2021 Kansas State Wildcats football team explained

Year:2021
Team:Kansas State Wildcats
Sport:football
Conference:Big 12 Conference
Short Conf:Big 12
Record:8–5
Conf Record:4–5
Head Coach:Chris Klieman
Hc Year:3rd
Off Coach:Courtney Messingham
Oc Year:3rd
Off Scheme:Pro-style
Def Coach:Joe Klanderman
Dc Year:2nd
Def Scheme:3–3–5
Stadium:Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium
Champion:Texas Bowl champion
Bowl:Texas Bowl
Bowl Result:W 42–20 vs. LSU

The 2021 Kansas State Wildcats football team represented Kansas State University during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wildcats played their home games at the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, and competed in the Big 12 Conference. The team was led by third-year head coach Chris Klieman.

Previous season

See main article: 2020 Kansas State Wildcats football team.

The Wildcats finished the 2020 regular season 4–6 and 4–5 in Big 12 play to finish in seventh in the conference. They removed themselves from consideration to play in a post season bowl game.[1] [2]

Preseason

Big 12 media poll

Big 12 media poll[3]
1 Oklahoma 365 (35)
2 Iowa State 351 (4)
3 Texas 273
4 Oklahoma State 266
5 TCU 255
6 West Virginia 185
7 Kansas State 163
8 Baylor 124
9 Texas Tech 103
10 Kansas 39

Schedule

The 2021 schedule consisted of 7 home, 5 away, and 1 neutral site game in the regular season.[4]

Game summaries

Vs. Stanford

See also: 2021 Stanford Cardinal football team and Allstate Kickoff Classic.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
K-State −3 53
Statistics[5] StanfordKansas State
First downs 1415
Total yards 233344
Rushing yards 39200
Passing yards 194144
Turnovers 21
Time of possession 32:5327:07
Team[6] Category Player Statistics
StanfordPassing 15/18, 118 yards, 1 TD
Rushing 9 carries, 25 yards, 0 TD
Receiving 5 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD
Kansas StatePassing 9/14, 144 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Rushing 13 carries, 128 yards, 1 TD
Receiving 3 catches, 81 yards, 0 TD
Kansas State began with a 15-point lead at halftime with performances by quarterback Skylar Thompson and running back Deuce Vaughn. The Wildcats managed to score 24 points before allowing Stanford to put points on the board with 3:16 left in the game. Stanford coach David Shaw stated: "This game was not indicative of how hard we've played, how hard we've practiced and how well we practiced. Disappointing to me that we didn't go out there and execute better." Shaw is in his 11th season as Stanford's coach.[7]

Kansas State dominated on defense and Stanford's offense continued to make mistakes while not producing a strong running game performance. Kansas State defense only allowed 39 total rushing yards for the game.[8]

The Wichita Eagle reported that the stadium was mostly filled with Kansas State fans and that Kansas State significantly out-performed Stanford. Specifically, the paper published "The Kansas State football team opened its season with a statement victory on Saturday at AT&T Stadium."[9]

Stanford's next game is their sixth consecutive road game, traveling to play the USC Trojans. Kansas State will play at home in Manhattan against Southern Illinois.[10]

No. 8 (FCS) Southern Illinois

See also: 2021 Southern Illinois Salukis football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
K-State −17 55
Statistics Southern IllinoisKansas State
First downs 1724
Total yards 276380
Rushing yards 100208
Passing yards 176172
Turnovers 34
Time of possession 26:0433:37
Team Category Player Statistics
Southern Illinois Passing Nik Baker 16/27 for 176 yards 0TD, 1 INT
Rushing Javon Wiiliams Jr 12 carries for 46 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Landon Lenoir 6 catches for 57 yards, 0 TD
Kansas State Passing Skylar Thompson 3/4 for 96 yards, 1 INT
Passing 8/17 for 76 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 26 carries for 120 yards, 3 TD
Receiving 4 catches 112 yards
Southern Illinois came in to the game with split #8/#9 rankings in the FCS. Before the game, SIU head coach Nick Hill said his team will focus on running: "We're gonna to try to the line of scrimmage and run the ball, but ultimately it's our job to move the ball, whatever you've gotta do."[13] SIU defeated Southeast Missouri State the previous week by a score of 47–21.

Kansas State was leading 21–3 in the second quarter when starting quarterback Skylar Thompson left the game with an injured knee. With backup quarterback Will Howard stepping in, SIU pulled ahead at halftime 23–21 with multiple mistakes for Kansas State.[14] SIU failed to score in the second half and Kansas State was able to pull ahead to win 31–23.[15]

Bright spots for Kansas State include Deuce Vaughn's rushing touchdown with less than two minutes in the game and a forced fumble at the end to close out the game.[16] Highlights for SIU included Cornerback P.J. Jules returning a 41-yard interception for the team's first defensive touchdown since 2018, and safety Qua Brown produced a team-high nine tackles in the game. Southern Illinois also forced three turnovers in a row against the K-State offense.

