Offense: A-
Anytime the Wildcats can insert their backup quarterback into the game with over 10 minutes left speaks loudly to what the offense was able to accomplish during the game. The offense never cooled down in this one, scoring 45-unanswered points before an interception by the Cowboys.
K-State got its running game involved only when it was needed and other then that the game was squarely in the hands of senior quarterback Jake Waters. He only had 223 passing yards, but it was more than enough seal the deal for the Wildcats.
Sophomore quarterback Joe Hubener didn’t hold back when he came into the game, throwing for 64 yards in his limited time on the field. Other than the pick six, the offense did fairly well under the inexperienced quarterback.
A lot of success of the Wildcats can be attributed to senior receivers Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton. The duo combined for 253 yards and each had a touchdown reception. Their ability to move the chains while being able to make hard receptions allows K-State to march down the field and obtain yards in big chunks.
The offensive line, who have struggled at times, played extremely well throughout the game. They gave both quarterbacks all the time they needed, keeping the pressure of the Cowboys front line off of their playmakers and opening up the field for their running backs.
Defense: A
For the second straight week, the Wildcats showed why they are considered to be one of the best all-around defenses in the Big 12. They handled the Cowboys deep threats just as effectively as their short-crossing routes.
They also held the struggling offense to a season low in rushing yards with only 113 yards. Leading rusher Desmond Roland didn’t make the trip due to a family matter. With that aside, the defense held the Cowboys to only 10 rushing yards in the second half.
Speaking of second-half performances, the Cowboys only had 48 offensive yards in the second half. The Wildcats calmed down and adjusted themselves to handle their opposition’s ground game while also handling their desire to air the ball out later in the game.
Having one of the best nights of his career, junior tackle Travis Britz made his presence known in the Cowboys backfield. He forced three tackles for loss, including two huge sacks to help the defense avoid big pass plays. Sophomore defensive end Jordan Willis also had a career day, forcing two sacks of his own.
Regarding the pass defense, junior safety Dante Barnett and his counterpart senior Dylan Schellenberg each found themselves in the middle of the action with an interception. In the fourth quarter, senior linebacker Jonathan Truman was the recipient of a fumble when he caught the “ripped ball” from the hands of an Oklahoma State wide receiver.
Special teams: A
Any night when special teams can score is something special.
After watching Oklahoma State score its lone offensive touchdown on its opening drive, senior kick returner and defensive back Morgan Burns took the kickoff to the house. That was a moment that swung the momentum in the Wildcats’ favor for the remainder of the game.
The one bad moment for the special teams came in the third quarter when the Wildcats had a punt partially blocked. Besides that momentary lapse, the Wildcats allowed only 69 yards on special teams while playing a solid and most importantly a clean game on special teams.
Special teams also showed how much momentum they had when freshman Matthew McCrane kicked a 53-yard field goal, his second on the night, and extended his mark to 8-8 on the season.
