The Kansas State Wildcats made history today. First, they blanked a top ten team for the first time in program history. Next, the Wildcats margin of victory against a top 10 team is the largest in school history. Their backup quarterback, Will Howard, tied a school record for touchdowns thrown in a game. Finally, Kansas State’s shut out of a top ten team is the first since the University of California shut out Syracuse in 1968! Head Coach Chris Klieman continues to rack up signature win after signature win. The key is to string together enough wins to have a shot at the playoff. Maybe next year. For now, let’s finish out this season strong!
The Wildcats have been on the brink of breaking out all season long. Those of us that have watched every Wildcat game this year understands the ultimate potential for this squad. Despite the Wildcats exceptional victory today, they still left points on the field. There is always room for improvement!
Defense Leads the Way!
The Wildcats truly played a complete football game today. They marched down the field and scored. They scored on quick explosive plays through the air and on the ground. The defense held the opposition to zero points. Finally special teams made several field goals and executed several punts putting the Cowboys inside their 10-yard line on multiple occasions. Today’s game was a clinic on complimentary football.
Enough cannot be said about KSU’s defense. They blanked an explosive Oklahoma Cowboys offense. The Wildcats kept a top ten offense from scoring at home. The defense accomplished this awesome feat by stuffing the run and pressuring the quarterback consistently. They forced multiple turnovers; two interceptions and two forced fumbles. The defense also successfully defended three fourth down conversion attempts by the Cowboys. Finally, Felix Anudike-Uzomah added a sack to his Big 12 leading total of 7.5 sacks.
Exceptional Will Howard!
Will Howard plays exceptionally well for a backup quarterback. If Adrian Martinez had not transferred to KSU, the Wildcats would have been in great hands with Howard at the helm from the beginning. I don’t think the Wildcats need the quarterback run game with Howard under center. He reads and sees the field well. He makes anticipatory throws. Most importantly, he makes good decisions. He did have a couple of bad throws, but his receivers fought for the ball avoiding interceptions. Overall, when he is under center, I think the quarterback run game should be used minimally. To Collin Klein’s credit, he only called Howard’s number a few times in the run game. He knows Howard’s strength is his passing game.
Two of Will Howard’s best throws were for touchdowns. His best throw was a 4th and goal to go on the one-yard line. Collin Klein called a great play. He put Howard under center as if he was going to call a fourth quarterback sneak. At the last moment, he jumps into the gun and Deuce Vaughn motions to the right. At the snap of the ball Howard throws the ball to the spot only Deuce could catch it. Deuce cut the flat and laid out to catch the touchdown throw, putting the Wildcats ahead 35 to nothing as the seconds ticked off to half time. Earlier in the game, Phillip Brooks ran a beautiful route, stemmed around his defender put his arms out to catch an on the money ball. Brooks ran it up the seam for a 31-yard touchdown to put the Wildcats up 21 to nothing. The best thing about both of those throws is the anticipatory nature of the throws. He threw the ball before the stem of the route, trusting that his receivers would catch it. That is graduate level quarterbacking. Well done Will Howard!
Playmakers!
Kansas State’s offensive line played extraordinarily well. KSU’s offensive line only allowed one tackle for loss. They did not allow Howard to get sacked. They executed their run blocks with exceptional precision against the number 7 defensive line in the nation. Oklahoma State averages 8.5 tackles for loss a game. KSU’s offensive line only allowed one.
Kansas State’s playmakers stood up and stood out for their team. Malik Knowles caught eight receptions for 113 yards. At one point, he was wide open for a touchdown, but Howard didn’t see him. That will be a great learning point for Howard in the film room. Kade Warner caught five receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns. This was by far Warner’s best game as a Wildcat. Philip Brooks rounded out the receiving play makers with two receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. Deuce got loose for a 62-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter. His rush total was 22 carries 158 yards and a touchdown along with four receptions for 18 yards and a touchdown. Finally true freshman DJ Giddens showed what the future holds with his 7 carries for 44 yards and at touchdown.
Kansas State needs to replicate today’s success when a highly talented and speedy Texas comes to town. Kansas State executed four explosive plays for scores. Kade Warner caught a 38-yard touchdown reception and executed a 41-yard-wide receiver screen for another touchdown. We already touched on Vaughn’s 62-yard burner and the brilliance of Brook’s 31-yard score. Kansas State also showed that they could sustain drives and score, either with a touchdown or a field goal. This type of football is what is required the rest of the season. There are no easy outs. The Wildcats are now the hunted. Let’s Go Kansas State!