After the game, plans seem to point to Howard taking the starting reigns like he did in the previous season. Coach Klieman said that he will be staying for the "foreseeable future" at K-State. In 2020, Howard led K-State to victories over Texas Tech, TCU, and Kansas. SIU will host Dayton the next week in the first of fime home games.

Nevada

See also: 2021 Nevada Wolf Pack football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
Nevada −1.5 49[19]
Statistics NevadaKansas State
First downs 14 22
Total yards 331 398
Rushing yards 25 269
Passing yards 306 129
Turnovers 1 0
Time of possession 29:00 31:00
Team Category Player Statistics
Nevada Passing 27/40, 262 yards, 6.6 yds ave, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Devonte Lee 10 carries, 24 yards, 2.4 yds ave, 1 td, long 6 yd
Receiving 4 rec, 45 yards, 11.3 yards ave, 1 TD, long 24 yds
Kansas State Passing Will Howard 7/10, 123 yards, 12.3 yds ave, 1 TD, 0 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 23 carries, 127 yards, 5.5 yards ave, 1 TD, long 15 yds
Receiving Daniel Imatorbhebhe 1 for 68 yards, 68.0 yards ave, 1 TD, long 68 yds
In the week prior, Nevada completed their second win of the season by defeating Idaho State by a score of 49–10 and is at the top of the Mountain West Conference with a 2–0 record.[20] Oddsmakers go into the game considering the two teams to be well matched and expect a close game: both teams have combined to score 48.5 points against their opponents in two games and both teams have the same record of 2 wins and 0 losses.[21]

Nevada brought 6 foot 4 inch Carson Strong as their quarterback, who has been widely touted as a sought-after future quarterback for the National Football League. Kansas State defense is looking forward to the challenge. Coach Klieman's game plans include using the defensive line to put pressure on strong in the backfield and having the defensive backs "play the ball in the air" and go for interceptions.[22]

Kansas State spent most of the game on the ground, led by Deuce Vaughn with 127 yards and one touchdown. In this game, Sophomore Vaughn because the fastest in team history to achieve 1,000 career rushing yards in just 13 games. Kansas State ran the football 48 times and only made 13 passing attempts.

Wildcat quarterback Jaren Lewis also got some time after three drives. Lewis completed 2 for 3 passes with 9 yards. Kansas Sate made a touchdown and field goal under his two drives. Kansas State led 17–7 at halftime, but Nevada tied the game 17–17 in the third quarter. It was in the fourth quarter when Kansas State made a clear statement for victory by scoring three touchdowns.[23]

Sophomore quarterback Will Howard rushed for 56 yards and 2 touchdowns. He did complete 7 of 10 passing attempts including a 68-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Imatorbhebhe on the second play of the game.[24]

Kansas State's defense allowed a season-high 331 yards, but only 25 on the ground. Nevada quarterback Carson strong wa sacked three times, one more than in their first two games combined. The final score was Kansas State 38, Nevada 17.[25]

Nevada's Carson Strong was successful in passing to nine different receivers. His 14-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Cooks tied the score at 17 in the third quarter. Nevada manage to tie the score up twice (7–7 and 17–17) but never held the lead.

Kansas State improved to 3–0 with the win and reduced Nevada to throwing short instead of long. K-State Coach Klieman said, "We challenged the guys early in the week that we needed to take the next step as a football team. We were prepared for it. We were built for this."[26]

Nevada is idle next week but then travels to play Boise State on October 2.[27]

At Oklahoma State

See also: 2021 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
+6 45
Statistics Oklahoma StateKansas State
First downs 25 12
Total yards 481 260
Rushing yards 137 62
Passing yards 344 198
Turnovers 0 2
Time of possession 35:06 24:54
Team Category Player Statistics
Oklahoma State Passing 22/34, 344 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Rushing 27 attempts, 123 yards
Receiving 9 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD
Kansas State Passing Jaren Lewis 10/19 148 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Will Howard 3 attempts, 28 yards
Receiving Deuce Vaughn 5 receptions, 73 yards, 1 TD
In the previous week, Oklahoma State narrowly defeated Boise State 21–20 in the face of a few injuries in their starting lineup.[30] Oklahoma State was ranked #22 in the Coaches Poll, and Kansas State was ranked #25 in the AP Poll.[31]

Kansas State's defense prevented Oklahoma state from scoring any points in the second half of the game, but the 31 points scored in the first half was enough for the Cowboys to win. Kansas State switched quarterbacks during the game as second-string Will Howard started the game but was injured and Jaren Lewis took over the bulk of the duties. Oklahoma state won 31–20.[32]

