Forecast for Ron Prince: Purple Rain

It only seems fitting that Prince, or the music artist formerly known as such, would have produced the hit single "Purple Rain". A similar forecast is found in Kansas State fans' attitude toward their head football coach, Ron Prince. Prince, who is entering his third season, had a record of 7-6 and 5-7 his first two seasons in Manhattan. This 12-13 record is far from spectacular, but it isn't dreadful either.

I don't believe that Ron Prince ever had the full support of Wildcat fans, and their patience seems to be dwindling by the hour. Needless to say the signing of 19 juco transfers did little to increase fan trust. Whether it be in an article, blog, or conversation, the general feeling toward Ron Prince is pessimism. As a Kansas State fan myself, I can empathize with the frustrations of a 5-7 season, but I believe that Ron Prince deserves our full support.

The general sports culture has become more and more "win now", and this is nowhere more true than in college football. But this isn't always best. It's a good thing that K-State gave Bill Snyder a few years to turn things around, and why shouldn't Prince be given the same trust?

While the Wildcats failed to reach a bowl in the two preceding seasons, Prince led the team to a Texas Bowl appearance in his first year. (Unfortunately, K-State met the upstart Scarlet Knights and Greg Schiano of Rutgers.)

It also appears that Prince is incredibly smart and resourceful. He tried to implement the fashionable 3-4 defense in 2007, but most would agree this was a failure. Learning his lesson, he has moved back to the conventional 4-3. Also, although the signing of 19 juco players in not a good habit to get into, there is a bright side. The Wildcats were in desperate need of depth and experience, and the hope is that these players can meet those needs.

Sometimes the best thing that can be done is staying the course. Let's at least give Prince a chance to get out of the driveway before we take away the keys.