2003 Kansas State Football
Game No. 7
No. 22/21 Kansas St. (4-2/0-1)
at Oklahoma St. (4-1/0-1)
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003
11:40 a.m. (Central)
Boone Pickens Stadium (48,500 AstroPlay)
Stillwater, Okla.
Kickoff: 11:40 p.m. (Central)
Television: Live regionally on Fox Sports Net. Bill Land will call the play-by-play with Gary Reasons serving as the color analyst. John Rhadigan will be the broadcast's sideline reporter. The game's producer will be Jeff Muckleroy.
Radio: Live across the 28-station Mid America Sports Network. Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play), Stan Weber (color) and Chris Allison (sideline) serve as the on-air talent.
On the Web: A live audio stream of all Kansas State football games is available via the Internet at K-State's official site, www.k-statesports.com.
Records: Kansas State fell to 4-2 on the year and 0-1 in the Big 12 after droping a 24-20 decision at Texas in its league opener. Oklahoma State moved to 4-1 on the year with a 56-3 win over Louisiana-Lafayette. The Cowboys are 0-1 in the Big 12 after opening the season with a 17-3 loss at Nebraska back on Aug. 30.
Rankings: Kansas State slipped to No. 22 in the AP Top 25 and No. 21 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll following its narrow, 24-20, loss at Texas. Oklahoma State is receiving votes in both polls.
Series: Oklahoma State leads the all-time series, 32-21. However, Kansas State has won each of the last nine encounters.
Coaches: Kansas State's Bill Snyder is 120-53-1 (.693) in 15 seasons as head coach of the Wildcats. OSU's Les Miles is 16-13 in three seasons in Stillwater.
No. 22/21 K-State looks to end two-game skid at Oklahoma State
After dropping a 24-20 heartbreaker at Texas, No. 22/21 Kansas State will be out to put the brakes on a two-game losing streak Saturday, when the Wildcats travel to Oklahoma State to take on the Cowboys for an 11:40 a.m. kickoff.
The game is the second of eight-straight Big 12 Conference games to close out the regular season for K-State (4-2, 0-1 Big 12), which has not opened league play with back-to-back losses since going 0-4 out of the gate in 2001.
Saturday's showdown in Stillwater will be televised live throughout the Big 12 region by Fox Sports Net and will be K-State's third consecutive tv game and fourth overall this season. Bill Land will call the play-by-play with former New York Giants linebacker Gary Reasons providing the color commentary. John Rhadigan will serve as the broadcast's sideline reporter. The game is the second of the year on Fox for the Wildcats, who have been a part of 25 Fox Sports Net broadcast since the formation of the Big 12 in 1996.
Wildcats in unfamiliar territory, search for breakout win at OSU
After winning 10 in a row dating to last season, Kansas State has dropped two straight and will be out to avoid its first three-game tailspin since the Wildcats lost four in a row to open Big 12 action in 2001. Prior to the 2001 season, you have to go all the way back to the 1992 campaign to find a stretch in which K-State dropped more than two consecutive games. That year, the Cats came up short in four consecutive games between Oct. 10-Oct. 31, falling at Kansas, at Utah State, at No. 9 Colorado and at Oklahoma.
Since the 1989 season, Bill Snyder's first at Kansas State, the Wildcats have had just three losing streaks of three games or more (1991, 1992, 2001). In fact, excluding the 2001 season, K-State has suffered back-to-back losses just twice since the beginning of the 1993 campaign.
ABC Exercises Six-Day Option for Big 12 Games of Oct. 18
The Kansas State Department of Athletics has been informed by ABC Sports and the Big 12 Conference that the network has selected to exercise its first six-day option of 2003 and has placed the Colorado at Kansas State game on its six-day ready list. Also placed on the six-day notification list by ABC is the Texas Tech at Oklahoma State game.
By being placed on ABC's six-day ready list, Kansas State will not able to announce the kickoff time for the Colorado game until Sunday, Oct. 12.
Fox Sports Net has also yet to announce its telecasts for Oct. 18 and may also place two games on hold for its ready list.
The 2003 campaign is the Big 12's eighth football season of national and regional telecast association with ABC and Fox Sports Net.
Fresh start
Kansas State will be looking to use its performance at Texas as a springboard for the balance of 2003. Though the Wildcats dropped a hard-fought 24-20 decision to the Longhorns, K-State likely played its best all-around game of the season. The Cats outgained the Horns 298 to 290 in total offense despite running 14 fewer plays. Defensively, Kansas State totaled six sacks to UT's none while holding the Longhorns' high-flying offense to less than half of its season scoring average.
