Kansas State football extended its winning streak in the Sunflower Showdown to 16 games with an all-time rivalry win over Kansas, 29-27.
Here are some of the quick takeaways.
1. Turnover battle
K-State forced three fumbles, recovered one and grabbed an interception off of Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels — who ultimately cost the Jayhawks a rivalry win after fumbling late in the fourth quarter.
While K-State won the turnover battle in the end, a major switch in the game came when Avery Johnson fumbled the ball just near the redzone, losing an opportunity to extend K-State’s lead in the third quarter.
It appeared it would be costly, as the Wildcats offense struggled to gain its ground back immediately after, allowing Kansas to retake the lead at 27-23 going into the final quarter.
Kansas continued to hold onto the lead, looking to snap its 15-game losing streak in the Sunflower Showdown.
But as he’s done previously this season, Daniels gave the ball away late and set K-State up with the chance to win the game — and it did after kicker Chris Tennant’s game-winning 51-yard field goal and a final defensive stop.
2. All three phases
While the rivalry contest didn’t necessarily strike the return of “Special Team U,” taking care of business was essential for the Wildcats.
The third unit’s performance was highlighted by the eventual game-winner with 1:42 left when Tennant nailed a 51-yard field goal to give K-State its 29-27 lead.
Earlier in the second quarter, in a bizarre situation, Kansas’ returner fielded a kickoff with his momentum taking him out of bounds at the one-yard line. K-State took full advantage, stuffing the Jayhawks for a safety.
On the ensuing safety punt, sophomore Dylan Edwards set the Wildcats’ up with great field position for its second touchdown drive, returning the punt 28 yards.
In the second half, Kansas missed an extra-point attempt while Tennant displayed his leg with the booming game-winner.
3. Kansas kids
Each year, the Sunflower Showdown is circled on the calendar for Kansas natives playing in Lawrence and Manhattan. The Wildcats’ Kansas kids stepped up in a big way this year, becoming heroes in the win.
The Wildcats’ three-headed backfield of Johnson, Edwards and junior DJ Giddens all hail from Kansas and led the offense to 226 rushing yards.
On the Wildcats’ first drive of the second half, the ball didn’t leave the hands of Giddens and Johnson, combining for four rushes for 75 yards and a score by Johnson. The drive was made possible by an offensive line with a majority of Kansas kids.
Johnson, a native of Wichita, added 19-of-34 passing for 253 yards and two touchdowns.
Giddens, a native of Junction City, hit 102 yards on 18 attempts. Edwards, a native of Derby, Kansas, added 80 total yards on five touches offensively.
Tennant, a Mill Valley graduate from Shawnee, Kansas, became one of the night’s many heroes, making the biggest kick of his career on the rivalry stage.
4. Tight End U?
K-State tight ends have 10 touchdown receptions this season.
With offensive coordinator Conor Riley in his first year as the play caller, the position group has excelled. The quartet of sophomore Brayden Loftin, freshman Will Anciaux, senior Will Swanson and sophomore Garrett Oakley entered the game with two touchdowns apiece.
After a sour start offensively, K-State turned to its formidable friends at tight end. Anciaux broke free for a 24-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Avery Johnson to tie the contest. On the ensuing offensive drive, Oakley caught his third touchdown of the season.
Anciaux did drop a potential second touchdown of the night, but it ultimately didn’t matter with the late stop by K-State’s defense.
Entering Week 8, K-State was tied with conference foe Utah for the nation’s lead in tight end touchdowns.
The Wildcats’ performance came in front of five-star tight end commit Linkon Cure. The native of Goodland, Kansas is the first five-star commit in team history.
