It may not have been very convincing, but its a win, and the Wildcats will take it. Kansas State improved to 4-0 on the season with a 17-13 victory over the University of Central Florida in a game that featured a 1 hour and 26 minute weather delay early in the first quarter. Unfortunately the lightning in the air did not translate to many sparks on the field for K-State who struggled offensively the entire game, amassing 2 yards of offense in the first quarter and outgained 170-43 at halftime. The Wildcats did not cross into Central Florida territory until their final drive of the third quarter.
Opportunely for Kansas State, quarterback Carson Coffman came through in the clutch leading them on a game winning touchdown drive capped off by his 7 yard scramble for the end zone with 24 seconds left. The drive started with 5 minutes and 14 seconds remaining after UCF took the lead with a field goal. Coffman began the drive with two incompletions leaving many Cats fans to undoubtedly assume his poor play would continue as he looked incompetent throughout the game up to that point. Coffman then called timeout and executed one of three third down conversions on the drive with an 18 yard strike to Andre McDonald. As K-State moved into field goal range Coffman took the conservative route, handing the ball off to Daniel Thomas 5 times and completing 2 passes before getting into the end zone.
Coffman finished the day with 189 yards passing completing 11 of 22 for 1 touchdown and 1 interception. His performance may have been enough to get by the Knights, a Conference USA opponent, but he will need a much more productive outing if the Cats hope to compete with the powerhouse Nebraska Cornhuskers who travel to Manhattan a week from Thursday for an ESPN primetime matchup. Running back Daniel Thomas will need to be a bigger factor against the Huskers as well after carrying the ball 22 times for a season-low 76 yards. The Wildcats finished the game with 272 yards of total offense, 11 first downs and 3 turnovers.
Fortunately for the Cats they were bailed out by a couple of timely interceptions and another impressive performance from their defense. Emmanuel Lamur picked off a pass in the red zone in the second quarter and Terrance Sweeney destroyed the Knights chances of an improbable comeback with an interception in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. UCF dominated time-of-possession, controlling the ball for 36:35, but the K-State defense refused to budge, limiting the Knights to only two field goals following a first quarter touchdown run.
Kansas State has next weekend off before hosting the #6 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers on Thursday October 7 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
-- Ben Sojka, Wildcat 91.9 Sports Staff
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Big 12 Week 4 Preview
Big 12 Week 4 Preview
Miami-OH (2-1) at Missouri (3-0)
After a close win last week over San Diego State, the 24th ranked Mizzou Tigers will look to close out the preseason strong with a win. Miami (OH) boasts the fifth best run defense nationally, which could present a problem for a Missouri team that has struggled to establish a ground game. However, the Redhawks anemic offense ranks 109nationally. Look for Blaine Gabbert to have a big day and for Mizzou to win comfortably.
Pereira's Pick: Tigers 45 Redhawks 10
UCLA (1-2) at (7) Texas (3-0)
The Bruins notched their first victory of the season last week over 23rd ranked Houston. Despite opening the season 0-2 with losses to Kansas State and Stanford, UCLA looked inspired last Saturday. Texas hasn't looked impressive through the first three weeks but still stand at 3-0. Neither offense has looked strong this year, with both ranked in the bottom half of the nation. This being said, the Longhorn defense has been exceptional while the Bruin defense has given up an average of 26 points per game. Texas should win, but if Garret Gilbert turns the ball over more than two times UCLA could make this a game. All that said, Texas still prevails.
Pereira's Pick: Longhorns 31 Bruins 14
(8) Oklahoma (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2)
Cincinnati has been less than impressive so far this season. Ever since head coach Brain Kelly left for Notre Dame, the Bearcats have not looked like the squad that captured the Big East championship last season. On the flip side, Oklahoma has been a bit of a question mark this season. The Sooners have two close wins against non-BCS opponents in Air Force, 27-24, and Utah State, 31-24. This could be an interesting game with Cincinnati playing in their own backyard. Despite the home field advantage, expect Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles to have big days and Oklahoma to roll.