It worked last year
During the 2002 campaign, Kansas State suffered a 17-14 loss to Texas in Manhattan that dropped the Wildcats record to 5-2. Still, the effort and toughness displayed in that game was parlayed by K-State into a 10-game winning streak that included victories in the final five contests of the regular season and the 2002 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl.
More similarities to 2002
Like 2002, Kansas State will be taking on Oklahoma State in its second game of the Big 12 Conference season. And like 2002, the Wildcats will enter the contest smarting from a gut-wrenching road loss. Last year, K-State was able to rebound from a 35-31 loss at Colorado to defeat Oklahoma State, 44-9. The 35-point loss was the Cowboys' biggest of the season.
0-2 Starts Rare for Cats
Other than the 2001 campaign, when Kansas State came up on the short end of the scoreboard in its first four conference games, the Wildcats have not opened league action 0-2 since dropping its first two Big Eight games en route to a 5-6 record in 1992. Since that season, K-State has either started 2-0 (four times) or 1-1 (five times) in 9-of-10 years.
On the road again
Kansas State is opening Big 12 Conference play with back-to-back road games for the third time since the inception of the league in 1996. In addition to the 2003 season, K-State opened league play with consecutive road games in 1999 (at Iowa State; at Texas) and 2000 (at Colorado; at Kansas). Going on the road did not seem to bother either of those teams as the Wildcats started conference play with perfect 2-0 records each season.
Nip/Tuck
Dating to the start of the 2002 season, all four of K-State's losses over the last 19 games have been by a touchdown or less. The Wildcats suffered a four-point loss at Colorado and a three-point defeat to Texas during 2002. This season, K-State's losses have been by seven points to Marshall and four points to Texas, leaving the Cats with an average margin of loss of just 4.5 points in it last four defeats.
Among the Big 12's best
Since the formation of the Big 12 Conference in 1996, Kansas State has consistently been among the league's top teams and boasts one of the best overall records in the Big 12 games. In the eight years of the Big 12, Kansas State is 43-14 in Big 12 games. Only Nebraska at 45-12 has produced a better conference over that time span and leads the Wildcats by two games.
Cats top dogs on the road
Despite its loss at Texas last week, Kansas State remains on top of the Big 12 in terms of overall conference road record. Since the inception of the Big 12, K-State has won nearly 70 percent of its games in enemy stadiums and boasts a 20-9 (.690) record when playing on the Big 12 road. K-State had a three-game Big 12 road winning streak snapped at Texas as the Cats suffered their first league road loss since Oct. 5, 2002 at Colorado.
For the record
Kansas State may not be playing a higher-ranked opponent on the road this week, but if the Wildcats were they would be looking to snap a number of mighty big streaks. Just for clarification, here is a quick look at the Cats' performance vs. higher ranked opponents...
With its loss at Texas, Kansas State is 0-14 on the road vs. higher ranked opponents under Bill Snyder (Since start of 1989 season).
If you include all non-home games (i.e. neutral site and bowl games, which are not traditionally deemed road games), the Wildcats are 0-18 since 1989.
Of the Wildcats 14 true road losses to higher ranked teams, just two came vs. teams ranked outside the top 10.
Eight of the losses occurred against teams ranked in the top 5, including a one-point loss at defending national champion Oklahoma in 2001 and at eventual national champion Nebraska in 1997.
Since the formation of the Big 12 , Kansas State is 5-10 in non-home games vs. all ranked opponents.
Cats and Cowboys
Saturday's encounter between Kansas State and Oklahoma State will be the 54th in a series that dates to 1908, but just the third since the two old Big Eight rivals joined the Big 12 Conference and were split into separate divisions.
Oklahoma State leads the all-time series, 32-21. The Cowboys also hold a 16-8 edge in the 24 previous games in Stillwater.
Saturday's game will mark K-State's first trip to Stillwater since 1999.
K-State has won nine straight and has not lost to Oklahoma State since the Cowboys defeated the Wildcats in Stillwater, 17-13, in Bill Snyder's inaugural season.
Since then, the Wildcats have won four straight at Lewis Field.
K-State's current nine-game winning streak (1990-2002) is its longest of the series. OSU won 11 in a row from 1947-1962.
K-State is a perfect 3-0 vs. the OSU since joining the Big 12.
The Wildcats' 44-9 win in 2002 was it largest margin of victory in the series (35 points).
Only nine of the previous 53 encounters between the two teams have been decided by a touchdown or less. K-State is 5-4 in those nine games.
Bill Snyder is 9-1 vs. Oklahoma State. OSU's Les Miles is 0-1 vs. the Wildcats.
