One Wildcat Walking in the Storied Steps of Another
When we think of the Big 12 conference, we think high-powered offenses led by star quarterbacks, as Jesse Ertz of the Kansas State Wildcats has asserted himself as a dual-threat, sure to have defenses shaking in their boots when taking the field come 2017. Following Wednesday night's Texas Bowl victory over the Texas A&M Aggies, Ertz showed flashes reminiscent of a legend resonating within the hearts of Wildcats nationwide, former record-setting quarterback and Heisman trophy finalist, Collin Klein. Although huge shoes to fill and high standards to meet, Ertz is a student of the game looking to put Kansas State football back on the map.
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Including stats from Wednesday night, Ertz put up impressive numbers, leading the Wildcats to a 9-4 record, finishing fourth in the Big 12. He threw for 1755 yards with nine touchdowns to four interceptions, completing 57.6 percent of his passes. Ertz also rushed for 1012 yards on 183 attempts, finishing with 12 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards a carry. He has never seemed to be phased by the moment, putting that confidence on full display, earning the rights to being named game MVP of the Texas bowl.
Klein's stat line was somewhat similar during his junior year in 2011. He guided K-State to a 10-3 record and a trip to the 2012 Cotton Bowl Classic, where the Wildcats would fall to the seventh ranked Arkansas Razorbacks 29-16. That season, Klein threw for 1918 yards with 13 touchdowns to six interceptions, completing 57.3 percent of his passes. Klein rushed for 1141 yards on 317 attempts, finishing with 27 touchdowns, averaging 3.6 yards a carry.
But there one significant achievement missing from Klein's distinguished resume, winning a bowl game and/or championship. The Wildcats reached the 2013 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Klein's senior season, but went on to lose to the second ranked Oregon Ducks, 35-17. In that respect, Ertz is already a step ahead of Klein, coming off Wednesday night's victory.
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Learning from one of the best in hall of fame head coach Bill Snyder, Ertz could very well be on his way to accomplishing many more feats, including bowl game appearances and maybe just maybe a possible run at the Heisman. It's too early to make any predictions as such, but two years is more time than it sounds when attending a program like K-State, leaving the door wide open for Ertz to make his name.
