It would've been nice to score on that play, but just looking at probably the best measure of this is the ability to score/get first downs on 3rd and short (1-3 yards) or rushing on 4th down.
Overall (rushing and passing) we are 6th in the league at getting first downs/TDs on 3rd and short at 73.2%. We are 7th when rushing the football at 68.8% on 16 attempts (lowest in the league). And we are 4th in the league when passing the ball at 73.2% on 25 attempts (most in the league).
When it comes to rushing attempts to convert on 4th down, KSU is at 60%, but only on 5 attempts (2nd lowest in the league).
K-State isn't great in short yardage situations, but we aren't bad either and making improvements. No surprise that we pass on 3rd and short more than anyone in the league with pretty solid success.
Just something to think about it regards to the "we need a big back" discussion.