Wildcats comeback effort falls short to Baylor

Manhattan, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–When you’re David trying to take out Goliath, cutting out turnovers and penalties is the top priority. Unfortunately for upset-minded Kansas State, three tournovers, including an interception in the final minute, dashed the Wildcats hopes, as No. 6 Baylor hangs on for the 31-24 win on a chilly evening at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Bears remain alive for a College Playoff Football spot at 8-0 overall, and 5-0 in the Big 12.

Baylor’s offense can put up points in a hurry, and needed only a minute 46 for their first score. True freshman quarterback Jarrett Stidham scored the games first points on a one-yard run to give the Bears an early 7-0 lead. K-State marched right down the field, eating up a majority of the first quarter clock. A 17-play drive that lasted 9:17 was capped off by a Joe Hubener one-yard run to tie the game at seven with 3:53 left in the opening period. Baylor wasted little time scoring. Fifty-six second later, Stidham, starting his first collegiate game, connected with KD Cannon on a 55-yard score to give the Bears a 14-7 lead after the first quarter.

There was only one second quarter score. That came one play after a Wildcat interception, when Stidham connected with All-American hopeful Corey Coleman on an 81-yard touchdown play wiht 7:06 left before halftime to make the score 21-7 Bears.

Kansas State (3-5, 0-5 Big 12) opened up the second half scoring with a Jack Cantele 36-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 21-10 with 10:47 remaining in the third quarter. Over five minutes later, it was another Stidham to Coleman connection from three yards out to give the Bears a 28-10 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Baylor extended the lead to 31-10 with 12:20 left on a Chris Callahan 39-yard field goal. K-State responded in a big way. With 9:47 left in the game, Joe Hubener found an opening in the middle of the Bear defense with a 34-yard touchdown run to cut the Baylor lead to 31-17. After forcing Baylor to punt, the Wildcats marched back down the field. Hubener found Deante Burton in the middle of the end zone from 10 yards out with 4:07 left in the game to cut the deficit to 31-24.

Baylor marched down the field, but missed a field goal from 34 yards out with 51 seconds remaining, giving K-State life. On the next play, Kody Cook thew an interception on a wide receiver pass, ending the Wildcats upset bid.

Kansas State held the Bears 30 points below their season average, as well as holding them to 103 rushing yards, around 200 below their season average. Jarrett Stidham was 23-33 for 419 yards and three touchdowns. Corey Coleman had 11 catches for 216 yards and two touchdowns, while KD Cannon added 108 yards and a touchdown. Shock Linwood was their leading rusher with 72 yards on 13 carries. Baylor finished with 522 yards of offense.

Joe Hubener led the Wildcats with 153 yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns. He also was 12-21 for 151 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Kody Cook had six receptions for 71 yards. K-State finished with 258 rushing yards and 172 passing yards for a total of 430 yards.

Kansas State will look to snap a five-game skid on Saturday, November 14 at Texas Tech in a 2:30 kickoff, while Baylor hosts Oklahoma that same day with a time to be determined.

Head Coach Bill Snyder