Kansas State University Athletics
Saturday, September 11
Manhattan, Kan.
6 p.m.
Kansas State University
2-0 , 0-0
31
vs
23
Southern Illinois
1-1 , 0-0
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Southern Illinois
0
23
0
0
23
Kansas St.
14
7
3
7
31
K-State Holds Off Southern Illinois in Home Opener
Sep 11, 2021 | Football
MANHATTAN, Kansas – Kansas State lost star sixth-year senior quarterback Skylar Thompson to an apparent right knee injury and suffered four turnovers, but the Wildcats' defense came to the rescue down the stretch in a 31-23 victory over FCS member Southern Illinois in front of 47,628 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
With 7 minutes, 21 seconds left in the first quarter and K-State facing first-and-10 at the Southern Illinois 12-yard line, Thompson handed off to sophomore running back Deuce Vaughn to the right side and attempted to block for the preseason All-American. However, Thompson fell to the ground with a non-contact injury to his right knee, causing a hush to fill the stadium that was near capacity for the first time since 2019.
"It was gut-wrenching," Vaughn said. "I saw (Thompson) go down in my peripheral, but I didn't know what happened to him. I turned around and saw him on his back and squirming in agony. My prayers go up for him. That's our QB1. That's our star player. That's Skylar Thompson. To see him go down…that's a great guy, a great player."
Thompson remained on his back for several minutes and K-State head coach Chris Klieman joined him before medical staff took Thompson to the injury tent. Thompson later walked under his own power with staff to the locker room.
"I don't know (Thompson's condition) at all," Klieman said. "I was sick to my stomach because of what he means to me and what he means to my family and to watch what he went through last year I was devastated for the kid. I'm praying and hoping for the best."
Thompson made his 32nd career start, tying Ell Roberson for first among K-State quarterbacks since 1990, and ranks fourth in school history with 5,261 passing yards.
With Thompson sidelined, K-State's best drive without its sixth-year senior came on the final possession of the game. Sophomore Will Howard hit wide receiver Phillip Brooks with a 21-yard pass across the middle to set up the Wildcats at the SIU 38-yard line. Then running back Joe Ervin came alive with a 14-yard carry up the middle. Vaughn carried the ball three straight times, finally charging through the biggest gap of the game as he ran untouched up the middle from 4 yards out for a 31-23 lead just under 2 minutes remaining in the game.
Vaughn had 26 carries for 120 yards and three touchdowns — his fourth-straight 100-yard performance — leading an offense that outgained Southern Illinois 380-276, but left plenty to be desired.
"When we punched it in, we had the overwhelming feeling that the defense was going to get a stop," Vaughn said. "Those guys were putting it on the line. They're a great unit. They weren't going to let us down. They have a mob mentality."
Defensive tackle Jaylen Pickle recorded his first-career interception off a batted ball by linebacker Ryan Henington while defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah spearheaded the defensive effort with five tackles, including a career-high three sacks and two forced fumbles. He raced off the edge and forced Southern Illinois quarterback Nic Baker to fumble with 8:37 left in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Daniel Green recovered the ball deep in Southern Illinois territory.
"I felt like we had to take over and that's what we did down the stretch," Anudike-Uzomah said. "All I was thinking was that every time I see the quarterback I'm going to try to hit the ball with my right and tackle him with my left. That's my mindset."
The Wildcats were unable to convert — this time on a missed 24-yard field goal attempt.
Still, K-State did enough. The defense impressively held Southern Illinois off the scoreboard the second half.
"We just knew we had to fight and play for Skylar," Anudike-Uzomah said.
When Thompson left the field, the game turned into a nail biter quickly.
On his first full drive, Howard took the offense 55 yards on 10 plays as Vaughn rushed 1 yard for his second score and a 21-3 lead. K-State's lead quickly evaporated as SIU scored 20 unanswered points, including two touchdowns off turnovers, and the Wildcats trailed 23-21 at halftime. K-State suffered a turnover on each of its final three possessions in the second quarter alone.
"It's a big-time change," Howard said. "You want to say that you prepare as a starter but at the end of the day, it's a different mindset. It's definitely a different feel and a different preparation going into the week. I'm ready for whatever. I want to execute to the best of my ability."
K-State's troubles began when Southern Illinois went on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown run by Javon Williams, Jr. On the Wildcats' first play from scrimmage, Southern Illinois forced a fumble at the K-State 17-yard line and needed just two plays to score a touchdown and trim K-State's lead to 21-16. K-State's struggles continued as Howard threw a third-down interception that PJ Jules returned 41 yards for a score and the Wildcats suddenly trailed 23-21. Howard then suffered a fumble when he was sacked at the K-State 49-yard line with 59 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Fortunately, the Wildcats were able to regroup at halftime.
"We had to overcome the adversity of losing our quarterback and tackling really poorly and we just gave them touchdowns because we couldn't hold onto the football," Klieman said. "We did things that get you beat in a game no matter who you're playing. I told our guys all week this is a good football team. We found a way to win."
It looked like the Wildcats could make easy work of their opponent early on.