Pereira's Pick: Sooners 42 Bearcats 20
New Mexico State (0-2) at Kansas (1-2)
The New Mexico State Aggies are off to a rough start, losing 41-21 San Diego State and 42-10 to UTEP. The Aggies are winners of just nine games in the past three years, with four of those victories coming against FCS opponents. Despite KU’s two early losses, 6-3 to North Dakota State and 31-16 to Southern Miss, the Jayhawks should win this game. However, it's very difficult to pin KU at this point in the season. If Gill loses this one then Jayhawk faithful will really be calling for his head.
Pereira's Pick: Jayhawks 31 Aggies 10
Northern Iowa (1-1) at Iowa State (1-2)
After dropping another heartbreaker to K-State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the Cyclones have a very favorable bounce back game against the an FCS foe in UNI. The Cyclones are talented and disciplined under Paul Rhoads. The Cyclones have a scary backfield with quarterback Austen Arnaud pairing up with runningback Alexander Robinson, the Big 12's 3rd leading rusher a year ago. The Cyclones handle business at Jack Trice Stadium.
Pereira's Pick: Cyclones 42 Panthers 17
Baylor (2-1) at Rice (1-2)
The Baylor Bears have one of the most dangerous weapons in all of college football, Robert Griffin. After returning from a 45-10 schlaking at the hands of TCU, the Bears should get back on track against a Rice team that gave the Longhorns a scare in the opening week. If Rice is going to have a shot they must shut down Griffin. Bears win and continue to fly under the radar.
Pereira's Pick: Bears 34 Owls 16
South Dakota State (0-2) at (6) Nebraska (3-0)
While I believe Nebraska is a bit overrated, they are still a good team and should win this one easily. Taylor Martinez, Roy Helu, and Niles Paul should have a hay day against a defense that has given up an average of 25 points a game to FCS opponents. This should and will be nothing but practice for the Huskers, who will more than likely go into their Thursday night tilt against K-State undefeated and possibly in the top 5 in the country.
Pereira's Pick: Huskers 56 Jackrabbits 6
-- Mike Pereira, 91.9 sports staff
Miami-OH (2-1) at Missouri (3-0)
After a close win last week over San Diego State, the 24th ranked Mizzou Tigers will look to close out the preseason strong with a win. Miami (OH) boasts the fifth best run defense nationally, which could present a problem for a Missouri team that has struggled to establish a ground game. However, the Redhawks anemic offense ranks 109nationally. Look for Blaine Gabbert to have a big day and for Mizzou to win comfortably.
Pereira's Pick: Tigers 45 Redhawks 10
UCLA (1-2) at (7) Texas (3-0)
The Bruins notched their first victory of the season last week over 23rd ranked Houston. Despite opening the season 0-2 with losses to Kansas State and Stanford, UCLA looked inspired last Saturday. Texas hasn't looked impressive through the first three weeks but still stand at 3-0. Neither offense has looked strong this year, with both ranked in the bottom half of the nation. This being said, the Longhorn defense has been exceptional while the Bruin defense has given up an average of 26 points per game. Texas should win, but if Garret Gilbert turns the ball over more than two times UCLA could make this a game. All that said, Texas still prevails.
Pereira's Pick: Longhorns 31 Bruins 14
(8) Oklahoma (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2)
Cincinnati has been less than impressive so far this season. Ever since head coach Brain Kelly left for Notre Dame, the Bearcats have not looked like the squad that captured the Big East championship last season. On the flip side, Oklahoma has been a bit of a question mark this season. The Sooners have two close wins against non-BCS opponents in Air Force, 27-24, and Utah State, 31-24. This could be an interesting game with Cincinnati playing in their own backyard. Despite the home field advantage, expect Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles to have big days and Oklahoma to roll.
Pereira's Pick: Sooners 42 Bearcats 20
New Mexico State (0-2) at Kansas (1-2)
The New Mexico State Aggies are off to a rough start, losing 41-21 San Diego State and 42-10 to UTEP. The Aggies are winners of just nine games in the past three years, with four of those victories coming against FCS opponents. Despite KU’s two early losses, 6-3 to North Dakota State and 31-16 to Southern Miss, the Jayhawks should win this game. However, it's very difficult to pin KU at this point in the season. If Gill loses this one then Jayhawk faithful will really be calling for his head.
