K-State makes strides, doesn' t trip

LINCOLN, Neb. _ This was all or nothing for Kansas State because a Wildcats’ loss meant no division championship and no bowl game.

And the loss happened, 17-3 to surging Nebraska, which will meet Texas in the Big 12 title game.
But for Kansas State this season wasn’t for nothing. Although the Wildcats’ 6-6 record meant a mere a one-game improvement over last season, the feeling is vastly different, upbeat because of a program rejuvenated by Bill Snyder.

“Definitely,” senior linebacker John Houlik said. “We wish we could have finished it right, but I feel like a foundation has been laid here.”
After a three-year absence, Snyder restored sense of pride to a program that was left in disarray by the previous regime and its contract settlement aftermath.

The repair job brought Kansas State, projected fifth in the division, to the final week of the regular season with an opportunity to finish with a division title. As it stands, the Wildcats, 4-4 in conference play, will do no worse than second place.

“I’m not unhappy,” Snyder said. “I think in the grand scheme of things when we reflect back on this season there will be many things that I’m pleased with.”