MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For the first time in school history, K-State Nation is headed to Florida for a bowl game, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will take place on Tuesday, December 28 at 4:45 p.m. (CT) and will air on ESPN.

K-State will be playing in the state of Florida for just the seventh time ever and the first since a 28-24 victory at Miami on September 24, 2011."We are thrilled to represent the Big 12 Conference in the Pop-Tarts Bowl," said K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/1976">Chris Klieman</a>, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to four bowl games in his first five seasons. "I am proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for keeping their heads down and grinding through this season. We appreciate Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan and his staff for their interest in us and look forward to heading to Orlando for the first time in school history and preparing for a great opponent in NC State."

The Wildcats finished No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25, a year after ranking No. 9 in the final poll. It marks the first time since 2011 and 2012 they finished ranked in the BCS or CFP Top 25. K-State, which finished with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big 12 action to tie for fourth in the conference, is among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th&nbsp;nationally and rank fourth in the Big 12 with 24. K-State will also be one of just 16 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the last 14 years.

"We are excited to be selected to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl," said Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor. "It will be a phenomenal opportunity for our fans and program as we travel to the state of Florida for the first time in our rich bowl history. We look forward to showcasing our football team and Kansas State University in Orlando, and I know our fans will continue to uphold their national reputation for traveling to bowl games when we head to the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Congratulations to our players and coaching staff for another great season as I know they are excited to end the year in this terrific bowl game."

Kansas State's eight-win regular season makes the Wildcats the only current Big 12 team with a three-year streak of winning at least eight games, while they are one of only 11 Power 5 teams to claim that feat. K-State's four losses in 2023 were by a combined 21 points as its 5.25 average margin of defeat this season is the smallest among three- and four-loss Power 5 teams.

Additionally, K-State enters bowl season as one of just 11 Power 5 teams ranked in the top 30 in both scoring offense (37.8 points per game) and scoring defense (21.2 points per game), as the Wildcats rank second in the Big 12 in each of those categories. Kansas State opened the 2023 campaign with a pair of home wins over SEMO and Troy – the latter being an 11-win Sun Belt Conference Champion – by a combined score of 87-13. The Wildcats closed non-conference play with a 30-27 loss at Missouri on an SEC-record 61-yard field goal, which propelled the Tigers throughout the season as they finished ninth in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Missouri will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

The Wildcats opened Big 12 play with a 44-31 home victory over UCF but dropped a 29-21 Friday-night contest at Oklahoma State, a team that went on to play for the Big 12 Championship. Sitting at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play, K-State won five of its final seven games, which included a road win at Texas Tech (38-21), back-to-back blowouts of TCU (41-3) and Houston (41-0), a 34-point victory over Baylor (59-25) and a come-from-behind 31-27 victory at then-No. 25 Kansas, the Wildcats' 15th-straight victory over its in-state rival. The first of just two losses over the final half of the season was at Texas, a game in which K-State battled back from a 27-7 deficit to force overtime before eventually falling to the playoff-bound Longhorns, 33-30. The other loss was a 42-35 home setback to Iowa State in a snowy battle in the final regular-season game. K-State and NC State will meet on the gridiron for the first time ever, while it will be the Wildcats' first game against a current ACC member since a 52-13 home victory over Miami. 

The 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl will be the first time ever the Wildcats will play a bowl game against a team in the ACC at the time of the game. K-State did defeat current ACC member Syracuse, 35-18, in the 1997 Fiesta Bowl and lost to the Orange in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl and 2010 Pinstripe Bowl when it was a member of the Big East, while the Wildcats lost another Big East-turned-ACC member Boston College in the 1994 Aloha Bowl.NC State finished the regular season with a 9-3 overall record and 6-2 ACC record to finish third in the conference. 

The Wolfpack enters the Pop-Tarts Bowl on a five-game winning streak, including a 24-17 win over Clemson, which finished at No. 23 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25.Tickets in the official K-State sections are available now online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame">www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame</a>&nbsp;and via phone beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Remaining tickets in the official K-State sections are priced by the bowl beginning at $45 and up to $170. Tickets in some sections were sold out through pre-orders. All Ahearn Fund members and fans who pre-ordered tickets will receive communication with information regarding their requests by the end of the day. K-State students will receive information regarding student tickets via email today.

The K-State Alumni Association will also provide official travel packages to the bowl game. Visit the Alumni Association's official bowl travel page –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesportstours.com/">www.k-statesportstours.com</a>&nbsp;– for travel package information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701640343070.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For the first time in school history, K-State Nation is headed to Florida for a bowl game, as Kansas State officials announced Sunday afternoon that the Wildcats have accepted an invitation to play No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl inside Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will take place on Tuesday, December 28 at 4:45 p.m. (CT) and will air on ESPN.K-State will be playing in the state of Florida for just the seventh time ever and the first since a 28-24 victory at Miami on September 24, 2011."We are thrilled to represent the Big 12 Conference in the Pop-Tarts Bowl," said K-State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-klieman/1976">Chris Klieman</a>, the first head coach in school history to lead his team to four bowl games in his first five seasons. "I am proud of our team, especially our seniors, and our staff for keeping their heads down and grinding through this season. We appreciate Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan and his staff for their interest in us and look forward to heading to Orlando for the first time in school history and preparing for a great opponent in NC State."The Wildcats finished No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25, a year after ranking No. 9 in the final poll. It marks the first time since 2011 and 2012 they finished ranked in the BCS or CFP Top 25. K-State, which finished with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big 12 action to tie for fourth in the conference, is among the nation's leaders in bowl appearances since 1993 as the Wildcats are tied for 16th&nbsp;nationally and rank fourth in the Big 12 with 24. K-State will also be one of just 16 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the last 14 years."We are excited to be selected to play in the Pop Tarts Bowl," said Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor. "It will be a phenomenal opportunity for our fans and program as we travel to the state of Florida for the first time in our rich bowl history. We look forward to showcasing our football team and Kansas State University in Orlando, and I know our fans will continue to uphold their national reputation for traveling to bowl games when we head to the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Congratulations to our players and coaching staff for another great season as I know they are excited to end the year in this terrific bowl game."Kansas State's eight-win regular season makes the Wildcats the only current Big 12 team with a three-year streak of winning at least eight games, while they are one of only 11 Power 5 teams to claim that feat. K-State's four losses in 2023 were by a combined 21 points as its 5.25 average margin of defeat this season is the smallest among three- and four-loss Power 5 teams.Additionally, K-State enters bowl season as one of just 11 Power 5 teams ranked in the top 30 in both scoring offense (37.8 points per game) and scoring defense (21.2 points per game), as the Wildcats rank second in the Big 12 in each of those categories. Kansas State opened the 2023 campaign with a pair of home wins over SEMO and Troy – the latter being an 11-win Sun Belt Conference Champion – by a combined score of 87-13. The Wildcats closed non-conference play with a 30-27 loss at Missouri on an SEC-record 61-yard field goal, which propelled the Tigers throughout the season as they finished ninth in the final College Football Playoff Top 25. Missouri will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.The Wildcats opened Big 12 play with a 44-31 home victory over UCF but dropped a 29-21 Friday-night contest at Oklahoma State, a team that went on to play for the Big 12 Championship. Sitting at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big 12 play, K-State won five of its final seven games, which included a road win at Texas Tech (38-21), back-to-back blowouts of TCU (41-3) and Houston (41-0), a 34-point victory over Baylor (59-25) and a come-from-behind 31-27 victory at then-No. 25 Kansas, the Wildcats' 15th-straight victory over its in-state rival. The first of just two losses over the final half of the season was at Texas, a game in which K-State battled back from a 27-7 deficit to force overtime before eventually falling to the playoff-bound Longhorns, 33-30. The other loss was a 42-35 home setback to Iowa State in a snowy battle in the final regular-season game. K-State and NC State will meet on the gridiron for the first time ever, while it will be the Wildcats' first game against a current ACC member since a 52-13 home victory over Miami. The 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl will be the first time ever the Wildcats will play a bowl game against a team in the ACC at the time of the game. K-State did defeat current ACC member Syracuse, 35-18, in the 1997 Fiesta Bowl and lost to the Orange in the 2001 Insight.com Bowl and 2010 Pinstripe Bowl when it was a member of the Big East, while the Wildcats lost another Big East-turned-ACC member Boston College in the 1994 Aloha Bowl.NC State finished the regular season with a 9-3 overall record and 6-2 ACC record to finish third in the conference. The Wolfpack enters the Pop-Tarts Bowl on a five-game winning streak, including a 24-17 win over Clemson, which finished at No. 23 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25.Tickets in the official K-State sections are available now online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame">www.kstatesports.com/bowlgame</a>&nbsp;and via phone beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday. Remaining tickets in the official K-State sections are priced by the bowl beginning at $45 and up to $170. Tickets in some sections were sold out through pre-orders. All Ahearn Fund members and fans who pre-ordered tickets will receive communication with information regarding their requests by the end of the day. K-State students will receive information regarding student tickets via email today.The K-State Alumni Association will also provide official travel packages to the bowl game. Visit the Alumni Association's official bowl travel page –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesportstours.com/">www.k-statesportstours.com</a>&nbsp;– for travel package information.

K-State to play in Pop-Tarts Bowl against NC State

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Making their second bowl appearance in as many seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks will play the UNLV Rebels in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, December 26. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. CT inside Chase Field – the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks — and will air on ESPN.

The bowl appearance will be Kansas’ 14th&nbsp;in program history, as the Jayhawks make their second consecutive bowl game for just the second time in program history. This year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be Kansas’ second appearance in the bowl, after playing in the 2008 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, resulting in a 42-21 victory over Minnesota.

Kansas and UNLV will meet for the third time in the series history, as the two teams played in a home-and-home series in 2002 and 2003. Kansas won the most recent meeting in 2003, 46-24, while UNLV won the inaugural matchup in Las Vegas in 2022, 31-20.

The Jayhawks enter the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl with their best regular season record since 2007, finishing 8-4 (5-4 Big 12) in its their third year under head coach Lance Leipold.

Kansas opened the season with a 4-0 start for the second-straight season, rattling off wins against Missouri State (48-17), Illinois (34-23), at Nevada (31-24) and BYU (38-27). Kansas suffered its first lost at No. 3 Texas on Sept. 30, 40-14.

