Game report: Texas Tech 59, Kansas State 44

By Kellis Robinett

November 14, 2015 9:08 PM

Kansas State defensive back Morgan Burns looked for running room during Saturday’s game at Texas Tech. Brad Tollefson The Associated Press

First quarter

Key play: Morgan Burns returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown. It was K-State’s only positive of the opening 15 minutes.

Key stat: Texas Tech amassed 298 yards.

Second quarter

Key play: Joe Hubener completed a 35-yard pass to Kyle Klein on third down to extend a drive, leading to a touchdown.

Key stat: Hubener threw for 102 yards.

Third quarter

Key play: Will Geary forced a fumble and recovered the loose ball to give K-State good field position.

Key stat: Hubener didn’t complete a pass.

Fourth quarter

Key play: Texas Tech recovered K-State’s final onside-kick attempt, effectively ending the game.

Key stat: K-State scored 16 consecutive points.

The grades

Offense

Texas Tech entered the game allowing nearly 300 yards rushing, yet K-State attempted more passes than runs. It moved the ball well at times, but didn’t play to its strength much of the way.

Defense

K-State defensive backs appeared lost early trying to stop Texas Tech’s passing attack with zone coverage. The front seven also got burned against the run. The Red Raiders topped 600 yards.

Special teams

Burns gave K-State early hope with a kickoff return, but the Wildcats managed few other positive plays on special teams. Its punting was particularly poor.

Coaching

K-State has fallen into a bad habit of allowing opposing teams score on the opening drive, including Saturday, which suggests the coaching staff doesn’t have the team properly prepared.

Takeaways

Player of the game: Tech running back DeAndre Washington gashed K-State for 248 yards and three touchdowns in 27 carries. He averaged 9.2 yards.

Reason to hope: Three regular-season games remain. New recruits and healthy players could give K-State a new look in 2016.

Reason to mope: The Wildcats simply aren’t playing well enough to win. Outside of Kansas, no team has looked worse throughout the Big 12 season.

Looking ahead: A home game against Iowa State provides an excellent opportunity for K-State to snap its losing streak, but the Cyclones looked good on Saturday in a narrow loss to Oklahoma State. The Wildcats and Cyclones typically play each other close. Expect the same next week.

Kellis Robinett: @KellisRobinett

This story was originally published November 14, 2015 at 9:08 PM with the headline "Game report: Texas Tech 59, Kansas State 44."