Southern exposure
Kansas State holds one of the Big 12's best records in inter-divisional play. Not including Big 12 Championship games, K-State is 15-7 vs. Big 12 South opposition since the inception of the conference. With the exception of the 2001 season, when the Wildcats were swept by Big 12 South teams Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, K-State has won no less that two inter-division games, including perfect 3-0 marks in 1996, '97, '98 and '99.
Tube time, again
Saturday's game at Oklahoma State will be Kansas State's fourth appearance on television this season and its third straight on the tube.
The telecast will be Kansas State's 26th on Fox Sports Net since the formation of the Big 12 Conference.
The Wildcats are 20-5 when playing on Fox Sports Net, including 15 straight wins from 1997-2000.
Saturday's game will be just the second in the series between Kansas State and Oklahoma State to be televised. The Wildcats defeated the Cowboys, 44-21, on Oct. 23, 1999, in the only previously televised contest between the two schools.
Close game in the forecast?
Its been said that statistics lie. However, the statistical forecast for the Kansas State at Texas game predicted a close outcome and the Cats and Horns battled to the final minute of the game. A check of this week's NCAA/Big 12 statistics have K-State and Oklahoma State rated very closely in a number of offensive categories. Below is a quick comparative look at the statistics...
Category K-State Oklahoma St
Rushing Offense 11th/217.17 ypg 10th/212.0 ypg
Passing Offense 75th/196.83 ypg 80th/190.80 ypg
Total Offense 35th/414.00 ypg 36th/412.80 ypg
Scoring Offense 18th/36.00 ppg 6th/41.0 ppg
Back talk
Saturday's game between Kansas State and Oklahoma State will feature two of the nation's top running backs. K-State's Darren Sproles is averaging 113.67 yards per game and ranks 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 in rushing. Sproles has topped 100 yards in 4 of 6 games this season and 13 of the Wildcats' last 15 games. OSU's Tatum Bell, the Big 12's No. 3 rusher averages 100.80 yards per game and ranks No. 22 nationally. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark nine times in his career.
Wide out watch
In addition to the running back, two of the nation's top receivers will be on display Saturday in Stillwater. K-State's James Terry, who ranks 25th nationally in receiving yards per game (88.50) and second in yards per catch (23.1) leads the Wildcats' receiving corps. On the other side of the field, Oklahoma State's Rashaun Woods ranks sixth in yards per game (107.80) and 20th in receptions per game (6.40). Woods, an All-America and Heisman Trophy candidate, set an NCAA record with seven touchdown receptions against SMU earlier this season.
Cats in October
Kansas State's prowess in August - 6-0 all time - and September - 37-2 since 1992 - are well documented. However, the Wildcats have also been a solid team in October under head coach Bill Snyder. Since the inception of the Big 12 Conference, Kansas State has won over 65 percent of its October contests, going 20-10 (.667) during that stretch, including a 13-game winning streak that spanned the 1997, '98, '99 and 2000 seasons.
Early risers
Kansas State played in one of the nation's first contests of the year, when the Wildcats opened their 108th year on the gridiron Aug. 23 in the 2003 BCA Classic vs. California at Arrowhead Stadium. The game was the earliest start in school history for the Wildcats. To put things in perspective, as recently as 1999 K-State did not start its season until Sept. 11. On Sept. 13 of this season, the Cats played their fourth game of the year, defeating UMass, 38-7.
Come early, stay late
Not only did Kansas State play its earliest game ever, but if the Wildcats were to win the Big 12 North they would also play a record number of games - 15. K-State played a current school-record 14 games in 2000, opening in the Eddie Robinson Classic vs. Iowa on Aug. 26 before taking on its 11-game regular season schedule, advancing to the Big 12 Championship game and playing in the Cotton Bowl. Should the Cats win the North, their season could span seven months (including two practice day's in July and a possible New Year's Day or post New Year's bowl berth), and at least 156 days.
Poll watching
Kansas State's loss at Texas cost the Wildcats another six spots in this week's Associated Press top 25 and seven slots in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll. The Wildcats enter the week ranked No. 22 by the AP and No. 21 by the coaches after checking at No. 16/14 last week. Still, K-State has been ranked in both polls for 22 consecutive ranking periods, dating to the Sept. 15 polls of last season. The Cats are one of eight Big 12 teams receiving votes in this week's polls.
K-State's No. 5 preseason ranking in the Coaches' Poll was the highest ever for the Wildcats, who have appeared in the top 25 of 7 preseason AP and ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Polls since joining the Big 12 in 1996, but never higher than the No. 6 ranking the Cats earned prior to the 1998 season. In the AP Top 25, K-State's No. 7 preseason ranking was its highest debut since opening at No. 6 in 1998.
