Kansas State Players of the Game: A stout defensive performance versus Iowa State

Kansas State Offensive MVP: Adrian Martinez

Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez threw the ball well and was effective enough in the run game to move the chains and win the game. A not-so-flawless job calling plays, a fumbled touchdown by Malik Knowles at the goal line and a missed field goal were the main culprits to it being a stressful game for K-State fans.

Knowles had his best game of the season despite the fumble at a brutal spot on the field. He caught five passes for over 100 yards. The play that resulted in that gut-wrenching mistake was a 68-yard reception, his longest of the game.

Phillip Brooks was the most impressive receiver for Kansas State. He led the team with 119 yards receiving on only four catches. His 81-yard touchdown on the first drive was massive.

The offensive line showed some inconsistencies and gave up three sacks, two of which came from stud defensive lineman Will McDonald who got through a couple times untouched.

Deuce Vaughn was bottled up in Ames and ultimately got banged up in the second half. The great Cyclone defense held K-State to just 131 yards rushing, their lowest output of the season on the ground. With that said, Martinez’s 246 yards passing is the most he’s thrown for as a Wildcat and the most yards Iowa State has given up to one team through the air.

Tonight was the first time Kansas State had two 100 yard receivers in the same game since 2017 against Central Arkansas

— Drew Galloway (@galloway__drew) October 9, 2022

Kansas State Defensive MVP: Josh Hayes

The Kansas State defense played plenty well enough to defeat Iowa State. They held the Cyclones to under 100 yards rushing and Hunter Dekkers under 200 yards passing.

Josh Hayes was especially impressive in flying all over the field. He finished with 11 tackles (led team) that included one of the team’s four tackles for loss. He finished plays with aggression and intensity and also accounted for a pass break-up on the stat sheet.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Brendan Mott each sacked the quarterback once. Austin Moore and Eli Huggins were disruptive beyond the line of scrimmage. Moore was seriously considered as the recipient too for his efforts.

There were some troubles tackling ball-handlers, but holding any team without a touchdown is always welcome and speaks to the overall potency the unit possesses.

Kansas State Special Teams MVP: Chris Tennant

It almost went to Ty Zentner, but his shanked punt hurt K-State and his brutal kickoff could have, too. The fact that they found a way to win pushes the honor to Chris Tennant. His one made field goal ultimately nudged the Wildcats ahead.

His first missed field goal almost cost them.

Zentner dropped three of his six punts inside the 20 yard line and had one eclipse 50 yards. The return game was uneventful. Special teams has been average and mostly a non-factor ever since their hot start to the season.