It was a back-and-forth affair in Columbia, Missouri, as Kansas State football football traveled to take on the Missouri Tigers this afternoon. Today’s game featured five lead changes and two ties. Both teams had possessions late in regulation to win the football game. Kansas State executed poorly on its possession, including a crippling false start penalty that stalled the drive.
Missouri got the football with less than two minutes in regulation. As they were driving the football, the Tigers committed a horrible delay of game penalty. That penalty forced Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz to call on kicker Harrison Meavis to attempt a 61-yard field goal. In one of the great finishes of this early season, he nailed it.
Games like these are why you schedule Power Five opponents. Neither the Tigers nor the Wildcats could pull away in this game. Then, the end of the game got sloppy for both teams offensively. Fortunately for the Tigers, they have a kicker that could have made that field goal from 65 yards.
The Tigers come out on top in a renewal of an old Big 12 rivalry. Here are some takeaways from both teams’ offenses, defenses, and what’s next for the Wildcats and Tigers.
Will Howard was outstanding for Kansas State football
Senior quarterback Will Howard was outstanding once again for the Kansas State Wildcats. He completed 25 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end/H-back Ben Sinnott was his favorite target, leading the Wildcats in receiving with five receptions, 78 yards, and two touchdowns.
The Wildcats used a by-committee approach to the running game, with Florida State transfer Treshaun Ward leading the way with 54 rushing yards. In an ironic turn of events, the passing game led the way for Kansas State. Head coach Chris Klieman knows that Will Howard gives Kansas State the best chance to win, and they put the ball in his hands.
Brady Cook was equally good for Missouri
Brady Cook was outstanding this afternoon for two reasons. First, the running game was ineffective. The Tigers ran for 74 yards on 28 rush attempts. Running back Cody Schrader gained 36 of those yards on one run. Second, wide receiver Luther Burden had his best game in a Missouri jersey.
The sophomore from St. Louis played second fiddle to Dominic Lovett in 2022. Since he decided to transfer to Georiga, the “burden” is on Burden to be the alpha in the receiver room. He was unlocked today with 114 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Kansas State football allowed too many explosive plays
Despite allowing 30 points, the Wildcats were solid in certain places. Kansas State was solid on third down. The Tigers converted only three of 13 third downs. The Wildcats were also stout against the run, allowing 2.6 yards per rush attempt. Taking away the one 36-yard run, Missouri has 38 rush yards and 1.4 yards per rush attempt.
Kansas State also shut out Missouri in the third quarter but could not finish in the final frame. What hurt the Wildcats this afternoon were the big plays. Both of Missouri quarterback Brady Cook’s touchdowns were over 25 yards.
Missouri’s defense finished where Kansas State could not
Missouri found themselves down by a touchdown going into the fourth quarter, and the defense tightened up when it needed to tighten. The Tigers allowed three points in the fourth quarter, allowing the offense to close the game and ultimately win the football game. Missouri got within four points late in the fourth quarter, and the defense came up big.
The Tiger defense forced consecutive punts. Kansas State gained a meager 25 yards on those drives. Those punts allowed the Tigers to score a touchdown and take a three-point lead in the fourth quarter.
What’s next for Kansas State football?
Head coach Chris Klieman knows there are some things to clean up offensively before they begin Big 12 Conference play. The Wildcats are usually physical on the line of scrimmage, but they struggled on third-and-short in this game. In addition, they committed seven penalties. There were a couple of penalties that happened at the worst possible moments.
Most important is the health of starting quarterback Will Howard. Freshman quarterback Avery Johnson is the future. If Klieman can keep Johnson on the bench and in sub-package plays, that’s ideal. However, Howard’s health will determine how far the Wildcats go.
They start Big 12 play against newcomer UCF next Saturday night.
What’s next for Missouri?
Missouri lost four games by one possession in 2022, including almost beating Georgia. They also lost three games by one possession in 2021, so this win was huge for Drinkwitz and the Tigers. This win is also Drinkwitz’s signature win at Missouri. They beat a top-15 team at home.
Not only was it a big win, but it was Luther Burden’s coming out party. Burden was the number one receiver in his class, according to the 247sport composite. He took his lumps as a freshman but looks ready to be the man this year.