No. 6 Oklahoma

See also: 2021 Oklahoma Sooners football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
+10.5 51.5
Statistics OklahomaKansas State
First downs 22 21
Total yards 393420
Rushing yards 132100
Passing yards 261 320
Turnovers 11
Time of possession 27:18 32:42
Team Category Player Statistics
Oklahoma Passing 22/25 for 243 yards, 9.7 avg, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing 15 car, 92 yds, 6.1 avg, 1 TD, 28 long
Receiving 4, 71 yds, 17.8 avg, 0 TD, 50 long
Kansas State Passing Skylar Thompson 29/41 for 320 yards, 7.8 avg, 3 TD, 0 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 15 car, 51 ydds, 3.4 avg, 0 TD, 13 long
Receiving Deuce Vaughn 10, 104 yards, 10.4 avg, 1 TD, 33 long
Skylar Thompson returned from injury to start the game at quarterback and developed a 7–3 lead early on, keeping the score tied at 10–10 until just before halftime when Oklahoma managed a field goal to pull ahead 13–10.[35]

In the third quarter, Kansas State executed an onside kick and recovered the ball. After video review, the call on the field was confirmed as a Kansas State recovery. OU head coach Lincoln Riley then challenged the replay call for double-touching, claiming that Kansas State kicker Zentner contacted the ball twice while kicking it. The challenge was upheld after a second review and Oklahoma was given the ball at midfield.[36] The second replay review was considered "controversial" and such challenges after video review are rare.[37] This and another officiating call reversal were critical to the Oklahoma victory: final score Oklahoma 37, Kansas State 31.[38]

Iowa State

See also: 2021 Iowa State Cyclones football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
+6.5 51
Statistics Iowa StateKansas State
First downs 19 21
Total yards 418342
Rushing yards 210 136
Passing yards 208 206
Turnovers 0 1
Time of possession 33:4526:15
Team Category Player Statistics
Iowa State Passing 22/25 for 208 yards, 8.3 avg, 1 TD
Rushing 30 for 197 yards, 6.6 avg, 2 TD
Receiving Jaylin Noel5 for 48 yards, 9.6 avg
Kansas State Passing Skylar Thompson 15/23 for 206 yards, 9.0 avg, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 18 for 99 yards, 5.5 avg
Receiving Phillip Brooks 3 for 54 yards, 18.0 avg, 1 TD

The 2021 annual rivalry known as "Farmageddon" began with Kansas State winning 15 of the last 16 games played in Manhattan, but the pattern failed to hold as Iowa State outperformed Kansas State on the field and on the scoreboard. Kansas State failed to score in the second and third quarter, and only managed 20 points to Iowa State's consisten performance to tack up a total of 33.

Iowa State's Breece Hall ran 75 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the game, and Iowa State held the lead for the remainder of the game. The Iowa State offensive line was given credit for not allowing any sacks and giving quarterback Brock Purdy time to work. Iowa state converted 9 of 15 third downs through the game. Kansas State allowed Iowa state to gain half of its passing yards after the catch.[41]

At Texas Tech

See also: 2021 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
+1 60.5
Statistics Texas TechKansas State
First downs 1417
Total yards 317 377
Rushing yards 16981
Passing yards 148296
Turnovers 12
Time of possession 24:5535;05
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas Tech Passing 10/17 for 148 yards, 8.7 avg, 0 TD, 1 INT
Rushing 11 fr 46 yards, 4.2 avg, 2 TD, 28 Long
Receiving Myles Price 4 for 64 yards, 16.0 avg, 0 TD, 40 Long
Kansas State Passing Skylar Thompson 24/30 for 296 yards, 9.9 avg, 1 TD
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 15 for 52 yards, avg 3.5, 2 TD, 12 Long
Receiving Deuce Vaughn 7 for 68 yards, 9.7 avg, 1 TD, 26 Long
Texas Tech scored fast. On the second play of the game, Erik Ezukanma ran a 45-yard touchdown run. On the ensuing kickoff, Malik Knowles fumbled and Tyrique Matthews recovered the ball at the 23-yard-line which led the Red Raiders to be up 14–0. Texas Tech held a two-touchdown lead at halftime.[44]

The second half worked out much differently. Kansas State moved one step closer to bowl eligibility and improved its overall record to 4–3. Kansas State brought standout great individual performances from Skylar Thompson, Deuce Vaughn, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and a punt by Ty Zentner. Zentner's 63-yard punt put Texas Tech at its own 4. On the next play, Anudike-Uzomah tackled the ball carrier in the end zone for a safety. Texas Tech likely would have won the game without those two plays.[45]

