Players of the Game: Deuce Vaughn makes another splash

OFFENSIVE MVP: Deuce Vaughn

Deuce Vaughn proved for the second straight week that he is this season’s best and maybe most important offensive player for Kansas State, even with Adrian Martinez at the helm. Vaughn completed his eighth straight 100-yard game on the ground dating back to last season.

He finished with 24 carries, 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Martinez was once again unable to get his aerial attack going as a Wildcat. He barely eclipsed 100 yards passing and completed only 45 percent of his throws. Granted, it was a rainy day and his receivers dropped a few balls.

A penalty flag also negated what could have been a Vaughn touchdown reception. The offensive line wasn’t at its best. There were a few more holding penalties than they wanted and some collapsed pockets where Martinez had to save first downs with his legs.

Phillip Brooks led all Wildcat receivers with seven targets, three receptions and 56 yards.

2️⃣ TD
💯 Yards@C_Vaughn22 pic.twitter.com/W6eMz5PG8b

— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 10, 2022

DEFENSIVE MVP: Daniel Green

On the heels of a shutout, the entire defense was extremely sharp again today. Kansas State dominated Missouri as a group, and specifically made Brady Cook look like a very poor quarterback.

They threw four interceptions in four straight drives (four picks in ten plays) in the third quarter going into the fourth. Kobe Savage baited Cook to throw to the receiver he was guarding, and jumped the route as soon as it was thrown.

Daniel Green had an extremely impressive pick at the line of scrimmage. He jumped up and used his paws to secure the low pass. Nick Allen had the ball fall right into his lap off a deflection on the next drive. Cincere Mason had the fourth and final takeaway on great coverage from both he and Julius Brents.

Brents was very impressive. He has proven early in the season that he can be a reliable tackler. The future NFL cornerback was also great in coverage. Other notable defenders were Robert Hentz, Austin Moore and Brenden Mott.

Hentz was the best K-State defender in the first half, Moore had another solid overall game and Mott has surprisingly taken the defensive line to another level.

Josh Hayes missed last week and was rusty on the first defensive possession against Missouri. He followed that up with two tackles for loss and proved to be a key piece for Kansas State.

Daniel Green ultimately takes the honor today for his incredible interception, a tackle for loss and leading the team with seven tackles (six solo).

SPECIAL TEAMS MVP: Phillip Brooks

Special teams U. can’t be stopped. Two special teams touchdowns in two games. Last week was a Seth Porter punt block that led to a Desmond Purnell scoop and score. It was a Phillip Brooks 76-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter this week.

The blocking was great and set Brooks up for an easy lane.

Ty Zentner stepped up his punting from last week with three of his four punts going over 50 yards. He dropped two of them inside the 20-yard line, which included a 66-yard bomb. He was terrific for K-State.

After a disappointing game last week for kicker Chris Tennant, it was a mixed bag at best against Missouri. He drilled his first made field goal from 35 yards out but missed a 31-yarder on the following drive.

He also had one of his extra point attempts blocked. Tennant redeemed himself with a 37-yard field goal make. There is still a lot of room for improvement left for the sophomore.