Pereira's Pick: Jayhawks 31 Aggies 10
Northern Iowa (1-1) at Iowa State (1-2)
After dropping another heartbreaker to K-State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the Cyclones have a very favorable bounce back game against the an FCS foe in UNI. The Cyclones are talented and disciplined under Paul Rhoads. The Cyclones have a scary backfield with quarterback Austen Arnaud pairing up with runningback Alexander Robinson, the Big 12's 3rd leading rusher a year ago. The Cyclones handle business at Jack Trice Stadium.
Pereira's Pick: Cyclones 42 Panthers 17
Baylor (2-1) at Rice (1-2)
The Baylor Bears have one of the most dangerous weapons in all of college football, Robert Griffin. After returning from a 45-10 schlaking at the hands of TCU, the Bears should get back on track against a Rice team that gave the Longhorns a scare in the opening week. If Rice is going to have a shot they must shut down Griffin. Bears win and continue to fly under the radar.
Pereira's Pick: Bears 34 Owls 16
South Dakota State (0-2) at (6) Nebraska (3-0)
While I believe Nebraska is a bit overrated, they are still a good team and should win this one easily. Taylor Martinez, Roy Helu, and Niles Paul should have a hay day against a defense that has given up an average of 25 points a game to FCS opponents. This should and will be nothing but practice for the Huskers, who will more than likely go into their Thursday night tilt against K-State undefeated and possibly in the top 5 in the country.
Pereira's Pick: Huskers 56 Jackrabbits 6
-- Mike Pereira, 91.9 sports staff
Iowa State Game-Wrap
Farmageddon II has come and gone, and not much changed. The Game itself was still a thriller, and the Wildcats were still able to hold on for the victory, even though it looked as if they might not be able to. Kansas State ended up winning the game 27-20 to maintain there perfect record on the year as well as open up conference play with a huge win.
The Wildcats entered the 4th quarter knotted up at 17 when they finally were able to pull away and maintain there lead for the rest of the game. That’s not to say they weren’t tested, their defense especially. The Kansas State D forced a fumble with less than 7 minutes to go and were ultimately able to seal the game off by making the Cyclones turn the ball over on downs at the Kansas state 34 with just 13 seconds left. The game was truly dominated by the Wildcats but the Cyclones were pesky throughout all 60 minutes and scratched and clawed their way to their final possession.
The Wildcats were led once again by senior running back, and Heisman candidate, Daniel Thomas. Thomas gained 181 yards on the ground on 34 carries raising his season average to a whopping 6.7 yards per carry. He also tallied 2 touchdowns on the day, none of which was bigger than his 2 yard run in the middle of the fourth quarter to give K-State the lead 24-20.
"I know one thing. He doesn't get weaker as the game goes on," Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said of Thomas.
The Wildcats leaned heavily on the ground game once again as they racked up 262 of their 366 total yards behind the power blocking of that big offensive line.
Carson Coffman did a decent job in his role of game manager completing 50% of his passes for 104 yards, although he did throw his first interception of the season. With KSU up 10-7 Coffman threw a pass right into the hands of linebacker A.J. Klein who returned in 69 yards for a score to put Iowa State right back into the game. It was the ‘Cats opening possession of the 2nd half, when they were looking to go for the kill.
The Cats look to take on Central Florida this Saturday at 11:00 here at Bill Family Snyder stadium. This is their last game before the big showdown between the top 2 teams in the Big 12 north face of in a Thursday nighter as K-state looks to get a get a little revenge the Cornhuskers of Nebraska, in a game that the winner will most certainly have the inside track to the Big 12 title game.
-- Josh Dockendorf, 91.9 sports staff
The Wildcats entered the 4th quarter knotted up at 17 when they finally were able to pull away and maintain there lead for the rest of the game. That’s not to say they weren’t tested, their defense especially. The Kansas State D forced a fumble with less than 7 minutes to go and were ultimately able to seal the game off by making the Cyclones turn the ball over on downs at the Kansas state 34 with just 13 seconds left. The game was truly dominated by the Wildcats but the Cyclones were pesky throughout all 60 minutes and scratched and clawed their way to their final possession.
