K-State starts off season with shutout win over South Dakota

Manhattan, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–It took only 12 seconds for K-State to get on the scoreboard Saturday night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. That would be all they would need to earn the victory, as the Wildcats earned their first season-opening shutout since 1999 in a 34-0 win over the South Dakota Coyotes in front of 53,291.

Morgan Burns scored the lone points in the first quarter, taking the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, extending the nation’s longest streak of a kickoff return to 11 years.

After leading 7-0, K-State put up 17 second quarter points to lead 24-0. In that second period, the Cats got a 23-yard field goal from Matthew McCrane, a two-yard touchdown run by redshirt freshman Winston Dimel, and Deante Burton catching a 24-yard touchdown pass from Joe Hubener.

After going for 17 points, K-State (1-0) coasted in the second half, with another McCrane 28-yard field goal and a one-yard run from Dimel with 7:28 remaining to pick up the win.

South Dakota (0-1) had their chances early in the game, but missed two first quarter field goals with the wind at their back.

Joe Hubener, who replaced starter Jesse Ertz after two plays, was 9-18 passing for 147 yards and a touchdown pass. He also lost a fumble at the goal line attempting to score late in the first quarter. The Wildcats rushed for 185 yards and 332 yards of offense. Justin Silmon was the leading rusher with 51 yards on six carries. Dominique Heath caught three passes for 54 yards.

Senior safety Dante Barnett left the game late in the second quarter and did not return. Ertz did not return after two plays. Hays’ Alex Delton carried the ball and played the final series of the game. Scott City’s Luke Hayes made his 13th consecutive start at right guard, and Colborn Couchman had three tackles combined on special teams and defense.

South Dakota’s Ryan Saeger was 18-30 for 205 yards. His leading receiver was Eric Shufford, who had six catches for 79 yards, and Michael Frederick had eight carries for 19 yards. The Coyotes finished with 205 yards passing and 61 yards rushing.

Kansas State will play at Texas-San Antonio Saturday morning at 11 at the Alamo Dome.

Bill Snyder Postgame