Kansas State Football: More Adversity Heading to Spring Game
By Stan Unruh
Kansas State spring football practice is winding down to the Purple and White game. Many Wildcats will miss the game due to injury.
Spring football practice is a critical time for teams. If adversity brings a team together, Bill Snyder’s Wildcats will be ready this fall.
In February, when coach Snyder was forced to reveal his cancer diagnosis, many were worried about spring football.
Snyder has worked “full days” as he described it but has been battling the after effect of the recently completed treatments. It happens to just about anyone dealing with cancer treatment.
In addition to Snyder’s health, starting quarterback Jesse Ertz is not practicing due to shoulder surgery.
It’s unfortunate the star of the Texas Bowl win has been unavailable.
Only time will tell how it will impact the team this fall. Yes, it’s great that the backup quarterbacks are getting reps with the first team.
However, it’s less than ideal at this important time of year.
With the Purple and White game set for Saturday, we know a number of players won’t participate due to injury.
During his media briefing Tuesday, Snyder shared the bad news.
"On both sides, we have a number of guys who are out right now and not playing. I think we have five or six starters on offense, and maybe three on defense."
Going into the spring, I believed the Kansas State offense was in great shape. A fantastic, returning quarterback protected by a relatively experienced line with a stable of quality running backs and receivers.
Coach Snyder admitted Tuesday the offense is struggling.
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The backup players are getting some experience but will this pay off during the regular season? Kansas State fans certainly hope it does.
Wildcat fans are expecting big things from the 2017 football season. Let’s hope what has happened this spring does not negatively impact a run for another conference title.