MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas State football team experienced a challenging season, but spirits soared as the Wildcats celebrated a 24-14 victory over Colorado at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday. This win not only marked the end of the regular season but also secured a bowl game for K-State (6-6, 5-4 Big 12).
With a gritty performance that showcased determined rushing from Joe Jackson and a solid defensive effort under Chris Klieman, Kansas State overcame the elements and a struggling Colorado team (3-9, 1-8 Big 12). The Wildcats now await their bowl destination, with an announcement scheduled for December 7.
Jackson Shines Again
Following a record-breaking performance the previous week, where he rushed for 293 yards and three touchdowns against Utah, Joe Jackson delivered another impressive outing. Against Colorado, he amassed 142 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. Although he didn”t replicate the explosive runs from the previous game, he consistently fought for tough yards in adverse weather conditions.
The snowfall during warmups hinted at a challenging game ahead, prompting Colorado to stack defenders at the line of scrimmage in an effort to contain Jackson. Nevertheless, he managed to keep advancing the ball, visibly energizing Klieman, who celebrated each of Jackson”s touchdown runs enthusiastically, even losing his headset in the process.
Innovative Offensive Strategy
In a departure from traditional spread offensive strategies, the Wildcats utilized a series of jumbo packages against the Buffaloes. Instead of relying on multiple wide receivers and tight ends, offensive coordinator Matt Wells often brought in additional linemen to bolster the blocking for Jackson.
Offensive lineman Dylan Villarouel took on various roles, including lining up in the backfield. In a notable moment during the second half, K-State sent in Uso Seumalo, a 340-pound defensive tackle, to create space for Jackson”s short touchdown run. The Wildcats totaled 206 rushing yards on 43 attempts, lower than the 472 yards they achieved against Utah, but effective enough to secure the win.
Fan Support Amid Challenging Conditions
Attendance at the game was limited, a reflection of the harsh weather and the matchup between two teams with losing records. Snow fell heavily during warmups, and strong winds persisted throughout the game, making it feel significantly colder than the actual temperature in the low 40s.
Despite the conditions, the loyal fans who attended made their presence felt, especially during crucial moments of the game. They helped create an uplifting atmosphere for senior day, celebrating with players as they took a victory lap around the stadium.
Defensive Dominance
Defensively, K-State put forth a strong performance, limiting Colorado”s offense to just two touchdown drives. The Buffaloes managed to gain 323 yards but stalled on seven of their nine drives. Desmond Purnell led the defense with nine tackles, including two for loss, while Ryan Davis added three tackles for loss, and Donovan McIntosh contributed an interception.
K-State”s defense effectively neutralized Colorado”s attempts to move the ball, showcasing their ability to dominate on that side of the field.
