Kansas State Wildcats Football: Coach Snyder owes us one

Coach Snyder is a legend, there is no doubt. After last week’s loss to Texas, he owes us one. The Kansas State Wildcats do too.

Who am I to question the decisions Bill Snyder makes in a football game. What do I know?

Now that those questions have already been asked, we can continue. The answers to those questions are 1. Nobody 2. Nothing in comparison.

I haven’t had to question many of Snyder’s decisions over the years. This one instance however, I can’t get out of my head.

With just over four minutes left in the third quarter Jesse Ertz came off the field and was replaced with redshirt sophomore Alex Delton.

In what was already a back and forth game, Delton seemed to give the Kansas State Wildcats a spark. On his third play of the game he scored on a two yard touchdown run.

On the Wildcats next possession he orchestrated a 10 yard drive mostly with his feet that set up a go ahead field goal by Matthew McCrane. Delton’s third drive was a three and out with the game tied.

With a minute and a half left in the game Kansas State got the ball back. Out came Ertz. This is my problem.

In all sports, momentum plays a factor. It’s the ultimate reality television. Giants go down to lesser opponents, benchwarmers get the chance to save the day.

Alex Delton came in and did what he was supposed to do. Keep the Wildcats in the game and give them a chance to win.

Then to be pulled for the closing drive and watch the debacle that took place, that has to be rough.

But why Coach?

Jesse Ertz came into the game and looked lost. After taking a sack in a situation where you couldn’t take a sack, Ertz did exactly what didn’t need to happen.

He threw the ball to the other team.

Deshon Elliott intercepted the pass at the Texas 33 yard line, giving Sam Ehlinger enough time to set up a game winning field goal.

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In overtime the ball was given back to Delton. He scored on another touchdown run but penalties killed the Wildcats on their next drive. McCrane missed a long field goal and the Longhorns scored a touchdown to end the game.

What would have happened if Delton had stayed in on that last drive of regulation?

I understand Delton has an ugly looking pass. His spiral is more like a curly cue. He may not be the quarterback you want throwing downfield in that situation.

However the playcalling didn’t reflect that gameplan. A couple of runs and a sack set up a desperate throw downfield to the other team.

The removal of a player for another messes with the psyche. The flow of the game also changed.

Ertz had a decent game throwing but he was obviously not himself. That was made clear when he didn’t return for overtime. His rushing numbers were well below his game average. Nine rushes only totalling four yards. Well below.

Now what?

Hopes were high for the Kansas State Wildcats this season. A win against Texas would’ve set up a matchup for sole possession of first place in the Big 12 against TCU.

Instead, the Kansas State Wildcats are now playing for their lives.

In the game of football it never comes down to one play. The definition of a win is a cumulative amount of plays that go right for one team or the other.

An individual may wonder what could’ve been against Texas if Delton had stayed in the game.

We will never know. So Bill Snyder owes the fans a masterfully coached game against TCU.

Next: Potential replacements when Snyder retires

On the rare occasion Snyder gets out-coached, he usually comes back with a gift. Don’t be surprised if the Kansas State Wildcats walk all over TCU.

Please don’t ever retire coach.