The Wildcats were led once again by senior running back, and Heisman candidate, Daniel Thomas. Thomas gained 181 yards on the ground on 34 carries raising his season average to a whopping 6.7 yards per carry. He also tallied 2 touchdowns on the day, none of which was bigger than his 2 yard run in the middle of the fourth quarter to give K-State the lead 24-20.
"I know one thing. He doesn't get weaker as the game goes on," Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said of Thomas.
The Wildcats leaned heavily on the ground game once again as they racked up 262 of their 366 total yards behind the power blocking of that big offensive line.
Carson Coffman did a decent job in his role of game manager completing 50% of his passes for 104 yards, although he did throw his first interception of the season. With KSU up 10-7 Coffman threw a pass right into the hands of linebacker A.J. Klein who returned in 69 yards for a score to put Iowa State right back into the game. It was the ‘Cats opening possession of the 2nd half, when they were looking to go for the kill.
The Cats look to take on Central Florida this Saturday at 11:00 here at Bill Family Snyder stadium. This is their last game before the big showdown between the top 2 teams in the Big 12 north face of in a Thursday nighter as K-state looks to get a get a little revenge the Cornhuskers of Nebraska, in a game that the winner will most certainly have the inside track to the Big 12 title game.
-- Josh Dockendorf, 91.9 sports staff
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Iowa State v. K-State Preview for 9/18/10
The Kansas State Wildcats football team lead by legendary head coach Bill Snyder will stroll into Arrowhead Stadium this Saturday looking to get another win notched on their purple belt. They will face an up and coming opponent in the Iowa State Cyclones who themselves will be looking to bounce back from year’s heartbreaking one-point loss to the cats. Arrowhead will be a mad house filled with purple and red come Saturday, and those attending should be in for quite a scrumptious treat of great football.
Last year’s tilt made headlines across the Midwest for the last minute heroics by Kansas State’s Emmanuel Lamur, who blocked an extra point with thirty two seconds left on the ticker to help secure a 24-23 Wildcat victory. The Wildcat offense had a new wrinkle to throw at the Cyclones with the debut of senior quarterback Grant Gregory. Cats’ fans were given an outstanding performance from Gregory as he put up some very impressive and unseen numbers as far as the previous four games had gone. Gregory threw 23 passes completing 16 of them for a total of 206 yards passing and two touchdowns and carried the ball 14 times gaining 29 yards and one touchdown. The Wildcats offense really began to come together during this match up, and they built from this game as the season progressed. A late game rollout by Gregory, which led to a 54-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Banks, was the winning play that helped propel K-State towards a Big 12 season opening win. The Cyclones, with Austen Arnaud at the helm then drove the field late in the fourth quarter and did end up scoring a touchdown with under a minute to go on the clock. After the 23-yard strike from Arnaud to Jake Williams cut the deficit to 24-23, the elusive Lamur blocked the PAT attempt to give his team the victory. As both teams prepare this week for the upcoming rubber match on Saturday, there will be obvious motivation for both sides as practices intensify late in the week. For the Cyclones, revenge will be the flame burning in their minds throughout the week. As for the wildcats, the thought of a good start to the big 12 season continuing the efforts for a successful future this season will be on the line come game day.
The Kansas State offense is a wrecking crew with aim to run down opposing defenses until they can bust through and slaughter their opponent. Daniel Thomas is the most obvious visual aide to this thesis. He is a big, fast, tough running back who can and will take down any opposing defense through fighting and grinding the entire game. This will be no different on Saturday. As we have seen thus far, DT has the ability to do whatever he wants against defenses even though many of those defenses are structuring their game plans around him. This will be an even bigger deal for the Cyclone defense after losing middle linebacker Matt Tao’fo’ou to a broken left leg during the first quarter of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes last week. Daniel Thomas should have his way with this defense with the lass to Tao’fo’ou, but don’t be too surprised to see Snyder get a little airy on Saturday. The Cyclone secondary has been meager to say the least this year, and the tools necessary to have a very dangerous air attack are in place for the Cats. This could lead to many a hook-up from Coffman to his various wide out weapons. It will require that Coffman make quick and smart decisions when it comes to his reads, which has been a difficulty thus far for the senior captain. I think Coffman can become a successful passing quarterback and this could be the game for him to do so as he should have many opportunities to prove to Wildcat Nation just what he can really do with the multiple weapons he has at the wide receiver position.
