I think it is less a KSU thing than it is a Big 12 thing. The conference as a whole needs to start kicking more ass. Win some playoff games. Win it all. Piss pound schools in noncon, bowls, and the playoffs.
As it stands now, I agree with Chings. Moving forward, the conference (at least at the top) needs to elevate its game to ensure the Big 12 is always represented and maybe get two teams in down the road.