Some might call it luck, eking out eight wins by a touchdown or less. Bill Snyder credits the repeated late-game successes of 2011 to something more attainable.

The long-time Kansas State coach still believes in the power of time of possession and the crucial nature of not creating turnovers, but he also recognizes the effectiveness of qualities not exclusive to the football field. By his estimation, the embracing of those helped the team dramatically last season.

"We developed the values that you hear me talk about so often," Snyder said, "the values that we all hold dear for our children, which I hold for the kids in our program."

By now, most have heard of Snyder's 16 goals. This season, the goals are at the center of Kansas State's football marketing campaign. Season ticket holders have received short videos about each goal throughout the summer, and the back cover of the media guide lists them alongside a picture of Snyder.

The coaches discuss them with the players, and the players reference them often in interviews. The interesting part is that it all seems to be more than just talk, more than just public relations.

For Snyder, the proof is in last season's results. After all, with so many close games, statistics would say you lose at least a few of those, thanks to mistakes or missed opportunities. Not so for the Wildcats, who in 2011 won eight of nine games that came down to a touchdown or less.

"You do not do that on sheer talent," Snyder said. "It happens because there is something else there. The good things that people do outside of athletics are just those intrinsic values. It is a want-to. I think that had a major impact on the outcome of the season, or at least winning 10 games. I would like to have thought we could have won more, but [those values] had a lot to do with it."

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Story originally posted on fabuloussportsbabe.wordpress.com.