Kansas State enters its season opener in a much cleaner spot than it did a year ago, and the difference starts with something as basic as the calendar.
Last season’s camp came with the extra burden of a Week 0 game against Iowa State in Ireland, which meant the Wildcats had to start earlier and absorb the grind of travel both ways. Avery Johnson said the impact lingered after the trip.
"It was just a lot for us last year to have to go there and come back," K-State quarterback Avery Johnson said. "You have to deal with jet lag.
I got jet-lagged on a Tuesday. Then you're kind of sleepwalking into your real Week 1 game."
This time, the setup is far more routine. The Wildcats began camp on schedule and open in Week 1 at home against Nicholls at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. That smoother runway has mattered, especially with Collin Klein taking over as head coach for the first time.
The normal rhythm has given Kansas State a chance to settle into the new era without the pressure of a rushed start. It also helps that the opener is against an opponent the Wildcats are expected to handle, which has let them keep one eye on Nicholls and another on next week’s game against Washington State.
That kind of start would matter even more if it turns into two straight wins. Kansas State never really recovered from last year’s opening loss to Iowa State. After beating North Dakota, the Wildcats dropped three of their next four and quickly fell out of the Big 12 race.
The season finished at 6-6, and that outcome ultimately led to Chris Klieman stepping down. It also created the opening for Klein, who now gets his shot to guide his alma mater.
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