TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Beloved Kansas State University football coach Bill Snyder has endorsed Sen. Pat Roberts for re-election and is appearing in a new television ad for the three-term Republican incumbent.

Roberts’ campaign launched the statewide spot Thursday, just five days before the election and with Roberts locked in a tight race with independent candidate and wealthy Olathe businessman Greg Orman.

Snyder is highly respected and has largely remained aloof from politics. His 6-1 Wildcats are the only unbeaten team in the Big 12 and are generating buzz because they’re ranked ninth for a national football playoff spot.

Snyder describes Roberts in the ad as a good friend and “as good as it gets for the state.”

Orman has argued that Roberts is part of the gridlock in Washington.