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Rapid Recap: Explosive plays hurt Kansas State defense

On3 imageby:Drew Galloway•09/17/23•

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Daniel Green 2023
Daniel Green/Kansas State Athletics

Kansas State response

After falling to Missouri, the question becomes how does Kansas State respond. The Wildcats lost to Tulane last season and picked themselves up off the mat and defeated Oklahoma on the road. K-State was great with their backs against the wall and played their best football after losses a year ago.

Starting quarterback Will Howard described the feeling as a healthy hurt. The Kansas State locker room knows what what it will take because they did it last season. All of the players are in pain, but they know they can learn from it and use it to fuel the rest of their season.

Missouri’s offense

Missouri’s offense, specifically through the air, gave the Wildcats some problems. The Tigers have some explosive receivers and showed it on Saturday. Luther Burden, Theo Wease and Mookie Cooper all had over 70 yards receiving.

The Missouri offense also showcased a lot of motions and formations, which caused some issues for K-State.

Explosive plays were a problem and it cost them. Burden had a 47-yard touchdown catch on the first drive of the game for the Tigers. Cooper also had a 41-yard catch, as well as Marquis Johnson’s only catch of the game going for 41 yards.

Missouri had seven plays of 25 yards or more on Saturday.

Missed opportunities

Kansas State had chances to put the game away or take the lead and failed to convert. The Wildcats had a few drives up within scoring range while ahead 24-20 in the fourth quarter and failed to capitalize and extend the four-point advantage.

Missed opportunities did not end there, either. There were drops on third down that ended drives, penalties that took away touchdowns and the delay of game on third and goal down when trailing 27-24. Ben Sinnott and Howard both pointed out the issues.

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