Iowa State has found a saving grace for themselves within the last few years. The most evident model of this discovery is Ames native, senior quarterback Austen Arnaud. Arnaud is a quick and agile QB with quite an arm to back up his rushing abilities. The Cyclones offense will look to Arnaud to lead them to a much-needed big 12 season opener win. Arnaud will aim to lock up a win on Saturday with help from his teammate Alexander Robinson, who is the running back that holds down the Cyclone backfield. Robinson has played well the last two weeks, and could be a major factor for the Kansas State frontline. The Wildcats defense will look to improve on their efforts in the second half last week against the Missouri State Bears. Cruising into Kansas City this weekend with a very experienced and talented secondary as well as a hard-working veteran front seven, the wildcats will look to shut down the offensive attack of the Cyclones. Arnaud will be a very big impact on this game, and it will be very important for Alex Hrebec as well as Brandon Harold and the rest of the frontline defensive unit to get to him early and often to pin him into making difficult passes. Also, the wildcat defense will need to be ready to pick up the option and defend it until there are no more options for the Iowa State offense to make. The Cyclones are centered on a dual threat quarterback who can run and manage a very effective option offense. In regards to the option, it will be a very interesting thing to see whether or not the cats’ defense can respond well to such an offense. Nonetheless, the Wildcats defense will need to show up come Saturday in order to stop a very tough and relentless Cyclone offense.
Bill Snyder and staff will weigh heavily on strategy and game plan when it comes to the overall scheme of offense against Iowa State. It will be very important to come ready to go on Saturday because the Cyclones will be raring to get on the scoreboard first. I think that Snyder will need to make up his mind early, what type of game he would like to play. We have the best running back in the nation in my opinion, and we will obviously use him to his fullest potential. The question will be whether or not Snyder wants to take a shot with Coffman down the field a few times. The opportunity will present itself quite a few times throughout the game with the staggering rush game that we have in our front pocket, it will be interesting to see how Bill takes advantage of such opportunities as the game progresses. On the flipside of things, Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads will come thoroughly prepared to try and stop the wildcats offensive prowess on the ground. Rhoads stated that this is the best running attack that the Cyclones will face all season, and he is ready to go at it head on. The Cyclone offense should show up, but Rhoads focus will be defensive aggression and shutting down Daniel Thomas.
I think that this game presents a great opportunity for both teams involved in the infamously coined “Farmageddon.” For the Cyclones, this game presents a possibility to win a marquee match up with a very good football team and start off their big 12 season 1-0. On the other hand, this game provides the wildcats with an opportunity to continue the success that they have achieved thus far, and also show the league and nation how much talent this team really has. This is really a great way for both teams to highlight their talents and prove to the doubtful that they can each be successful football teams this season. My prediction is that this will be a very hard fought game for sixty minutes, but I think that the Wildcats will pull away come the latter part of the fourth quarter. I would say that the Wildcats will win this game 24-14 and walk away with one interception. Carson Coffman will have a breakout game and throw for over 200 yards, while Daniel Thomas will continue to wreak havoc on the Iowa State defense to run for over 100 yards. The game should be a very fun one due to Kansas State painting Kansas City purple the whole weekend. I would encourage all Wildcat fans to keep the purple on all weekend and show KC how much we love our Cats.
-- Jordan Spencer, 919 Sports Staff
Last year’s tilt made headlines across the Midwest for the last minute heroics by Kansas State’s Emmanuel Lamur, who blocked an extra point with thirty two seconds left on the ticker to help secure a 24-23 Wildcat victory. The Wildcat offense had a new wrinkle to throw at the Cyclones with the debut of senior quarterback Grant Gregory. Cats’ fans were given an outstanding performance from Gregory as he put up some very impressive and unseen numbers as far as the previous four games had gone. Gregory threw 23 passes completing 16 of them for a total of 206 yards passing and two touchdowns and carried the ball 14 times gaining 29 yards and one touchdown. The Wildcats offense really began to come together during this match up, and they built from this game as the season progressed. A late game rollout by Gregory, which led to a 54-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Banks, was the winning play that helped propel K-State towards a Big 12 season opening win. The Cyclones, with Austen Arnaud at the helm then drove the field late in the fourth quarter and did end up scoring a touchdown with under a minute to go on the clock. After the 23-yard strike from Arnaud to Jake Williams cut the deficit to 24-23, the elusive Lamur blocked the PAT attempt to give his team the victory. As both teams prepare this week for the upcoming rubber match on Saturday, there will be obvious motivation for both sides as practices intensify late in the week. For the Cyclones, revenge will be the flame burning in their minds throughout the week. As for the wildcats, the thought of a good start to the big 12 season continuing the efforts for a successful future this season will be on the line come game day.
