The US LBM Coaches Poll has officially been announced and Kansas State fans have a reason to check it out. The Wildcats finished the season last year beating a ranked NC State team in the Pop-Tarts Bowl led by Avery Johnson.
Now heading into the 2024 season, the Wildcats come in ranked 17 in the coaches poll, one spot ahead of where the Wildcats finished in the final 2023 rankings.
Ranked ✔️ pic.twitter.com/GYXVNFHcNd
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) August 5, 2024
Of course, every team wants to be ranked higher if they are not the top team, or have first-place rankings, but the fact that the Wildcats are even in the rankings is something to be thankful for. There are a lot of question marks for the Wildcats this season, manly around their offense.
Obviously, Avery Johnson is going to be the starting quarterback, but how will he do as the full-time starter? how will the offensive line look this season? Will the receiving core be able to play up to Johnson's needs and ability?
The Wildcats are projected to finish second in the Big 12, but the margin is close between them adn Utah, so really it is anyone's conference this season. Head coach Chris Klieman has shown he knows how to show up during the season, but with so many changes to the team this year, the Wildcats are going to have to adapt.
Every K-State fan is on the edge of their seat to see what a full-time Avery Johnson can do, however, fans should still manage their expectations. Johnson has shown greatness when he hits the field, but without a safety net of Will Howard to fall back on, or the reliability of throwing it up and Ben Sinnott bringing the pass down, things could get rocky from time to time.
Overall, K-State hopes to move up those rankings, not down, and they are primed to do so as long as they focus on the goal ahead.