<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Following his game-winning, 51-yard field goal to help Kansas State secure a 29-27 victory over in-state rival Kansas, kicker&nbsp;Chris Tennant&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

It is the first weekly honor in Tennant’s career, while he is just the second K-State kicker to earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week accolades since 2019 (Ty Zentner vs. Oklahoma State, 2022). It is the third time this season a Wildcat has earned a weekly conference accolade as&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;(special teams) and&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;(offensive) were honored after the Arizona and Oklahoma State games, respectively.

Tennant produced the longest game-winning field goal with under two minutes remaining in regulation in school history, while it was the third-longest game-winner in the nation this season. It was his third-career field goal of 50 or more yards – which ranks fifth in school history – and it tied his career long originally set in 2021 at Texas and matched last season against SEMO.

It was one of two fourth-quarter field goals by Tennant, who also got K-State to within one point at 27-26 with a 28-yard field goal with 13:23 remaining in the contest.

A product of Shawnee, Kansas, Tennant enters plays this week tied for 24th&nbsp;nationally and third in the Big 12 in field goals per game (1.50), while he is tied for 26th&nbsp;in the country and third in the Big 12 in field goal percentage (85.7%).

Now in his fourth season in the program, Tennant ranks fourth in K-State history career extra point percentage (97.7%), fifth in career kick scoring (238), extra points made (127) and extra points attempted (130), sixth in field goals made (37), eighth in field goals attempted (50) and ninth in points scored among all players.

No. 17 Kansas State takes on Houston inside TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Saturday. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. and will be shown on FOX.&nbsp;

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Following his game-winning, 51-yard field goal to help Kansas State secure a 29-27 victory over in-state rival Kansas, kicker&nbsp;Chris Tennant&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.It is the first weekly honor in Tennant’s career, while he is just the second K-State kicker to earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week accolades since 2019 (Ty Zentner vs. Oklahoma State, 2022). It is the third time this season a Wildcat has earned a weekly conference accolade as&nbsp;Dylan Edwards&nbsp;(special teams) and&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;(offensive) were honored after the Arizona and Oklahoma State games, respectively.Tennant produced the longest game-winning field goal with under two minutes remaining in regulation in school history, while it was the third-longest game-winner in the nation this season. It was his third-career field goal of 50 or more yards – which ranks fifth in school history – and it tied his career long originally set in 2021 at Texas and matched last season against SEMO.It was one of two fourth-quarter field goals by Tennant, who also got K-State to within one point at 27-26 with a 28-yard field goal with 13:23 remaining in the contest.A product of Shawnee, Kansas, Tennant enters plays this week tied for 24th&nbsp;nationally and third in the Big 12 in field goals per game (1.50), while he is tied for 26th&nbsp;in the country and third in the Big 12 in field goal percentage (85.7%).Now in his fourth season in the program, Tennant ranks fourth in K-State history career extra point percentage (97.7%), fifth in career kick scoring (238), extra points made (127) and extra points attempted (130), sixth in field goals made (37), eighth in field goals attempted (50) and ninth in points scored among all players.No. 17 Kansas State takes on Houston inside TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Saturday. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. and will be shown on FOX.&nbsp;

K-State’s Tennant Named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 262 yards and two touchdowns and the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs remained undefeated with a 27-20 victory over the reeling Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

The Chiefs (7-0) extended their winning streak to 13 games, including the playoffs. Their last loss was at home to Las Vegas, but the Chiefs are 5-0 against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium and 6-0 there including the Super Bowl in February.

Las Vegas (2-6) has lost four consecutive games, but this was the first time the Raiders had scored at least 20 points since a 20-16 victory over Cleveland on Sept. 29.

Mahomes became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 30,000 yards, doing it in his 103rd game. Matthew Stafford had hit that mark at 109 games.

Mahomes' top target was Travis Kelce, who had 10 catches for 90 yards, both season highs. He last caught double-digit passes on Oct. 22, 2023, and this was the highest-yardage output since Nov. 26.

Kelce also had a touchdown catch, his 75th to pass Jason Witten for fifth on the NFL tight end list. Kelce moved within two of breaking Tony Gonzalez's team record.

Gardner Minshew completed 24 of 30 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns for Las Vegas, but was sacked five times. Jakobi Meyers, who missed the two previous games because of an ankle injury, caught six passes for 52 yards and the TD.

Minshew had the burden of carrying an offense that had virtually no running game, finishing with 33 yards, averaging 1.6 per carry.

The Raiders, however, made the champs work for this victory. But Las Vegas failed to take advantage of key opportunities

The Raiders had the ball and 1:57 left on the clock at the end of the first half, but went with two running plays before an incomplete pass on third down. Kansas City got the ball back and went 56 yards on nine plays for Harrison Butker's 42-yard field goal with four seconds left that made it 17-10.

Las Vegas trailed 17-13 in the third quarter when safety Tre'von Moehrig intercepted Mahomes' pass to give the Raiders the ball at the Chiefs 3. Running plays by Alexander Mattison resulted in plays of 2 yards, a no gain and a loss of 2 before Minshew was sacked on fourth down.

The Chiefs then went 87 yards on 19 carries, taking 9:43 off the clock, to set up another field goal from Butker, this one from 24 yards early in the fourth quarter for a seven-point lead.

A strip sack of Minshew set up the final Chiefs' touchdown with 4:59 left to all but seal the victory, though the Raiders scored a TD just before the 2-minute warning to create some drama. Kansas City then recovered the onside kick.

Chiefs: S Nazeeh Johnson (concussion) went out in the first half.

Raiders: C Andre James (ankle) was injured in the second half.

Chiefs: Host Tampa Bay on Monday, Nov. 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730073126624.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 262 yards and two touchdowns and the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs remained undefeated with a 27-20 victory over the reeling Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.The Chiefs (7-0) extended their winning streak to 13 games, including the playoffs. Their last loss was at home to Las Vegas, but the Chiefs are 5-0 against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium and 6-0 there including the Super Bowl in February.Las Vegas (2-6) has lost four consecutive games, but this was the first time the Raiders had scored at least 20 points since a 20-16 victory over Cleveland on Sept. 29.Mahomes became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 30,000 yards, doing it in his 103rd game. Matthew Stafford had hit that mark at 109 games.Mahomes' top target was Travis Kelce, who had 10 catches for 90 yards, both season highs. He last caught double-digit passes on Oct. 22, 2023, and this was the highest-yardage output since Nov. 26.Kelce also had a touchdown catch, his 75th to pass Jason Witten for fifth on the NFL tight end list. Kelce moved within two of breaking Tony Gonzalez's team record.Gardner Minshew completed 24 of 30 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns for Las Vegas, but was sacked five times. Jakobi Meyers, who missed the two previous games because of an ankle injury, caught six passes for 52 yards and the TD.Minshew had the burden of carrying an offense that had virtually no running game, finishing with 33 yards, averaging 1.6 per carry.The Raiders, however, made the champs work for this victory. But Las Vegas failed to take advantage of key opportunitiesThe Raiders had the ball and 1:57 left on the clock at the end of the first half, but went with two running plays before an incomplete pass on third down. Kansas City got the ball back and went 56 yards on nine plays for Harrison Butker's 42-yard field goal with four seconds left that made it 17-10.Las Vegas trailed 17-13 in the third quarter when safety Tre'von Moehrig intercepted Mahomes' pass to give the Raiders the ball at the Chiefs 3. Running plays by Alexander Mattison resulted in plays of 2 yards, a no gain and a loss of 2 before Minshew was sacked on fourth down.The Chiefs then went 87 yards on 19 carries, taking 9:43 off the clock, to set up another field goal from Butker, this one from 24 yards early in the fourth quarter for a seven-point lead.A strip sack of Minshew set up the final Chiefs' touchdown with 4:59 left to all but seal the victory, though the Raiders scored a TD just before the 2-minute warning to create some drama. Kansas City then recovered the onside kick.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: S Nazeeh Johnson (concussion) went out in the first half.Raiders: C Andre James (ankle) was injured in the second half.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: Host Tampa Bay on Monday, Nov. 4.

