Kansas State got a big win today against a very tough Tulane team in New Orleans where the crowd was extra feisty today.
When Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman uttered one word that seems to be the center of this Kansas State football program.
Culture
Ever since even Bill Snyder stepped onto Kansas State's campus, culture has always been one thing the Wildcat football program prides itself on and Klieman is making it even more a pivotal part of this program.
"This is a big win for us," Klieman said in his postgame press conference. "This is a culture win."
The Wildcats got off to a slow start yet again in Week 2, but this time they were facing a much tougher team that was making them pay for the slow start. Klieman said at halftime even though he wasn't mad, he did challenge his team to go out there and simply play better and execute the way he knew and they knew they could.
The biggest thing that changed for the Wildcats in the second half was that on defense they were finally getting to Tulane's quarterback and putting more pressure on him, which was an adjustment Klieman and defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman chose to make.
The defense was able to do something they didn't do against UT Martin adn that was created turnovers and they ended up winning the turnover battle today with a fumble that was returned for a touchdown and a game-sealing interception. However, there are always things that can be improved upon.
"We are able to win and still make correction," Klieman said.
Klieman knew however that while the players are the ones out on the field, they alone are not to blame for the slow starts and sloppy play in the first two games of the season.
"I told the players, we have to coach better and they have to allow us to coach better," Klieman said.
Kansas State was able to pull it together in the second half, behind some solid defensive plays, and the offense was figuring out how to come together and connect on some big plays.
Young quarterback Avery Johnson talked about making a name for himself now in college when he spoke on College Gameday before the game and Klieman alluded to something of the same for the team.
"We have to see what our identity is," Klieman said. "We are still trying to figure out what our identity is from a run game and a pass game."
This team is coming together slowly but surely. Klieman alluded that the offensive line is still a work in progress which he expected before the season even started. They are also still trying to figure out the offensive sequence as to what works best when, but pieces are starting to fall into play.
Klieman believes culture is simply the key to it all.
"Culture is holding each other accountable," Klieman said.
The Wildcats will have to turn the page quickly as they take on Arizona on a short week on Friday, September 13th on FOX at 8:00 p.m. EST time and 7:00 p.m. CT.