Kansas State out scores Texas A&M 33-28 in Texas Bowl

Texas A&M’s Hail Mary pass fell incomplete to end the half, although Kansas State picked up a personal foul that was enforced to start the third quarter because it happened after the play.

But the Wildcats were up to the task, building a 23-14 halftime lead and holding off A&M for a 33-28 win.

Kansas State quarterback Jesse Ertz lofted a ideal spiral to Byron Pringle, who cleared two Aggie defenders, the cornerback assigned to tag after him and a safety offering deep help.

They made it a one score game with 7:40 to play, needing just three plays, with Knight hitting Reynolds for a 15-yard score.

After A&M drove the length of the field and Keith Ford ran for a seven yard touchdown on the game’s opening series, it looked like A&M’s offense could roll through Kansas State.

Kansas State now leads Texas A&M, 23-14, at the half. That seemed like it might once again be a problem when Texas A&M marched 75 yards in 10 plays to score the game’s first touchdown, but it wasn’t an issue at all. The rushing game is something the Aggies struggle to defend but knew they had to stop; they couldn’t. An illegal block turned out to be a killer for the Aggies, who were forced to punt from the midfield. A&M had five rushers with at least 100 yards in the first six games.

0 Teams from Texas ranked in the AP college football poll released December 4, although Houston and Texas A&M received votes.

The Kansas State defense did come up with an interception and fumble recovery. Five of their victories came over the state’s top programs – Texas, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech and Texas A&M. A delay of game and a false start moved the ball back to the 14, but Ertz stiff-armed his way into the end zone a few plays later to put the Wildcats ahead. Myles Garrett blocked an extra-point after K-State went up 13-7 with 12:19 in the second quarter. He did hurt teams with his feet, averaging nearly six yards per carry in leading the Wildcats in attempts and rushing yards for the season. A&M even had some luck in the third quarter when Knight’s throw overpowered Jeremy Tabuyo, but Christian Kirk caught the ricochet for 23 yards to help keep a 90-yard touchdown drive going.

The Aggies also have a couple of big-play threats on the outside offensively, both Josh Reynolds and Christian Kirk could have big games. The run-heavy Wildcats, the Big 12 offensive outliers, tried this nifty play called the deep pass. Kaaya connected with Ahmmon Richards, Malcolm Lewis and Braxton Berrios for touchdowns in the final 6:30 of the first half to get Miami rolling, and then found David Njoku for another touchdown on the first possession of the second half.