🏈 Mahomes passes for 262 yards and 2 TDs, Chiefs beat Raiders  

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score, Chris Tennant kicked a 51-yard go-ahead field goal with 1:42 to go and No. 16 Kansas State stopped Kansas on fourth down to preserve a 29-27 victory Saturday night.

D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing for the Wildcats (7-1, 4-1 Big 12), who kept alive their chances of playing for a conference title and in the College Football Playoff by beating their biggest rival for the 16th consecutive time.

Kansas (2-6, 1-4) got the ball back after Tennant's field goal and picked up a quick first down. But Jalon Daniels bookended a short completion with a couple of incomplete passes, and he was tracked down on fourth down with less than a minute to go, giving the Wildcats the ball back and the chance to run out the clock.

Daniels threw for 209 yards and accounted for two touchdowns and an interception. Devin Neal ran for 66 yards and a score.

Kansas opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive, then looked as if it would take control a few minutes later, when Daniels spotted Quentin Skinner running open down the middle of the field. But the senior wide receiver dropped the would-be 49-yard touchdown throw, and the Jayhawks ultimately were forced to punt.

The Wildcats seized on the opening, then took advantage of another Kansas blunder.

After Johnson led a 95-yard drive to knot the game, Kansas freshman Jameel Croft Jr. inexplicably caught the ensuing kickoff at the 1-yard line and stepped out of bounds. Neal was stuffed for a safety on the very next play, and Kansas State followed with a 59-yard drive and its second touchdown in a matter of minutes.

Daniels calmed the Jayhawks, though, and his touchdown throw to Luke Grimm got them within 16-14 at the break.

The teams swapped touchdowns to begin the second half, then traded punts, before the Jayhawks regained the lead on Daniels' touchdown run late in the third quarter — the second year in a row they have led Kansas State in the second half.

The Jayhawks still led 27-26 with 3:44 to go when Daniels, trying to scramble near midfield, went airborne and had the ball pop loose. Brendan Mott was there to recover it for the Wildcats, giving Johnson and Co. one last chance with the ball.

They did just enough to set up Tennant's go-ahead field goal inside the final 2 minutes.

Kansas dominated the game for long stretches but was forced to overcome itself. Daniels had two turnovers, something that was a problem for him earlier in the season, and the Jayhawks made too many special teams blunders.

Kansas State had 479 yards of total offense but struggled on third down. It also had a chance to score a go-ahead TD early in the fourth quarter, but Johnson's pass sailed high and the Wildcats kicked a chip-shot field goal that nearly cost them.

Kansa: Plays No. 10 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at Arrowhead Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1730000495626.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score, Chris Tennant kicked a 51-yard go-ahead field goal with 1:42 to go and No. 16 Kansas State stopped Kansas on fourth down to preserve a 29-27 victory Saturday night.D.J. Giddens added 102 yards rushing for the Wildcats (7-1, 4-1 Big 12), who kept alive their chances of playing for a conference title and in the College Football Playoff by beating their biggest rival for the 16th consecutive time.Kansas (2-6, 1-4) got the ball back after Tennant's field goal and picked up a quick first down. But Jalon Daniels bookended a short completion with a couple of incomplete passes, and he was tracked down on fourth down with less than a minute to go, giving the Wildcats the ball back and the chance to run out the clock.Daniels threw for 209 yards and accounted for two touchdowns and an interception. Devin Neal ran for 66 yards and a score.Kansas opened the game with a 75-yard touchdown drive, then looked as if it would take control a few minutes later, when Daniels spotted Quentin Skinner running open down the middle of the field. But the senior wide receiver dropped the would-be 49-yard touchdown throw, and the Jayhawks ultimately were forced to punt.The Wildcats seized on the opening, then took advantage of another Kansas blunder.After Johnson led a 95-yard drive to knot the game, Kansas freshman Jameel Croft Jr. inexplicably caught the ensuing kickoff at the 1-yard line and stepped out of bounds. Neal was stuffed for a safety on the very next play, and Kansas State followed with a 59-yard drive and its second touchdown in a matter of minutes.Daniels calmed the Jayhawks, though, and his touchdown throw to Luke Grimm got them within 16-14 at the break.The teams swapped touchdowns to begin the second half, then traded punts, before the Jayhawks regained the lead on Daniels' touchdown run late in the third quarter — the second year in a row they have led Kansas State in the second half.The outcome would be the same, too.The Jayhawks still led 27-26 with 3:44 to go when Daniels, trying to scramble near midfield, went airborne and had the ball pop loose. Brendan Mott was there to recover it for the Wildcats, giving Johnson and Co. one last chance with the ball.They did just enough to set up Tennant's go-ahead field goal inside the final 2 minutes.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas dominated the game for long stretches but was forced to overcome itself. Daniels had two turnovers, something that was a problem for him earlier in the season, and the Jayhawks made too many special teams blunders.Kansas State had 479 yards of total offense but struggled on third down. It also had a chance to score a go-ahead TD early in the fourth quarter, but Johnson's pass sailed high and the Wildcats kicked a chip-shot field goal that nearly cost them.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansa: Plays No. 10 Iowa State on Nov. 9 at Arrowhead Stadium.Kansas State: At Houston next Saturday.

🏈 Tennant kicks go-ahead field goal as K-State wins Sunflower Showdown

The Junction City Blue Jays blanked Emporia 38-0 Friday night at Welch Stadium in Emporia.

After a first quarter controlled by the Spartans, the Blue Jays led 3-0 on a 37-yard field goal by senior Ethan Hileman.

Following a long Emporia drive that included three fourth-down conversions, the Blue Jay defense got a defensive score thanks to an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jeremiah Ragin.

The Junction City offense came to life just before the half when junior quarterback Conrad Gomez connected with junior Lovell Autry on a 41-yard touchdown to lead 17-0 at halftime.

The Blue Jays started the second half with fireworks, scoring on their second offensive play on a 28-yard pass from Gomez to Jamarcus Vornes. Following the touchdown, on Emporia's first play of their drive, Lovell Autry intercepted the pass and Junction City scored one play later on a 32-yard connection between Gomez and Scholar Brown. At this point, the Blue Jays led 31-0 and cruised to a 38-0 victory. 

Junction City recorded their third defensive shutout of the season, and with the win, their record is 4-4 to end the regular season. 