The Jayhawks returned home on Oct. 7 and rushed for 399 yards to defeat UCF, 51-22 for its fifth win. Two weeks later, Kansas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma on Homecoming, 38-33, marking its first win over a top-10 team in Lawrence since 1984, while becoming bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season.

Kansas closed out its regular season with two road wins over its final four games, including a thrilling 28-21 victory over Iowa State in Ames on Nov. 4. Following two-straight losses at home, the Jayhawks completed its regular season with a 49-16 win over Cincinnati on Nov. 25.

The five Big 12 Conference wins for the Jayhawks were the most since the 2007 season, while Kansas reached eight wins for the 15th&nbsp;time in program history.

The Jayhawks will enter the Guaranteed Rate Bowl with the No. 4 total defense in the Big 12, allowing an average of 377.6 yards per game. Kansas’ offense averages 33.6 points per game, which enters bowl game ranked 29th&nbsp;nationally.

UNLV enters the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at 9-4 including a 6-2 record in Mountain West Conference play. The Rebels advanced to the Mountain West Championship, falling to Boise State, 44-20, on Dec. 2.

<figure>
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 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Making their second bowl appearance in as many seasons, the Kansas Jayhawks will play the UNLV Rebels in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, December 26. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. CT inside Chase Field – the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks — and will air on ESPN.The bowl appearance will be Kansas’ 14th&nbsp;in program history, as the Jayhawks make their second consecutive bowl game for just the second time in program history. This year’s Guaranteed Rate Bowl will be Kansas’ second appearance in the bowl, after playing in the 2008 Insight Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, resulting in a 42-21 victory over Minnesota.Kansas and UNLV will meet for the third time in the series history, as the two teams played in a home-and-home series in 2002 and 2003. Kansas won the most recent meeting in 2003, 46-24, while UNLV won the inaugural matchup in Las Vegas in 2022, 31-20.The Jayhawks enter the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl with their best regular season record since 2007, finishing 8-4 (5-4 Big 12) in its their third year under head coach Lance Leipold.Kansas opened the season with a 4-0 start for the second-straight season, rattling off wins against Missouri State (48-17), Illinois (34-23), at Nevada (31-24) and BYU (38-27). Kansas suffered its first lost at No. 3 Texas on Sept. 30, 40-14.The Jayhawks returned home on Oct. 7 and rushed for 399 yards to defeat UCF, 51-22 for its fifth win. Two weeks later, Kansas defeated No. 6 Oklahoma on Homecoming, 38-33, marking its first win over a top-10 team in Lawrence since 1984, while becoming bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season.Kansas closed out its regular season with two road wins over its final four games, including a thrilling 28-21 victory over Iowa State in Ames on Nov. 4. Following two-straight losses at home, the Jayhawks completed its regular season with a 49-16 win over Cincinnati on Nov. 25.The five Big 12 Conference wins for the Jayhawks were the most since the 2007 season, while Kansas reached eight wins for the 15th&nbsp;time in program history.The Jayhawks will enter the Guaranteed Rate Bowl with the No. 4 total defense in the Big 12, allowing an average of 377.6 yards per game. Kansas’ offense averages 33.6 points per game, which enters bowl game ranked 29th&nbsp;nationally.UNLV enters the Guaranteed Rate Bowl at 9-4 including a 6-2 record in Mountain West Conference play. The Rebels advanced to the Mountain West Championship, falling to Boise State, 44-20, on Dec. 2.

KU to play UNLV in Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26

NEW YORK (AP) —Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama were selected to the College Football Playoff on Sunday, making Florida State the first unbeaten Power Five conference champion to be excluded from the four-team field.

The final season of the four-team playoff before it expands to 12 next year presented the CFP selection committee with its toughest decision in the 10-year history of the postseason system.

The Seminoles (13-0) lost star quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending injury two weeks ago, but continued to win with a backup and then a third-string quarterback. But the committee is instructed to judge the teams for what they are heading into the playoff and decided FSU without Travis was not among the best four in the country.

Michigan will face Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington will play Texas in the Sugar Bowl in the Jan. 1 CFP semifinals. The national championship will be decided Jan. 8 against Houston.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

The four-team version of the College Football Playoff is going out with drama and controversy.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-playoff-championship-saturday-84e1b7f383307b7d91fc122ef8893389">Championship weekend created as many questions as answers</a>&nbsp;for the CFP committee and the selections Sunday will be the first in the 10-year history of the system where the field is truly hard to predict.

No. 2 Michigan (13-0) and No. 3 Washington (13-0) appear to be safely in. There are three — and maybe even four — teams in contention for the final two spots that in most years would have cruised into the CFP.

Not this year. And it won't be a problem next year when the playoff expands to 12 teams.

No. 4 Florida State (13-0), No. 7 Texas (12-1) and No. 8 Alabama (12-1) gave the 13-member committee a lot to think about Saturday night.

The Seminoles finished a perfect regular season with an Atlantic Coast Conference championship, leaning on their defense&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-state-louisville-acc-championship-score-d5c42a5a565809f6defd2ab946c6b34f">to beat No. 15 Louisville</a>&nbsp;while playing a third-string, freshman quarterback.

No unbeaten Power Five champion has ever been left out of the CFP, but with injured star quarterback Jordan Travis out for the season is Florida State really one of the four best teams?

“It’s entertaining to have the conversations, but I don’t think you need a conversation," Florida State coach Mike Norvell told reporters. "This is a team that is deserving. This is a team that earned it.”

Here are few other things that have never happened before that very well might Sunday.

— The No. 1 team heading into championship weekend had never missed the CFP, even with a loss.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-sec-championship-score-2cc4fa17be895cf367a1cd1479f45dff">After losing to Alabama,</a>&nbsp;top-ranked Georgia's quest to become the first team to win three straight national titles is in critical condition.

“When you talk about the four best teams, watch the game,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “Go ask the NFL talent evaluators. Go ask NFL scouts. It’s about the best teams.”

The Bulldogs (12-1) had a 29-game winning streak snapped in the Southeastern Conference championship game, but they might not even be a big part of the committee's discussion for one of the final two spots.

— No team ranked outside the top six of the second-to-last CFP rankings has ever jumped into the final four. Both Alabama and Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-championship-football-score-texas-oklahoma-state-b3dc2af3ee756ecf4e0c4b5d6e5d2d0f">which romped over No. 19 Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;in the Big 12 championship game, have a chance to make that leap Sunday.

— The SEC champion has never been left out of the College Football Playoff. Six times the CFP champion has been from the SEC and twice the conference has had both participants in the title game.

"So we’re the best teams, and do we want the best teams?” Smart asked.

The only thing that is certain heading into college football's selection Sunday is that a few fanbases are bound to be unhappy with the committee's choices.

NEW YORK (AP) —Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama were selected to the College Football Playoff on Sunday, making Florida State the first unbeaten Power Five conference champion to be excluded from the four-team field.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> Semifinal at the Allstate <a href="https://twitter.com/SugarBowlNola?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SugarBowlNola</a> 2️⃣. Washington // <a href="https://twitter.com/UW_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UW_Football</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoHuskies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoHuskies</a> 🆚 3️⃣. Texas // <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TexasFootball</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HookEm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HookEm</a> Monday, January 1. Will we see the Huskies or the Longhorns in the 2024 College Football Playoff <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalChampionship</a>? 🏈🏆 <a href="https://t.co/awagPMJi0d">pic.twitter.com/awagPMJi0d</a>&mdash; College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/1731367225708167352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The final season of the four-team playoff before it expands to 12 next year presented the CFP selection committee with its toughest decision in the 10-year history of the postseason system.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFBPlayoff?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFBPlayoff</a> Semifinal at the <a href="https://twitter.com/rosebowlgame?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rosebowlgame</a> presented by Prudential 1️⃣. Michigan // <a href="https://twitter.com/UMichFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UMichFootball</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBlue</a> 🆚 4️⃣. Alabama // <a href="https://twitter.com/AlabamaFTBL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlabamaFTBL</a> // <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RollTide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RollTide</a> Monday, January 1. Will we see the Wolverines or the Crimson Tide in the 2024 CFP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalChampionship?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalChampionship</a>? 🏈🏆 <a href="https://t.co/tmQHfm5qxv">pic.twitter.com/tmQHfm5qxv</a>&mdash; College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/1731366938738057474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Seminoles (13-0) lost star quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending injury two weeks ago, but continued to win with a backup and then a third-string quarterback. But the committee is instructed to judge the teams for what they are heading into the playoff and decided FSU without Travis was not among the best four in the country.Michigan will face Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington will play Texas in the Sugar Bowl in the Jan. 1 CFP semifinals. The national championship will be decided Jan. 8 against Houston.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.The four-team version of the College Football Playoff is going out with drama and controversy.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-playoff-championship-saturday-84e1b7f383307b7d91fc122ef8893389">Championship weekend created as many questions as answers</a>&nbsp;for the CFP committee and the selections Sunday will be the first in the 10-year history of the system where the field is truly hard to predict.No. 2 Michigan (13-0) and No. 3 Washington (13-0) appear to be safely in. There are three — and maybe even four — teams in contention for the final two spots that in most years would have cruised into the CFP.Not this year. And it won't be a problem next year when the playoff expands to 12 teams.No. 4 Florida State (13-0), No. 7 Texas (12-1) and No. 8 Alabama (12-1) gave the 13-member committee a lot to think about Saturday night.The Seminoles finished a perfect regular season with an Atlantic Coast Conference championship, leaning on their defense&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-state-louisville-acc-championship-score-d5c42a5a565809f6defd2ab946c6b34f">to beat No. 15 Louisville</a>&nbsp;while playing a third-string, freshman quarterback.No unbeaten Power Five champion has ever been left out of the CFP, but with injured star quarterback Jordan Travis out for the season is Florida State really one of the four best teams?“It’s entertaining to have the conversations, but I don’t think you need a conversation," Florida State coach Mike Norvell told reporters. "This is a team that is deserving. This is a team that earned it.”Here are few other things that have never happened before that very well might Sunday.— The No. 1 team heading into championship weekend had never missed the CFP, even with a loss.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/georgia-alabama-sec-championship-score-2cc4fa17be895cf367a1cd1479f45dff">After losing to Alabama,</a>&nbsp;top-ranked Georgia's quest to become the first team to win three straight national titles is in critical condition.“When you talk about the four best teams, watch the game,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “Go ask the NFL talent evaluators. Go ask NFL scouts. It’s about the best teams.”The Bulldogs (12-1) had a 29-game winning streak snapped in the Southeastern Conference championship game, but they might not even be a big part of the committee's discussion for one of the final two spots.— No team ranked outside the top six of the second-to-last CFP rankings has ever jumped into the final four. Both Alabama and Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/big-12-championship-football-score-texas-oklahoma-state-b3dc2af3ee756ecf4e0c4b5d6e5d2d0f">which romped over No. 19 Oklahoma State</a>&nbsp;in the Big 12 championship game, have a chance to make that leap Sunday.— The SEC champion has never been left out of the College Football Playoff. Six times the CFP champion has been from the SEC and twice the conference has had both participants in the title game."So we’re the best teams, and do we want the best teams?” Smart asked.The only thing that is certain heading into college football's selection Sunday is that a few fanbases are bound to be unhappy with the committee's choices.___

Michigan vs Alabama, Washington vs. Texas in College Football Playoff

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 16 points and his late 3-pointer forced overtime and Kansas State fought off North Alabama's upset attempt, defeating the Lions 75-74 on Saturday.

