Posted on Sun, Nov. 15, 2009

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Wildcat report

First quarter

Key play: John Houlik broke up a Mizzou pass in the end zone with the back of his helmet on a third-down play. The Tigers had to settle for a field goal.

Key stat: K-State stopped Mizzou on two of its three third-down conversion attempts.

Second quarter

Key play: On the second play of the quarter, Brandon Banks caught a pass near the goal line and attempted to reach the ball into the end zone. Instead, he fumbled and the ball rolled out of bounds in the end zone for a touchback.

Key stat: The Wildcats had more passing yards (73) than rushing yards (55) in the first half.

Third quarter

Key play: Daniel Thomas broke free for a 22-yard gain on K-State's second drive of the quarter. It was his first long run of the game.

Key stat: By the end of the third quarter, K-State had held possession of the ball for 30 minutes, 10 seconds — but trailed by 12 points.

Fourth quarter

Key play: Grant Gregory threw a bad interception with 9:08 to go, and Mizzou scored on its next possession.

Key stat: On its fifth and final trip to the red zone, K-State was turned away for no points on four straight plays near the goal line.

Report card

Offense: C. Grant Gregory threw for 239 yards, but RB Daniel Thomas was bottled up.

Defense: D. The Wildcats knew all about Danario Alexander but could not stop him. He became the first Missouri wide receiver to hit the 200-yard mark in back-to-back to games.

Special teams: A. K-State's return game was solid and Josh Cherry made all four of his field goals.

Coaching: C. The Wildcats insisted on running the ball all afternoon against a solid rushing defense and gained 112 yards. With the Tigers scoring quickly from long distances, K-State had no chance to keep up once it committed mistakes.

Player of the game

Josh Cherry. As the only player who scored for Kansas State....

Reason to hope

All is not lost. If K-State can win next week at Nebraska it will become eligible for a bowl game and win the North.

Reason to mope

Daniel Thomas looked human for the first time in several weeks. If he fails to rush for 100 yards next week in Lincoln, K-State's in trouble..

Looking ahead

It all comes down to this. The winner of next week's game at Nebraska will win the North.

—Kellis Robinett