Junction City is the eight-seed in the Class 6A West playoff bracket and will host nine-seed Topeka High on Friday, Nov. 1 at Blue Jay Stadium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582061741774.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Anthony Gorges&nbsp;JC PostThe Junction City Blue Jays blanked Emporia 38-0 Friday night at Welch Stadium in Emporia.After a first quarter controlled by the Spartans, the Blue Jays led 3-0 on a 37-yard field goal by senior Ethan Hileman.Following a long Emporia drive that included three fourth-down conversions, the Blue Jay defense got a defensive score thanks to an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jeremiah Ragin.The Junction City offense came to life just before the half when junior quarterback Conrad Gomez connected with junior Lovell Autry on a 41-yard touchdown to lead 17-0 at halftime.The Blue Jays started the second half with fireworks, scoring on their second offensive play on a 28-yard pass from Gomez to Jamarcus Vornes. Following the touchdown, on Emporia's first play of their drive, Lovell Autry intercepted the pass and Junction City scored one play later on a 32-yard connection between Gomez and Scholar Brown. At this point, the Blue Jays led 31-0 and cruised to a 38-0 victory. Junction City recorded their third defensive shutout of the season, and with the win, their record is 4-4 to end the regular season. Junction City is the eight-seed in the Class 6A West playoff bracket and will host nine-seed Topeka High on Friday, Nov. 1 at Blue Jay Stadium.

Blue Jays shut out Emporia to wrap up the regular season, will be 8 seed in playoffs

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23630&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-october-21-2024/4911">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-october-21-2024/4912">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media inside the Vanier Family&nbsp;Football&nbsp;Complex to preview the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas on Saturday night inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.&nbsp;

“Good afternoon, everyone. Coming back and looking at the film, it was not a very good performance in the first half as far as statistics. I didn’t think we tackled very well on defense. We couldn't really move the ball on offense. It was the same thing we talked about on Saturday night, but we were able to get turnovers, get the touchdown on the interception from (Marques) Sigle, and get the explosive play from Avery (Johnson) to J-Jack (Jadon Jackson), and that gave us some life. Two plays really, in my opinion, helped solidify or give us the chance to be successful – one is the fourth down stop that we had at the end of the first half, and the other one was a fourth-and-six or fourth-and-seven on the first drive of that second half where we decided to go for it. We were just a little bit out of field goal range and didn't want to punt. Avery did a great job making a rusher miss, and hit Ty Bow (Ty Bowman), who is playing really well for us. I’m happy for Ty, he makes the big catch and makes the first down, and we scored on that drive. We ended up playing really, really good&nbsp;football&nbsp;in the second half. 

I told the guys after the game what we've done the last two weeks is really impressive, to go on the road in two different time zones at night and get back as late as we get back. We tried to take care of the guys with some of our scheduling that we've adjusted, but to go on the road at Colorado and at West Virginia and find ways to get two big wins in different ways that we did was really impressive. Hopefully we can build off of that. 

Now, this week, fortunately, we get to play at home. Another night game gives us an opportunity to get our bodies back and get our minds fresh with the extra time we have on Friday and Saturday. They (Kansas) do a lot of different things, as they always have, especially offensively. They're really creative with what they do offensively with shift, trade motions. They've got a lot of talented guys on both sides of the ball. So, we've got to come up with really good plans and then spend some time to execute it. Make sure that we know our assignments and can play fast.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729903944337.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23630&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-october-21-2024/4911">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-october-21-2024/4912">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media inside the Vanier Family&nbsp;Football&nbsp;Complex to preview the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas on Saturday night inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.&nbsp;CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good afternoon, everyone. Coming back and looking at the film, it was not a very good performance in the first half as far as statistics. I didn’t think we tackled very well on defense. We couldn't really move the ball on offense. It was the same thing we talked about on Saturday night, but we were able to get turnovers, get the touchdown on the interception from (Marques) Sigle, and get the explosive play from Avery (Johnson) to J-Jack (Jadon Jackson), and that gave us some life. Two plays really, in my opinion, helped solidify or give us the chance to be successful – one is the fourth down stop that we had at the end of the first half, and the other one was a fourth-and-six or fourth-and-seven on the first drive of that second half where we decided to go for it. We were just a little bit out of field goal range and didn't want to punt. Avery did a great job making a rusher miss, and hit Ty Bow (Ty Bowman), who is playing really well for us. I’m happy for Ty, he makes the big catch and makes the first down, and we scored on that drive. We ended up playing really, really good&nbsp;football&nbsp;in the second half. I told the guys after the game what we've done the last two weeks is really impressive, to go on the road in two different time zones at night and get back as late as we get back. We tried to take care of the guys with some of our scheduling that we've adjusted, but to go on the road at Colorado and at West Virginia and find ways to get two big wins in different ways that we did was really impressive. Hopefully we can build off of that. Now, this week, fortunately, we get to play at home. Another night game gives us an opportunity to get our bodies back and get our minds fresh with the extra time we have on Friday and Saturday. They (Kansas) do a lot of different things, as they always have, especially offensively. They're really creative with what they do offensively with shift, trade motions. They've got a lot of talented guys on both sides of the ball. So, we've got to come up with really good plans and then spend some time to execute it. Make sure that we know our assignments and can play fast.”

 K-State Discusses Dillons Sunflower Showdown at Weekly Press Conference

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.

The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.

His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.

“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.

Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”

Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.

“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”

Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.

“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”

In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.

“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”

Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.

He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.

Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.

“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.

Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.

Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.

Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.

Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.

The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.

He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.

Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.

He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.

In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.

In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.

He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.

During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.

In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.

“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”

He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.

The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.

Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.

In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. <a href="https://t.co/MXeBlDzDWJ">pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848930562515615870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fernandomanía por siempre. Fernandomania forever. <a href="https://t.co/zXhOF8cRCP">pic.twitter.com/zXhOF8cRCP</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848942975432462707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.He became a U.S. citizen in 2015.Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

Dodgers legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZUAWqjMBi0ou5WTDGtY5JvGhcB8n_Og7mvvrCUrj04xuj8wACIx_0s8iUmYOCSAnmN1drVtSLHNbSgOec7KSKHtMT4pkxayGF4XmhYBZ0drOYVYQiyI4gIvXHwRAld5VA2N_K8NuC7EZP91HF_ZF3Ym4TcmcdrOrxTWZAb9-PpXzHSU95ZHXammKjzymmvE06w&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a> boys' cross-country team claimed the Centennial League Championship on Saturday in Topeka. The Blue Jays have now won back-to-back league titles.

Individually, Ethan Fontaine crossed the finish line in first place, clocking a time of 15:49.50. Anthony Testa followed in third place, while William Dee closed out competition fifth out of 40 competitors. 

On the girl's side, JCHS placed third overall in the final team standings. Linden Pickler and Anna Fontaine wrapped-up competition in third and fourth place, respectively, to lead the Blue Jays&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729621954238.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of USD 475" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of USD 475</figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZUAWqjMBi0ou5WTDGtY5JvGhcB8n_Og7mvvrCUrj04xuj8wACIx_0s8iUmYOCSAnmN1drVtSLHNbSgOec7KSKHtMT4pkxayGF4XmhYBZ0drOYVYQiyI4gIvXHwRAld5VA2N_K8NuC7EZP91HF_ZF3Ym4TcmcdrOrxTWZAb9-PpXzHSU95ZHXammKjzymmvE06w&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD 475</a> boys' cross-country team claimed the Centennial League Championship on Saturday in Topeka. The Blue Jays have now won back-to-back league titles.Individually, Ethan Fontaine crossed the finish line in first place, clocking a time of 15:49.50. Anthony Testa followed in third place, while William Dee closed out competition fifth out of 40 competitors. On the girl's side, JCHS placed third overall in the final team standings. Linden Pickler and Anna Fontaine wrapped-up competition in third and fourth place, respectively, to lead the Blue Jays&nbsp;&nbsp;

Blue Jay boys' cross-country team claimed the Centennial League Championship

Following a second-straight road conference win, 16th-ranked Kansas State returns home for the first time in a month as the Wildcats host in-state rival KU in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The sold-out game, which starts at 7 p.m., will be shown nationally on ESPN2 with Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Sam Acho (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sidelines) on the call.

Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to make his ninth career start and has thrown for 1,401 yards and 14 touchdowns on 111-of-178 aim while adding 306 rushing yards and two TDs. He is one of only seven quarterbacks in the country and the only Big 12 signal caller with at least 1,400 passing yards and 300 rushing yards this season and is coming off a career-best 298 yards through the air at West Virginia.

&nbsp;Junior running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 843 yards and four touchdowns on 127 carries to go along with 11 receptions for 182 yards and another score. Giddens ranks 10th nationally by averaging 120.4 rushing yards per game, while he is seventh in the nation in scrimmage yards per game (146.4). Giddens has averaged 6.6 yards per rush this season, which ranks 14th in the country.

Kansas State has nine players with 20 or more tackles this season, led by linebacker Austin Romaine, whose 51 tackles are tied for 11th in the Big 12. Senior defensive end Brendan Mott has 8.5 TFLs and 7.0 sacks, the latter ranking seventh in the nation. Five Wildcats have carded an interception this season in VJ Payne (2), Jacob Parrish, Marques Sigle (2), Jack Fabris and Keenan Garber.

&nbsp;Chris Tennant has been true on 10-of-12 field goals with his only misses coming from distances of 48 and 53 yards. Simon McClannan has averaged 42.5 yards per punt this season to rank fourth in the Big 12, while his nine punts that have ended inside the opponent 20-yard line are tied for third in the league. Dylan Edwards enters the game ranked 12th nationally with a 14.1-yard punt return average.

Following a second-straight road conference win, 16th-ranked Kansas State returns home for the first time in a month as the Wildcats host in-state rival KU in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The sold-out game, which starts at 7 p.m., will be shown nationally on ESPN2 with Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Sam Acho (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sidelines) on the call.Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to make his ninth career start and has thrown for 1,401 yards and 14 touchdowns on 111-of-178 aim while adding 306 rushing yards and two TDs. He is one of only seven quarterbacks in the country and the only Big 12 signal caller with at least 1,400 passing yards and 300 rushing yards this season and is coming off a career-best 298 yards through the air at West Virginia.&nbsp;Junior running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 843 yards and four touchdowns on 127 carries to go along with 11 receptions for 182 yards and another score. Giddens ranks 10th nationally by averaging 120.4 rushing yards per game, while he is seventh in the nation in scrimmage yards per game (146.4). Giddens has averaged 6.6 yards per rush this season, which ranks 14th in the country.Kansas State has nine players with 20 or more tackles this season, led by linebacker Austin Romaine, whose 51 tackles are tied for 11th in the Big 12. Senior defensive end Brendan Mott has 8.5 TFLs and 7.0 sacks, the latter ranking seventh in the nation. Five Wildcats have carded an interception this season in VJ Payne (2), Jacob Parrish, Marques Sigle (2), Jack Fabris and Keenan Garber.&nbsp;Chris Tennant has been true on 10-of-12 field goals with his only misses coming from distances of 48 and 53 yards. Simon McClannan has averaged 42.5 yards per punt this season to rank fourth in the Big 12, while his nine punts that have ended inside the opponent 20-yard line are tied for third in the league. Dylan Edwards enters the game ranked 12th nationally with a 14.1-yard punt return average.

K-State hosts KU Saturday night

The Lady Jay tennis team competed in the 6A State Tennis Tournament this past weekend at Harmon Park in Prairie Village.&nbsp; For the Lady Jays, Hannah Micheel competed in singles and Julia Cho and Gracie Erichsen competed in doubles.&nbsp;

Hannah Micheel started off the day with a tough 3rd&nbsp;set supertiebreaker loss, before rebounding to win her next two matches 8-3 and 8-2 to qualify for the second day of the tournament.&nbsp; On the second day, she lost her first two matches 8-6 to players from Blue Valley HS and Lawrence Free State, before winning her last match against Blue Valley West 8-6.&nbsp; That earned her the 11th&nbsp;place medal.

Julia Cho and Gracie Erichsen also started their tournament with a 3rd&nbsp;set supertiebreaker loss.&nbsp; They then dropped their second match of the tournament to Olathe South by the score of 8-3 ending their tournament run.&nbsp; Olathe Northwest won the team title. Overall, the Lady Jay team finished in 14th&nbsp;place and capped off the most successful season in recent team history.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729522769037.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Matt MicheelThe Lady Jay tennis team competed in the 6A State Tennis Tournament this past weekend at Harmon Park in Prairie Village.&nbsp; For the Lady Jays, Hannah Micheel competed in singles and Julia Cho and Gracie Erichsen competed in doubles.&nbsp;Hannah Micheel started off the day with a tough 3rd&nbsp;set supertiebreaker loss, before rebounding to win her next two matches 8-3 and 8-2 to qualify for the second day of the tournament.&nbsp; On the second day, she lost her first two matches 8-6 to players from Blue Valley HS and Lawrence Free State, before winning her last match against Blue Valley West 8-6.&nbsp; That earned her the 11th&nbsp;place medal.Julia Cho and Gracie Erichsen also started their tournament with a 3rd&nbsp;set supertiebreaker loss.&nbsp; They then dropped their second match of the tournament to Olathe South by the score of 8-3 ending their tournament run.&nbsp; Olathe Northwest won the team title. Overall, the Lady Jay team finished in 14th&nbsp;place and capped off the most successful season in recent team history.&nbsp;

Lady Jays compete at state tennis

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 2 contest at Houston inside TDECU Stadium will start at 2:30 p.m. and be shown on FOX.

It will be the Wildcats’ first afternoon kick of the year and third daytime game as the Tulane and Oklahoma State contests each kicked off at 11 a.m. Kansas State won the first-ever meeting on the gridiron between the Wildcats and Cougars a year ago, a 41-0 shutout win in Manhattan on October 28.

The game at Houston follows the Wildcats’ Homecoming contest, the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas, this Saturday, a 7 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium that will be shown on ESPN2.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 2 contest at Houston inside TDECU Stadium will start at 2:30 p.m. and be shown on FOX.It will be the Wildcats’ first afternoon kick of the year and third daytime game as the Tulane and Oklahoma State contests each kicked off at 11 a.m. Kansas State won the first-ever meeting on the gridiron between the Wildcats and Cougars a year ago, a 41-0 shutout win in Manhattan on October 28.The game at Houston follows the Wildcats’ Homecoming contest, the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas, this Saturday, a 7 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium that will be shown on ESPN2.

K-State’s Game at Houston Set for Afternoon Kick

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes overcame two interceptions to deliver a few big plays with his feet and the Kansas City Chiefs remained the league's only undefeated team, beating the San Francisco 49ers 28-18 Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-chiefs-rematch-f22d71e88b568caf3792b782e48517e1">Super Bowl rematch</a>.