Cam Carter scored 14 points, Arthur Kaluma and David N'Guessan scored 12 apiece and reserve Jerrell Colbert 10 for the Wildcats.

Detalian Brown scored 19 points, Jacari Lane scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds and Tim Smith Jr. scored 15 points for North Alabama. Damian Forrest grabbed 10 rebounds and the Lions outrebounded Kansas St. 43-36.

Perry's 3-pointer with eight seconds left in regulation tied it at 65. Up by three, the Lions' Detalian Brown missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 16 seconds left before Perry's shot. Brown's open baseline 3 attempt with 0.7 seconds left hit the top of the backboard to force overtime.

David N'Guessan's layup to start the extra session put Kansas State ahead 67-65, its first lead since Colbert made 1-of-2 foul shots to make it 18-16 with 5:34 remaining before halftime. North Alabama's Forrest followed with a three-point play with 5:15 before halftime and North Alabama stayed ahead until Perry's late 3.

The Lions led 31-23 at halftime and pushed the lead to 13 when Lane made a layup and Brown added a 3-pointer for a 36-23 advantage. Kansas State responded with a 10-0 run and got within three on Colbert's layup with 15:19 left.

Kansas State needed an extra session at home on Tuesday night when it beat Oral Roberts 88-78. Kansas State (6-2) is 3-0 in overtime games this season and 8-0 in extra session games under second-year coach Jerome Tang.

Kansas State hosts No. 18 Villanova on Tuesday in the Big East/Big 12 Battle.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701555636304.png" alt="Photo KSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo KSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry scored 16 points and his late 3-pointer forced overtime and Kansas State fought off North Alabama's upset attempt, defeating the Lions 75-74 on Saturday.Cam Carter scored 14 points, Arthur Kaluma and David N'Guessan scored 12 apiece and reserve Jerrell Colbert 10 for the Wildcats.Detalian Brown scored 19 points, Jacari Lane scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds and Tim Smith Jr. scored 15 points for North Alabama. Damian Forrest grabbed 10 rebounds and the Lions outrebounded Kansas St. 43-36.Perry's 3-pointer with eight seconds left in regulation tied it at 65. Up by three, the Lions' Detalian Brown missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 16 seconds left before Perry's shot. Brown's open baseline 3 attempt with 0.7 seconds left hit the top of the backboard to force overtime.David N'Guessan's layup to start the extra session put Kansas State ahead 67-65, its first lead since Colbert made 1-of-2 foul shots to make it 18-16 with 5:34 remaining before halftime. North Alabama's Forrest followed with a three-point play with 5:15 before halftime and North Alabama stayed ahead until Perry's late 3.The Lions led 31-23 at halftime and pushed the lead to 13 when Lane made a layup and Brown added a 3-pointer for a 36-23 advantage. Kansas State responded with a 10-0 run and got within three on Colbert's layup with 15:19 left.Kansas State needed an extra session at home on Tuesday night when it beat Oral Roberts 88-78. Kansas State (6-2) is 3-0 in overtime games this season and 8-0 in extra session games under second-year coach Jerome Tang.Kansas State hosts No. 18 Villanova on Tuesday in the Big East/Big 12 Battle.

K-State defeats North Alabama in overtime

After completing a clean sweep of McPherson College on Wednesday (WBB: 59-47, MBB: 76-69), the Kansas Wesleyan will return to Salina to square off with the Bethany Swedes.

After completing a clean sweep of McPherson College on Wednesday (WBB: 59-47, MBB: 76-69), the Kansas Wesleyan will return to Salina to square off with the Bethany Swedes.LIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage can be heard locally on KINA 910 AM/107.5 FM, and online at Salina Post.&nbsp;The online stream is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>.&nbsp;Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson will have the call with pregame starting at 4:30 on Saturday.</li>
 </ul>RECORDS&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan WBB 4-5, 2-1 KCAC</li><li>Bethany WBB 4-5, 2-1 KCAC</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan MBB 5-4, 2-1 KCAC</li><li>Bethany MBB 2-4, 1-2 KCAC </li>
 </ul>THE SERIES&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Bethany's women won both games last season 74-64 November 16 in Mabee Arena and 62-56 January 18 in Lindsborg.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The Coyotes and Swedes are 3-3 in the last six games but KWU has a won eight of the last 11. Wesleyan won 62-54 last November in Mabee Arena; Bethany prevailed 87-55 last January in Lindsborg. The Coyotes have a 20-18 advantage since December, 2005.</li>
 </ul>

Coyotes Return to Mabee this Saturday to Host Bethany on KINA

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Students began camping at Allen Fieldhouse more than two days early, and by Friday night the line for the rest of the fans to get into the historic building for this UConn-Kansas showdown snaked its way for what seemed like a mile.

The matchup between the past two national champions lived up to expectations.

In a back-and-forth game that was part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle, the No. 5 Jayhawks allowed a big early advantage to slip away, then roared back down the stretch. Kevin McCullar Jr. buried back-to-back 3-pointers to give Kansas the lead again in the closing minutes, and KJ Adams Jr. made two free throws in the final seconds to hold off the fourth-ranked Huskies, 69-65.

“That's big-time college basketball,” said McCullar, who finished with 21 points. “We've been in these moments multiple times. We just wanted to stay composed. We knew they were going to make a run and the last few minutes, we made our push.”

Kansas (7-1) could have taken some of the drama out of the final minute, when the Huskies (7-1) were forced to foul, but Adams and Dajuan Harris Jr. were only able to make one of their four free throws, and that gave UConn a chance.

The defending NCAA champions raced down the floor and Cam Spencer got a good look at a potential go-ahead 3, but his shot came up short and Adams grabbed the rebound. He was fouled, and this time Adams — whose mother, Yvonne, died just two weeks ago — made both foul shots with 2.4 seconds left to clinch the win.

“He was playing for a lot more than Kansas tonight,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I thought KJ was great.”

Hunter Dickinson had 15 points and nine rebounds, and Adams finished with 18 points to help the Jayhawks end the Huskies' 13-game win streak and their remarkable run of 24 consecutive nonconference victories by double digits — a Division I record.

Tristen Newton hit a career-high six 3s and scored 31 points for the Huskies, but got little help from the rest of their offense. Donovan Clingan, who banged with fellow 7-foot-2 center Dickinson all night, was held to eight points and seven boards.

“Just like Kansas, at UConn we don't do the moral victories or silver linings,” Huskies coach Dan Hurley said. “Tristen carried us tonight. That was a virtuoso performance. I thought the program and our guys showed a champion's heart by putting ourselves in position to have a 3 to steal it, and get out of here with a win.”

Rarely do blueblood programs play each other in nonconference games on campus these days, and that was a big reason for the fevered pitch before tipoff. Even noted Kansas fan Jason Sudeikis was in the stands.

Kansas raced to a 16-5 lead by the time the game was five minutes old, ratcheting up what already was a deafening roar inside the Phog. And every time the Huskies — or more accurately, Newton — made a 3-pointer to cut into the lead, the Jayhawks were able to get into transition against one of the nation's top scoring teams for another easy basket.

“I don't think the crowd really affected us,” Newton insisted afterward. “We just came out flat.”

Kansas had chances to deliver a knockout blow, leading by as many as 12 with the ball, but couldn't quite land it. Newton took advantage, scoring the final five points of the first half to trim the Jayhawks' lead to 38-31 at the break.

UConn kept coming, scoring the first five of the second half and setting up the heavyweight fight everyone expected.

The Huskies took their first lead when Newton beat the shot clock with a 3-pointer with 10 1/2 minutes to go, then he drilled another one on their next trip down the floor. Kansas answered when Adams got a floater to go in the lane, then McCullar hit his back-to-back 3s and Dickinson one of his own to give the Jayhawks a 61-54 lead with less than four minutes to go.

Alex Karaban gave the Huskies hope with a 3-pointer, only to foul out moments later. That forced him to watch, like more than 16,000 fans packed to the rafters, as two of college basketball's titans went shot-for-shot over the final couple of minutes.

“We'll get low after this one,” Hurley said. “We're not accustomed to losing where we have the program at. Our expectation of tonight's game — it was going to be really, really hard. There's not many teams in the country in this kind of showdown.”

UConn played again without five-star prospect Stephon Castle, who had missed the last five games with a knee injury but was hoping to be back for the Jayhawks. Then their backcourt took another hit when Spencer came up limping early, though he was able to return. He finished with six points on 2-for-12 shooting.

UConn plays No. 17 North Carolina on Tuesday night in New York.

