I can see the argument. A lot of things have changed since the Bama W.
The Alabama game was the highlight of our offseason preparation and game planning. Our team was at full strength, health wise. On the other side of the coin, Alabama was breaking in a new QB and made some very poor throws that we capitalized off of.
Going into this weekend, we are far from full strength (multiple DBs, starting Edge, banged up OL, and missing our starting QB). Kansas State has figured their offensive identity out and can hurt us in the air and on the ground. Kansas State is nowhere near Alabama talent level, but they are a hot team playing for a Big12 CG berth. Sark and PK will have to earn their paycheck scheming around our injuries, especially the QB.
Everyone knows we can get up for big games. This will be a huge data point in terms of our consistency, depth, and our coaches ability to be flexible.