Nick Saban is clear about how Will Howard and company’s season was affected by their loss to Michigan.

As the college football world continues to dissect the highs and lows of the 2024 season, one loss stands out for the Kansas State Wildcats—an unfortunate defeat to the Michigan Wolverines. Nick Saban, the legendary head coach of Alabama, recently weighed in on how this pivotal loss impacted Will Howard and the rest of the Wildcats as they tried to move forward with the season. His insights are part of an ongoing conversation about the implications of key losses, the pressure of high-stakes games, and how those moments can alter a team’s trajectory.

The loss to Michigan, one of the premier programs in college football, was a significant moment for Kansas State and their quarterback, Will Howard. As the Wildcats attempted to make their mark in a competitive Big 12 conference and contend for a major bowl game, their performance against a team like Michigan offered a tough but important learning experience. Saban, who is known for his strategic depth and candidness, outlined several key elements that he believes were crucial in shaping how the Wildcats, especially Howard, were affected by the defeat.

The Michigan Loss and Its Immediate Impact

For Kansas State, the loss to Michigan in a crucial midseason game was more than just a statistic. While the final score may have been the most noticeable aspect, it was the way the game unfolded that had deeper repercussions. The Wildcats entered the game with hopes of proving themselves as a top-tier program capable of going toe-to-toe with one of college football’s elite teams. Will Howard, as the starting quarterback and leader of the offense, was expected to rise to the occasion.

However, the loss was marked by mistakes and missed opportunities. Howard struggled with turnovers, and the offense couldn’t maintain consistent momentum. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the Wildcats were unable to execute on the grand stage, a challenge that would define their season. For Howard and the rest of the team, it was a hard lesson in the importance of preparation and resilience when facing top competition.

Nick Saban, drawing on his vast experience of coaching in high-pressure situations, observed how the loss not only dented Kansas State’s immediate playoff hopes but also had a lingering impact on their overall mindset moving forward. According to Saban, the loss to Michigan served as a defining moment for Howard and the team, forcing them to reflect on their weaknesses and find ways to rebound.

“Michigan is a team that will test you mentally and physically,” Saban remarked in his analysis. “What you saw from Kansas State after that game was a team that had to take a step back and assess its own ability to perform under pressure. Will Howard, as a leader, learned a lot about himself in that game. Sometimes, losses like that reveal more about a team’s character than wins ever will.”

Will Howard’s Development After the Loss

For Will Howard, the loss to Michigan was a tough pill to swallow. As a quarterback, he had high expectations placed on him—both from his coaches and from himself. Howard had shown tremendous potential throughout his career at Kansas State, particularly with his ability to extend plays and his proficiency in making key throws. But the game against Michigan was a reminder that, in the highest levels of college football, the margin for error is razor-thin.

Despite the loss, Howard demonstrated maturity and resolve. In the weeks that followed, he stepped up as a leader, encouraging his teammates to stay focused on the bigger picture. Howard took ownership of his mistakes and became more vocal in his leadership. His resolve was evident in how he bounced back in the later games of the season, using the lessons learned from the Michigan game to fuel his improvement.

“Sometimes, it’s not just about the plays you make—it’s about how you respond to adversity,” Saban added. “Will Howard faced a tough test against Michigan, but what he showed in the aftermath was the mark of a true leader. He didn’t shy away from the responsibility that comes with being a quarterback. He worked even harder to hone his skills and elevate the play of those around him.”

Saban’s words highlight the critical role of resilience in a player’s development. Howard didn’t allow the loss to define his season. Instead, he channeled the frustration from the game into his improvement, showing his ability to grow under pressure—a trait that will serve him well in the future.

The Ripple Effect on Kansas State’s Entire Season

While Will Howard’s individual growth was a focal point of Kansas State’s development post-loss, the impact of the Michigan defeat rippled through the entire program. After that setback, Kansas State had to regroup and recalibrate its goals for the season. The loss took a psychological toll, and for a team with aspirations of competing for a Big 12 title, it served as a harsh reality check.

Kansas State entered the season with high expectations and a solid roster. The Wildcats had established themselves as a consistent contender in the Big 12 under head coach Chris Klieman. However, Michigan exposed some vulnerabilities that were hard to ignore. The loss highlighted areas where the Wildcats had to improve, such as offensive execution, defensive consistency, and their ability to compete against elite teams.

In the aftermath, Kansas State’s coaching staff took stock of the lessons learned from Michigan and used it as a foundation for growth. The team focused on improving their preparation for big games, stressing the importance of mental toughness and emotional regulation. They had to rebuild their confidence and stay committed to their game plan, even in the face of adversity.

“This game showed us that you can’t take a single play off when you’re up against a team like Michigan,” Klieman said. “We have to be more focused, more disciplined, and most importantly, we have to be able to shake off the tough moments and keep playing. We’re building towards something greater, but it starts with learning from our mistakes.”

For the Wildcats, the road to recovery wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for the program’s long-term success. The loss to Michigan was a tough lesson, but it ultimately fueled the team’s development and resolve for the remainder of the season.

Saban’s Broader Perspective on Tough Losses

Nick Saban is no stranger to dealing with difficult losses. His career has been defined by overcoming setbacks, learning from mistakes, and using failures as opportunities for growth. Saban’s success at Alabama is built on his ability to motivate his players and his coaching staff to push through adversity.

Reflecting on the Kansas State-Michigan game, Saban noted that every team in college football faces moments of failure, but it’s how you respond that separates the truly elite teams from the rest. “The great teams are the ones that don’t get discouraged after a loss,” he explained. “They learn from it and come back stronger. Kansas State had the talent to bounce back. Will Howard had the mental fortitude to take the loss in stride. It’s all part of the process of becoming the team you’re capable of being.”

Saban’s comments underscore the importance of perspective and leadership. In his eyes, the loss to Michigan wasn’t the end for Kansas State—it was merely a stepping stone in the Wildcats’ journey toward growth and improvement. He emphasized that teams can’t let a tough loss dictate their entire season; instead, they must learn from it, regroup, and get better.

Looking Ahead: Kansas State’s Resilience and Future

As Kansas State moves forward into the next season, the lessons learned from their loss to Michigan will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the program’s future. Will Howard, who has grown immensely as a quarterback and leader, will carry the weight of that loss into the future, ensuring that his experience fuels his drive to succeed.

Kansas State’s coaching staff, too, will use the Michigan game as a teaching tool for years to come. It’s not about the loss—it’s about the growth that comes from facing adversity head-on. The Wildcats have shown they can be resilient, and with a strong recruiting class and solid leadership, the program is poised to be a force in the Big 12.

In the end, Nick Saban’s reflections on Kansas State’s loss to Michigan serve as a reminder that every setback is an opportunity for growth. As long as the Wildcats remain focused, resilient, and willing to learn, they will continue to make strides toward reaching their full potential in the seasons to come.