The Kansas State Wildcats were in control of their appearance in the Big 12 title game, but now they need a little help.

Last week’s loss to Houston made the path a little more difficult, but it’s still possible. First, the Wildcats need to win their three remaining games against Arizona State, Cincinnati and No. 17 Iowa State. This is the part they control.

What is beyond their control is Colorado. The Buffaloes are at the top of the standings, so the Wildcats need them to lose at least once. The problem is that Colorado still has a favorable schedule, with games against Texas Tech, Utah, Kansas and Oklahoma State.

Texas Tech (6-3) is the only team with a winning record. Utah was the preseason media favorite but disappointed. The Jayhawks are just 2-6, but even the Wildcats would be backing their biggest rivals this weekend. The Cowboys are another team that stumbled after being the No. 3 pick in the preseason.

The Wildcats can only blame themselves for their predicament. They have every chance to stay at the top of the race, but blew a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter against the underdog Cougars. If Colorado continues to coast behind quarterback Shedur Sanders and coach Deion Sanders, many will consider this a disappointing season for the Wildcats.

They started the season with very high expectations, with some national titles and quarterback Avery Johnson going for the Heisman Trophy.

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Kansas State Wildcats On SI. He can be contacted at [email protected]

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