Kansas State Football: Identity crisis plagues Wildcats

First off, the staff must place a far greater emphasis on recruiting.

There are many on the staff that would love the opportunity to beat the bushes, find the players that help win. However, Snyder and some of the older coaches are firmly against this, believing that player development, working with the players already on campus is the most important aspect of building the program.

A number of coaches currently believe the bar is set to low based on recruiting restrictions and are unable to truly bring in athletes with higher ceilings.

Issues, names on offense at quarterback, have led to questions about just how well the coaching staff is getting along. Both Kurtz and Hall agree that while they don’t know what level or a specific position, both would be surprised if the coaching staff returns intact in 2019.

"“I’d probably be surprised if the entire staff returned as is next year” – Matt Hall"

Fan frustration has also reached a boiling point. Slow starts are nothing new in recent years, but this one feels different. The frustration is different. The lack of development either in season or really from season to season is leaving fans wondering what 2019 and beyond looks like.

"This situation has been teetering for awhile- Kurtz"

Older fans loyal to Bill Snyder and perhaps scared of what football will look like at Kansas State are at a divide of sorts with younger fans ready to for a change, perhaps at coach, perhaps in style, anything. However, what once was a chasmic gap is closing as an older generation has begun to recognize the struggles and issues that really have plagued the Wildcat program for the past couple of seasons.

What happens the rest of the way could very well impact what the offseason and the future holds. Does Kansas State win enough of their remaining games to finish 6-6? If so, my guess is you will see Snyder return with as much status quo as possible. Don’t make a bowl game, and well, perhaps the flash point that signals a need for change.

It’s sad really when the idea of playing in the Cactus, now Cheez-It Bowl, is the delineation of a successful season, but it certainly appears that is where we are at. It’s hard to imagine a worse scenario than winning just enough games to qualify for a low level bowl game and kick the can on needed changes. I’m not talking head coach changes, but it’s become obvious to everyone, changes will need to be made at some level.