PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR/KR Isaiah Zuber fumbled a punt return in the first quarter, which TCU recovered before converting a short field into its first touchdown. Zuber was later called out for his mistake in comments by Kansas State coach Bill Snyder after the 14-13 loss. Zuber played sparingly as a receiver but was still used on kick returns after his fumble.
–DE Wyatt Hubert had two tackles for loss and was active along the defensive front for the Wildcats, getting in on four solo tackles and one quarterback pressure. The redshirt freshman is considered one of the more promising players in the Kansas State system, while going through a learning curve after he was elevated into a starter.
–LB Justin Hughes, a junior who is part of a recruiting pipeline Kansas State has developed with players from Tucker, Ga., led the Wildcats with eight tackles as part of a defensive effort that saw the Wildcats limit the Horned Frogs to 275 yards. Kansas State allowed 702 yards in the Oct. 27 loss at Oklahoma.
–Holder Colby Moore could not handle a snap for a short field goal try in the second quarter of the TCU loss. His pass into the end zone was then intercepted. Moore also had some trouble on the hold for an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter, which K Blake Lynch missed in what turned out to be the decisive point in the 14-13 outcome.
SERIES HISTORY: Kansas leads Kansas State 64-46-5. The Wildcats have won nine straight, a streak that dates to Snyder’s return as coach in 2009 following a three-year layoff in which the Jayhawks had won three straight. Snyder is 22-4 against Kansas. The Wildcats won 30-20 last season behind 128 yards rushing from RB Alex Barnes.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’m sick of losing. I want to get wins for my team. Being a leader on my defense, I just come out with intensity. I know a lot of guys work off my intensity and my passion. I have to be an example for my defense.” — Kansas State LB Justin Hughes.