“It would have been easy to quit the way the game started. After losing three straight games, starting the game like that was obviously not what we wanted. We easily could have folded. But guys kept on fighting. It speaks volumes about where we're at as a program and the type of players we have.” – Skylar Thompson

The final score was 25–24, a one-point victory for Kansas State. Texas Tech responded by firing head coach Matt Wells with his current record of 5 wins and 3 losses.[46]

TCU

See also: 2021 TCU Horned Frogs football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
−3 59.5
Statistics TCUKansas State
First downs 1716
Total yards 340 388
Rushing yards 156 146
Passing yards 184242
Turnovers 21
Time of possession 30:4429:16
Team Category Player Statistics
TCU Passing 9/14, 111 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing 14 for 102 yards, 0 TD, 61 long
Receiving 4 for 78 yards, 0 TD, 30 long
Kansas State Passing Skylar Thompson 13/21 for 242 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 20 for 109 yards, 2 TFD, 42 long
Receiving Daniel Imatorbhebhe 2 for 90 yards, 1 TD, 73 long

Last season TCU won five of their final six games and were considered a contender for the conference championship—but now come to the game with only 3 wins and 4 losses (1–3 in conference play) and may not qualify for a bowl game. TCU's previous game was a 29–17 home loss to West Virginia with three turnovers gave up 229 rushing yards. The Horned Frogs have allowed 5.4 yards per run so far this season—second to last in the Big 12.

Wildcat Felix Anudike-Uzomah set a new school and Big 12 record six sacks while also tying the NCAA single-game record. After a post-game stat adjustment, he was given credit for four sacks and two forced fumbles. TCU had two opportunities to score inside the 5 yard line, but the Kansas State defense held—the first time for the year that the Horned Frogs did not score while in the red zone.[49]

Kansas State took the lead in the first quarter and held it for the entire game. TCU managed to pull within 7–3 in the second quarter, but Kansas State made it 14–3 on the next series with a 42-yard run by Deuce Vaughn.[50]

TCU managed a safety and also produced some quality plays, including Kendre Miller on a 61-yard carry to the 2-yard line—but TCU could not complete the final two yards in four plays for a score. Their only score by the offense was a field goal. TCU did hold Kansas State scoreless in the third quarter.

On Sunday after the game, TCU fired head coach Gary Patterson and will have Jerry Kill take over on an interim basis.[51]

At Kansas

See also: 2021 Kansas Jayhawks football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
−23.5 56.5
Statistics KansasKansas State
First downs 15 22
Total yards 274 504
Rushing yards 88242
Passing yards 186 262
Turnovers 00
Time of possession 31:3828:22
Team Category Player Statistics
Kansas Passing 13/19, 105 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Rushing 19 rushes, 62 yards, 0 TD
Receiving 6 rec, 82 yards, 1 TD
Kansas State Passing Skylar Thompson 19/24, 244 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 11 rushes, 162 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Malik Knowles 3 rec, 94 yards, 1 TD

Coming into the game, the Jayhawks had only managed one win. Kansas State averaged 27.5 points per game, while KU had averaged 15.8, but the Wildcats turned the ball over 12 times in the season so far to KU's 10 turnovers.[54] The Jayhawks came off a 55–3 loss against #15 Oklahoma State, but just two weeks prior had a 10–0 lead on Oklahoma at halftime.[55]

Kansas State scored first and held the lead for the remainder of the game. Deuce Vaughn had a 30-yard carry and ended the drive with a touchdown. The Jayhawks responded with a field goal to put the score 7–3 in the first quarter. Two plays later Kansas State scored on a 68-yard touchdown pass.[56]

Kansas State won the game 35-10 and dominated in other statistics along the way: The Wildcats managed 10 yards per play in the first three quarters,[57] went 6–9 on third downs and piled on 499 total yards[58]

West Virginia

See also: 2021 West Virginia Mountaineers football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
-6 47.5
Statistics West VirginiaKansas State
First downs 20 15
Total yards 345 299
Rushing yards 77 161
Passing yards 268138
Turnovers 3 0
Time of possession 26:32 33:28
Team Category Player Statistics
West Virginia Passing 27/45, 268 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing 20 carries, 85 yards, 0 TD
Receiving 5 catches, 67 yards, O TD
Kansas State Passing Skylar Thompson 14/19, 138 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 25 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Phillip Brooks 5 catches, 62 yards, 0 TD
West Virginia arrived at Kansas State with what was called a "must-win game" but failed to produce the victory. The loss endangered the team's chance for a bowl game appearance for the season. The Mountaineers will need to beat the Kansas Jayhawks and Texas Longhorns to become bowl eligible.[61]