More poll talk
Kansas State opened the 2003 season ranked No. 7 in the preseason Associated top 25 and No. 5 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll.
K-State's preseason ranking marks the seventh time in the last eight years that the Wildcats have debuted in the top 25 of both polls. It is also the third time in the last six years that the Cats have been ranked in the top 10 of each poll, as Kansas State was ranked in the preseason top 10 in 1998 and 2000.
The Wildcats' 2003 preseason rankings are among the highest in school history. Kansas State's initial ranking of No. 5 is its highest debut ever in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll. Prior to 2003, K-State's highest preseason ranking by the coaches was No. 6 in 1998. In the AP Top 25, K-State has been ranked higher in the preseason just once when the Cats debuted at No. 6 in 1998.
The only time in the last eight years the Wildcats have not been ranked in either preseason poll occurred last season. Ironically, Kansas State finished 2002 by equaling its highest final ranking in the coaches' poll in school history - No. 6. K-State also finished up ranked No. 6 in both 1995 and 1999.
Kansas State was ranked in a school-record 107 straight Associated Press polls from Sept. 25, 1994 to Oct. 7, 2001.
Destiny still in control
Despite losing two in a row, including its Big 12 opener at Texas, Kansas State still controls its own destiny in the 2003 Big 12 race. Should the Wildcats win out, K-State would win the Big 12 North Division and play in its third conference championship game.
Rushing to victory
Over its last 19 games Kansas State has outrushed its opponent 18 times, rolling to a 15-3 record in those games. K-State has outrushed five of its six opponents this season, and is averaging 217.17 yards per game on the ground while allowing just 98.83.
For the season, the Wildcats have rolled up an impressive 1,303 yards rushing compared to only 593 by its opponents. Kansas State was outrushed for the first time in 18 games as Marshall ground out 241 yards to the Wildcats 106.
At its current pace, Kansas State would end the year with over 2,800 yards on the ground, marking the seventh straight season that the Wildcats will have rushed for more than 2,000 yards in a season.
Rushing Offense Att Yds Avg. Nat. Rk.
1997 541 2,422 220.2 12th
1998 571 2,699 224.9 12th
1999 526 2,032 184.7 24th
2000 595 2,575 198.1 22nd
2001 606 2,835 257.7 5th
2002 655 3,433 264.1 5th
2003 (6 games) 264 1,303 217.2 11th
Piling up the yards
Kansas State continues to be one of the nation's most potent offensive attacks in terms of total offense. The Wildcats enter the week ranked 11th in the nation and third in the Big 12 in rushing offense with 217.17 yards per game and 35th nationally and fourth in the Big 12 in terms of total offense, averaging 414.00 per contest. Though K-State just missed hitting the 400-yard mark vs. Troy State (392) and Marshall (369), and totalled 298 yards vs. a stout Texas squad, the Cats have totaled at least 400 yards in seven of their last 11 games, including a 535-yard effort vs. California, a 400-yard performance against McNeese State and a 490-yard outing vs. UMass. The only other miss during that 11-game stretch, was a 385-yard outing against Iowa State on Nov. 9, 2002. Dating to the start of 2002 , K-State has produced over 400 yards of total offense in 11 of 19 games, and has failed to at least hit the 350-yard total offense mark just three times (vs. USC - 347, 9/21/02); vs. Texas - 261, 10/19/02; at Texas 298, 10/4/03).
Topping 200
The Wildcats have topped the 200-yard plateau on the ground in nine of their last 12 games, including 209 yards at Texas. Since 1990, Kansas State is 64-4 when rushing for at least 200 yards and 66-10 with a 100-yard rusher. As a team, K-State is on pace to average at least 200 yards on the ground for the fifth time in the last seven seasons and once again rank among the nation's top-25 rushing programs.
Send in the ground troops
Kansas State, which has 18 rushing touchdowns this season to rank tied for second nationally in that department, has also scored a rushing touchdown in each of its last 33 non-bowl games. Last year, the Wildcats led the NCAA in rushing TDs with a school-record 53.
Shock and awe offense
Kansas State enters Saturday's game at Texas averaging just under 36 points per game to rank 18th nationally in scoring offense. With three 40-plus point performances already this season, K-State has topped the 40-point mark in seven of its last 12 games. Dating back to the start of the 2002 season, the Wildcats have eclipsed the 40-point mark in 11 of 19 games and have been held below 30 points in just four of their last 19 games. Putting points on the board has been a staple in recent years for K-State, which has finished in the NCAA's top 15 in scoring offense in 5 of 6 seasons.