Kansas plays Kansas City on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701493845256.png" alt="Photo University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Students began camping at Allen Fieldhouse more than two days early, and by Friday night the line for the rest of the fans to get into the historic building for this UConn-Kansas showdown snaked its way for what seemed like a mile.The matchup between the past two national champions lived up to expectations.In a back-and-forth game that was part of the Big East-Big 12 Battle, the No. 5 Jayhawks allowed a big early advantage to slip away, then roared back down the stretch. Kevin McCullar Jr. buried back-to-back 3-pointers to give Kansas the lead again in the closing minutes, and KJ Adams Jr. made two free throws in the final seconds to hold off the fourth-ranked Huskies, 69-65.“That's big-time college basketball,” said McCullar, who finished with 21 points. “We've been in these moments multiple times. We just wanted to stay composed. We knew they were going to make a run and the last few minutes, we made our push.”Kansas (7-1) could have taken some of the drama out of the final minute, when the Huskies (7-1) were forced to foul, but Adams and Dajuan Harris Jr. were only able to make one of their four free throws, and that gave UConn a chance.The defending NCAA champions raced down the floor and Cam Spencer got a good look at a potential go-ahead 3, but his shot came up short and Adams grabbed the rebound. He was fouled, and this time Adams — whose mother, Yvonne, died just two weeks ago — made both foul shots with 2.4 seconds left to clinch the win.“He was playing for a lot more than Kansas tonight,” Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I thought KJ was great.”Hunter Dickinson had 15 points and nine rebounds, and Adams finished with 18 points to help the Jayhawks end the Huskies' 13-game win streak and their remarkable run of 24 consecutive nonconference victories by double digits — a Division I record.Tristen Newton hit a career-high six 3s and scored 31 points for the Huskies, but got little help from the rest of their offense. Donovan Clingan, who banged with fellow 7-foot-2 center Dickinson all night, was held to eight points and seven boards.“Just like Kansas, at UConn we don't do the moral victories or silver linings,” Huskies coach Dan Hurley said. “Tristen carried us tonight. That was a virtuoso performance. I thought the program and our guys showed a champion's heart by putting ourselves in position to have a 3 to steal it, and get out of here with a win.”Rarely do blueblood programs play each other in nonconference games on campus these days, and that was a big reason for the fevered pitch before tipoff. Even noted Kansas fan Jason Sudeikis was in the stands.Kansas raced to a 16-5 lead by the time the game was five minutes old, ratcheting up what already was a deafening roar inside the Phog. And every time the Huskies — or more accurately, Newton — made a 3-pointer to cut into the lead, the Jayhawks were able to get into transition against one of the nation's top scoring teams for another easy basket.“I don't think the crowd really affected us,” Newton insisted afterward. “We just came out flat.”Kansas had chances to deliver a knockout blow, leading by as many as 12 with the ball, but couldn't quite land it. Newton took advantage, scoring the final five points of the first half to trim the Jayhawks' lead to 38-31 at the break.UConn kept coming, scoring the first five of the second half and setting up the heavyweight fight everyone expected.The Huskies took their first lead when Newton beat the shot clock with a 3-pointer with 10 1/2 minutes to go, then he drilled another one on their next trip down the floor. Kansas answered when Adams got a floater to go in the lane, then McCullar hit his back-to-back 3s and Dickinson one of his own to give the Jayhawks a 61-54 lead with less than four minutes to go.Alex Karaban gave the Huskies hope with a 3-pointer, only to foul out moments later. That forced him to watch, like more than 16,000 fans packed to the rafters, as two of college basketball's titans went shot-for-shot over the final couple of minutes.“We'll get low after this one,” Hurley said. “We're not accustomed to losing where we have the program at. Our expectation of tonight's game — it was going to be really, really hard. There's not many teams in the country in this kind of showdown.”HURT HUSKIESUConn played again without five-star prospect Stephon Castle, who had missed the last five games with a knee injury but was hoping to be back for the Jayhawks. Then their backcourt took another hit when Spencer came up limping early, though he was able to return. He finished with six points on 2-for-12 shooting.UP NEXTUConn plays No. 17 North Carolina on Tuesday night in New York.Kansas plays Kansas City on Tuesday night.

Kansas beats UConn in showdown of past 2 NCAA champions

The Junction City High School Lady Jays fall in their season opener against the Lady Panthers by a final score of 65 to 26.&nbsp; The Lady Jays were lead in scoring by freshman Makenna Hatcher, with 9 points in her varsity debut.

The Junction City High School Blue Jays defeated Great Bend in overtime, 66 to 63.&nbsp; The Blue Jays had 3 players score in double-digits: Larkin Turner (15), Michael Boganowski (15), and Jackson Austin (14).&nbsp; It was a tale of two halves for the Blue Jays.&nbsp; Junction&nbsp; City was, at one point, trailing by 14 points, but prevail to win in overtime.

Next action for both boys and girls will be in at Salina South High School Tuesday, December 5th.&nbsp; Both games can be heard on 107.9/1420 KJCK.

The Junction City High School Lady Jays fall in their season opener against the Lady Panthers by a final score of 65 to 26.&nbsp; The Lady Jays were lead in scoring by freshman Makenna Hatcher, with 9 points in her varsity debut.The Junction City High School Blue Jays defeated Great Bend in overtime, 66 to 63.&nbsp; The Blue Jays had 3 players score in double-digits: Larkin Turner (15), Michael Boganowski (15), and Jackson Austin (14).&nbsp; It was a tale of two halves for the Blue Jays.&nbsp; Junction&nbsp; City was, at one point, trailing by 14 points, but prevail to win in overtime.Next action for both boys and girls will be in at Salina South High School Tuesday, December 5th.&nbsp; Both games can be heard on 107.9/1420 KJCK.

Junction City Blue Jay Basketball Splits with Great Bend Panthers

Several Junction
City High School Blue Jay football players received all-league honors from the
Centennial League for the 2023 high school football season. 


All Junction City
award winners are listed below. 


Michael Boganowski – Defensive player of the year in the
Centennial League

By Anthony GorgesJC PostSeveral Junction
City High School Blue Jay football players received all-league honors from the
Centennial League for the 2023 high school football season. 
All Junction City
award winners are listed below. 
Offensive
awardsOffensive
Line awardsPetren Bartolome -
1st team 
Ryan McCreath - 1st
team 
Dorian Coleman - 2nd
teamRunning Back
awardsMalaki Daniels - 1st
team 
Cooper Bogenahgen -
2nd team 
Quarterback
AwardBrock Bazan –
Honorable Mention 
Wide Receiver
AwardsMichael Boganowski -
2nd teamJamarcus Vornes –
Honorable MentionDefensive
awards
Michael Boganowski – Defensive player of the year in the
Centennial LeagueDefensive
Line Awards
Hayden Puryear - 1st team
Justice Fonoti – Honorable Mention
Damarion Shaw – Honorable mentionLinebacker
Awards
Cooper Bogenhagen - 1st team 

Malaki Daniels - 2nd team 

Jeremiah Ragin – Honorable Mention 
Defensive
Back Awards
Michael Boganowski - 1st team 

Jalen Morgan - 2nd team 

Lovell Autry – Honorable Mention 
Special
Teams AwardsKicker
Award
Ethan Hileman - 2nd team 
Returner
Award
Michael Boganowski - 1st team

Blue Jay football players receive All Centennial League Honors

Junction City Blue Jay and Lady Jay varsity wrestling teams defeated Topeka West Thursday night in the capitol city.

In girls action the Lady Jays defeated Topeka West 54-18 while the Blue Jay boys were 57-6 winners.&nbsp;

Lady Jay winners included Elaina Twitty at 135 pounds, Aziah Clark 170 and Tiamoye Brown at 190 pounds.&nbsp;

Blue Jay boys winners were Damien Davis at 144 pounds, Mason Pilling 150, Josh Brookstone 165, Chance Tyson 138, Avery Florence 285 and&nbsp; Dylan Todd at 157 pounds.

The JCHS squads will host 8-team dual wrestling tournaments on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostJunction City Blue Jay and Lady Jay varsity wrestling teams defeated Topeka West Thursday night in the capitol city.In girls action the Lady Jays defeated Topeka West 54-18 while the Blue Jay boys were 57-6 winners.&nbsp;Lady Jay winners included Elaina Twitty at 135 pounds, Aziah Clark 170 and Tiamoye Brown at 190 pounds.&nbsp;Blue Jay boys winners were Damien Davis at 144 pounds, Mason Pilling 150, Josh Brookstone 165, Chance Tyson 138, Avery Florence 285 and&nbsp; Dylan Todd at 157 pounds.The JCHS squads will host 8-team dual wrestling tournaments on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m.

JCHS wrestling picks up wins

USD 475 announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZV54RMohDv_kU41gJuqLVOk0JVs3SA2dKY576bGufcxumBOL8tUoqD7TkjANEYkzuvphvBEjKuHXShHNDclhHCBjtV2cUjLScBLBcLyus8Y4H3pTmrzvmkoxkPDObxUzRpI1drTw-D5fJfX49NVSwnl0P1Nndht-dGUrqzw2vJsV_rZEZYtkfiSpi_NWTWtRc4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD </a>swimmer Creytin Sanner placed third overall in the 100 Yard Breaststroke at the Topeka West Swimming Invitational on Wednesday.

Sanner clocked a season-opening time of 1:06.46 inside the Capitol Federal Natatorium in Topeka to earn <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSHSAA?__cft__[0]=AZV54RMohDv_kU41gJuqLVOk0JVs3SA2dKY576bGufcxumBOL8tUoqD7TkjANEYkzuvphvBEjKuHXShHNDclhHCBjtV2cUjLScBLBcLyus8Y4H3pTmrzvmkoxkPDObxUzRpI1drTw-D5fJfX49NVSwnl0P1Nndht-dGUrqzw2vJsV_rZEZYtkfiSpi_NWTWtRc4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas State High School Activities Association</a> Class 6A State Meet consideration. Other highlights included the 200 Yard Medley Relay crossing the finish line in fourth out of 22 teams, as well as the Blue Jays' 100 Yard Freestyle Relay claiming fifth-place honors with a time of 1:41.75.&nbsp; &nbsp;

USD 475 announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZV54RMohDv_kU41gJuqLVOk0JVs3SA2dKY576bGufcxumBOL8tUoqD7TkjANEYkzuvphvBEjKuHXShHNDclhHCBjtV2cUjLScBLBcLyus8Y4H3pTmrzvmkoxkPDObxUzRpI1drTw-D5fJfX49NVSwnl0P1Nndht-dGUrqzw2vJsV_rZEZYtkfiSpi_NWTWtRc4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School USD </a>swimmer Creytin Sanner placed third overall in the 100 Yard Breaststroke at the Topeka West Swimming Invitational on Wednesday.Sanner clocked a season-opening time of 1:06.46 inside the Capitol Federal Natatorium in Topeka to earn <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KSHSAA?__cft__[0]=AZV54RMohDv_kU41gJuqLVOk0JVs3SA2dKY576bGufcxumBOL8tUoqD7TkjANEYkzuvphvBEjKuHXShHNDclhHCBjtV2cUjLScBLBcLyus8Y4H3pTmrzvmkoxkPDObxUzRpI1drTw-D5fJfX49NVSwnl0P1Nndht-dGUrqzw2vJsV_rZEZYtkfiSpi_NWTWtRc4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas State High School Activities Association</a> Class 6A State Meet consideration. Other highlights included the 200 Yard Medley Relay crossing the finish line in fourth out of 22 teams, as well as the Blue Jays' 100 Yard Freestyle Relay claiming fifth-place honors with a time of 1:41.75.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Blue Jay swimming results

Junction City Blue Jay and Lady Jay basketball tips off their seasons Friday night at Great Bend. The girls game broadcast begins at 5:45 p.m. followed by the boys game. Anthony Gorges will provide the play by play call on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK.