West Virginia's troubles began on the second play of the game, when Kansas State's Russ Yeast grabbed an interception from a pass that bounced off Winston Wright Jr. Later on, Kansas State's Ty Bowman blocked a punt that was picked up by teammate Marvin Martin who ran it in for a special teams touchdown. Kansas State led 17–3 at halftime and held a 24–10 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.[62]

The fourth quarter saw Skylar Thompson convert on 4th-and 8 with a pass to Sammy Wheeler for 35 yards[63]

West Virginia managed an impressive 10-play 68 yard touchdown drive, which included a 4th-down conversion at the Wildcat 12 yard line. The Mountaineers did manage to produce multiple successful fourth-down conversions.[64]

Kansas State's Deuce Vaughn ran for 121 yards and a touchdown, while Skylar Thompsan completed just 138 yards passing—but that included a touchdown catch and a "crucial fourth-down grab" to Sammy Wheeler.

Kansas State defeated West Virginia for the first time in six years. Kansas State coach Klieman recognized that when he said, “This is a big-time win because we haven't had a whole lot of success against them.”[65]

No. 11 Baylor

See also: 2021 Baylor Bears football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
-2.5 50
Statistics BaylorKansas State
First downs 2212
Total yards 387 263
Rushing yards 174 105
Passing yards 213 158
Turnovers 1 2
Time of possession 35:54 24:06
Team Category Player Statistics
Baylor Passing 16-21, 137 yards, O TD, 0 INT
Rushing 11 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD
Receiving 5 catches, 75 yards, 0 TD
Kansas State Passing Skylar Thompson 15–29, 158 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 11 carries, 129 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Malik Knowles 1 catch, 48 yards, 0 TD

In the previous week's game, Baylor defeated the then-ranked #4 Oklahoma Sooners 27–14.[69]

Baylor took the lead early in the game when they took advantage of a dropped punt and scored. Baylor held the lead for the rest of the game. Kansas State was able to close the lead to seven points but never took the lead. During the game, both teams replaced their starting quarterbacks. The final score was Baylor 20, Kansas State 10.[70]

At Texas

See also: 2021 Texas Longhorns football team.

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
+2 52
Statistics TexasKansas State
First downs 20 13
Total yards 381 293
Rushing yards 209 228
Passing yards 172 65
Turnovers 1 0
Time of possession 33:30 26:30
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas Passing 17-23, 170 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing 31 carries, 179 yards, 1 TD
Receiving 6 receptions, 65 yards, 0 TD
Kansas State Passing Will Howard 9-13, 65 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 24 carries, 143 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Tyrone Howell 1 receptions, 14 yards, 0 TD
Skylar Thompson was absent in the final regular season game for the Wildcats, and the statistics showed a lack of passing game. However, Deuce Vaughn managed to exceed his average yards per game to put on 143 total yards, which puts him the fourth best in the country.

This was the fifth consecutive win for Texas over Kansas State, who had a one-point lead at halftime. Twice Kansas State attempted to convert on 4th and 1--failing both times. With the field goals from Longhorn Cameron Dicker, Texas pulled ahead to win. The final score of the game was Texas 22, Kansas State 17.[73]

Although Texas won the game and broke a six-game losing streak (its worst since 1956), they ended the game at 5 wins and 7 losses (3-6 in the conference) and are not bowl eligible. However, it is possible they could receive an invitation if there are not enough teams with six wins to fill all 82 bowl game openings. Kansas State's regular season record concluded at 7-5 (4-5 in conference) and expect a bowl game invitation on December 5.[74]

LSU

See also: 2021 LSU Tigers football team and 2022 Texas Bowl (January).

style=Pregame line!style=Over/under
-7.5 47
Statistics LSUKansas State
First downs 15 22
Total yards 308 442
Rushing yards 170 183
Passing yards 138 259
Turnovers 2 0
Time of possession 27:38 32:22
Team Category Player Statistics
LSU Passing 7–11, 138 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Jontre Kirklin 11 carries, 61 yards, 0 TD
Receiving Chris Hilton Jr 1 catch, 81 yards, 1 TD
Kansas State Passing Skyler Thompson 21–28, 259 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Deuce Vaughn 21 carries, 146 yards, 3 TD
Receiving Phillip Brooks III 5 catches, 69 yards
Kansas State and Louisiana State were both selected to play in the Texas Bowl on January 4, 2022.[77] Coach Klieman remarked, “I am really proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for their dedication throughout the season and display of our four core values – Discipline, Commitment, Toughness and Be Selfless. The story of the 2021 Wildcats still has one chapter to write, and we look forward to kick off the new year in Houston and prepare for what will be an exciting Texas Bowl.”[78]