The Kansas State offense is a wrecking crew with aim to run down opposing defenses until they can bust through and slaughter their opponent. Daniel Thomas is the most obvious visual aide to this thesis. He is a big, fast, tough running back who can and will take down any opposing defense through fighting and grinding the entire game. This will be no different on Saturday. As we have seen thus far, DT has the ability to do whatever he wants against defenses even though many of those defenses are structuring their game plans around him. This will be an even bigger deal for the Cyclone defense after losing middle linebacker Matt Tao’fo’ou to a broken left leg during the first quarter of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes last week. Daniel Thomas should have his way with this defense with the lass to Tao’fo’ou, but don’t be too surprised to see Snyder get a little airy on Saturday. The Cyclone secondary has been meager to say the least this year, and the tools necessary to have a very dangerous air attack are in place for the Cats. This could lead to many a hook-up from Coffman to his various wide out weapons. It will require that Coffman make quick and smart decisions when it comes to his reads, which has been a difficulty thus far for the senior captain. I think Coffman can become a successful passing quarterback and this could be the game for him to do so as he should have many opportunities to prove to Wildcat Nation just what he can really do with the multiple weapons he has at the wide receiver position.
Iowa State has found a saving grace for themselves within the last few years. The most evident model of this discovery is Ames native, senior quarterback Austen Arnaud. Arnaud is a quick and agile QB with quite an arm to back up his rushing abilities. The Cyclones offense will look to Arnaud to lead them to a much-needed big 12 season opener win. Arnaud will aim to lock up a win on Saturday with help from his teammate Alexander Robinson, who is the running back that holds down the Cyclone backfield. Robinson has played well the last two weeks, and could be a major factor for the Kansas State frontline. The Wildcats defense will look to improve on their efforts in the second half last week against the Missouri State Bears. Cruising into Kansas City this weekend with a very experienced and talented secondary as well as a hard-working veteran front seven, the wildcats will look to shut down the offensive attack of the Cyclones. Arnaud will be a very big impact on this game, and it will be very important for Alex Hrebec as well as Brandon Harold and the rest of the frontline defensive unit to get to him early and often to pin him into making difficult passes. Also, the wildcat defense will need to be ready to pick up the option and defend it until there are no more options for the Iowa State offense to make. The Cyclones are centered on a dual threat quarterback who can run and manage a very effective option offense. In regards to the option, it will be a very interesting thing to see whether or not the cats’ defense can respond well to such an offense. Nonetheless, the Wildcats defense will need to show up come Saturday in order to stop a very tough and relentless Cyclone offense.
Bill Snyder and staff will weigh heavily on strategy and game plan when it comes to the overall scheme of offense against Iowa State. It will be very important to come ready to go on Saturday because the Cyclones will be raring to get on the scoreboard first. I think that Snyder will need to make up his mind early, what type of game he would like to play. We have the best running back in the nation in my opinion, and we will obviously use him to his fullest potential. The question will be whether or not Snyder wants to take a shot with Coffman down the field a few times. The opportunity will present itself quite a few times throughout the game with the staggering rush game that we have in our front pocket, it will be interesting to see how Bill takes advantage of such opportunities as the game progresses. On the flipside of things, Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads will come thoroughly prepared to try and stop the wildcats offensive prowess on the ground. Rhoads stated that this is the best running attack that the Cyclones will face all season, and he is ready to go at it head on. The Cyclone offense should show up, but Rhoads focus will be defensive aggression and shutting down Daniel Thomas.
