Wildcat Report: Bill Snyder bounces back after sideline hit

Bill Snyder went crashing to the ground Saturday when Morgan Burns collided with the Kansas State coach on the sideline at the end of a kickoff return.

The hit was unintenional, occurring after Burns was forced out of bounds in the first half of a 23-9 loss to Texas, and Snyder was not prepared for it. He fell to the ground and lost his headset.

But Snyder bounced up immediately and joined K-State’s offensive players in a huddle before play resumed.

“What were my other options?” Snyder said afterward.

K-State went on to score its only touchdown of the game a few minutes later. Perhaps the Wildcats were briefly inspired by Snyder’s toughness.

▪ Charlie Strong said he had a conversation with Snyder before the game about the importance of Saturday’s outcome. Both teams have had their struggles this season.

“He needed it and I told him I needed it more than he does,” Strong said. “And I said, ‘You need it, but I really need it.’ ”

▪ Running back Charles Jones continued a hot streak of recent play, rushing for 122 yards. He also rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns against TCU.

“I like the way he ran today,” Snyder said. “As aggressively as I have seen him run in the time that he has been here. That’s what we need him to do.”

▪ Dante Barnett, Danzel McDaniel and Kaleb Prewett all missed Saturday’s game with injuries.

First quarter

Key play: Texas stuffed Joe Hubener on a third-and-one to end a drive in Texas territory.

Key stat: The Longhorns rushed for 76 yards.

Second quarter

Key play: Joe Hubener found Dominique Heath for a touchdown to make the score 16-6.

Key stat: K-State’s touchdown ended a streak of 78 consecutive points scored against it going back to the TCU game.

Third quarter

Key play: Jack Cantele connected on a 36-yard field goal to make the score 16-9.

Key stat: Texas rushed for 30 yards.

Fourth quarter

Key play: Tyrone Swoopes scored on a 10-yard run that put the game out reach.

Key stat: K-State failed to score or reach the red zone.

Player of the game

Charles Jones. If the junior running back keeps playing the way he did Saturday, rushing for 122 yards on 18 carries, the Wildcats will be set on the ground.

Reason to hope

After Baylor and Texas Tech, the schedule softens significantly. Even if K-State loses its next two games, it will probably be favored against Iowa State and Kansas at home.

Reason to mope

K-State simply isn’t getting good play from its quarterbacks. Until that changes, victories will be hard to come by.

Looking ahead

The Wildcats are off this week and then face No. 2 Baylor for a Thursday game on Nov. 5. It will be their hardest game of the season.

Report card

Offense: C. Charles Jones did all he could, and Deante Burton made some nice catches, but that was it. The passing game was once again a no show.

Defense: B. K-State was strong in the second half, but it should have been strong in the first half, too. Texas ran on 36 of 40 plays, and the Wildcats are good against the run.

Special teams: F. The Wildcats failed to take advantage of a blown punt from Texas and neglected to field a kickoff in the first half, letting Texas retain possession without attempting an onside kick.

Coaching: D. The coaching staff needs to get more creative to win with an injured roster.

This story was originally published October 24, 2015 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Wildcat Report: Bill Snyder bounces back after sideline hit."