hey, whatever it's going to take, and whatever I need to do individually to help my team leave this place successful, then that's what we need.'"
On if there is a defensive player who is maybe an underrated player…
"I think Zashon Rich and JoJo Scott quietly are just very, very sound. They really have done a nice job in coverage taking things away at times and have done a really, really good job there. A lot of guys have made plays, so maybe a little bit of a hard question to answer that way, but I've been proud of the whole unit."
On entering the Big 12 season with the nation's top passing defense…
"The game of football is won and lost up front. So, our secondary has done a great job. They are doing a great job. Teams are afraid to drop back and pass because of our ability to rush the passer and get to the quarterback. So, through the first three weeks, there's been a conscious decision on our opponents' part to adjust how many times they drop back and how many times they put the ball in the air. That's a credit to everybody. It's part of the game of them scheming and doing what they think is in their best interest to win. I'm excited as we move through the season as they continue to grow and develop when we get tested."
On how he could tell that Jordan Peterson was a great defensive backs coach…
"I could tell that ever since we worked together. You could the detail of technique, you could tell the detail of approach. Being able to hear and see his approach to how he built the mental strategy of how you play press coverage, how you use your hands, what you do with your leverage, and just all of those things that then translate. The players respond so well to that because it's great teaching. It makes them better. They feel like they get better, and then they want more. That's a very healthy growth cycle."
On trying to keep the defensive mentality and types of number they have put together…
"The only time the statistics really matters is at the end of the year because it's the full body of work, it's the full process and the journey that we've all gone through, and how we've made it through. Then you can dive in and look and see where those can help us point to where we need to get better, and then how we do that. Right now, it truly is we have to focus on the little things of getting better, and there were a lot of opportunities on both sides of the ball on Saturday that are front and center in our staff's mind and our players' minds that we have to get corrected to become the best team that we can possibly be."
On causes tackling efficiency to change from week to week…
"First and foremost, you look at the speed of the ball carriers differently, and that changes angles, it changes approach. No. 6 was a long cat. The reach of slicing somebody down through a stiff arm. Until you get it done in real time and real speed with how fast they were carrying the football, there's a difference there. At times we handled it well, at times we did not, but I think the mentality and growing through that experience is really good for us."
On how helpful it is to have the non-conference experience of tackling before heading into Big 12 play…
"I think it's tremendous. I mentioned it after the game – every football game and every good team you play, it doesn't matter what conference they're in, it doesn't matter how talented people think they are or they're not, or how they compare to you, it is truly about the competitive nature and that battle of will between those two teams. That was a really, really good football team. They're coached extremely well. They compete extremely hard. Until you get in those battles, it's not going to bring out what you really need and where you're really at to get better. So, yes, it's a great thing."
On how good Cincinnati's offensive line is playing…
"It's going to be a big challenge for us. They're very, very athletic. They're long. Like I said, Coach Satterfield and his staff have run the ball very, very effectively for a long time."
On how good defensive tackle Kamari Burns has been…
"He's been tremendous, and his attitude and mentality in practice have never wavered. He's always had great spirit, great camaraderie with the other players and has worked and improved every day that he's gotten here. I'm really, really excited for him to be able to have a good night."
On what it's like to be involved more defensively…
"It's been good. While still calling plays and as involved as I am on the other side, Coach Peterson and I, we touch base every night – 'In the time I've got and what I've watched, here are some thoughts.' I've watched the practice and be able to see how we're building things, and so that everybody's on the same page and can try to help and troubleshoot from my perspective as best as I possibly can. But, it's been good and our staff has been tremendous. I've been very, very impressed with how they've solved problems in real time, in game, on the field, in the staff room to predict them, and then our players' ability to absorb and adapt and adjust. Those are really good things."
On how the interior defensive line has been so far…
"I think Kamari (Burns) and Eli (Jackson) have really taken the tip of the spear from that aspect. I've been very, very pleased with them. I knew and felt good about where they were at. Just like I said about and was brought up about our entire team, we'll be able to answer that at the end of this week with the type of front that we're going against."
On if Mitch Holthus means something special to Kansas State football…
"There's no doubt. He's a K-Stater through and through. He was here for a long, long time and did a tremendous job. He had spoken to the team way, way back in the mid-90s. He had done some motivational team motto with them back then. Did so in 2011 with our team – my fourth year – he has spoken a couple times since then, and has been very, very involved in Kansas State football and very involved in high school football through the state of Kansas. It's a blessing and an honor to have him around as much as we can get, and he does a tremendous job for our players."
On what he makes of the Big 12 this season…
"It will be extremely competitive. The margins are thin, and whichever teams do the little things well and consistently, are going to win a lot of games just because the margins are so thin. I think that's across the board, not just in the Big 12."
On what he does to keep the guys relaxed and entertained all day on Saturday…
"It will be the exact same routine that we did here before week one. So, everything really stays very, very consistent minus an earlier start for the travel time on Friday. Our guys have been great. There's no magic routine or formula. It's about how we execute and how we focus through whatever schedule that they have. They've attacked it all, and that'll be the mindset. So, I'm excited for them."
On the little things a head coach has to think of for road games…
"How much weight is on the plane? Where the seats are? How many buses do you need? The time in between? The itinerary of when we start to kick, to warm-ups, to all that stuff. But, again, we've got a great staff, and it'll all be fine."
– k-statesports.com –
How to follow the Cats: For complete information on K-State Football, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
How to follow the Cats: For complete information on K-State Football, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
DE
/ Football
S
/ Football
DT
/ Football
P
/ Football
CB
/ Football
CB
/ Football
WR
/ FootballMonday, September 21
Thursday, September 17
Monday, September 14
Monday, September 14