Junction City Blue Jay and Lady Jay basketball tips off their seasons Friday night at Great Bend. The girls game broadcast begins at 5:45 p.m. followed by the boys game. Anthony Gorges will provide the play by play call on 107.9 FM / 1420 KJCK.

JCHS boys and girls basketball is set to begin the 2023-24 campaign

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZW4ZgEo5rlZaYp0bGumo-kkmeWvYP3WSgiug291NaCHFGLGOw9XLweuESsQGLlWMxjEPUpwOr2jZQ8O5M53BNbJ24uVAml07u7XLxZjCXrRmIphhH49iGAREMzkPGjHHdCu-3iQAOSA2Zp6OS_r2PqkwHlX199oVDntXuz0eBLXLuRDIboWtCseXxW8coxfr0qGJdJEHtHjmow07D2gH39c&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">USD 475 has announced that Junction City High School</a>&nbsp;J<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057404591056&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW4ZgEo5rlZaYp0bGumo-kkmeWvYP3WSgiug291NaCHFGLGOw9XLweuESsQGLlWMxjEPUpwOr2jZQ8O5M53BNbJ24uVAml07u7XLxZjCXrRmIphhH49iGAREMzkPGjHHdCu-3iQAOSA2Zp6OS_r2PqkwHlX199oVDntXuz0eBLXLuRDIboWtCseXxW8coxfr0qGJdJEHtHjmow07D2gH39c&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">-Stepper Dance Team</a> senior Lauren Heller has signed with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BartonCommunityCollege?__cft__[0]=AZW4ZgEo5rlZaYp0bGumo-kkmeWvYP3WSgiug291NaCHFGLGOw9XLweuESsQGLlWMxjEPUpwOr2jZQ8O5M53BNbJ24uVAml07u7XLxZjCXrRmIphhH49iGAREMzkPGjHHdCu-3iQAOSA2Zp6OS_r2PqkwHlX199oVDntXuz0eBLXLuRDIboWtCseXxW8coxfr0qGJdJEHtHjmow07D2gH39c&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Barton Community College</a>. Barton CC is considered one of the top nationally ranked collegiate dance teams in the nation<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thrivein475?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW4ZgEo5rlZaYp0bGumo-kkmeWvYP3WSgiug291NaCHFGLGOw9XLweuESsQGLlWMxjEPUpwOr2jZQ8O5M53BNbJ24uVAml07u7XLxZjCXrRmIphhH49iGAREMzkPGjHHdCu-3iQAOSA2Zp6OS_r2PqkwHlX199oVDntXuz0eBLXLuRDIboWtCseXxW8coxfr0qGJdJEHtHjmow07D2gH39c&amp;__tn__=*NK-y-R">.&nbsp;</a>

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZW4ZgEo5rlZaYp0bGumo-kkmeWvYP3WSgiug291NaCHFGLGOw9XLweuESsQGLlWMxjEPUpwOr2jZQ8O5M53BNbJ24uVAml07u7XLxZjCXrRmIphhH49iGAREMzkPGjHHdCu-3iQAOSA2Zp6OS_r2PqkwHlX199oVDntXuz0eBLXLuRDIboWtCseXxW8coxfr0qGJdJEHtHjmow07D2gH39c&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">USD 475 has announced that Junction City High School</a>&nbsp;J<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057404591056&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW4ZgEo5rlZaYp0bGumo-kkmeWvYP3WSgiug291NaCHFGLGOw9XLweuESsQGLlWMxjEPUpwOr2jZQ8O5M53BNbJ24uVAml07u7XLxZjCXrRmIphhH49iGAREMzkPGjHHdCu-3iQAOSA2Zp6OS_r2PqkwHlX199oVDntXuz0eBLXLuRDIboWtCseXxW8coxfr0qGJdJEHtHjmow07D2gH39c&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">-Stepper Dance Team</a> senior Lauren Heller has signed with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BartonCommunityCollege?__cft__[0]=AZW4ZgEo5rlZaYp0bGumo-kkmeWvYP3WSgiug291NaCHFGLGOw9XLweuESsQGLlWMxjEPUpwOr2jZQ8O5M53BNbJ24uVAml07u7XLxZjCXrRmIphhH49iGAREMzkPGjHHdCu-3iQAOSA2Zp6OS_r2PqkwHlX199oVDntXuz0eBLXLuRDIboWtCseXxW8coxfr0qGJdJEHtHjmow07D2gH39c&amp;__tn__=-]K-y-R">Barton Community College</a>. Barton CC is considered one of the top nationally ranked collegiate dance teams in the nation<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thrivein475?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__[0]=AZW4ZgEo5rlZaYp0bGumo-kkmeWvYP3WSgiug291NaCHFGLGOw9XLweuESsQGLlWMxjEPUpwOr2jZQ8O5M53BNbJ24uVAml07u7XLxZjCXrRmIphhH49iGAREMzkPGjHHdCu-3iQAOSA2Zp6OS_r2PqkwHlX199oVDntXuz0eBLXLuRDIboWtCseXxW8coxfr0qGJdJEHtHjmow07D2gH39c&amp;__tn__=*NK-y-R">.&nbsp;</a>

Lauren Heller signs with Barton County Community College

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;With senior left guard&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;being named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year for a second-consecutive season, Kansas State football collected 30 total postseason conference honors as league announced the 2023 Coaches’ All-Big 12 selections.

K-State’s 30 total selections ranked second in the conference behind Texas (34) and ahead of Texas Tech (28), Oklahoma (27) and Oklahoma State (26). The Wildcats had six players garner first- or second-team honors, tied for second in the league with Oklahoma and behind Texas (11).

Beebe, who was also named an All-Big 12 First Team pick for a third-straight season, is the fifth player in conference history to twice be named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, an award that began in 2006. The others were Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey (2019 and 2020) and Orlando Brown (2016 and 2017), as well as Baylor’s Spencer Drango (2014 and 2015) and Cyril Richardson (2012 and 2013).

A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe is the first K-State offensive lineman to earn three-straight All-Big 12 First Team citations from the league’s coaches since Dalton Risner in 2016, 2017 and 2018. On Tuesday, Beebe was the first player in school history to be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2023/11/28/football-beebe-named-one-of-three-finalists-for-outland-trophy.aspx" target="_blank">named a finalist for the Outland Trophy</a>.

Beebe was joined on the first team by tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott, who garnered first-team honors for a second-straight year. He finished the 2023 regular season ranked second nationally among tight ends in receiving yards (676), tied for fourth in catches (49) and tied for fifth in touchdowns (6), leading the Big 12 in the two former categories. He has produced the most receiving yards, catches and receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season in school history.

K-State’s All-Big 12 Second Team honors included quarterback&nbsp;Will Howard, defensive end&nbsp;Khalid Duke, linebacker&nbsp;Austin Moore&nbsp;and safety&nbsp;Kobe Savage.

Kansas State’s All-Big 12 Honorable Mention picks included punter&nbsp;Jack Blumer, wide receiver and kick returner&nbsp;Phillip Brooks, running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens, offensive lineman&nbsp;Hayden Gillum, cornerback&nbsp;Will Lee III, offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston, defensive end&nbsp;Brendan Mott, cornerback&nbsp;Jacob Parrish, linebacker&nbsp;Desmond Purnell, defensive tackle&nbsp;Uso Seumalo, safety&nbsp;Marques Sigle, place kicker&nbsp;Chris Tennant, running back&nbsp;Treshaun Ward&nbsp;and offensive lineman&nbsp;Carver Willis.

Additionally, Duke picked up votes for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Howard for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Moore for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Sigle for Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Ward for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, senior&nbsp;Seth Porter&nbsp;for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, and linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Kansas State, which finished the regular season with an 8-4 record, will learn of its bowl destination and opponent this Sunday.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;With senior left guard&nbsp;Cooper Beebe&nbsp;being named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year for a second-consecutive season, Kansas State football collected 30 total postseason conference honors as league announced the 2023 Coaches’ All-Big 12 selections.K-State’s 30 total selections ranked second in the conference behind Texas (34) and ahead of Texas Tech (28), Oklahoma (27) and Oklahoma State (26). The Wildcats had six players garner first- or second-team honors, tied for second in the league with Oklahoma and behind Texas (11).Beebe, who was also named an All-Big 12 First Team pick for a third-straight season, is the fifth player in conference history to twice be named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, an award that began in 2006. The others were Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey (2019 and 2020) and Orlando Brown (2016 and 2017), as well as Baylor’s Spencer Drango (2014 and 2015) and Cyril Richardson (2012 and 2013).A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe is the first K-State offensive lineman to earn three-straight All-Big 12 First Team citations from the league’s coaches since Dalton Risner in 2016, 2017 and 2018. On Tuesday, Beebe was the first player in school history to be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2023/11/28/football-beebe-named-one-of-three-finalists-for-outland-trophy.aspx" target="_blank">named a finalist for the Outland Trophy</a>.Beebe was joined on the first team by tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott, who garnered first-team honors for a second-straight year. He finished the 2023 regular season ranked second nationally among tight ends in receiving yards (676), tied for fourth in catches (49) and tied for fifth in touchdowns (6), leading the Big 12 in the two former categories. He has produced the most receiving yards, catches and receiving touchdowns by a tight end in a single season in school history.K-State’s All-Big 12 Second Team honors included quarterback&nbsp;Will Howard, defensive end&nbsp;Khalid Duke, linebacker&nbsp;Austin Moore&nbsp;and safety&nbsp;Kobe Savage.Kansas State’s All-Big 12 Honorable Mention picks included punter&nbsp;Jack Blumer, wide receiver and kick returner&nbsp;Phillip Brooks, running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens, offensive lineman&nbsp;Hayden Gillum, cornerback&nbsp;Will Lee III, offensive lineman&nbsp;KT Leveston, defensive end&nbsp;Brendan Mott, cornerback&nbsp;Jacob Parrish, linebacker&nbsp;Desmond Purnell, defensive tackle&nbsp;Uso Seumalo, safety&nbsp;Marques Sigle, place kicker&nbsp;Chris Tennant, running back&nbsp;Treshaun Ward&nbsp;and offensive lineman&nbsp;Carver Willis.Additionally, Duke picked up votes for Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, Howard for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Moore for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Sigle for Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Ward for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, senior&nbsp;Seth Porter&nbsp;for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, and linebacker&nbsp;Austin Romaine&nbsp;for Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.Kansas State, which finished the regular season with an 8-4 record, will learn of its bowl destination and opponent this Sunday.&nbsp;

