KSU

Continuously optimistic, Vince Gibson approached 1974 with the conviction that his team had re-discovered the sense of purpose and toughness that had marked his first few Wildcat squads and better understood his offense. Providing a psychological boost with new white helmets that were adorned with a one-inch purple center stripe and a wildcat head with a white nose and purple tongue on each side, he maintained the royal purple jerseys and sent the team onto the field of play. QB Steve Grogan was still the big name and would later remain a big name in New England as the gutsy leader of the Patriots for a productive sixteen years, but the big body in the backfield belonged to juco transfer James Couch at 6'2" and 230 pounds. Unfortunately the offensive line never jelled and their 4-7 record was a step back from '73. The defensive manpower could not handle their Big 8 opponents other than a stunning upset once again, of Colorado, with wins against non-conference weak sisters which perhaps made Gibson realize that he had gone as far as he could with K-State. At the conclusion of the season, Gibson bolted for Louisville and former Kansas State star Ellis Rainsberger was named head coach.