The stakes and the quality of play weren't at the same level as eight months ago when Mahomes and the Chiefs (6-0) beat the 49ers (3-4)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">25-22 in overtime</a>&nbsp;for their Super Bowl title in five seasons.

But the result was the same with Kansas City winning its fifth straight over San Francisco, including two Super Bowls.

The game came with a potentially heavy price for San Francisco with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-ricky-pearsall-return-7889bafdf22f93f7ae2620812c30f131">star receiver Brandon Aiyuk</a>&nbsp;getting carted off after getting hit on his right knee while making a catch late in the first half. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.

Aiyuk's absence proved crucial during a key point late in the third quarter when the 49ers were driving with a chance to erase a 14-12 deficit.

A miscommunication between backup receiver Ronnie Bell and Brock Purdy led to an interception by Chris Roland-Wallace. The Chiefs then turned that into a touchdown thanks in part to a 33-yard scramble by Mahomes that was his longest regular-season run ever.

Mahomes then scored on a 1-yard scramble on fourth-and-goal for his first rushing touchdown since the 2022 season.

That was one of four TD runs on the day for Kansas City, with Kareem Hunt getting two in the first half and Mecole Hardman icing it with an 18-yarder in the fourth quarter. It was just the second time Kansas City ran for four TDs in a game started by Mahomes, with the other coming in the 2018 divisional playoff round against Indianapolis.

Mahomes finished 16 for 27 for 154 yards and has eight interceptions and six passing touchdowns this season. But that has been enough for Kansas City to become the 10th defending Super Bowl champion to start the following season with six straight wins.

Purdy wasn't much better as the defenses had the better of this game. He went 17 for 31 for 212 yards with two TD runs and three interceptions. His third pick came in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter with San Francisco trying to mount a comeback.

Niners rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall made his debut exactly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-ricky-pearsall-return-7889bafdf22f93f7ae2620812c30f131">50 days after being shot</a>&nbsp;in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco. Pearsall was activated from the non-football injury list and came in for his first play on San Francisco’s opening drive. He caught his first career pass late in the second quarter.

His presence was needed since San Francisco played the second half without its top three receivers. Jauan Jennings missed the game with a hip injury, Deebo Samuel played only four plays because of an illness, and Aiyuk got hurt late in the first half.

Chiefs: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) left in the first half. ... CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) left in the second half.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729468365102.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)</figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes overcame two interceptions to deliver a few big plays with his feet and the Kansas City Chiefs remained the league's only undefeated team, beating the San Francisco 49ers 28-18 Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-chiefs-rematch-f22d71e88b568caf3792b782e48517e1">Super Bowl rematch</a>.The stakes and the quality of play weren't at the same level as eight months ago when Mahomes and the Chiefs (6-0) beat the 49ers (3-4)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">25-22 in overtime</a>&nbsp;for their Super Bowl title in five seasons.But the result was the same with Kansas City winning its fifth straight over San Francisco, including two Super Bowls.The game came with a potentially heavy price for San Francisco with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-ricky-pearsall-return-7889bafdf22f93f7ae2620812c30f131">star receiver Brandon Aiyuk</a>&nbsp;getting carted off after getting hit on his right knee while making a catch late in the first half. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.Aiyuk's absence proved crucial during a key point late in the third quarter when the 49ers were driving with a chance to erase a 14-12 deficit.A miscommunication between backup receiver Ronnie Bell and Brock Purdy led to an interception by Chris Roland-Wallace. The Chiefs then turned that into a touchdown thanks in part to a 33-yard scramble by Mahomes that was his longest regular-season run ever.Mahomes then scored on a 1-yard scramble on fourth-and-goal for his first rushing touchdown since the 2022 season.That was one of four TD runs on the day for Kansas City, with Kareem Hunt getting two in the first half and Mecole Hardman icing it with an 18-yarder in the fourth quarter. It was just the second time Kansas City ran for four TDs in a game started by Mahomes, with the other coming in the 2018 divisional playoff round against Indianapolis.Mahomes finished 16 for 27 for 154 yards and has eight interceptions and six passing touchdowns this season. But that has been enough for Kansas City to become the 10th defending Super Bowl champion to start the following season with six straight wins.Purdy wasn't much better as the defenses had the better of this game. He went 17 for 31 for 212 yards with two TD runs and three interceptions. His third pick came in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter with San Francisco trying to mount a comeback.<h2>Pearsall's debut</h2>Niners rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall made his debut exactly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-ricky-pearsall-return-7889bafdf22f93f7ae2620812c30f131">50 days after being shot</a>&nbsp;in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco. Pearsall was activated from the non-football injury list and came in for his first play on San Francisco’s opening drive. He caught his first career pass late in the second quarter.His presence was needed since San Francisco played the second half without its top three receivers. Jauan Jennings missed the game with a hip injury, Deebo Samuel played only four plays because of an illness, and Aiyuk got hurt late in the first half.<h2>Injuries</h2>Chiefs: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) left in the first half. ... CB Jaylen Watson (ankle) left in the second half.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: Visit Las Vegas next Sunday.

🏈 Chiefs stay undefeated, beat 49ers in Super Bowl rematch

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw three touchdown passes, Marques Sigle returned an interception for a touchdown and No. 17 Kansas State beat West Virginia 45-18 on Saturday night.

The Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) are off to their best start since 2014.

Kansas State's DJ Giddens scored on runs of 1 and 18 yards. The Big 12 rushing leader was held to a season-low 57 yards. But Johnson picked apart West Virginia’s injury-depleted secondary, finishing 19 of 29 for a career-high 298 yards.

Johnson slipped from the grasp of West Virginia defensive lineman Sean Martin and threw an 11-yard pass to Ty Bowman on fourth down to keep a third-quarter drive alive that ended with Johnson finding Garrett Oakley for a 16-yard score.

On Kansas State’s next series, Johnson and Giddens combined on a 53-yard pass play to the West Virginia 1, and Johnson hit tight end Will Anciaux in the end zone for a 31-10 lead, sending Mountaineer fans streaming for the exits.

West Virginia (3-4, 2-2) lost its third game at home and fell to a ranked opponent for the ninth consecutive time.

West Virginia’s Garrett Greene threw two interceptions that led to touchdowns for the second straight week. Sigle stepped in front of a pass and returned it 43 yards for a score to put the Wildcats ahead 17-3 early in the second quarter.

Greene finished 9 of 19 for 85 yards and one TD along with the two interceptions. The Big 12’s top rushing quarterback had 88 yards on the ground. But Greene, West Virginia running back Jahiem White and offensive lineman Wyatt Milum did not play in the second half. A press box announcement did not give a reason. West Virginia was limited to 63 total yards in the second half.

Backup quarterback Nicco Marchiol went 6 of 13 for 58 yards and a touchdown in Greene's absence.

Kansas State: The Wildcats adapted on offense after West Virginia shut down Giddens from the start. Johnson, who also had a 60-yard TD pass in the first quarter to Jadon Jackson in blown coverage, had eight completions of at least 15 yards.

West Virginia: The Mountaineers are 34-33 under sixth-year coach Neal Brown. That’s on pace to be the worst six-year stretch under one coach at West Virginia since Gene Corum went 29-30 from 1960-65.

