Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder doesn’t seem all that upset at quarterback Jesse Ertz’s refusal to slide.
Most college football head coaches encourage their starting quarterbacks to slide while carrying the ball to avoid potential injury. However, 77-year-old Bill Snyder is not most head coaches.
The Kansas State Wildcats legend made his thoughts on quarterback sliding fairly clear following Kansas State’s 33-20 victory over Baylor on Saturday afternoon, via Kellis Robinett of the Kansas City Star.
Bill Snyder on Jesse Ertz's refusal to slide when running the ball: "We don't work on sliding. That is another sport."
— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) September 30, 2017
While having a starting quarterback get hit more than necessary is obviously a concern, that quote is an example of what makes Snyder and the Wildcats so fun to watch this year. Senior quarterback Jesse Ertz is a wrecking ball at 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, and helps the Wildcats have arguably the most physical offense in the nation alongside running back Alex Barnes and fullback Winston Dimel.
After piling up over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground a year ago, Ertz has been effective again in 2017 to lead the Wildcats to a 3-1 start. Week 3’s disappointing loss to Vanderbilt knocked Kansas State out of the AP top 25, but they have the talent to challenge anyone in the Big 12, and Snyder isn’t about to change his offense with Ertz at the helm.
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Snyder’s philosophy on sliding isn’t a recent development, as Kansas State was at its best back in 2012 with quarterback Collin Klein trucking defenders on a regular basis. If Ertz is still able to move by the end of the year, the Wildcats could be in line for another 10-win campaign.
Of course, Snyder wasn’t done with the blunt responses during Saturday’s press conference after just one question.
Bill Snyder has some harsh words for K-State WRs and their drops. Either "it gets corrected or you get somebody else. It’s that simple."
— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) September 30, 2017
Tune in next week to see what Snyder has to say following Kansas State’s road matchup with Texas.