From The Couch – K-State’s Blowout Of The Baylor Bears
Another home game and another blowout as K-State beat the Baylor Bears on Saturday by a score of 59 to 25. With the victory, K-State remains undefeated at home in 2023. The Wildcats have averaged 45 points per game in the six victories at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and have given up an average of 12 points per game. The closest game of the six was the 13-point victory against UCF on September 23rd.
This game was never really close. K-State led 21-7 after one quarter and 35-13 at halftime. Quarterback Will Howard had another strong game, throwing for 235 yards and three touchdowns, becoming K-State’s all-time leader in touchdown passes. The Wildcats also kept alive their hopes of making the Big 12 championship game. They are tied with three other teams for second place behind the Texas Longhorns.
Here’s what the players and head coach were saying after this one along with some of the highlights of the game.
“Our guys came to play today, and I don’t know if anybody was worried or questioned but our guys came to play.”…Head coach Chris Klieman, post-game
JM: Chris Klieman’s teams never get too high or too low. They have a unique ability to put a loss completely behind them and come out and dominate the next week. Instilling that mindset through the entire football program is an impressive feat.
JM: K-State scored early and often in this game, taking the opening drive 72 yards on just five plays, ending with this touchdown pass from Will Howard to DJ Giddens. Giddens also rushed for 115 yards in the game.
“It’s an unbelievable honor, and I couldn’t do it without all the guys in that locker room that have caught passes for me, blocked for me, the defense, all my team. I truly wouldn’t have been able to do this without all my guys, so I’m blessed. I’m grateful.”…Quarterback Will Howard, post-game
JM: Will Howard became the all-time leader in touchdown passes at K-State, passing Josh Freeman. Congratulations, Will! Here is the record-tying touchdown pass to tight end Ben Sinnott….
“Cody Stufflebean, what a big time play. Stufflebean is always playing in the rotation and is always in there getting as many plays as [Brendan] Mott and Nate [Matlack]. What a great pass rush that makes a big time hit in a critical time where we had not really slowed them down yet. Then Des [Purnell] picked it up and took it in and scored.”…Chris Klieman, post-game
JM: This was a huge play in the first quarter and the defensive touchdown put K-State ahead 21-7. They never looked back.
“Coach [Joe] Klanderman called a great blitz, and luckily they slid away from me, and I just came free and got home.”…Defensive end Cody Stufflebean, post-game
JM: Stufflebean had four tackles and two sacks in the game. Impressive!
JM: The touchdown by Treshaun Ward extended K-State’s lead to 45-19. Ward had 44 rushing yards and a touchdown in the game. On Baylor’s next possession, Keenan Garber jumped the receiver’s route, intercepted the ball, and returned it for a touchdown. The rout was on….
JM: There were a lot of defensive highlights in the game. This play by redshirt freshman Colby McCalister was very impressive. He never gave up on the play and got his first career sack….
JM: We also got a look at the future late in the game when freshman quarterback Avery Johnson found redshirt freshman tight end Garrett Oakley on this 28-yard touchdown….
“I’m just way frustrated and upset. My comments to the team were, ‘This is bottom, you can’t get any worse than this.”…Baylor head coach Dave Aranda, post-game
JM: What has happened to Baylor? They won the Big 12 two years ago and now they might be the worst team in the league. Dave Aranda has a huge rebuilding job ahead of him.
JM: I love that Howard’s current and ex-teammates put this video together for him. Great stuff.
JM: Michael Bishop was honored during the game for his induction into the college football Hall of Fame. I talked to Michael for about 30 minutes after the Big 12 championship game last year. What a great guy. Congratulations, Michael!
“Oh, yeah, KU is always a big game. Being a dude from Texas, when I first got up here, I didn’t necessarily understand the background of the rivalry, but a lot of these guys on the team showed me the importance of this rivalry, and now I love it. I mean, it’s an awesome game, and probably one of the most exciting games every year.”…Offensive tackle KT Leveston, post-game
JM: It’s KU week. This is probably the most anticipated KU/K-State football game in 15 years. Let’s get ‘er done, Cats!