When the game began, Kansas State scored early and held the lead the entire game. LSU was hampered, having lost its starting quarterback who transferred to Texas A&M and backup quarterback recovering from surgery. LSU had senior receiver Jontre Kirklin move to quarterback. Kirklin had not played as a quarterback since high school in 2016. LSU did not get a first down until late in the second quarter and by that time Kansas State already had a 21–0 lead. The final score was Kansas State 42, LSU 20.[79]

Statistics

Scoring

Scores by quarter

Coaching staff

Head coach 3rd North Dakota State (HC)
Joe KlandermanDC/S3rd North Dakota State (DB)
OC/WR 3rd North Dakota State (OC/RB)
AHC/PGC/CB 3rd Mississippi State (DA)
Brian Anderson RB 3rd Illinois State (WR)
QB 6th Northern Iowa (QB)
Jason Ray FB/TE 3rd North Dakota State (WR)
Conor Riley OL 3rd North Dakota State (OL)
LB 2nd Syracuse University (DE)
Mike Tuiasosopo DT 3rd UTEP (DL)
Buddy Wyatt DE 3rd Kansas (senior analyst)
Trumain Carroll Strength/Cond. 1st Oklahoma State

Players drafted into the NFL

See also: 2022 NFL draft.

7 247 QB Miami Dolphins
7 253 DB Los Angeles Rams

Notes and References

  1. News: Ryan. Black. Kansas State pauses football activities; Wildcats also withdraw from bowl consideration. 9 February 2021. December 16, 2020. The Mercury. en.
  2. News: Dave. Skretta. Kansas State latest to skip college football bowl game due to COVID-19. 9 February 2021. December 16, 2020. Denver Post. en.
  3. Web site: Oklahoma Tops Big 12 Football Media Preseason Poll. big12sports.com. July 17, 2020 .
  4. Web site: 2021 Kansas State Wildcats Football Schedule. FBSchedule. February 9, 2021.
  5. Web site: Stanford vs. Kansas State – Team Statistics. ESPN. September 7, 2021. September 7, 2021.
  6. Web site: Stanford vs. Kansas State – Box Score. ESPN. September 7, 2021. September 7, 2021.
  7. Web site: September 4, 2021. Thompson and K-State open with 24–7 win over Stanford. live. September 10, 2021. ESPN. en-US. https://web.archive.org/web/20210906192622/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401287889 . 2021-09-06 .
  8. Web site: Kansas State vs Southern Illinois Prediction, Game Preview. College Football News. September 11, 2021. September 11, 2021.
  9. Web site: What we learned from Kansas State's impressive opening victory over Stanford. Wichita Eagle. Kellis. Robinett. September 10, 2021. September 4, 2021.
  10. Web site: Stanford nearly shut out by Kansas State in opener, falling 24–7. Napa Valley Register. September 11, 2021. Stephen. Hawkins. September 5, 2021.
  11. Web site: Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Kansas State Wildcats (box score). espn.com. September 11, 2021. September 11, 2021.
  12. Web site: Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Kansas State Wildcats (team stats). espn.com. September 11, 2021. September 11, 2021.
  13. Web site: No. 8/9 SIU at Kansas State: 3 things to watch. The Southern Illinoisan. Todd. Hefferman. September 10, 2021. September 11, 2021.
  14. Web site: Can Kansas State keep winning with backup quarterback Will Howard leading the offense?. Kellis. Robinett. September 12, 2021. September 12, 2021. Kansas City Star.
  15. Web site: Kansas State rallies for 31–23 win over SIU. Todd. Hefferman. September 11, 2021. September 12, 2021. The Southern Illinoisan.
  16. Web site: Kansas State holds off Southern Illinois 31–23 after losing Thompson. September 12, 2021. September 11, 2021. KAKE TV (ABC).
  17. Web site: Nevada vs. Kansas State (box score). ESPN. September 18, 2021. September 18, 2021.
  18. Web site: Nevada vs. Kansas State (team stats). ESPN. September 18, 2021. September 18, 2021.
  19. Web site: Nevada Wolf Pack vs Kansas State Wildcats. Odds Shark. September 13, 2021. en.
  20. Web site: Mountain West rankings: Nevada on top after drilling Idaho State. September 13, 2021. September 13, 2021. Joe. Santoro. Lahontan Valley News.
  21. Web site: Nevada vs. Kansas State College Football Odds, Plays and Insights. Sports Illustrated. September 13, 2021. September 13, 2021.
  22. Web site: K-State defense eager to prove itself against elite Nevada quarterback Carson Strong. Kansas City Star. Kellis. Robinett. September 14, 2021. September 15, 2021.
  23. Web site: Five things we learned from Kansas State's gritty 38–17 victory over Nevada. Wichita Eagle. September 18, 2021. September 19, 2021. Kellis. Robinett.
