Grades from Kansas State’s shutout win over Oklahoma State and a look ahead to Texas
Chris Klieman has been part of some big victories during his four seasons as Kansas State.
This was the most impressive one yet.
Kansas State destroyed Oklahoma State 48-0 on Saturday at Bill Snyder Stadium in one of the most lopsided games you will ever see involving a pair of ranked teams. The Wildcats were the better team in every area, and it showed.
With the win, K-State (6-2, 4-1 Big 12) improved its position in the conference championship race and stayed a game behind undefeated TCU in the league standings.
Let’s look back on the action from Saturday and hand out a few awards and grades, as well as look ahead to next week’s game against Texas.
Play of the game
Will Howard connected with Deuce Vaughn for a short touchdown pass that gave the Wildcats a 35-0 lead late in the second quarter.
This play gets the nod for two reasons. First off, it was a terrific catch from Vaughn. The K-State running back dove into the air and and make an acrobatic grab for six points. Secondly, it showed that the Wildcats were all-in on victory. K-State led 28-10 at TCU last weekend but got conservative as the game went on and ended up losing. They didn’t let the same thing happen against the Cowboys.
Player of the game
Will Howard might be the most improved quarterback in the Big 12.
After spending the past two seasons as a serviceable backup behind Skylar Thompson he is now shredding defenses with his arm. He put on a show in front of a sellout crowd on Saturday, as he threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns. It was only one game, but he looked like an All-American slinging the ball to Kade Warner, Phillip Brooks and Malik Knowles.
His numbers could have been much bigger had Oklahoma State responded with any points of its own.
Stat of the game
Zero, as in the number of points scored by Oklahoma State. It was the first time the Cowboys had been shut out in a game since 2009.
Quote to note
“We’re a damn good football team.” - K-State receiver Kade Warner.
Grades
Offense: A+. Things went exactly how coordinator Collin Klein drew them up beforehand. Will Howard threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns. Deuce Vaughn rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown. Malik Knowles grabbed eight passes for 113 yards. Kade Warner, Phillip Brooks and Vaughn all had touchdown catches. The Wildcats would have eclipsed 500 yards if not for taking a knee three times at the end of the game.
Defense: A+. The Cowboys entered Saturday as one of the best offenses in all of college football, averaging 44.7 points and 466.9 yards per game. They managed no points and 217 yards against the Wildcats. This was a masterpiece from Joe Klanderman’s unit. It’s hard to believe K-State was playing without starting linebacker Daniel Green.
Special Teams: A+. Letting Ty Zentner handle field goals was a good move. He connected on attempts from 23 yards and 29 yards. He was also perfect on extra points.
Coaching: A+. Chris Klieman had never previously beaten Mike Gundy in a head-to-head matchup. He took out three years of frustration on Saturday. The Wildcats were the better team in every phase of the game.
Next Up
K-State will return to action at 6 p.m. next Saturday when it hosts Texas in another important Big 12 game that will be televised nationally on FS1.
A victory by the Wildcats will keep them on track to earn a berth in the conference championship game. A loss will make it a wide open race for the No. 2 seed between Baylor, K-State, Oklahoma State and Texas.
The Longhorns are off to a 5-3 start with a 3-2 record in conference play.
Texas has been a difficult team to follow this season. It looked terrific in a 49-0 victory over Oklahoma and nearly upset Alabama at home. But the Longhorns have also lost to Texas Tech and blown a big lead against Oklahoma State.
Bijan Robinson remains one of the best running backs in the country, as he is averaging 115 rushing yards per game.
Texas has owned its series against K-State in recent years. The Wildcats haven’t beaten the Longhorns since 2016.