Midwest sack exchange
Despite replacing three starters on its defensive line from a year ago, Kansas State has shown incredible improvement on the sack front in 2003. Entering the Oklahoma State game, the Wildcats have recorded a Big 12-best 27 sacks through the first six games of the season - nearly double the 14 K-State had through six games in 2002. Leading the assault is junior Kevin Huntley, who already has six to his credit and is taking dead aim at Nyle Wiren's school record of 11.5 in 1996. In all, 12 different players have registered sacks for K-State this season. Nationally, the Cats rank tied for ninth in number of sacks since the start of the 2000 season with 122.
Tough vs. the Run
Despite its troubles on the ground vs. Marshall, Kansas State's defensive unit has been solid vs. the run this season. In fact, dating to last year, K-State has held 11 of its last 14 opponents under 100 yards rushing. McNeese State stopped K-State consecutive games streak of holding opponents under 100 yards at 10, gaining 122 vs. the Wildcats. K-State, however, returned to form vs. Massachusetts, holding the Minutemen to just 27 yards on 30 attempts before giving up an uncharacteristic 210 rushing yards to Marshall. The Thundering Herd lived up to its nickname, becoming the first opponent to top 200 yards on the ground since Missouri eclipsed the mark in the 2001 season finale with 229 yards. K-State also yielded its first 100-yard rusher since Colorado's Chris Brown had 167 yards on Oct. 5, 2002 as Marshall's Franklin Wallace finished with 112 yards on 17 attempts. The Cats did give up 133 yards to Texas, but it came on 52 carries (2.6 ypc). Overall, opponents are averaging just 98.8 yard per game, placing K-State 23rd in rushing defense on this week's NCAA chart.
No red-zone rushing
Kansas State has been especially stingy on the ground inside the red zone. It took 24 quarters, but the Wildcats finally yielded their first rushing touchdown of the season at Texas as Vince Young scored on a quarterback sneak from on 4th-and-1 with 5:19 to play in the fourth quarter. K-State is one of just four teams -- Purdue, Georgia and Oklahoma State are the others -- to allow just one rushing touchdown thus far in 2003. Dating to last season, Kansas State has only given up four rushing scores in its last 14 games and just eight rushing TDs in its last 19 outings.
Point-less
Kansas State has held 10 of its last 19 opponents to 10 points or less, including Troy State and UMass this season. Over that stretch, the Wildcats have given up more than 20 points just five times (at Colorado; vs. Arizona State; vs. California; and vs. Marshall; at Texas). K-State, which leads the Big 12 in shutouts with 11 since the formation of the league, ranks 26th in the nation in scoring defense and fourth in the Big 12, allowing 17.50 points per game this season. Since 1990, the Wildcats are 59-0 when holding foes to 10 or fewer points.
K-State among nation's best in TDs allowed
In addition to being the only school in the nation to rank in the top five in total defense in each of the last six seasons, the Wildcats have been one of the country's stingiest squad when it comes to yielding touchdowns. Since the start of the 1999 season, Kansas State ranks fifth in total touchdowns allowed with 101.
More Defense
Though Kansas State has yet to notch a shutout in 2003, the Wildcats did record three shutouts during the 2002 campaign. Since Bill Snyder's arrival in the Little Apple, K-State has posted 18 shutouts, including at least one in each of the last nine seasons. On the yardage front, Snyder-coached K-State teams have held opponents to less than 200 total yards 33 times, including five in 2002 and two already in 2003.
Stop, Thief
Kansas State continues to be tough on opposing offenses.
Since the start of the 1999 season, Kansas State is second in the nation in interceptions with 85.
With six picks already this season, K-State has now had at least one interception in 55 of the last 64 games and in 65 of the last 73 outings, counting bowl games and including 4 of 6 games so far in 2003.
The Wildcats have snared 34 interceptions in their last 24 games, a string dating back to 2001 that includes the Insight.com Bowl.
K-State has grabbed 21 pics in its last 14 games.
Overall, the Cats have had 83 takeaways in the last 37 games, including 24 in the last eight games of 2002 (14 interceptions/10 fumbles) and 11 (6 interceptions/5 fumbles) so far this season.
Block that kick
Kansas State has developed a knack for superior special teams play in recent years. The Wildcats have already blocked four kicks this season, including it third punt of the year at Texas. Since the 1999 season, the Wildcats have blocked 20 punts and rank fifth nationally in that category.
Return to Sender
Since the start of the 1999 campaign, Kansas State ranks second in the nation in total returns for touchdowns (punts, kickoffs, interceptions, fumbles) with 31 over the last four-plus seasons. The Wildcats, who got two more with David Rose's blocked punt return and Rashad Washington's interception return vs. McNeese State, trail only Miami (Fla.), which has taken 38 returns 'to the house' over that span.
