Expectations on the rise for K-State safety Qua Moss after ‘crazy’ interception
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Qua Moss wrestled away a fourth-quarter interception and swung K‑State momentum
- Moss recorded 15 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble in five games
- Coaches cite Moss’s ball skills, intensity and reliability after transfer to K‑State
The popular football phrase “You got Mossed” has a different meaning at Kansas State.
When you hear those words, they usually reference a talented wide receiver using his size and athleticism to make a leaping catch over a defender, just like Randy Moss used to do at the height of his NFL career.
But last week, fans across Bill Snyder Family Stadium shouted “You got Mossed” after a K-State defensive back by the name of Qua Moss wrestled the ball away from UCF wide receiver Duane Thomas for a jaw-dropping turnover in the fourth quarter.
The play sent the home sideline into a frenzy.
“That was as good an interception as I’ve seen,” K-State football coach Chris Klieman said. “And I saw a bunch with Jacob Parrish that were big-time plays.”
“Yeah,” added K-State quarterback Avery Johnson, “that was crazy.”
Indeed, it was an impressive highlight.
Thomas was in position to make a catch up the right sideline, and the pass even hit him in the hands. But he couldn’t prevent Moss from flying into the picture and taking the ball away from him before they both fell out of bounds.
That isn’t the only time that K-State fans have been able to inform an opponent, “You got Mossed” this season. Moss has only played in five games for the Wildcats, but he already has 15 tackles (including three for loss), two interceptions and one forced fumble.
He has arguably been K-State’s top newcomer since transferring in from West Georgia during the offseason.
“He has got really good ball skills and he’s a physical kid,” Klieman said. “He loves the game, he’s a competitor and he loves to play. That’s the fun thing about watching Qua ... He’s going to practice and play the way the game is supposed to be played.”
Klieman said he was particularly proud of Moss for handling minor injuries like a professional. He could have missed practice time last week, or at least asked for a no-contact jersey, but he pushed ahead as if he was completely healthy.
“He is one of those guys that is going to play his tail off,” K-State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman said. “He is one of those guys that’s going to play with energy. He’s an infectious energy guy that plays with a ton of intensity.”
His passion has shown through on several big defensive plays this season.
Arizona tried to catch Moss off guard with a trick play that featured a pass from its running back, but Moss wasn’t fooled and he came up with an interception.
North Dakota tried to score on a short pass in the flats near the goal line, but Moss read the play perfectly and blew it up for a loss.
He also sacked Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht for a 10-yard loss in the first game of the season.
Some may not have expected Moss to make an immediate impact after he spent his freshman year in junior college and his sophomore year at a FCS school. But he isn’t surprised.
“I knew I was going to be able to compete for a starting job,” Moss said earlier this season. “It didn’t matter where I went (as a transfer). I’m not going to be (a backup) to nobody.”
Moss made 56 tackles for West Georgia last season. He decided to enroll to K-State, because his family fell in love with the Wildcats after he entered the transfer portal.
He has tried to play with a confident edge since he arrived in Manhattan. And it shows. Because of him, “You got Mossed” is becoming a defensive phrase at K-State.