Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman Previews Sugar Bowl

After holding on to every ounce of optimism and hope for a playoff bid, Alabama fans everywhere were met with the announcement that the Crimson Tide would not be playing in the College Football Playoffs and will instead be playing in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans against the Big 12 Champions, Kansas State.

The Wildcats's head coach Chris Klieman issued a statement regaring the upcoming game.

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"I know our guys, when they saw Alabama come up, they were excited about getting a chance to play one of the traditional powers for decades in college football. Especially in the time that Coach Saban has been there, they’ve won championship after championship. And it will be a big task for us. I think it’s a great opportunity for our players, for starters, to be able to play a great opponent like Alabama out of the SEC."

"And, you know, our league is pretty good. I think top to bottom the Big 12 is still one of the top conferences. And proven out with TCU going to the CFP and us get a chance to play in one of the New Year’s Six bowls in the Sugar Bowl."

Kansas State finished the regular season with a 10-3 record and a thrilling Big 12 Championship victory over TCU in overtime. When Klieman was asked about if he was worried about his team's momentum for the Sugar Bowl, he said this.

“If it were this week, maybe,” he said. “But we’re going to get a good chunk of time where us as coaches are on the road and the guys are away from football a little bit to be able to rejuvenate and recharge a little bit, to come back and have a couple of good weeks of preparation that I know our guys will be excited about a heck of a challenge to play an awesome program like Alabama."

"So much respect for Coach Saban and what he’s done for college football in general. I know that when the time comes to lock and load for the game plan and being ready to play that our guys will be ready. But without a doubt, we need a little bit of time right now.”

Kickoff for the Sugar Bowl between Alabama and Kansas State starts at 11am CST on December 31st.