Kansas State players of the game in 41-15 win over Cincinnati
Kansas State offensive MVP: Offensive line
Kansas State was finally able to get back to the run game of old Saturday night. The run game was dominant from start essentially to finish. K-State’s offensive line was the biggest part of getting the run game back on track. The Wildcats ran for 281 yards on a seven yards per carry clip. Even more impressive was Kansas State’s ability to keep Avery Johnson up right. Cincinnati did not sack Johnson once and did not record a hit on the K-State signal caller in the pass game.
Kansas State’s offensive line has been challenged in the last few weeks. They responded in a big way Saturday night.
With the offensive line blocking well, DJ Giddens was able to feast. The Junction City product ran for 143 yards on 15 carries while adding two touchdowns. Saturday night was the Giddens of old making players miss and hitting the hole with force. Giddens was also a threat in the passing game with three catches for 39 yards.
Tre Spivey continues to take a step at wide receiver as well. The redshirt freshman was the leading receiver with five catches for 63 yards and a touchdown in the contest. He made some big catches on third downs and had a fourth down reception as well.
Defensive MVP: Brendan Mott
Have a night to finish your career in home games, Brendan Mott. The super senior was all over the field causing havoc. In total, Mott had four tackles including 0.5 sacks in the contest. The Iowa native also had his first career interception and ran the ball to the six-yard line setting up a Kansas State score.
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In his limited time on the field, I was also impressed with Ryan Davis. The Arizona native showed some major pass rush ability and had 1.5 sacks for the game. Especially in garbage time, Davis kept playing hard and was really disruptive in the backfield.
VJ Payne also made a few splash plays. Including in his splash plays was making a massive hit on a Bearcat. The Kansas State safety was the leading tackler for the game with seven.
K-State special teams MVP: Chris Tennant
It was a quiet night for K-State’s special teams, which is a good thing. Chris Tennant keeps kicking towards an All-Big 12 type season. He was two for two on his field goals and made all of his extra points.
Simon McClannan had a decent day punting the ball. He had four punts for 158 yards including a 59 yard punt. The return game was largely a non-factor for Kansas State, but there were not many opportunities.