Doubling up
Kansas State has proved to be unbeatable when the Wildcats score on special teams and defense in the same game. K-State turned the trick for the 13th time since 1990 against McNeese State taking both a blocked punt and an interception in for scores. Since 1990 the Cats are 13-0 when scoring on defense and special teams in the same game.
Quarterback Keeper
After missing two and a half games, the Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson was back in the Wildcats' lineup at Texas. And once again Roberson was up to his old tricks, rushing for 87 yards on 17 attempts, including a pair of touchdowns, and passing for 89 yards.
A lethal dual-threat quarterback, Roberson has now rushed for 338 yards and passed for 591 in just 13 quarters of action .
With 3,145 yards passing and 2,181 yards rushing for his career, Roberson is the only player in K-State history to rush for over 2,000 yards and pass for over 3,000 yards as a Wildcat.
Below are a few more notes on Roberson:
Roberson's 145-yard rushing effort vs. California was the fourth-best ever by a K-State quarterback and the seventh time he has topped 100 yards on the ground in his career.
Roberson's seven 100-yard rushing games leads all quarterbacks at K-State and ranks sixth among all players.
With his two touchdowns at Texas Roberson tied Josh Scobey (2000-01) for the most career touchdowns in Kansas State history with 31. It marked the second time this season he has rushed for more than one touchdown in a game and also gave him 210 points for his career. Roberson is now the first non-kicker in school history to top 200 points in a career.
Roberson ranks second on the team in rushing touchdowns with six despite missing 2.5 games.
Roberson has also proved to be a solid aerial threat, passing for 591 yards and throwing five touchdowns in 3.5 games.
On this week's NCAA charts, Roberson would rank seventh in points responsible for (17.5 ppg) and 39th in total offense (232.2 ypg) but has not appeared the required 75 percent of games to qualify. He would also rank as the country's top rushing quarterback and would place 41st overall with an 84.5 yards per game average.
Chart watching with Ell
Ell Roberson became just the fifth Wildcat to go over the 5,000-yard mark for total offense in a career. Roberson (5,326) needs just 494 yards to break Lynn Dickey's school record of 5,779.
Roberson also became just the fifth Wildcat and the first quarterback in school history to top 2,000 yards on the ground in a career with his 69-yard rushing performance vs. the Trojans. With 2,181 yards rushing after the Texas game, he needs just 357 yards to break Erick Hickson's school mark of 2,537.
With his 145-yard rushing effort vs. Cal in the season opener, Roberson now owns seven of the top 10 single-game rushing performances by a quarterback in school history, including three of the top four.
Nothing new for Ell
Ell Roberson's performances thus far in 2003 are nothing new for the senior quarterback. Below are just a few of Roberson's exploits from 2002:
Roberson set a Kansas State single-game rushing record against Nebraska, amassing 228 yards on 29 carries and scoring three touchdowns.
Roberson set single-play, single-game and single-season records for rushing yards by a K-State quarterback vs. the Huskers. His 91-yard touchdown with 2:27 left in the first quarter was the longest on record by a Wildcat QB, and the longest by any Wildcat since Gerald Hackney went a school-record 96 yards against Kansas in 1948.
With 1,032 yards in 2002 Roberson surpassed the single-season record for rushing yards by a QB of 748 by Michael Bishop in 1998 and became just the seventh Wildcat to top 1,000 yards in a single season.
Add Roberson
With 4,397 total offense yards during 2002, Roberson became just the eighth Wildcat past the 4,000-yard mark in school history.
Ell Roberson's final pass efficiency rating of 136.5 would have ranked 20th in the nation if he had enough attempts to qualify for the national list. He finished five attempts below the 15 per game required.
Sproles continues to roll
Junior running back Darren Sproles once again topped the 100-yard rushing barrier vs. Texas, gaining 128 yards on 24 attempts (5.3 ypc). It was the most rushing yards given up by the Longhorns to an individual this season and the 14th time in his career (fourth time in 2003) that Sproles has rushed for more than 100 yards.
Sproles is now averaging 113.67 yard per game this season to rank second in the Big 12 and 11th nationally.
Sproles other 100-yard days this season include a 152-yard outing vs. UMass that included three touchdowns, a 101-yard performance against McNeese State and a career-high 175-yard day vs. California in the 2003 season opener.
