Chris Klieman on Final Play vs. Texas: ‘I Would Do it Again’
Chris Klieman and the Kansas State Wildcats narrowly lost to the Texas Longhorns on Saturday 33-30 after Klieman elected to keep his offense on the field on fourth and goal in hopes of stealing a win on the road.
The play was ultimately blown up by the Texas defensive line, which resulted in the Longhorns maintaining control and winning the football game in overtime.
This was the final play from K-State.
STOPPED ON 4TH & GOAL@TEXASFOOTBALL SURVIVES IN OT pic.twitter.com/HoV4OWREVS
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 4, 2023
While fans were quick to judge Klieman for his decision, the Wildcats head coach confirmed in post-game that he would do it again if given the shot.
“If I had it all over again I would do it again,” Klieman said. “We had to end that game when we had the chance.”
Klieman and the Wildcats rallied back from a 20-point deficient to send the game to overtime, despite some questionable play calls on offense. The Wildcats had a shot to win the game late after holding the Longhorns to three on the first drive of overtime, but could not convert in the red zone.
Despite the unfortunate finish to his day, Kansas State quarterback Will Howard reminded the country why the Wildcats are his team by throwing for 327 yards and four touchdowns on the day.
With the loss, Kansas State drops to 6-3 on the season, 4-2 in conference play as the Longhorns advance to 8-1 overall, and 5-1 in conference. The Wildcats now look to Week 11 for a bounce-back game against the Baylor Bears at home in Manhattan.