Kansas State could move up a few spots in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">AP Top 25 poll</a>&nbsp;after the convincing win.

Kansas State: Hosts Kansas next Saturday.

West Virginia: Plays at Arizona next Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729394099597.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Avery Johnson threw three touchdown passes, Marques Sigle returned an interception for a touchdown and No. 17 Kansas State beat West Virginia 45-18 on Saturday night.The Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) are off to their best start since 2014.Kansas State's DJ Giddens scored on runs of 1 and 18 yards. The Big 12 rushing leader was held to a season-low 57 yards. But Johnson picked apart West Virginia’s injury-depleted secondary, finishing 19 of 29 for a career-high 298 yards.Johnson slipped from the grasp of West Virginia defensive lineman Sean Martin and threw an 11-yard pass to Ty Bowman on fourth down to keep a third-quarter drive alive that ended with Johnson finding Garrett Oakley for a 16-yard score.On Kansas State’s next series, Johnson and Giddens combined on a 53-yard pass play to the West Virginia 1, and Johnson hit tight end Will Anciaux in the end zone for a 31-10 lead, sending Mountaineer fans streaming for the exits.West Virginia (3-4, 2-2) lost its third game at home and fell to a ranked opponent for the ninth consecutive time.West Virginia’s Garrett Greene threw two interceptions that led to touchdowns for the second straight week. Sigle stepped in front of a pass and returned it 43 yards for a score to put the Wildcats ahead 17-3 early in the second quarter.Greene finished 9 of 19 for 85 yards and one TD along with the two interceptions. The Big 12’s top rushing quarterback had 88 yards on the ground. But Greene, West Virginia running back Jahiem White and offensive lineman Wyatt Milum did not play in the second half. A press box announcement did not give a reason. West Virginia was limited to 63 total yards in the second half.Backup quarterback Nicco Marchiol went 6 of 13 for 58 yards and a touchdown in Greene's absence.<h2>The takeaway</h2>Kansas State: The Wildcats adapted on offense after West Virginia shut down Giddens from the start. Johnson, who also had a 60-yard TD pass in the first quarter to Jadon Jackson in blown coverage, had eight completions of at least 15 yards.West Virginia: The Mountaineers are 34-33 under sixth-year coach Neal Brown. That’s on pace to be the worst six-year stretch under one coach at West Virginia since Gene Corum went 29-30 from 1960-65.<h2>Poll implications</h2>Kansas State could move up a few spots in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">AP Top 25 poll</a>&nbsp;after the convincing win.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State: Hosts Kansas next Saturday.West Virginia: Plays at Arizona next Saturday.

🏈 Avery Johnson throws for 3 TDs, K-State beats West Virginia

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jalon Daniels had three passing touchdowns, plus one on the ground, as Kansas broke a five-game losing streak with a 42-14 victory over Houston on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

The game marked Kansas' 112th Homecoming, though it wasn't played in-state because of reconstruction of KU's home stadium.

“We were able to put pressure on the quarterback,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said of the difference between Saturday's game and the five previous games. “We were able to create a few turnovers and get some momentum.

"Offensively, we were able to take some shots and get the ball down the field.

"This team has been very fragile for a while, because we've been so close. For us to have a win of this margin is something we've been waiting for.”

Cobee Bryant tied a Kansas record, set by Bill Crank in 1958, with three interceptions.

“I was like, ‘Are you really throwing the ball to me?’,” Bryant said with a big smile on his face after the game. “He was just donating the ball to me.”

Daniels was 16-of-21 passing for 247 yards for Kansas (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).

“We probably played our best ball of the season, but I don't think we've played to our fullest potential,” Daniels said. “I still think there's a lot more to show.”

Donovan Smith went 15 of 24 through the air for 173 yards, with two touchdowns and three picks for Houston (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).

After a scoreless third quarter, Daniels' 8-yard touchdown put Kansas up 35-14 early in the fourth. Devin Neal scored his second touchdown for Kansas' final points.

Kansas scored touchdowns on its first four drives to assume control. The Jayhawks took the opening kickoff and marched on a 15-play drive that took nearly 9 minutes to take an early 7-0 lead. The Jayhawks converted a fourth-and-1 at the Houston 4-yard line before Daniels hit Jared Casey on a 2-yard touchdown pass.

“That nine-minute drive to start was about as good a start as we've had in a while,” Leipold said. “We were very methodical to start the game, especially after they deferred and gave us the football.”

On the first play following an interception by Bryant, Daniels hit Quentin Skinner with a 48-yard bomb to extend the lead.

“The Houston defense came out and tried to double team or triple team Luke Grimm a few times today,” Daniels said. “They were leaving a lot of one-on-ones with my other receivers. I'm always happy when one of my receivers gets to get out there and make a play.”

On its third drive, KU went 84 yards on six plays, capped by a 2-yard run by Neal.

Houston finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter when Smith hit Stacy Sneed on a screen and Sneed ran untouched for a 23-yard score.

Daniels' third touchdown pass was a 3-yard strike to Casey to give Kansas a 28-7 lead. Smith hit Mekhi Mews on a 52-yard catch-and-run score right before halftime.

Houston: The Cougars' first-half defense let them down. They came into the game third in the Big 12 in total yards allowed per game at 295.0, and they gave up 284 of their 467 total yards allowed in the first half.

Kansas: The Jayhawks badly needed this victory to reach a third straight bowl game for the first time in program history. With games against No. 17 Kansas State, No. 9 Iowa State and No. 13 BYU in the next three games, they can afford just one more loss and achieve bowl eligibility.

Houston: The Cougars will host Utah Oct. 26.

Kansas: The Jayhawks travel to in-state rival Kansas State Oct. 26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729379869313.jpeg" alt="Kansas wide receiver Luke Grimm (11) gets past Houston defensive back Jalen Emery (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas wide receiver Luke Grimm (11) gets past Houston defensive back Jalen Emery (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jalon Daniels had three passing touchdowns, plus one on the ground, as Kansas broke a five-game losing streak with a 42-14 victory over Houston on Saturday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.The game marked Kansas' 112th Homecoming, though it wasn't played in-state because of reconstruction of KU's home stadium.“We were able to put pressure on the quarterback,” Kansas head coach Lance Leipold said of the difference between Saturday's game and the five previous games. “We were able to create a few turnovers and get some momentum."Offensively, we were able to take some shots and get the ball down the field."This team has been very fragile for a while, because we've been so close. For us to have a win of this margin is something we've been waiting for.”Cobee Bryant tied a Kansas record, set by Bill Crank in 1958, with three interceptions.“I was like, ‘Are you really throwing the ball to me?’,” Bryant said with a big smile on his face after the game. “He was just donating the ball to me.”Daniels was 16-of-21 passing for 247 yards for Kansas (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).“We probably played our best ball of the season, but I don't think we've played to our fullest potential,” Daniels said. “I still think there's a lot more to show.”Donovan Smith went 15 of 24 through the air for 173 yards, with two touchdowns and three picks for Houston (2-5, 1-3 Big 12).After a scoreless third quarter, Daniels' 8-yard touchdown put Kansas up 35-14 early in the fourth. Devin Neal scored his second touchdown for Kansas' final points.Kansas scored touchdowns on its first four drives to assume control. The Jayhawks took the opening kickoff and marched on a 15-play drive that took nearly 9 minutes to take an early 7-0 lead. The Jayhawks converted a fourth-and-1 at the Houston 4-yard line before Daniels hit Jared Casey on a 2-yard touchdown pass.“That nine-minute drive to start was about as good a start as we've had in a while,” Leipold said. “We were very methodical to start the game, especially after they deferred and gave us the football.”On the first play following an interception by Bryant, Daniels hit Quentin Skinner with a 48-yard bomb to extend the lead.“The Houston defense came out and tried to double team or triple team Luke Grimm a few times today,” Daniels said. “They were leaving a lot of one-on-ones with my other receivers. I'm always happy when one of my receivers gets to get out there and make a play.”On its third drive, KU went 84 yards on six plays, capped by a 2-yard run by Neal.Houston finally got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter when Smith hit Stacy Sneed on a screen and Sneed ran untouched for a 23-yard score.Daniels' third touchdown pass was a 3-yard strike to Casey to give Kansas a 28-7 lead. Smith hit Mekhi Mews on a 52-yard catch-and-run score right before halftime.THE TAKEAWAYHouston: The Cougars' first-half defense let them down. They came into the game third in the Big 12 in total yards allowed per game at 295.0, and they gave up 284 of their 467 total yards allowed in the first half.Kansas: The Jayhawks badly needed this victory to reach a third straight bowl game for the first time in program history. With games against No. 17 Kansas State, No. 9 Iowa State and No. 13 BYU in the next three games, they can afford just one more loss and achieve bowl eligibility.UP NEXTHouston: The Cougars will host Utah Oct. 26.Kansas: The Jayhawks travel to in-state rival Kansas State Oct. 26.

