Grades and analysis from K-State’s rivalry win over KU, plus a look ahead to Houston
The gap that once separated Kansas from Kansas State like a vast ocean in the Sunflower Showdown football rivalry has been closed.
But the final result remains unchanged.
The Wildcats defeated the Jayhawks by the slimmest of margins for a 29-27 victory on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium to extend their winning streak in the series to a whopping 16 games.
Lance Leipold has improved the KU football program enough for the Jayhawks to throw a scare into the Wildcats in consecutive seasons before falling in both games, 31-27 and 29-27. That has added some much needed spice to this Big 12 rivalry. But he is still searching for his first victory against Chris Klieman.
The difference: K-State knows how to make winning plays.
K-State has won four consecutive games to remain in a tie for third in the Big 12 standings at 7-1 overall, 4-1 in conference play. The Wildcats are 3-0 in games that have been decided by one score. The Jayhawks, who are now 2-6 and 1-4, are 0-5 in games decided by one score.
A day later, it is time to look back on the action and hand out a few awards and grades. We also look ahead to K-State’s next game at Houston.
Play of the game
Chris Tennant drilled a 51-yard field goal with 1 minute, 42 seconds remaining to give the Wildcats their first lead of the fourth quarter. Kansas had plenty of time to answer, so his kick didn’t ice the game. But it might as well have the way K-State has dominated in the final moments this season.
Player of the game
Avery Johnson got back to his dual-threat ways against Kansas and he hurt the Jayhawks with both his arm and his legs.
The sophomore from Wichita threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns. A brutal drop from tight end Will Anciaux cost him a third TD pass. Johnson also rushed for 67 yards and a score. His ability to run and throw kept the KU defense off balance.
Stat of the game & quote to note
The Jayhawks didn’t score a single point in the fourth quarter. One team was clutch in this game. The other was not.
As for the quote...
“Honestly, I hated to have somebody lose that football game. I know how much it would have meant to KU and I know how much it would have meant to Lance. It’s no secret Lance and I are friends. But hats off to our players for finding a way in the fourth quarter and making plays.” — Chris Klieman.
K-State football grades
Offense: B+. DJ Giddens got the bulk of his 102 rushing yards on one breakaway run that went for 54 yards. Kansas mostly shut him down otherwise. That had to be a little concerning for K-State fans to see. But there wasn’t much else to complain about. Avery Johnson threw for 253 yards and rushed for 67 more. Dylan Edwards also got loose for 60 yards on just three carries.
Defense: B. The Wildcats weren’t as disruptive as normal in this game. They finished with one sack, two tackles for loss and six QB hurries. But they did make big plays when they had to, such as an interception from Marques Sigle and a safety. K-State also took advantage of a pair of Jalon Daniels fumbles in the fourth quarter.
Special Teams: A+. Chris Tennant connected on two field goals in the fourth quarter, including one from 51 yards with the game on the line. He has quietly matured into one of the best kickers in the Big 12.
Coaching: A. It’s clear that K-State has a better coaching staff than KU. In each of the past two seasons, the Jayhawks have been in position to beat the Wildcats going into the fourth quarter, but K-State has shut them down thanks to coaching adjustments. K-State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman spooked Daniels by blitzing late. Offensive coordinator Conor Riley also got the running game going after halftime.
Next up: at Houston
The Wildcats will hit the road for their fifth away game of the season next week when they head to Houston for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff against the Cougars at TDECU Stadium.
This figures to be one the easiest games on the K-State schedule, as Houston has only won three games this season. UNLV, Cincinnati, Iowa State and Kansas all beat the Cougars by more than 20 points.
But the Cougars do own Big 12 victories against TCU and Utah. They defeated the Utes 17-14 on Saturday thanks to a pair of touchdowns from quarterback Zeon Chriss.
Houston coach Willie Fritz knows much about K-State. Not only did he grow up in the Kansas City area, he coached Michael Bishop in junior college before he transferred to Manhattan and became an EMAW legend. Fritz led Tulane to a shocking 17-10 victory over the Wildcats two years ago at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
K-State coaches will not take Houston lightly.
The Wildcats opened as 10.5-point favorites in the game.
This story was originally published October 27, 2024 at 11:33 AM with the headline "Grades and analysis from K-State’s rivalry win over KU, plus a look ahead to Houston."