MANHATTAN — When Chris Klieman found out that Kansas State’s final nonconference game against Arizona was rescheduled for Friday night, his initial response was more like a dad’s than a head coach’s.
Setting aside the increased demands on coaches and the condensed practice schedule, not to mention the task of helping players recover from a tough game at Tulane the previous week, Klieman couldn’t help but feel excited.
“I’m thrilled that we’re playing on Friday night so I can watch my son Colby at Kansas Wesleyan,” said Klieman, whose youngest son plays as a junior defensive back for the team, which will host Southwestern at 6 p.m. Saturday in Salina.
However, he quickly shifted his focus back to the task at hand: prepping his No. 15-ranked Wildcats for their matchup against No. 18 Arizona at 7 p.m. in Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
“It’s challenging to come back after a road game like we had,” said Klieman, whose Wildcats staged a comeback for a 34-27 win at Tulane last Saturday, improving to 2-0. “Asking the players to practice yesterday was really tough,” he commented during his weekly press conference on Monday.
“We’re lucky to be at home, but it’s a short week. With the expanded Big 12, we’ve all realized that Friday night games will be an important aspect moving forward. So, while I’m okay with it, as a dad, I really enjoy it.”
The game will be broadcast nationally as the inaugural FOX College Football Friday. Since this matchup was announced in 2016, prior to Arizona joining the Big 12, it will not count toward conference standings.
K-State sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson, who played frequently on Friday nights at Maize High School just two years ago, understands that this week will be different due to the altered schedule.
“Everything feels a bit rushed and compressed,” said Johnson, set to make his second home start against Arizona. “It’s different for us to be in the facility on a Sunday, which isn’t usual. We typically come in for recovery and then review the previous day’s film.
“You have to fit all that into the morning, followed by an extended walkthrough. We did a flush run yesterday to help get everyone’s bodies moving.”
Super-senior linebacker Austin Moore emphasized the importance of taking care of their bodies during a short week.
“We discussed on Sunday that the sense of urgency needs to be even higher than usual,” said Moore, also a team captain. “As leaders, it’s important for us to set the right example, especially regarding recovery.
“We have mandatory recovery this week because of the quick turnaround, but the coach emphasized the need for us as leaders to be present and encourage other guys to prepare their bodies even more.”
One result of playing at home on Friday night—alongside Kansas facing UNLV—is that it diverts attention from high school games, forcing fans to make a choice.
“I can’t really address that, since it’s not up to us,” Klieman said regarding competing with high school games. “It’s determined by the league and television, and that’s how the bills get paid. Everyone understands that.
“I know it’s not ideal for high schools, and I recognize that, but it’s not something we can control; it’s all about the TV contracts.”
Additionally, Klieman mentioned he has his own parental responsibilities to think about the following day.
“Once again, I’ll be in Salina on Saturday,” he said, smiling.
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