Almost since the moment that K-State’s Fiesta Bowl game against Oregon ended in early January the question around the Wildcat Nation has been who will succeed Collin Klein, one of the greatest Quarterbacks in the 117-year history of the program.
Daniel Sams is one of the Quarterbacks aspiring to the throne….he saw some time last year in mop-up duty in blowout wins over Missouri State, Miami (Fla.) and Kansas and played the last quarter and a half of a victory against Oklahoma State when Klein went out of the game with a concussion. Sams wowed the K-State fans with his speed and agility.
On the other side is Jake Waters, fresh off leading Iowa Western to an NAIA National Championship, he chose the Wildcats over Penn State and flashed a reputation for a strong arm.
Both Quarterbacks were on display during the annual Purple and White game on Saturday putting up big numbers as the White defeated the Purple 41-38 before 16,383 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Both Quarterbacks contributed as the Purple raced out to a 38-0 lead at halftime. Then the score was flipped as is tradition under Snyder and the Purple then had to battle back from a 38-point deficit. They were able to put up the 38 points but a 51-yard Field Goal early in the fourth quarter by kicker Jack Cantele, younger brother of former kicker Anthony Cantele proved to be the difference. The Purple had one more chance to win the game on the last play but Sams was picked off on his last pass.
The two Quarterbacks combined for 699 yards of total offense with the final line on Sams 20 completions out of 31 attempts for 391 yards and four touchdowns with one sack. Waters for his part was 16 of 20 for 257 yards and three touchdowns. One of the new faces for the Wildcats Running Back Robert Rose led the ground attack with 141 yards rushing and a touchdown. The receiving corps looked to be at the top of their game as Tyler Lockett had the best day with nine catches for 231 yards and two scores including a 76 yard bomb from Waters and an amazing catch on a 38-yard throw from Sams. Tramaine Thompson registered six catches for 161 yards and two scores while Torell Miller caught five passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
With Spring Ball now in the books, the defending Big 12 Champions will continue preparations for the 2013 season which begins on Friday, August 30 as the Wildcats play host to two-time defending FCS (formerly Division 1-AA) National Champion North Dakota State. Kickoff for the special Friday night tilt is set for 7:30 p.m.
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