Offense underneath Howard explodes in blowout victory over Oklahoma State

Kansas State entered Saturday afternoon’s contest towards No. 9 Oklahoma State Cowboys following a devastating defeat to the TCU Horned Frogs. Followers questioned how Ok-State would reply after blowing an 18-point lead and surrendering 28 unanswered factors to the Horned Frogs, and questioned whether or not Adrian Martinez or Will Howard would begin as quarterback.

The choice was a game-time one for head coach Chris Klieman as each Martinez and Howard warmed up in full pads previous to the sport. In the end, the Downingtown, Pennsylvania-native Howard took the beginning, and led Ok-State to a 48-0 victory over OSU.

“Adrian was able to play, however he didn’t really feel as assured in his skills as he would have if he was wholesome,” Klieman mentioned. “So we determined to go to Will as a substitute.”

The junior quarterback performed a profession recreation on Saturday, throwing 4 touchdowns within the first half and a career-high 296 passing yards. Howard is the tenth quarterback in Ok-State historical past to throw for 4 landing passes in a half.

When it was all mentioned and completed, Howard was carried off the sphere by his teammates.

“I completed up my interview with TV and the following factor I do know I used to be lifted up off my ft,” Howard mentioned. “That was a extremely cool second. It’s one thing I’m going to recollect for a very long time.”

Howard received the offense cooking early for the Wildcats, connecting with Kade Warner for a 38-yard landing on the opening possession on a fourth and 10. Warner ended the sport with 5 catches for 97 receiving yards, each season-highs.

“I initially thought the protection was going to point out a Cowl 2,” Warner mentioned. “However as I used to be making my route, the protection rotated in direction of me and I noticed it was man protection. So I caught him, received exterior and Will made an incredible throw and we received off to a quick begin.”

On the second Ok-State possession, following a defensive maintain on fourth down, Deuce Vaughn busted off a long term for a landing, giving Ok-State a 14-0 lead. 

Within the second quarter, Howard threw three extra touchdowns, discovering Phillip Brooks, Warner and Vaughn close to the top of the half. With a 35-0 lead on the finish of the primary half, Ok-State appeared effectively on its strategy to an upset victory.

“Will is such a sensible participant,” mentioned Vaughn. “One of many coolest issues about Will is that he’s going to place you ready to make you achieve success.”

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Within the second half, the Ok-State protection completed the sport preserving the shutout victory. Austin Moore performed a giant position within the victory, recording 5 tackles and a compelled fumble. He additionally led a protection that held the Cowboys speeding assault to only two yards per carry.

“It felt good to carry them to that low of an quantity [of yards],” mentioned Moore. “Particularly after we gave up method too many yards final week towards TCU.”

Ok-State held OSU to 27 speeding yards and nil factors. It marks the second time Ok-State shut out an opponent this 12 months and the second time they defeated a high 10 opponent this season.

“Simply an unbelievable efficiency by our guys,” mentioned Klieman. “We needed to reply after the TCU recreation and we performed one of the best recreation since I arrived right here [in 2019].”

Ok-State sits at 6-2 on the season and 4-1 in Massive 12 play. AP’s rankings positioned Ok-State at No. 13 within the nation, the best the crew has been ranked since 2014. Ok-State’s subsequent battle options the Texas Longhorns at Invoice Snyder Household Stadium at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.