Sproles performance vs. Texas moved the junior into the No. 2 spot on Kansas State's all-time rushing list with 2,357 yards rushing on 379 carries in his career. Sproles moved past Mike Lawrence, who accounted for 2,265 yards rushing from 1994-97. He now needs 180 yards to surpass Eric Hickson (2,537 yards from 1994-95 to 1997-98) for the career rushing lead.
Right where he left off
Darren Sproles has picked up right where he left off in 2002:
Through six games, Sproles had gained 682 yards on 114 carries (6.0 ypc) and ranks 11th nationally and second in the Big 12 with a 113.67 rushing yards per game average, despite seeing action in just 19 of 24 quarters this season.
Sproles' 152-yard effort vs. UMass stands as the third-best of his career and marked the second time already this season that he has topped 150 yards on the ground. The junior gained a career high 175 yards on 22 carries, including a 5-yard touchdown run, against California in the season opener.
Sproles has now cleared the 100-yard rushing mark in 4 of 6 games this season, 12 of the last 15 games overall and a K-State record 14 times during his career.
Included in Sproles' 152 yards vs. UMass was a 42-yard run during the third quarter that was his fifth in excess of 25 yards so far this season.
Frequent visitor
Darren Sproles ranks fifth at Kansas State in career rushing touchdowns and is just seven scores shy of taking over as the schools' all-time leader.
With his seven touchdowns so far this season, Sproles has now found the end zone at least once in 11 of K-State last 12 games.
Ten of Sproles' touchdowns have come on runs over 20 yards, including three over 50. All totaled, the junior is averaging a whopping 18.9 yards per score.
During 2002, Sproles averaged 23.8 yards on his 17 rushing touchdowns.
Despite having 16 receptions for 166 yards during his career, Sproles has yet to record a receiving touchdown. He came close vs. Marshall on K-State's final scoring drive, taking a swing pass 33 yards to the Herd 3-yard line with time winding down.
Sproles rewind
Darren Sproles' 2002 campaign was filled with one highlight after another, as he gained 1,465 yards on the ground during to become the Wildcats' all-time single-season rushing leader. Below are a few of Sproles' 2002 accomplishments:
Sproles ended the regular season with 1,465 yards, eclipsing the mark of 1,263 set during 2001 by Josh Scobey for tops on K-State's single-season list.
Sproles set eight other K-State records during 2002, including the single-season mark for most all-purpose yards with 1,800. The old record of 1,648 was set by Henry Hawthorne in 1970.
Sproles ended the year with a streak of nine consecutive 100-yard games and 10 for the season.
Josh Scobey had seven 100-yard games in 2002, while Isaac Jackson had six straight 100-yard games in 1973. Jackson and Sproles are the only Wildcats ever to string together more than three 100-yard games.
During 2002 Darren Sproles became the fastest Wildcat ever to reach 1,000 yards, hitting the mark on his 159th carry of the 2002 season.
Sproles averaged 124.9 yards per game and 6.3 yards per carry during conference play, gaining 999 yards.
Sproles finished the 2002 season ranked 19th in the nation in rushing. On the list of NCAA rushers, Sproles' 6.18 per-carry average ranked fourth among players with at least 200 attempts. The only players with 200 carries ranked ahead of Sproles in yards per carry were Heisman Trophy candidates Larry Johnson of Penn State (7.70), Quentin Griffin of Oklahoma (6.56) and Willis McGahee of Miami, Fla. (6.22).
Sproles' per-carry average was nearly a full yard better than the school record of 5.34 set by Eric Hickson in 1998.
Sproles ranked 29th nationally in all-purpose yards and T34th in scoring.
Sproles' scored 104 points during 2002, becoming just the fifth Wildcat to top 100 points in a single season.
Cats ride Schwinn in Roberson's absence
With starting quarterback Ell Roberson sidelined the for two games, Jeff Schwinn filled in admirably, passing for 469 yards and completing 31 of 52 attempts. Schwinn made his collegiate debut in a starting roll vs. Massachusetts and the Wildcat offense hardly missed a beat. K-State rolled up 490 yards in total offense behind a balance attack that featured 235 yards on the ground and 255 yards via the air with Schwinn at the at the controls. Schwinn led the K-State with 246 yards of total offense, including a 17-for-26, 228-yard passing performance that included a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brian Casey. In fact, Schwinn passed for more yardage vs. UMass (228) than he had previously in his entire K-State career (197). Versus Marshall, Schwinn was even more prolific through the air, connecting on 17 of 16 attempts for 241 yards, including hook-ups of 41, 35, 33 and 22 yards.
