Three Positives
- Kansas State is going to the Big 12 title game! Despite a bit of a winding road, K-State qualified for a shot to win their first Big 12 title in a decade. Kansas State's win over Kansas wasn't ever in too much of doubt despite the defense not having their best game on Saturday. But a week from now, K-State could potentially have an opportunity to hoist a Big 12 title trophy next week.
- Running out the clock. Will Howard attempted just three passes in the second half, which means the Wildcats felt confident enough in their abilities to work the Jayhawks' defense and run the clock out to get, another, win against their biggest rivals on Saturday. Deuce Vaughn finished with 147 yards on 25 carries and averaged nearly 6.0 yards per carry.
- Defense gets pressure. I thought coming in that K-State would have more success getting into the backfield against the Jayhawks, and they did. K-State had five tackles for loss on Saturday night for 17 total yards. That's a pretty solid pressure rate.
- Defense gets gashed on the ground in the first half. K-State's defense allowed only 127 rushing yard in the game, but at one point in eh first half the Cats defense was allowing more than 8.0 yards per carry. Kansas has a good rushing offense, but K-State needs to be better next week against Kendre Miller and company.
- Redzone defense. Kansas made it to the redzone on four different occasions and they scored on all four opportunities. The Wildcats were fortunate to have the safety and the muffed punt, or the inefficiencies on defense could have cost K-State more than they did.
- Howard's fumble. Will Howard's fumble shortly before halftime probably should have cost K-State more than it should have. Had Kansas been able to capitalize with a score before halftime and score after halftime on their opening possession, the Cats could have trailed. Give the defense credit for getting off the field, but it could have been more costly.
