By Jackson Schneider
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The theme of the day involved freshmen at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday, as Kansas State saw a host of young players contribute in massive ways against Texas Tech.
First and foremost, Deuce Vaughn, a true-freshman running back that amassed 113 rushing yards and two total touchdowns on the day. He became the first Wildcat true frosh to rush for over 100 yards since Logan Dold in 2008 in the effort.
Second, Will Howard, freshman quarterback was thrust into the main role after Skylar Thompson was injured in the first half on a late hit. Howard handled the spotlight well, passing for 172 yards and a touchdown while leading Kansas State to a 31-21 win over the Red Raiders.
Postgame, Head Coach Chris Klieman spoke highly of a long list of freshmen, touching all aspects of the game, stating that it speaks volumes about the players and how they can impact the game from day one, "whether it's 25 plays or 75 plays."
Kansas State lead 14-0 at the half, but Texas Tech, who also had to thrust their backup quarterback into a starting role due to injury, came roaring back in the second half to take a 21-17 lead in the 4th quarter.
Kansas State would make the big plays when they mattered most though. Immediately following Texas Tech taking the lead for the first time, Will Howard connected with Briley Moore on a 66-yard connection down the right sideline setting up K-State for a short touchdown run by Harry Trotter.
K-State would then fight as the Red Raiders drew close to the end zone, but a stellar interception in the end zone by Jahron McPherson gave the Wildcats the ball back with a chance to seal the win.
It was then that Will Howard connected with his freshman back Deuce Vaughn for a 70-yard touchdown to put K-State up by 10 with just two minutes to play. From there, the Wildcat defense would slam the door, stopping Texas Tech on fourth down to win the game.
Kansas State's 31-21 win marked their second-consecutive victory, making them 2-1 overall and now 2-0 in Big 12 Conference play. They will head on the road next week for a date with TCU in Fort Worth at 3 p.m..
POST GAME STATS
