It ain’t over until it’s over.

But a promising football season for Kansas State’s football team is spiraling out of control.

Talented quarterback Skylar Thompson earned the nickname Captain Comeback last year while directing the Wildcats to a trio of amazing victories last year. 

When the Wildcats’ backs were against the wall, Thompson was at his best, directing a quick-strike offense to three last-quarter wins. In desperation mode, Thompson played quick with no fear.

After all, what did the Wildcats have to lose. They were already losing in two of those games.

At Oklahoma State, the Wildcats came out firing, building a 42-19 lead behind Byron Pringle’s four touchdowns. That time, the Wildcats turned the clock back, playing with no fear as a double-digit underdog. That used to be coach Bill Snyder’s best attribute — leading his team to play with confidence as a road underdog.

At Texas Tech, Thompson directed a late-game touchdown drive and 2-pointer to rescue a 42-35 overtime victory over the Red Raiders. Byron Pringle caught the game-winning touchdown.

When the coaches took Thompson’s handcuffs off against Iowa State, he directed a game-winning drive and a last-play touchdown to Isaiah Zuber for a 20-19 victory over the Cyclones.

So how does the coaching staff handle the promising quarterback? 

They’ve simplified the game plan and slowed their best offensive player down. They slowed his confidence by window dressing a quarterback battle with Alex Delton. They’ve clamped the handcuffs on Thompson, totally limiting his creativity, which is what makes him special. 

While other teams snap the football at lightning-quick speed, the Wildcats allow the play clock to wind out by being indecisive.

The Wildcats are coaching scared. They’re coaching down their players to not make mistakes. 

Guess what happens when your coaches lack confidence to let their quarterback and their offense play? Their players lack confidence too.

Most K-State fans would be fine getting embarrassed by Mississippi State and West Virginia had the Wildcats gone down firing. 

The Wildcats were scared to throw the football downfield or between the hashes against Mississippi State. The Wildcats followed the script of playing not to lose, which is always poor. The Wildcats’ offense showed the spark of a cap gun. Snyder showed no confidence in his offense faced with a makeable fourth down play in Bulldog territory.  

The script was a shade better against West Virginia in a 35-6 loss. When the Wildcats elected to actually throw the ball downfield, they enjoyed success.

Their most questionable decision was letting the play clock wind down on a crucial fourth-and-inches play right before halftime. The worst way to convert a short-yardage situation is seeing the play clock wind down. The Wildcats showed no confidence in their scripted play. I don’t ever remember former quarterback Collin Klein getting stopped in that situation because he showed confidence and ran the snap quickly.

West Virginia coach Dana Holgerson didn’t slow down Heisman Trophy candidate Will Grier. He was throwing the football all over the field even after Kansas State stole three interceptions. Grier found time to deliver five touchdown passes, including 62- and 82-yard scores. Holgerson let his all-star quarterback play.

Kansas State won’t upset Texas Saturday without letting their quarterback play the position. Some of the best Wildcat playmakers are receivers Isaiah Zuber, Dalton Schoen and Zach Rueter.  

The Wildcats should be playing at a faster pace rather than letting the defense substitute freely and take a siesta between plays.

It’s not too late for the Wildcats, but it’s close.