Click HERE to view Texas A&M’s Tuesday press conference.
The Kansas State head football coach may have let the cat out of the bag.
Collin Klein, who’s moonlighting as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator, appeared to reveal the biggest secret in College Station during a Tuesday afternoon press conference.
The A&M fan populace has been wondering about the status of injured running back Le’Veon Moss, who might return to face Miami on Saturday in the College Football Playoff.
Klein seemed to indicate Moss would be in action.
“I mean, it’s always good to have a sledgehammer in the bag,” said Klein, who also raved about the performance of running backs in Moss’ absence. “(I’m) excited for him. Happy for him to be able to finish this season and be able to get back out there on the field, and want him to finish strong. Obviously, he’s a difference-maker when he’s got the ball in his hands.”
The Aggie fan base will no doubt celebrate that Moss will return. They should also be celebrating that Klein remains in the offensive coordinator role through A&M’s playoff run.
Having accepted the head coaching position at Kansas State, he could’ve left to begin establishing his program in Manhattan.
No doubt, he has done what he can on that end, but he has honored the Aggies’ one-word for this season and chose to “finish.”
There could be some concern among the A&M populace that Klein’s attention could be divided. You know those old sayings about “divided we fall” and “you can’t serve two masters.”
But Klein is a man of high character and a great competitor. He won’t shortchange the Aggies. You can bet Mike Elko wouldn’t take that risk if there was one.
“(I’m) very, very fortunate in this situation that coach Elko and I were able to communicate, make sure and were able to get a plan together pretty much from the start of how we were going to walk things out and make sure we were staying on top of things and doing it the right way,” Klein said. “And then also send the right message to our team that it’s about finishing and being right in the now, wherever we are.
“(I) Have some really, really good people in both places that, you know, have really helped me and helped us stay on track and do the job how it needs to be done.”
Klein has gotten the job done. The Aggies are 20th in the nation in total offense. They’re 14th in scoring despite an erratic kicking game and a tendency to get penalties in bunches.
They’ve exceeded 30 points in 10 games. They’ve exceeded 40 in four.
Sure, the additions of transfer receivers KC Concepcion and Mario Craver brought juice to the offense, but they also had to be used correctly. Klein obviously has used them effectively.
Remember, a couple of years ago, the Aggies had Haynes King, Devon Achane, Ainias Smith and Evan Stewart on the field at the same time and still managed just one offensive touchdown in a 17-14 loss to Appalachian State.
A&M is well aware of what a talented coordinator can do. Remember the Kliff Kingsbury year?
Maybe Kingsbury shouldn’t have been brought up. That could cause angst for some Aggies, who will worry about next season before this season is complete. They may fret about what the future holds when Klein — like Kingsbury — exits to coach his alma mater.
Klein said not to worry, though. He assured the offense will be in good hands with receivers coach Holmon Wiggins assuming the coordinator role next year.
“His attention to detail, his care for the kids … I mean, he’s an all-around football coach,” Klein said. “He’s not just a receivers coach. He understands all three levels — how they fit together, limitations and structures and how that all goes.
“He understands quarterback play. I respect the heck out of him in every area. I’m so proud and excited for him to be able to carry on what we’ve built here and what the kids have done to lay the foundation for what I believe is a lot of good years to come.”
That’s good to hear. But most Aggies aren’t looking that far ahead.
They just want Klein to devise ways to overcome Miami, which is ranked sixth in the nation in scoring defense.
Then they’ll want him to devise ways to overcome Ohio State and then two more opponents.
Do that, and Aggies everywhere will celebrate Klein as he leaves for Kansas State.
Heck, more than a few might offer to drive him to Manhattan.
Deus Vult said:
If anyone actually believes Klein will be focus on A&M's playoff games, I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.
Deus Vult said:
If anyone actually believes Klein will be focus on A&M's playoff games, I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.
Deus Vult said:
If anyone actually believes Klein will be focus on A&M's playoff games, I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.
Deus Vult said:
If anyone actually believes Klein will be focus on A&M's playoff games, I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.
Morbo the Annihilator said:Deus Vult said:
If anyone actually believes Klein will be focus on A&M's playoff games, I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.
Because you are lacking in character and principles doesn't mean the rest of us are.
Deus Vult said:Morbo the Annihilator said:Deus Vult said:
If anyone actually believes Klein will be focus on A&M's playoff games, I have some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you.
Because you are lacking in character and principles doesn't mean the rest of us are.
No one can serve two masters. When someone pays you to do a job, you give 100%. That is not the same as giving 100% of what you have left in you from another job. The fact that you are OK with that and trying to use character and principles as a justification speaks volumes about what you are willing to accept with regard to work ethics. You may want to stand in front of a mirror and do some soul-searching because your compass is off.