🏈 Jalon Daniels, Cobee Bryant lead Kansas past Houston 

The Junction City Blue Jays beat the Washburn Rural Junior Blues 17-0 on Friday night in Topeka.  

The scoring started late in the first quarter, thanks to a short field due to a Washburn Rural fumble. The Blue Jays were set up inside the red zone at the Rural 15-yard line. Junction City had fourth and goal from the two-yard line, and junior running back Justice Fonoti barreled his way into the endzone to give Junction City a 7-0 lead.  

Both offensives struggled to move the ball, and the first half featured several turnovers from both teams. 

The turning point in the game for the Blue Jays was when Washburn Rural had first and goal from the four-yard line following an interception. The Junction City defense held strong and the Junior Blues of Washburn Rural once again turned it over on downs. 

The only other scoring in the first half came courtesy of a Junction City field goal. Senior kicker Ethan Hileman connected on a 22-yard field goal into the wind.  Junction City led 10-0 at halftime. 

Both defenses stood firm in the second half. Washburn Rural drove down the field on their first drive of the second half but came up empty as Junction City's Lovell Autry blocked a 33-yard field goal attempt. 

The officials spotted the ball at the 20-yard line following the missed field goal, and the Blue Jay offense drove the ball down the field and junior Jamarcus Tyson found the endzone on a six-yard touchdown run. At this point, the Blue Jays led 17-0 and held on to win. 

For the first time this season, Junction City has won back-to-back games and their record improves to 3-4. The Blue Jays will travel to Emporia next week to wrap up their regular season.

By Anthony GorgesJC PostThe Junction City Blue Jays beat the Washburn Rural Junior Blues 17-0 on Friday night in Topeka. The scoring started late in the first quarter, thanks to a short field due to a Washburn Rural fumble. The Blue Jays were set up inside the red zone at the Rural 15-yard line. Junction City had fourth and goal from the two-yard line, and junior running back Justice Fonoti barreled his way into the endzone to give Junction City a 7-0 lead. Both offensives struggled to move the ball, and the first half featured several turnovers from both teams. The turning point in the game for the Blue Jays was when Washburn Rural had first and goal from the four-yard line following an interception. The Junction City defense held strong and the Junior Blues of Washburn Rural once again turned it over on downs. The only other scoring in the first half came courtesy of a Junction City field goal. Senior kicker Ethan Hileman connected on a 22-yard field goal into the wind. Junction City led 10-0 at halftime. Both defenses stood firm in the second half. Washburn Rural drove down the field on their first drive of the second half but came up empty as Junction City's Lovell Autry blocked a 33-yard field goal attempt. The officials spotted the ball at the 20-yard line following the missed field goal, and the Blue Jay offense drove the ball down the field and junior Jamarcus Tyson found the endzone on a six-yard touchdown run. At this point, the Blue Jays led 17-0 and held on to win. For the first time this season, Junction City has won back-to-back games and their record improves to 3-4. The Blue Jays will travel to Emporia next week to wrap up their regular season.

Junction City shuts out Washburn Rural

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23626&amp;type=Archive">Watch Conor Riley’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23625&amp;type=Archive">Watch Joe Klanderman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/coordinator-press-conference-october-17-2024/4910">Listen on Wildcats Uncut</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EumD2G5yXNgLSarXhsUzllnCQ7-ea9GjrtXuVomWN3U/edit#gid=0"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Conor Riley&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to the Wildcats’ contest at West Virginia on Saturday night inside Milan Puskar Stadium. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.

CONOR RILEY, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On DJ Giddens’ impact opening up plays…

“It’s pretty easy in those situations. Obviously, DJ had a phenomenal evening that night running the football. I think we looked, and he had 11 forced missed tackles in one game, which is pretty dynamic. It was pretty clear that early on we had to continue to feed him the football. Then, when you go through a situation when Ta’Quan (Roberson) came in and kind of eased him into that moment, when you have that tailback in the backfield, it certainly makes it a lot easier. It certainly does.”

On when he knew that DJ Giddens had great physical ability…

“I think we've known for a long time, that DJ has a tremendous amount of ability. One of the things that I'm so impressed with that we’ve always known is he's been able to run through an arm tackle. He's a very physical runner. There's one particular play where we ran a power play, and the flat-footed safety was right down in the hole. For him to make guys miss in the hole like he's making them miss in the hole, he just continues to improve on those things. You can go back to a year ago and I know we had challenged him pretty significantly going into the Central Florida game, is really where he began to gain more and more confidence, and it's just been building ever since.”

On facing West Virginia’s zone coverage…

“They're going to run a little bit more of zone coverage than what we saw this previous week. I think 99% of the country is going to show a little bit more zone coverage than what we saw this previous week. So, we're going to be prepared for both. They are very active up front. They have always been very active up front. I credit their head football coach (Neal Brown), I credit their defensive coordinator (Jordan Lesley), their defensive staff and their ability to do some things up front that are going to create the pressures where they don't necessarily feel all the time that they need to bring that fifth or sixth rusher. We ultimately need to be prepared to adapt and adjust no differently than we did this past Saturday night.”

On what is most impressive about the offense halfway in…

“Right now is our continued growth in the sense of maturity. I think we took a huge stride this past week. I know a week ago we discussed overcoming adversity while we're in the comfort and convenience of our own backyard. We've shown the ability to do that. When you look back at this past weekend and where we need to continue to grow and find the confidence, yet still not be overconfident. You can see we had some adversity in that particular game. Whether it be not starting out fast in the first series. You can look at them getting the lead and us responding. You can look at early on in the second half, our quarterback coming out for a handful, eight, maybe nine, plays. Then you can look at one point, if I'm not mistaken, up 21-7, and ultimately we were then down 28-24. You didn't see the guys get nervous. Granted, I'm not down on the sideline, but from what I'm told and from my vantage point, the guys responded really well. That is probably the most positive thing that I've seen with our group handling that environment. I think this was a big stride for us. I know that we had a few false starts, and I’ll credit their crowd and credit that environment. It was dynamic Saturday night, but that's where we have to continue to grow. We've got an opportunity on the road in another very challenging place to play this upcoming week.”

JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

On what he sees from West Virginia’s offense…

“I think they’re an efficient group. I think this is a group that can beat you in a lot of ways. They have a quarterback that can beat you running it, beat you throwing it. They have tremendous backs, great personnel up front, skilled tight ends, a good receiving core. This is a really good offense, and we have to figure out how they're going to try to attack us. So, that's the key because they have a lot of diversity in what they do.”

On if this will be the most mobile quarterback K-State will face…

“I would say so, and we’ve played some pretty good scrambling quarterbacks. Even last week, he was a great scrambling quarterback. The difference is Garrett Greene, when he's decides to go, he's just going to go. He's not going to hesitate and try to find some other option. When he decides, he's going to take off with the most decisiveness, probably, of anybody that we play. So, that's going to be a challenge of keeping him restrained in the run game.”

On giving up 300-yard passers in wins…

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23626&amp;type=Archive">Watch Conor Riley’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23625&amp;type=Archive">Watch Joe Klanderman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/coordinator-press-conference-october-17-2024/4910">Listen on Wildcats Uncut</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EumD2G5yXNgLSarXhsUzllnCQ7-ea9GjrtXuVomWN3U/edit#gid=0"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State offensive coordinator&nbsp;Conor Riley&nbsp;and defensive coordinator&nbsp;Joe Klanderman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Thursday at the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to the Wildcats’ contest at West Virginia on Saturday night inside Milan Puskar Stadium. Links to video and audio of both press conferences are above, and a transcript of select quotes are below.CONOR RILEY, OFFENSIVE COORDINATOROn DJ Giddens’ impact opening up plays…“It’s pretty easy in those situations. Obviously, DJ had a phenomenal evening that night running the football. I think we looked, and he had 11 forced missed tackles in one game, which is pretty dynamic. It was pretty clear that early on we had to continue to feed him the football. Then, when you go through a situation when Ta’Quan (Roberson) came in and kind of eased him into that moment, when you have that tailback in the backfield, it certainly makes it a lot easier. It certainly does.”On when he knew that DJ Giddens had great physical ability…“I think we've known for a long time, that DJ has a tremendous amount of ability. One of the things that I'm so impressed with that we’ve always known is he's been able to run through an arm tackle. He's a very physical runner. There's one particular play where we ran a power play, and the flat-footed safety was right down in the hole. For him to make guys miss in the hole like he's making them miss in the hole, he just continues to improve on those things. You can go back to a year ago and I know we had challenged him pretty significantly going into the Central Florida game, is really where he began to gain more and more confidence, and it's just been building ever since.”On facing West Virginia’s zone coverage…“They're going to run a little bit more of zone coverage than what we saw this previous week. I think 99% of the country is going to show a little bit more zone coverage than what we saw this previous week. So, we're going to be prepared for both. They are very active up front. They have always been very active up front. I credit their head football coach (Neal Brown), I credit their defensive coordinator (Jordan Lesley), their defensive staff and their ability to do some things up front that are going to create the pressures where they don't necessarily feel all the time that they need to bring that fifth or sixth rusher. We ultimately need to be prepared to adapt and adjust no differently than we did this past Saturday night.”On what is most impressive about the offense halfway in…“Right now is our continued growth in the sense of maturity. I think we took a huge stride this past week. I know a week ago we discussed overcoming adversity while we're in the comfort and convenience of our own backyard. We've shown the ability to do that. When you look back at this past weekend and where we need to continue to grow and find the confidence, yet still not be overconfident. You can see we had some adversity in that particular game. Whether it be not starting out fast in the first series. You can look at them getting the lead and us responding. You can look at early on in the second half, our quarterback coming out for a handful, eight, maybe nine, plays. Then you can look at one point, if I'm not mistaken, up 21-7, and ultimately we were then down 28-24. You didn't see the guys get nervous. Granted, I'm not down on the sideline, but from what I'm told and from my vantage point, the guys responded really well. That is probably the most positive thing that I've seen with our group handling that environment. I think this was a big stride for us. I know that we had a few false starts, and I’ll credit their crowd and credit that environment. It was dynamic Saturday night, but that's where we have to continue to grow. We've got an opportunity on the road in another very challenging place to play this upcoming week.”JOE KLANDERMAN, DEFENSIVE COORDINATOROn what he sees from West Virginia’s offense…“I think they’re an efficient group. I think this is a group that can beat you in a lot of ways. They have a quarterback that can beat you running it, beat you throwing it. They have tremendous backs, great personnel up front, skilled tight ends, a good receiving core. This is a really good offense, and we have to figure out how they're going to try to attack us. So, that's the key because they have a lot of diversity in what they do.”On if this will be the most mobile quarterback K-State will face…“I would say so, and we’ve played some pretty good scrambling quarterbacks. Even last week, he was a great scrambling quarterback. The difference is Garrett Greene, when he's decides to go, he's just going to go. He's not going to hesitate and try to find some other option. When he decides, he's going to take off with the most decisiveness, probably, of anybody that we play. So, that's going to be a challenge of keeping him restrained in the run game.”On giving up 300-yard passers in wins…“It bothers me, but at the same time, I think we're doing the right thing in taking away what needs to be taken away. That's Colorado's identity – when you drop back and throw it 60 times, you're going to get numbers. That's what it is. I think if you would have talked to me at halftime, I would have said we were doing a pretty good job in the pass game. Then in the second half, probably some technical things, more than anything, just breaking down. We gave up some bigger explosive plays. I don't think we're necessarily doing anything wrong. I think we just have to be a little bit more smooth when we do it.”On the different styles of West Virginia’s two running backs…“I don't think it changes what they do. I think they're comfortable running with either one of those backs. But, yeah, it's kind of like our attack here with thunder and lightning. The other running back, he's not a small guy by any means. I think he’s 197 pounds. He's just more of a jump cut, quick cut back type of a guy, whereas (CJ) Donaldson is going to be more of a power downhill in your face guy. Great compliments to each other. I think our guys will know who they're trying to tackle at all times, for sure. We’ll need to get a lot of bodies on those guys at all times.”On who he believes the most improved player on defense is…“Well, there are a number of candidates there. One guy that probably doesn't get a lot of attention but does a lot of things for us is Colby McCallister. He does a lot of dirty work, dirty roles, and doesn't get around the action as much just because he's doing his job. The probably more obvious answer is Austin Romaine from what he what he was a year ago. I think he's just in another stratosphere. You can make one more case up front in Damian Ilalio. I think Damian is playing at a really high level. He's a tough guy to move in there. So, I think we're getting better. I told the guys this on Monday – I felt like last year there was point in the year where we were pretty beat up and we kind of stagnated, I think, on defense. We had a couple really good games in the middle of the year, a couple shutouts or whatever. It was great. I feel like, with this group of guys, we’re getting better all the time at all three levels, and that's exciting. I think our best stuff is still in front of us. I don't think we have really touched our capabilities yet. So, hopefully we get a lot more names here for you in a couple weeks.”RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications