Kansas State coach Chris Klieman had an emotional press conference Saturday following a 51-47 loss to No. 12 Utah that dropped the Wildcats to 5-6.
Klieman defended his players and staff after a week of criticism, noting his team rushed for a school-record 472 yards and held a 12-point lead with seven minutes remaining. However, they still lost.
"We're down so many players, and I know a lot of people thought we'd come over here and lay down and that maybe the kids had cashed it in," Klieman said via ESPN.
"Because I've heard it enough. I've heard I have cashed it in. I've heard the players have cashed it in, we need to get new leadership here, we need to get new players, new coaches. I'm tired of it. I got to be honest with you, I'm tired of it.
"I've given my friggin'... Life for this place for seven years. I've given everything for seven years. And I think I deserve a little bit of respect. I'm frustrated like everybody else is, but I love those kids. And I'll go to friggin' battle with those kids any day."
K-State running back Joe Jackson set the Wildcats’ single-game rushing mark with 293 yards and three touchdowns. First FBS player with that stat line in a losing effort since 2018. The team piled up 574 total yards.
Utah scored 14 points in the final three minutes after returning an interception on a 2-point try to spark the comeback. Kansas State must beat Colorado on Nov. 29 to become bowl eligible.
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