K-State Totals 30 Selections on Coaches’ All-Big 12 Teams

&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZUpMmj9WuXmUqIM4XGIoRVSLBkm_eNO3NHGwnSHuB1WJUb_jnU1-C4QWS-zOI9W6elZh96brpXohrS38oC7Ee1Nh5x_LULjwyoZwf-5hWsMZMNGYY2auEL6nULwpIwYKsByM5i0bJOPTxl1Sp_4YUD67--GSivyE5TsYbgr6xqIcSE3XGw5ketwqbb2SrtC68o&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School </a>senior wrestler Griffin Bohanan has signed with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsuathletics?__cft__[0]=AZUpMmj9WuXmUqIM4XGIoRVSLBkm_eNO3NHGwnSHuB1WJUb_jnU1-C4QWS-zOI9W6elZh96brpXohrS38oC7Ee1Nh5x_LULjwyoZwf-5hWsMZMNGYY2auEL6nULwpIwYKsByM5i0bJOPTxl1Sp_4YUD67--GSivyE5TsYbgr6xqIcSE3XGw5ketwqbb2SrtC68o&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Fort Hays State University</a>. He signed the letter of intent Tuesday.

&nbsp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZUpMmj9WuXmUqIM4XGIoRVSLBkm_eNO3NHGwnSHuB1WJUb_jnU1-C4QWS-zOI9W6elZh96brpXohrS38oC7Ee1Nh5x_LULjwyoZwf-5hWsMZMNGYY2auEL6nULwpIwYKsByM5i0bJOPTxl1Sp_4YUD67--GSivyE5TsYbgr6xqIcSE3XGw5ketwqbb2SrtC68o&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School </a>senior wrestler Griffin Bohanan has signed with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fhsuathletics?__cft__[0]=AZUpMmj9WuXmUqIM4XGIoRVSLBkm_eNO3NHGwnSHuB1WJUb_jnU1-C4QWS-zOI9W6elZh96brpXohrS38oC7Ee1Nh5x_LULjwyoZwf-5hWsMZMNGYY2auEL6nULwpIwYKsByM5i0bJOPTxl1Sp_4YUD67--GSivyE5TsYbgr6xqIcSE3XGw5ketwqbb2SrtC68o&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Fort Hays State University</a>. He signed the letter of intent Tuesday.

Griffin Bohanan commits to Fort Hays State

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry and reserve Arthur Kaluma each scored 20 points and Cam Carter recorded his first double-double and Kansas State pulled away in overtime to beat Oral Roberts 88-78 on Tuesday night.

Carter had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Darrin Ames and Will McNair Jr. each scored 11 points for the Wildcats (5-2) who won their second game in overtime this season. The Wildcats are 7-0 in extra session games under second-year coach Jerome Tang.

Issac McBride scored 25 points and Jailen Bedford 23 for Oral Roberts (2-4).

Bedford's 3-pointer with 3:10 left in overtime marked the Golden Eagles last lead — and final points — at 78-76. The Wildcats closed the game on a 12-0 run shooting 8 for 9 from the foul line, one of which came off a three-point play by Kaluma.

From a nice bounce pass via driving Kareem Thompson, McBride threw down a dunk with 1.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the score at 72. Off the inbounds following a series of timeouts, Perry's long-distance heave rimmed out as time expired.

McBride made a pair of foul shots with 43 seconds left after getting fouled on a layup attempt to reduce Oral Roberts' deficit to 72-70. The Wildcats broke a tie at 68 when Perry made a 4-point play with 1:02 left after McBride fouled him on his 3-point make.

Kansas State hosts North Alabama on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701256382339.jpeg" alt="Kansas State's Tylor Perry shoots the ball during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Oral Roberts on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State's Tylor Perry shoots the ball during the second half of an NCAA basketball game against Oral Roberts on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 in Manhattan, Kan. (Kansas State Athletics photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Tylor Perry and reserve Arthur Kaluma each scored 20 points and Cam Carter recorded his first double-double and Kansas State pulled away in overtime to beat Oral Roberts 88-78 on Tuesday night.Carter had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Darrin Ames and Will McNair Jr. each scored 11 points for the Wildcats (5-2) who won their second game in overtime this season. The Wildcats are 7-0 in extra session games under second-year coach Jerome Tang.Issac McBride scored 25 points and Jailen Bedford 23 for Oral Roberts (2-4).Bedford's 3-pointer with 3:10 left in overtime marked the Golden Eagles last lead — and final points — at 78-76. The Wildcats closed the game on a 12-0 run shooting 8 for 9 from the foul line, one of which came off a three-point play by Kaluma.From a nice bounce pass via driving Kareem Thompson, McBride threw down a dunk with 1.5 seconds left in regulation to tie the score at 72. Off the inbounds following a series of timeouts, Perry's long-distance heave rimmed out as time expired.McBride made a pair of foul shots with 43 seconds left after getting fouled on a layup attempt to reduce Oral Roberts' deficit to 72-70. The Wildcats broke a tie at 68 when Perry made a 4-point play with 1:02 left after McBride fouled him on his 3-point make.Oral Roberts hosts Tulsa on Saturday.Kansas State hosts North Alabama on Saturday.

Kansas State uses overtime to pull away from Oral Roberts 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Perhaps fifth-ranked Kansas was feeling a little bit jet-lagged. Or wished it was still in paradise.

Maybe the Jayhawks were looking ahead to a showdown with fourth-ranked UConn.

Whatever the reason, the team picked by many to contend for the NCAA title found itself in a one-point game with Eastern Illinois in the closing minutes Tuesday night. It took some big plays by Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. down the stretch, and some crucial plays at the defensive end, for the Jayhawks to escape with a 71-63 victory.

“I do not think ‘trap game’ is fair, because that's not giving Eastern Illinois enough credit for playing well, but it was not the ideal game to play in the moment we played it," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I knew going into the game that his game was going to be a harder game than people thought.”

Dickinson finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, and McCullar overcame a tough shooting night to score 18, but they got little help. The Jayhawks (6-1) were outrebounded by the Panthers and were just 9 of 22 from the 3-point line in their first game back from the Maui Invitational — and with the defending champion Huskies due in Allen Fieldhouse on Friday night.

“The matchup Friday is going to be a big one,” McCullar admitted. “We're going to learn from this.”

Tiger Booker led Eastern Illinois (3-5) with 20 points. Naykel Shelton and Kooper Jacobi scored 14 apiece.

“They’re smart, they know what they are doing, and we just didn’t have an answer for it,” Eastern Illinois coach Marty Simmons said.

The Jayhawks lost for the first time this season last week in Maui, when No. 3 Marquette controlled them most of the way in the semifinals, but they bounced back to beat No. 10 Tennessee in the third-place game.

They looked jetlagged against the Panthers on Tuesday night.

Eastern Illinois, which played Division III Eureka College its last time out, held the mighty Jayhawks to just one field goal over a five-minute stretch of the first half. The Panthers were still within 38-25 at halftime, thanks in part to Shelton's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, then used a 15-4 run out of the locker room to get within 42-40 with 15 minutes to go.

“They got a couple easy ones and the basket started getting bigger for them,” said Dickinson, who had 18 of the Jayhawks' first 46 points. “We just did a bad job of letting them get comfortable out there.”

Every time Kansas tried to get the home crowd into it, Eastern Illinois answered, and the Panthers surely began thinking about their first win over a Top 25 foe in 24 tries when they closed to within 59-58 five minutes left in the game.

Dickinson came to the rescue again, scoring in the post a few minutes later to make it 66-61. And after the teams traded empty possessions, Dajuan Harris Jr. got a steal, threw ahead to McCullar and his dunk essentially put the game away.

“What it gave us was a win,” Self said, when asked what his team gained from Tuesday night. “And it gave us a chance to stress and sweat, which is going to happen a ton this year. So it was probably good in that regard.”

Eastern Illinois will have another chance to knock off a Big 12 foe when it plays Iowa State in late December.

Kansas had not played in Allen Fieldhouse since beating Manhattan on Nov. 10. Now, the Jayhawks won't leave until they visit Indiana on Dec. 16. Along with UConn, they have games coming up against Kansas City and bitter rival Missouri.

Eastern Illinois plays University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, an NAIA school, on Saturday.