Teddy ballgame
Reserve sophomore linebacker Ted Sims may have had the breakout game of his career at Texas. Coming off the bench in the second quarter, Sims finished the game with a career-high and team-best 15 tackles, including seven solo stops and a pair of sacks. His performance vs. the Longhorns has vaulted him into K-State starting spot at middle linebacker for this week's game vs. Oklahoma State. Not bad for a player that enter the Texas game with just 18 total tackles for the season and was credited with just one solo stop during the entire 2002 campaign.
Big Play James
When the Wildcats need to make a long-distance call, they are increasingly dialing the number of senior wide receiver James Terry. Terry, who has hauled in a team-leading 23 receptions in Kansas State's first five games, has made every one count, averaging 23.1 yards per reception to rank second in the NCAA in yards per catch. He leads the team with 531 yards receiving, while his 88.5 yards per game ranks 25th nationally. In fact, Terry's receiving yards are the third best through six games during the Bill Snyder era at Kansas State.
Through six games, Terry has already topped 100-yards receiving three times this season and has accounted for nearly 45 percent of K-State's passing yardage.
Inside those totals are a number off big plays for the senior, who has already hauled in 10 receptions in excess of 20 yards. He finished the Cal game with two 52-yard catches, including a touchdown, and added a 43-yarder vs. Troy State. Versus McNeese State, Terry hauled in four catches for 112 yards and a 43-yard touchdown. He may have had his best day in a K-State uniform vs. UMass, grabbing a career-high eight receptions for 120 yards, including strikes of 24 and 35 yards. Versus Marshall, Terry had just three receptions but finished the game with 74 yards receiving, including a 35-yarder. At Texas, Terry turned a middle screen into a 45-yard gain to set up K-State's go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Overall, Terry has had at least one catch in each of the last 13 games in which he played.
More from Moriera
True freshmen haven't traditionally made a huge impact under head coach Bill Snyder with just 34 seeing action in his 14-plus seasons in Manhattan. Bucking the trend is wide receiver Jermaine Moriera. Just the fourth freshman wide out to crack the Wildcat lineup under Snyder, Moriera has appeared in all five games this season and has averaged 17.4 yards on 11 receptions to rank second on the team. He has also taken over K-State's punt and kick return duties and owns the Cats' longest punt return of the season with his 39-yarder vs. McNeese State. He also had a 37-yard punt return to the Marshall 7-yard line that was called back due to off-setting penalties.
Buhl having big season
Kansas State linebacker Josh Buhl, the Big 12's defensive player of the week for games of Sept. 13, wrapped up K-State's game vs. Marshall on Sept. 20 as the nation's leading tackler with 15.4 per game and 88 total stops for the season. On pace to shatter K-State's single-season tackle record currently held by Gary Spani (1977) and Danny Lankas (1967) with 178, Buhl has recorded double-figure stops in all six games this season, including 18-tackle performances three times and 11-tackle outing at Texas. At his current pace of of 15 stops per game, Buhl would end the regular season tops on K-State's single-season tackle chart with 192.
Buhl's 88 total tackles includes 52 solo stops and is 31 more than Kansas State's No. 2 tackler, Bryan Hickman, who has received credit for 57 total tackles. He enters the OSU game ranked 12th on the Wildcats' career tackles chart with 302.
Iron Man
Center Nick Leckey has been a stalwart on the offensive line for Kansas State. The senior, who enters the Oklahoma State game with 31 straight starts (32 career) dating back to the 2001 season opener, has been tapped as a preseason All-American by Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News and Playboy and is on watch lists for the Rimington, Outland Trophy and Lombardi awards.
Rheem adding up
Junior place-kicker Joe Rheem has shrugged off a shaky 2002 campaign and has proved to be a reliable weapon thus far in 2003.
Through six games, Rheem is Kansas State's leading scorer with 49 points (25 extra points and 8 field goals). He also ranks nationally in two categories, including 41st in scoring (8.0 points per game), 37th in field goals (1.3 per game).
For his career, Rheem has scored 161 total points and ranks 10th all-time in scoring at K-State.
He enters the Oklahoma State game having made 42 consecutive PAT attempts dating back to the second quarter of the Iowa State game on Nov. 9, 2002, including all 25 tries this year. Overall, Rheem has made 98-of-105 extra-point attempts in his career, which ranks fourth on K-State's career list for both PATs and PAT attempts and needs just four more PATs to move into the top 10 in a single-season.
Rheem has also been much more consistent on field goal attempts in 2003, connecting on 8-of-9, including a career-long 44-yarder against McNeese State, two 40-plus yard boots vs. Marshall and a 41-yard field goal vs. Texas. Overall, he is a perfect 5-for-5 on attempts of 40 yards or longer on the year. His eight field goals this season rank him tied for 21st nationally and third in the Big 12 Conference.