  24. Web site: Kansas State uses rushing attack to beat Nevada 38–17. Cody. Friesen. September 19, 2021. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. September 18, 2021. September 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212520/https://www.stltoday.com/sports/kansas-state-uses-rushing-attack-to-beat-nevada-38-17/article_d3adccee-c74a-5421-b7f4-c8c80ff7c0d8.html. dead.
  25. Web site: Kansas State football pushes past Nevada, 38–17, thanks to a big fourth quarter. Topeka Capital Journal. September 19, 2021. September 18, 2021. Arne. Green.
  26. Web site: 'We haven't scratched the surface': Why Kansas State could be surprise team of Big 12. Wichita Eagle. September 19, 2021. September 18, 2021. Kellis. Robinett.
  27. Web site: Kansas State 38, Nevada 17: Wildcats score final 21 points to hand Wolf Pack first loss. Reno Gazette Journal. September 18, 2021. September 19, 2021. Duke. Rittenhouse.
  28. Web site: Kansas State vs Oklahoma State (box score). ESPN. September 25, 2021. September 25, 2021.
  29. Web site: Kansas State vs Oklahoma State (team stats). ESPN. September 25, 2021. September 25, 2021.
  30. Web site: Oklahoma State at Boise State football: Five takeaways from the Cowboys' 21–20 win over Broncos. Scott. Wright. The Oklahoman. September 19, 2021. September 19, 2021.
  31. Web site: College Football Rankings – Week 4. ESPN. September 19, 2021. September 19, 2021.
  32. Web site: Sanders powers Oklahoma State past No. 25 Kansas State 31–20. September 27, 2021. September 25, 2021. John. Tranchina. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. September 27, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210927151442/https://www.stltoday.com/sports/sanders-powers-oklahoma-state-past-no-25-kansas-state-31-20/article_f44edf89-ff17-5e6a-8fa6-fdbbb36ba1a2.html. dead.
  33. Web site: Oklahoma vs Kansas State (box score). ESPN. October 2, 2021. October 2, 2021.
  34. Web site: Oklahoma vs Kansas State (team stats). ESPN. October 2, 2021. October 2, 2021.
  35. Web site: Three thoughts from Kansas State's frustrating 37–31 defeat against Oklahoma. Wichita Eagle. Kellis. Robinett. October 2, 2021. October 2, 2021.
  36. Web site: Kansas State perfect onside kick turns imperfect after Oklahoma challenge. Barry. Werner. October 2, 2021. October 2, 2021. MSN Sports.
  37. Web site: Controversial replay review spoils onside kick for Kansas State against Oklahoma. Kellis. Robinett. October 2, 2021. October 2, 2021. Kansas City Star.
  38. Web site: No. 6 OU leans on Rattler, video review to top K-State 37–31. October 2, 2021. October 2, 2021. ESPN.
  39. Web site: Iowa State vs. Kansas State (box score). October 16, 2021. October 21, 2021. espn.com.
  40. Web site: Iowa State vs. Kansas State (team stats). October 16, 2021. October 21, 2021. espn.com.
  41. Web site: Hall, Purdy lead Iowa State past Kansas State, 33–20. espn.com. October 16, 2021. October 21, 2021.
  42. Web site: Kansas State vs. Texas Tech (box score). espn.com. October 23, 2021. October 23, 2021.
  43. Web site: Kansas State vs. Texas Tech (team stats). espn.com. October 23, 2021. October 23, 2021.
  44. Web site: K-State rallies past Texas Tech 25–24, ends Big 12 skid at 8. October 24, 2021. October 26, 2021. CBS Sports.
  45. Web site: Grades from Kansas State's 25–24 victory at Texas Tech and a look ahead to TCU. Kellis. Robinett. October 24, 2021. October 26, 2021. Kansas City Star.
  46. Web site: Texas Tech fires head football coach Matt Wells. October 25, 2021. October 26, 2021. AL.com. Craig. Stephenson.
  47. Web site: TCU vs. Kansas State (box score). espn.com. October 30, 2021. November 1, 2021.
  48. Web site: TCU vs. Kansas State (team stats). espn.com. October 30, 2021. November 1, 2021.
  49. Web site: What we learned from Kansas State's 31–12 Big 12 football victory over TCU. November 1, 2021. October 30, 2021. Arne. Green. Topeka Capital-Journal.
  50. Web site: TCU football sinks to new low as Kansas State rolls to a dominant 31–12 victory. Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Drew. Davison. October 30, 2021. November 1, 2021.
  51. Web site: Tipsheet: Ruthless College football competition claims legendary TCU coach. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Jeff. Gordon. November 1, 2021. November 1, 2021.
  52. Web site: Stats. K-State Sports. November 6, 2021. November 8, 2021.
  53. Web site: Kansas State vs. Kansas (box score). espn.com. November 8, 2021. November 6, 2021.