Kansas welcomes the Huskies on Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701256180260.png" alt="Hunter&nbsp;Dickinson finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds-photo KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Hunter&nbsp;Dickinson finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds-photo KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Perhaps fifth-ranked Kansas was feeling a little bit jet-lagged. Or wished it was still in paradise.Maybe the Jayhawks were looking ahead to a showdown with fourth-ranked UConn.Whatever the reason, the team picked by many to contend for the NCAA title found itself in a one-point game with Eastern Illinois in the closing minutes Tuesday night. It took some big plays by Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. down the stretch, and some crucial plays at the defensive end, for the Jayhawks to escape with a 71-63 victory.“I do not think ‘trap game’ is fair, because that's not giving Eastern Illinois enough credit for playing well, but it was not the ideal game to play in the moment we played it," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. “I knew going into the game that his game was going to be a harder game than people thought.”Dickinson finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, and McCullar overcame a tough shooting night to score 18, but they got little help. The Jayhawks (6-1) were outrebounded by the Panthers and were just 9 of 22 from the 3-point line in their first game back from the Maui Invitational — and with the defending champion Huskies due in Allen Fieldhouse on Friday night.“The matchup Friday is going to be a big one,” McCullar admitted. “We're going to learn from this.”Tiger Booker led Eastern Illinois (3-5) with 20 points. Naykel Shelton and Kooper Jacobi scored 14 apiece.“They’re smart, they know what they are doing, and we just didn’t have an answer for it,” Eastern Illinois coach Marty Simmons said.The Jayhawks lost for the first time this season last week in Maui, when No. 3 Marquette controlled them most of the way in the semifinals, but they bounced back to beat No. 10 Tennessee in the third-place game.They looked jetlagged against the Panthers on Tuesday night.Eastern Illinois, which played Division III Eureka College its last time out, held the mighty Jayhawks to just one field goal over a five-minute stretch of the first half. The Panthers were still within 38-25 at halftime, thanks in part to Shelton's buzzer-beating 3-pointer, then used a 15-4 run out of the locker room to get within 42-40 with 15 minutes to go.“They got a couple easy ones and the basket started getting bigger for them,” said Dickinson, who had 18 of the Jayhawks' first 46 points. “We just did a bad job of letting them get comfortable out there.”Every time Kansas tried to get the home crowd into it, Eastern Illinois answered, and the Panthers surely began thinking about their first win over a Top 25 foe in 24 tries when they closed to within 59-58 five minutes left in the game.Dickinson came to the rescue again, scoring in the post a few minutes later to make it 66-61. And after the teams traded empty possessions, Dajuan Harris Jr. got a steal, threw ahead to McCullar and his dunk essentially put the game away.“What it gave us was a win,” Self said, when asked what his team gained from Tuesday night. “And it gave us a chance to stress and sweat, which is going to happen a ton this year. So it was probably good in that regard.”BIG PICTUREEastern Illinois will have another chance to knock off a Big 12 foe when it plays Iowa State in late December.Kansas had not played in Allen Fieldhouse since beating Manhattan on Nov. 10. Now, the Jayhawks won't leave until they visit Indiana on Dec. 16. Along with UConn, they have games coming up against Kansas City and bitter rival Missouri.UP NEXTEastern Illinois plays University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, an NAIA school, on Saturday.Kansas welcomes the Huskies on Friday night.

Dickinson has 25 points as Kansas tops Eastern Illinois

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State senior left guard&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, one of the top offensive linemen in all of college football, has been named one of three finalists for the 2023 Outland Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday.

Beebe is the first ever Wildcat finalist for the Outland Trophy – presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding interior lineman – and the first finalist for one of the 20 on-field National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) honors since then-quarterback and current offensive coordinator&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award in 2012.

A product of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe is joined on the finalist list by Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt and Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Friday, December 8 at 6 p.m. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 10, 2024.

Beebe finished out the regular season helping the Wildcats rank 12th&nbsp;nationally and sixth in school history by scoring 37.7 points per game, while their 446.1 total yards per game ranks 23rd&nbsp;in the nation and second in school history. A veteran offensive line unit led by Beebe also helped K-State rank 14th&nbsp;nationally with 199.7 rushing yards per game, while its 4.86 rushing yards per carry ranks seventh in school history.

A career 47-game starter to rank fifth among Wildcat offensive linemen since 1990, Beebe has allowed just one sack among his 1,224 pass blocking snaps since the beginning of his sophomore season in 2021. He has started every game this season at left guard, seeing time at 759 snaps while also filling in at right tackle (106 snaps) and left tackle (20 snaps).

In addition to being a finalist for the Outland Trophy, Beebe is also one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the “Academic Heisman.” He was also a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award.

Kansas State finished the regular season with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big 12 play to tie for fourth in the league. The Wildcats will learn of their bowl destination on Sunday.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State senior left guard&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, one of the top offensive linemen in all of college football, has been named one of three finalists for the 2023 Outland Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America announced Tuesday.Beebe is the first ever Wildcat finalist for the Outland Trophy – presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding interior lineman – and the first finalist for one of the 20 on-field National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) honors since then-quarterback and current offensive coordinator&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award in 2012.A product of Kansas City, Kansas, Beebe is joined on the finalist list by Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt and Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. The recipient of the 2023 Outland Trophy will be announced on&nbsp;The Home Depot College Football Awards, live on ESPN on Friday, December 8 at 6 p.m. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 10, 2024.Beebe finished out the regular season helping the Wildcats rank 12th&nbsp;nationally and sixth in school history by scoring 37.7 points per game, while their 446.1 total yards per game ranks 23rd&nbsp;in the nation and second in school history. A veteran offensive line unit led by Beebe also helped K-State rank 14th&nbsp;nationally with 199.7 rushing yards per game, while its 4.86 rushing yards per carry ranks seventh in school history.A career 47-game starter to rank fifth among Wildcat offensive linemen since 1990, Beebe has allowed just one sack among his 1,224 pass blocking snaps since the beginning of his sophomore season in 2021. He has started every game this season at left guard, seeing time at 759 snaps while also filling in at right tackle (106 snaps) and left tackle (20 snaps).In addition to being a finalist for the Outland Trophy, Beebe is also one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the “Academic Heisman.” He was also a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award.Kansas State finished the regular season with an 8-4 overall record and a 6-3 mark in Big 12 play to tie for fourth in the league. The Wildcats will learn of their bowl destination on Sunday.

K-State’s Beebe Named One of Three Finalists for Outland Trophy

MANHATTAN (AP)—Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, who led the Wildcats to the Big 12 title last season and another bowl game this season, joined Wildcats running back Treshaun Ward among a rush of players into college football's transfer portal Monday.

Most teams wrapped up regular seasons this past weekend, leading some to declare their intent to transfer. Howard and Ward are among those who are graduate transfers, meaning they could enter the portal and become immediately eligible, while players who have yet to graduate must wait until Dec. 4 to make their announcements official.

Howard emerged as the Wildcats' starter last year after injuries to Adrian Martinez, and he led them to an upset of eventual national runner-up TCU in the Big 12 title game. Howard was the clearcut starter entering this season, though he was pushed at times by freshman Avery Johnson, and threw for 2,643 yards with 24 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

Howard, who will have one year of eligibility left, had tears in his eyes as he walked off the field after his final game at Kansas State on Saturday. He accounted for two touchdowns in a 42-35&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cyclones-wildcats-iowa-kansas-state-football-score-4068afa45a02f5a0cb82d58ebd31834f">loss to Iowa State</a>&nbsp;in a game played in heavy snow.

In a social media post, Howard thanked Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, his teammates and the Wildcats' fanbase before concluding: "I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life and in the possibilities that lie ahead."

His departure means that Johnson, one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterbacks coming out of high school, will likely start for the Wildcats (8-4, 6-3 Big 12) in their bowl game. Johnson threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns but may be even more dangerous on the ground — he took over for Howard against Texas Tech and ran for five TDs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-texas-tech-college-football-f65bd758f60040e9c28ffd20d115bbaa">in a 38-21 victory</a>.

Ward, who arrived at Kansas State from Florida State, is transferring again after ceding playing time to D.J. Giddens throughout the season. He ran for 643 yards and five touchdowns while adding two touchdown receptions.

Another veteran QB hitting the portal Monday was Mississippi State's Will Rogers, who threw for 12,315 yards in four seasons with the Bulldogs; three of those seasons came while he was running the late coach Mike Leach's Air Raid offense.

Rogers posted on social media before a season-ending loss to Ole Miss in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ole-miss-mississippi-state-football-score-e7e9ba75b9363538cd556472888dbed3">Battle for the Golden Egg</a>&nbsp;that he would transfer.

Notre Dame wide receiver and running back Chris Tyree, along with offensive lineman Zeke Correll, also entered the portal. Each of them have played at least 40 games for the Fighting Irish.

MANHATTAN (AP)—Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, who led the Wildcats to the Big 12 title last season and another bowl game this season, joined Wildcats running back Treshaun Ward among a rush of players into college football's transfer portal Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you Wildcat Nation. For everything 💜 <a href="https://t.co/C9SSz8xtAJ">pic.twitter.com/C9SSz8xtAJ</a>&mdash; Will Howard (@whoward_) <a href="https://twitter.com/whoward_/status/1729274240803754219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Most teams wrapped up regular seasons this past weekend, leading some to declare their intent to transfer. Howard and Ward are among those who are graduate transfers, meaning they could enter the portal and become immediately eligible, while players who have yet to graduate must wait until Dec. 4 to make their announcements official.Howard emerged as the Wildcats' starter last year after injuries to Adrian Martinez, and he led them to an upset of eventual national runner-up TCU in the Big 12 title game. Howard was the clearcut starter entering this season, though he was pushed at times by freshman Avery Johnson, and threw for 2,643 yards with 24 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.Howard, who will have one year of eligibility left, had tears in his eyes as he walked off the field after his final game at Kansas State on Saturday. He accounted for two touchdowns in a 42-35&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cyclones-wildcats-iowa-kansas-state-football-score-4068afa45a02f5a0cb82d58ebd31834f">loss to Iowa State</a>&nbsp;in a game played in heavy snow.In a social media post, Howard thanked Kansas State coach Chris Klieman, his teammates and the Wildcats' fanbase before concluding: "I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life and in the possibilities that lie ahead."His departure means that Johnson, one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterbacks coming out of high school, will likely start for the Wildcats (8-4, 6-3 Big 12) in their bowl game. Johnson threw for 301 yards and three touchdowns but may be even more dangerous on the ground — he took over for Howard against Texas Tech and ran for five TDs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-state-texas-tech-college-football-f65bd758f60040e9c28ffd20d115bbaa">in a 38-21 victory</a>.Ward, who arrived at Kansas State from Florida State, is transferring again after ceding playing time to D.J. Giddens throughout the season. He ran for 643 yards and five touchdowns while adding two touchdown receptions.Another veteran QB hitting the portal Monday was Mississippi State's Will Rogers, who threw for 12,315 yards in four seasons with the Bulldogs; three of those seasons came while he was running the late coach Mike Leach's Air Raid offense.Rogers posted on social media before a season-ending loss to Ole Miss in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ole-miss-mississippi-state-football-score-e7e9ba75b9363538cd556472888dbed3">Battle for the Golden Egg</a>&nbsp;that he would transfer.Notre Dame wide receiver and running back Chris Tyree, along with offensive lineman Zeke Correll, also entered the portal. Each of them have played at least 40 games for the Fighting Irish.

