At this point, the Kansas State Wildcats are just searching for positives after their first loss of the season.
One of them was the play of receiver Derrick Salley Jr., in the defeat to the Cincinnati Bearcats. Salley had seven receptions for 140 yards. It was the best performance of his career with the Wildcats.
Now, he is considered another threat for the Wildcats on offense. Although it was a bittersweet day for K-State, it should prove the team at least has more offensive weapons than just Jaron Tibbs and Josh Manning, who had been the leading receivers up to this point.
The Wildcats have a bye this weekend but return to action the following week against the Houston Cougars.
THE RECAP FOR WILDCATS VS BEARCATS
First-year Kansas State Wildcats coach Collin Klein finally has to deal with his first loss.
The Wildcats had a seven-point lead at halftime before blowing it and falling 31-26 to the Cincinnati Bearcats. It was the Big 12 opener for both teams.
After the game, Klein said the team just needs to move forward.
"I just told them there's no excuses for losing, it feels horrible and it should, and if it does, it means you're invested and you care," Klein said. "As we continue to build this thing and go where we're supposed to, and where we want to go, there are lessons that come out of these ballgames and these situations that we have to be able to take with us moving forward."
The Wildcats cruised to wins against the Nicholls Cowboys, Washington State Cougars and Tulane Green Wave in the first three non-conference games but just gave up too many big plays against the Bearcats.
The loss spoiled a strong performance from Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson, who threw for 292 yards and a touchdown on 30 of 50 passing. He also ran for 38 yards on six carries.
MORE KANSAS STATE NEWS
How the Wildcats could improve at wide receiver
The Wildcats are already preparing for life after quarterback Avery Johnson
K-State coach Collin Klein continues to hit recruiting trail
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
