Kansas State Football: 3 takeaways from the Wildcats’ loss at Vanderbilt

Kansas State football fell 14-7 to Vanderbilt in what was a defense-heavy contest. Here are three takeaways from the Wildcats’ Week 3 loss.

Head coach Bill Snyder will have a lot to say to his team that managed only seven points against a Vanderbilt defense that allowed 24 per game last season. This loss comes as Kansas State’s first of the season, giving them the opportunity to recover with a long season ahead.

Both defenses played well and put their respective offenses in the positions to claim the game, but it was Vanderbilt that eventually rose to the occasion. Quarterback Jesse Ertz was the focus of the Vanderbilt defense, and his inability to get much going made that clear.

This team has what it takes to right the ship before this season gets out of hand, so it’s important to take things one game at a time. Nevertheless, here are three takeaways from tonight’s loss at the hands of the Commodores.

3. Jesse Ertz needs some work

After games again Central Arkansas and Charlotte, Kansas State fans were still left to wonder just what they would get out of Ertz in 2017. Ertz didn’t give the Wildcats much to work with last season as he finished with only 1,755 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions.

The touchdown to interception ratio left much to be desired as the coaching staff knew Ertz could not lead the team with his legs alone. He certainly did the majority of his damage on the ground last season, rushing for 1,012 yards and twelve scores.

Ertz struggled greatly tonight, throwing for only 76 yards. However, he managed to contribute 126 yards and a score in the run game. Ertz also forked up two interceptions to go along with a 35.7 completion percentage, further adding to a turnover heavy game.

Even against sub-par competition in Charlotte, Ertz’s passing stats were inconsequential. He threw for 178 yards but did not manage a touchdown pass despite winning the game 55-7. Ertz was much more effective against Central Arkansas of the FCS, but we are aware that FCS competition isn’t always a good barometer for measuring success.

Unfortunately, Ertz’s efforts wouldn’t cut it against an energized Vanderbilt defense. Neither team could get much going, but the amount of turnovers leaves little excuse for the lack of success from Ertz and the Wildcat offense.

It’s not a matter of effort for the quarterback, but a matter of execution. Ertz could be seen diving for extra yardage at many points of the game, even up until the final play. Hopefully the senior can find a way to iron out the kinks before taking on more stringent opponents down the stretch.