  54. Web site: Kansas State vs. Kansas College Football Odds, Plays and Insights. Sports Illustrated. November 1, 2021. November 1, 2021.
  55. Web site: Here are 5 takeaways from Kansas football's 55–3 loss against No. 15 Oklahoma State. Topeka Capital-Journal. Jordan. Guskey. October 31, 2021. November 1, 2021.
  56. Web site: Jayhawks drop Sunflower Showdown 35-10 to K-State, fall to 1-8 on the season. Tyler. DiDomenico. November 6, 2021. November 8, 2021. University Daily Kansan.
  57. Web site: 3 things we learned from KU Jayhawks football's 35-10 loss to Kansas State Wildcats. Kansas City Star. Jesse. Newell. November 8, 2021. November 6, 2021.
  58. Web site: Kansas State vs. Kansas (team stats). espn.com. November 8, 2021. November 6, 2021.
  59. Web site: West Virginia vs. Kansas State (box score). espn.com. November 13, 2021. November 15, 2021.
  60. Web site: West Virginia vs. Kansas State (team stats). espn.com. November 13, 2021. November 15, 2021.
  61. Web site: WVU football: Mistakes doom Mountaineers in 34-17 loss at Kansas State. Charleston Gazette-Mail. Bob. Hertzel. November 13, 2021. November 15, 2021.
  62. Web site: Kansas State football vs. West Virginia: Wildcats finish strong for fourth straight win, 34-17. Topeka Capital-Journal. Arne. Green. November 13, 2021. November 15, 2021.
  63. Web site: Grades from Kansas State's 34-17 victory over West Virginia and a look ahead to Baylor. Kellis. Robinett. November 15, 2021. November 15, 2021. Wichita Eagle.
  64. Web site: Vaughn leads Kansas State to 34-17 win over West Virginia. espn.com. November 13, 2021. November 16, 2021. Kansas State kept watching West Virginia stubbornly convert fourth downs to keep its comeback hopes alive..
  65. Web site: Vaughn leads Kansas State to 34-17 win over West Virginia. ABC News. Dave. Skretta. November 13, 2021. November 15, 2021.
  66. Web site: K-State Sports. Kansas State vs. Baylor football. November 20, 2021. November 24, 2021.
  67. Web site: Baylor vs. Kansas State (team stats). espn.com. November 20, 2021. November 24, 2021.
  68. Web site: Baylor vs. Kansas State (box score). espn.com. November 20, 2021. November 24, 2021.
  69. Web site: No. 18 Baylor dominates No. 4 Oklahoma to shake up College Football Playoff race. Erick. Smith. November 13, 2021. November 15, 2021. USA Today.
  70. Web site: 'Baylor beat us today': Kansas State football team accepts loss, vows to move forward. Arne. Green. Topeka Capital-Journal. November 21, 2021. November 24, 2021.
  71. Web site: Kansas State vs. Texas (box score). November 26, 2021. November 29, 2021. espn.com.
  72. Web site: Kansas State vs. Texas (team stats). November 26, 2021. November 29, 2021. espn.com.
  73. Web site: Kansas State football falls flat in the second half against Texas. Here's what stood out. Topeka Capital-Journal. Arne. Green. November 26, 2021. November 29, 2021. The Kansas State Wildcats could have made a statement and carried some momentum into the postseason, but instead they fell completely flat in the second half Friday as they dropped a 22-17 decision to Texas at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium..
  74. Web site: Johnson, Dicker lead Texas past Kansas State 22-17. November 29, 2021. November 26, 2021. espn.com.
  75. Web site: LSU vs Kansas State - Box Score. espn.com. January 4, 2022. January 5, 2022.
  76. Web site: LSU vs Kansas State - Team Stats. espn.com. January 4, 2022. January 5, 2022.
  77. Web site: LSU Football Selected to Participate in Texas Bowl Against Kansas State. Sports Illustrated. December 6, 2021. Glen. West. December 5, 2021.
  78. Web site: Kansas State Wildcats will finish football season at Texas Bowl. Here are the details. December 6, 2012. Kellis. Robinett. December 5, 2021. Kansas City Star. I am really proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for their dedication throughout the season and display of our four core values – Discipline, Commitment, Toughness and Be Selfless. The story of the 2021 Wildcats still has one chapter to write, and we look forward to kick off the new year in Houston and prepare for what will be an exciting Texas Bowl..
  79. Web site: Kansas State dominates short-handed LSU in Texas Bowl. Los Angeles Times. January 5, 2022. January 4, 2022.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "2021 Kansas State Wildcats football team".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.