K-State QB Will Howard enters transfer portal

ESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Just when it seemed like Kansas State might beat Iowa for the third time in a little over 12 months, Caitlin Clark found herself remembering one of coach Lisa Bluder's mantras.

“She always says, ‘Find a way,’” Clark said.

That's what she and the Hawkeyes did — to win a title, and finally beat the Wildcats.

Clark scored 32 points, and No. 5 Iowa survived wasting a pair of double-digit leads before rallying to finally beat No. 16 Kansas State 77-70 in the championship game of the Gulf Coast Showcase on Sunday night.

“We just responded and stayed together,” Clark said.

Clark made seven 3-pointers, the last coming with 47 seconds left, to help ensure the Hawkeyes (7-1) would win and avenge a Nov. 16 loss to Kansas State. The Wildcats also beat Iowa last season.

Molly Davis added 13, while Kate Martin had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Iowa.

“We've come back on them twice before,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “We've won the last four minutes of the game the two previous games. Didn’t do it today.”

Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee each scored 18 for Kansas State (6-1), and Zyanna Walker finished with 11. The Wildcats got themselves into a 13-point hole early, then trailed by 11 in the second half.

Both times, they rallied. Sundell threw up a beat-the-clock prayer that bounced in to end the third quarter, and Kansas State — fueled by holding Iowa to a 1-for-11 stretch from the floor — went on a 14-2 run and took the lead back on Gisela Sanchez's three-point play with 2:44 remaining.

Martin then hit a layup to put Iowa back on top, and Clark scored Iowa's next seven points.

Things got a bit heated in the second half, when Bluder was arguing for what she thought were missed three-second calls. She was exchanging words with officials, and said Mittie then directed some her way.

“I’ve never had a coach yell at me from the sideline ever in my entire career," Bluder said. “I'm talking to the official, I'm not talking to him.”

Clark moved another spot — her fifth in three days — up the Division I all-time scoring list. She passed Appalachian State's Valorie Whiteside (2,944) for 16th and has moved up 21 spots since the start of the season. Now at 2,954, she's within 573 points of Kelsey Plum's record of 3,527.

Iowa: Clark's sixth field goal gave her 964 in her career, one more than Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair for the lead among all active women's college players. She finished with 12, for 970 total. Clark is now the active leader — among all divisions — in points, scoring average, field goals made, 3-pointers made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, assists, assist average and triple-doubles.

Kansas State: The Wildcats held Iowa to a 2-for-21 effort from 3-point range in their first meeting this month. The Hawkeyes were 12 for 32 from 3 on Sunday. Another big difference was free throws — Iowa was 11 for 16, Kansas State just 4 for 11.

Iowa will likely remain in the top 5 of the AP Top 25 for the sixth consecutive week, which would be the third-longest streak in school history.

Kansas State should remain ranked for the second straight week. The Wildcats hadn't made back-to-back appearances since Jan. 24 and 31, 2022 — and haven't been in three straight polls since the final three of the 2016-17 season.

Kansas State: Hosts Jackson State on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701085967753.jpeg" alt="Caitlin Clark fires one up from the three point line during the final game of the NCAA college basketball Gulf Coast Showcase, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Estero, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Tilley)" />
 <figcaption>Caitlin Clark fires one up from the three point line during the final game of the NCAA college basketball Gulf Coast Showcase, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Estero, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Tilley)</figcaption>
 </figure>ESTERO, Fla. (AP) — Just when it seemed like Kansas State might beat Iowa for the third time in a little over 12 months, Caitlin Clark found herself remembering one of coach Lisa Bluder's mantras.“She always says, ‘Find a way,’” Clark said.That's what she and the Hawkeyes did — to win a title, and finally beat the Wildcats.Clark scored 32 points, and No. 5 Iowa survived wasting a pair of double-digit leads before rallying to finally beat No. 16 Kansas State 77-70 in the championship game of the Gulf Coast Showcase on Sunday night.Iowa finished the game on a 10-2 run.“We just responded and stayed together,” Clark said.Clark made seven 3-pointers, the last coming with 47 seconds left, to help ensure the Hawkeyes (7-1) would win and avenge a Nov. 16 loss to Kansas State. The Wildcats also beat Iowa last season.Molly Davis added 13, while Kate Martin had 11 points and 10 rebounds for Iowa.“We've come back on them twice before,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “We've won the last four minutes of the game the two previous games. Didn’t do it today.”Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee each scored 18 for Kansas State (6-1), and Zyanna Walker finished with 11. The Wildcats got themselves into a 13-point hole early, then trailed by 11 in the second half.Both times, they rallied. Sundell threw up a beat-the-clock prayer that bounced in to end the third quarter, and Kansas State — fueled by holding Iowa to a 1-for-11 stretch from the floor — went on a 14-2 run and took the lead back on Gisela Sanchez's three-point play with 2:44 remaining.Martin then hit a layup to put Iowa back on top, and Clark scored Iowa's next seven points.Things got a bit heated in the second half, when Bluder was arguing for what she thought were missed three-second calls. She was exchanging words with officials, and said Mittie then directed some her way.“I’ve never had a coach yell at me from the sideline ever in my entire career," Bluder said. “I'm talking to the official, I'm not talking to him.”Clark moved another spot — her fifth in three days — up the Division I all-time scoring list. She passed Appalachian State's Valorie Whiteside (2,944) for 16th and has moved up 21 spots since the start of the season. Now at 2,954, she's within 573 points of Kelsey Plum's record of 3,527.BIG PICTUREIowa: Clark's sixth field goal gave her 964 in her career, one more than Syracuse's Dyaisha Fair for the lead among all active women's college players. She finished with 12, for 970 total. Clark is now the active leader — among all divisions — in points, scoring average, field goals made, 3-pointers made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, assists, assist average and triple-doubles.Kansas State: The Wildcats held Iowa to a 2-for-21 effort from 3-point range in their first meeting this month. The Hawkeyes were 12 for 32 from 3 on Sunday. Another big difference was free throws — Iowa was 11 for 16, Kansas State just 4 for 11.POLL IMPLICATIONSIowa will likely remain in the top 5 of the AP Top 25 for the sixth consecutive week, which would be the third-longest streak in school history.Kansas State should remain ranked for the second straight week. The Wildcats hadn't made back-to-back appearances since Jan. 24 and 31, 2022 — and haven't been in three straight polls since the final three of the 2016-17 season.UP NEXTIowa: Hosts Bowling Green on Saturday.Kansas State: Hosts Jackson State on Friday.

Clark scores 32, No. 5 Iowa beats No. 16 Kansas State 77-70 for Gulf Coast Showcase title

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023VBbracket.pdf">FULL BRACKET</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks are staying home for the first weekend of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Coach Ray Bechard’s team was selected as the No. 4 seed in the Wisconsin Quarter and will host Omaha on Thursday at 7 p.m., at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.

“The last couple years we’ve had to go play some really good teams and now we’ve got three really good teams coming here and some coaches I know pretty well,” said Bechard. “It will be a really competitive group of four teams and we are looking forward to it being on our home floor.”

The winner of that match will face the winner of fifth-seeded Penn State and Yale at Horejsi on Friday at 5:30 p.m., for a chance to advance to the Sweet 16. Penn State and Yale will meet at 4:30 p.m., on Thursday at Horejsi. Wisconsin, ranked No. 5 in the country in the most recent AVCA Top 25, is the No. 1 seed in the Wisconsin Quarter. Oregon is the No. 2 seed, followed by third-seeded Purdue and No. 4 seed, Kansas.

The tournament selection marks the 12th in program history and third-straight appearance. All 12 tournament appearances have been under Bechard, with the first coming in 2003. Sunday’s selection also marks the sixth time the Jayhawks have received a national seed in program history and will mark the first time Kansas has hosted at Horejsi since it was renovated prior to the 2019 season. All total, Kansas has hosted five previous times, with two coming in Allen Fieldhouse (2012 and 2013), two at Horejsi prior to the renovation (2015 and 2016), and once at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka (2014).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701050342699.png" alt="(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>(Courtesy Kansas Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas Athletics<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023VBbracket.pdf">FULL BRACKET</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks are staying home for the first weekend of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. Coach Ray Bechard’s team was selected as the No. 4 seed in the Wisconsin Quarter and will host Omaha on Thursday at 7 p.m., at Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena.“The last couple years we’ve had to go play some really good teams and now we’ve got three really good teams coming here and some coaches I know pretty well,” said Bechard. “It will be a really competitive group of four teams and we are looking forward to it being on our home floor.”The winner of that match will face the winner of fifth-seeded Penn State and Yale at Horejsi on Friday at 5:30 p.m., for a chance to advance to the Sweet 16. Penn State and Yale will meet at 4:30 p.m., on Thursday at Horejsi. Wisconsin, ranked No. 5 in the country in the most recent AVCA Top 25, is the No. 1 seed in the Wisconsin Quarter. Oregon is the No. 2 seed, followed by third-seeded Purdue and No. 4 seed, Kansas.The tournament selection marks the 12th in program history and third-straight appearance. All 12 tournament appearances have been under Bechard, with the first coming in 2003. Sunday’s selection also marks the sixth time the Jayhawks have received a national seed in program history and will mark the first time Kansas has hosted at Horejsi since it was renovated prior to the 2019 season. All total, Kansas has hosted five previous times, with two coming in Allen Fieldhouse (2012 and 2013), two at Horejsi prior to the renovation (2015 and 2016), and once at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka (2014).Kansas (23-5) currently boasts a 14-match winning streak at Horejsi, which is the sixth-longest active home winning streak in Division 1. The 14 home wins in a season are the most by the Jayhawks since winning 15 in 2015, and the 14-match winning streak is the longest since winning 17 straight from Nov. 14, 2015 to Dec. 1, 2016.Kansas finished the regular season with 23 wins, marking the eighth time in Bechard’s 26-season tenure and the 18th in program history that Kansas has 20 or more wins. Kansas has had 23-plus wins in 12 of those seasons, including five in Bechard’s career.One of those 23 wins came against first round opponent Omaha, when Kansas topped the Mavericks in straight sets in August in Omaha. The Jayhawks went on to finish second in the Big 12 Conference with a 14-4 league mark. The 14 conference wins marked the most since the Jayhawks won 15 and its first-ever Big 12 title in 2016.Tickets for postseason play at Horejsi will go on sale for the public at 12 p.m., CST on Monday.