Big plays from the Iowa State offense and sloppiness by the Wildcat defense on a snowy night in Manhattan ended the Kansas State run of home wins as the Cyclones claimed a 42-35 victory.
Freshman running back Abu Sama took the first handoff 71 yards, added a 77 yard trot to open the second quarter then carried another time for 60 yards and points in the third on his way to a 15 carry, 276 yard night while setting the tone for Iowa State’s upset.
Receiver Jaylin Noel had short catches that he turned in to touchdowns of 79 and 82 yards as part of the night that saw the Cyclones (7-5, 6-3) put up more than 40 points for the second time in three games.
Will Howard matched Ell Roberson’s single season touchdown passing mark giving K-State (8-4, 6-3) it’s first lead of the night just ahead of halftime. His 24th of the season was a 15 yard strike to Ben Sinnott and the Wildcats took a 20-14 edge into the locker room, having trailed from the first snap of the game.
The Wildcats would have the ball to begin the second half, but were forced to punt after gaining midfield. It would prove to be problematic as it took away a chance to go up by two scores. Instead, the two teams kept trading scoring punches.
Noel’s first TD reception allowed the Cyclones to again lead. From there, the teams would score on every possession until K-State waved the white flag on a fourth down play near midfield with ten minutes remaining.
Noel would then dance along the sideline for the lead again as multiple Wildcats failed to use the boundary to end the play nor made the tackle.
Howard was intercepted on the next drive, but the K-State defense was able to step up and limit the Cyclones to three yards and a punt.
From there, the Cats had their work cut out: the ball was downed at the two with 5:47 to play and trailing by seven. Having driven to the Iowa State 49, K-State faced a 4th and eight with 2:01 to play, a throw downfield to Garrett Oakley drew a pass interference call to keep the Wildcat possession alive.
They would again find themselves looking at a fourth and eight at the 18 with 59 seconds remaining, but Howard’s throw while scrambling right would be knocked down at the goal line by Myles Purchase.
The loss spoiled Senior Night for 24 players recognized before the game, including Howard. It also overshadowed another 114 yard rushing night by D.J. Giddens, who scored the first TD of the night while moving past the one thousand yard plateau on the year. It was the 19th time a K-State running back has gained 1,000-plus in a year.
Now, the Cats will wait with the rest of college football to find out bowl assignment a week from Sunday Representatives from the Alamo, Liberty and Pop-Tarts Bowls were on hand for the game. K-State is one of nine Big 12 teams to reach bowl eligibility this season.