I think that this game presents a great opportunity for both teams involved in the infamously coined “Farmageddon.” For the Cyclones, this game presents a possibility to win a marquee match up with a very good football team and start off their big 12 season 1-0. On the other hand, this game provides the wildcats with an opportunity to continue the success that they have achieved thus far, and also show the league and nation how much talent this team really has. This is really a great way for both teams to highlight their talents and prove to the doubtful that they can each be successful football teams this season. My prediction is that this will be a very hard fought game for sixty minutes, but I think that the Wildcats will pull away come the latter part of the fourth quarter. I would say that the Wildcats will win this game 24-14 and walk away with one interception. Carson Coffman will have a breakout game and throw for over 200 yards, while Daniel Thomas will continue to wreak havoc on the Iowa State defense to run for over 100 yards. The game should be a very fun one due to Kansas State painting Kansas City purple the whole weekend. I would encourage all Wildcat fans to keep the purple on all weekend and show KC how much we love our Cats.
-- Jordan Spencer, 919 Sports Staff
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
K-State Cruises Past Missouri State
MANHATTAN, Kan. - For one night Carson Coffman was the man. K-State's fifth year senior signal caller threw for a career high 280 yards and three touchdowns while connecting on 18 of 26 pass attempts to help the Wildcats roll to a 48-24 win over Missouri State on Saturday night.
“The numbers were good,” K-State head coach Bill Snyder said. “But there are a lot of things that go into playing well than just the numbers.”
K-State used an efficient first half effort to burst out to a 27-7 halftime lead and never looked back from there. Senior running back and heisman candidate Daniel Thomas chipped in his usual workman like effort with 21 carries for 137 yards, 101 of which came in the first half.
Missouri State pushed the K-State defense all game long behind a strong effort from senior quarterback Cody Kirby who tossed for 281 yards and 2 scores of his own. The Bears offense amassed 447 yards of total offense, a mere 63 less than the Wildcats total.
“I feel like we were a lot better mentality,” Kirby said. “We played a lot closer then the scoreboard indicated.”
Thomas got the scoring going on K-State's second possession when he scampered in from 45 yards out with 11:50 left in the first quarter. The Wildcats second score of the day would not come as easy. In a rare moment of trickery from Bill Snyder, K-State faked a field goal and holder Ryan Doerr made a successful option pitch to place kicker Anthony Cantele who took it in for a three yard touchdown run with 9:45 left before halftime. Moments later Carson Coffman hooked up with wideout Brodrick Smith for a 42-yard touchdown pass and the Wildcats had a 20-0 lead.
“Our goal was to come out and pass the ball a little bit,” Coffman said. “They stopped the run early, and I’m glad they gave me the opportunity to get out there and throw it.”
Next up for K-State is the big 12 opener this Saturday against Iowa State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
“The numbers were good,” K-State head coach Bill Snyder said. “But there are a lot of things that go into playing well than just the numbers.”
K-State used an efficient first half effort to burst out to a 27-7 halftime lead and never looked back from there. Senior running back and heisman candidate Daniel Thomas chipped in his usual workman like effort with 21 carries for 137 yards, 101 of which came in the first half.
Missouri State pushed the K-State defense all game long behind a strong effort from senior quarterback Cody Kirby who tossed for 281 yards and 2 scores of his own. The Bears offense amassed 447 yards of total offense, a mere 63 less than the Wildcats total.
“I feel like we were a lot better mentality,” Kirby said. “We played a lot closer then the scoreboard indicated.”
Thomas got the scoring going on K-State's second possession when he scampered in from 45 yards out with 11:50 left in the first quarter. The Wildcats second score of the day would not come as easy. In a rare moment of trickery from Bill Snyder, K-State faked a field goal and holder Ryan Doerr made a successful option pitch to place kicker Anthony Cantele who took it in for a three yard touchdown run with 9:45 left before halftime. Moments later Carson Coffman hooked up with wideout Brodrick Smith for a 42-yard touchdown pass and the Wildcats had a 20-0 lead.
“Our goal was to come out and pass the ball a little bit,” Coffman said. “They stopped the run early, and I’m glad they gave me the opportunity to get out there and throw it.”
Next up for K-State is the big 12 opener this Saturday against Iowa State at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
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