K-State struck immediately as a 43-yard pass from Thompson to Malik Knowles highlighted a six-play, 75-yard drive capped by a four-yard touchdown run by Vaughn. On the Wildcats' third drive, Thompson found Knowles for 50 yards before disaster struck on the ensuing play after it appeared the Wildcats were in charge one week following an impressive 24-7 win over Stanford at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
After Thompson went down, things were never quite the same. That's when K-State particularly leaned on its star running back and defense.
Thompson completed 3 of 4 passes for 96 yards before his injury. Howard finished 8 of 17 for 76 yards with one interception and added eight carries for nine yards and one touchdown. Knowles had 4 catches for a career-high 112 yards with most of his yardage coming with Thompson in the contest. Add in Vaughn's 120 rushing yards, and it marked the first time since 2014 that the Wildcats had a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver in the same game.
"We were down a quarterback but we have good players at all positions," Klieman said. "We needed to step up and play. Defensively, we played exceptionally well in the second half. They're a good team, and they're going to make some plays. Offensively, we sputtered a little bit and have some things to sort out."
Fortunately, the Wildcats did just enough to survive a wild home opener.
With 7 minutes, 21 seconds left in the first quarter and K-State facing first-and-10 at the Southern Illinois 12-yard line, Thompson handed off to sophomore running back Deuce Vaughn to the right side and attempted to block for the preseason All-American. However, Thompson fell to the ground with a non-contact injury to his right knee, causing a hush to fill the stadium that was near capacity for the first time since 2019.
"It was gut-wrenching," Vaughn said. "I saw (Thompson) go down in my peripheral, but I didn't know what happened to him. I turned around and saw him on his back and squirming in agony. My prayers go up for him. That's our QB1. That's our star player. That's Skylar Thompson. To see him go down…that's a great guy, a great player."
Thompson remained on his back for several minutes and K-State head coach Chris Klieman joined him before medical staff took Thompson to the injury tent. Thompson later walked under his own power with staff to the locker room.
"I don't know (Thompson's condition) at all," Klieman said. "I was sick to my stomach because of what he means to me and what he means to my family and to watch what he went through last year I was devastated for the kid. I'm praying and hoping for the best."
Thompson made his 32nd career start, tying Ell Roberson for first among K-State quarterbacks since 1990, and ranks fourth in school history with 5,261 passing yards.
With Thompson sidelined, K-State's best drive without its sixth-year senior came on the final possession of the game. Sophomore Will Howard hit wide receiver Phillip Brooks with a 21-yard pass across the middle to set up the Wildcats at the SIU 38-yard line. Then running back Joe Ervin came alive with a 14-yard carry up the middle. Vaughn carried the ball three straight times, finally charging through the biggest gap of the game as he ran untouched up the middle from 4 yards out for a 31-23 lead just under 2 minutes remaining in the game.
Vaughn had 26 carries for 120 yards and three touchdowns — his fourth-straight 100-yard performance — leading an offense that outgained Southern Illinois 380-276, but left plenty to be desired.
"When we punched it in, we had the overwhelming feeling that the defense was going to get a stop," Vaughn said. "Those guys were putting it on the line. They're a great unit. They weren't going to let us down. They have a mob mentality."
Defensive tackle Jaylen Pickle recorded his first-career interception off a batted ball by linebacker Ryan Henington while defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah spearheaded the defensive effort with five tackles, including a career-high three sacks and two forced fumbles. He raced off the edge and forced Southern Illinois quarterback Nic Baker to fumble with 8:37 left in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Daniel Green recovered the ball deep in Southern Illinois territory.
"I felt like we had to take over and that's what we did down the stretch," Anudike-Uzomah said. "All I was thinking was that every time I see the quarterback I'm going to try to hit the ball with my right and tackle him with my left. That's my mindset."
The Wildcats were unable to convert — this time on a missed 24-yard field goal attempt.
Still, K-State did enough. The defense impressively held Southern Illinois off the scoreboard the second half.
"We just knew we had to fight and play for Skylar," Anudike-Uzomah said.
When Thompson left the field, the game turned into a nail biter quickly.
On his first full drive, Howard took the offense 55 yards on 10 plays as Vaughn rushed 1 yard for his second score and a 21-3 lead. K-State's lead quickly evaporated as SIU scored 20 unanswered points, including two touchdowns off turnovers, and the Wildcats trailed 23-21 at halftime. K-State suffered a turnover on each of its final three possessions in the second quarter alone.
"It's a big-time change," Howard said. "You want to say that you prepare as a starter but at the end of the day, it's a different mindset. It's definitely a different feel and a different preparation going into the week. I'm ready for whatever. I want to execute to the best of my ability."
K-State's troubles began when Southern Illinois went on a nine-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a four-yard touchdown run by Javon Williams, Jr. On the Wildcats' first play from scrimmage, Southern Illinois forced a fumble at the K-State 17-yard line and needed just two plays to score a touchdown and trim K-State's lead to 21-16. K-State's struggles continued as Howard threw a third-down interception that PJ Jules returned 41 yards for a score and the Wildcats suddenly trailed 23-21. Howard then suffered a fumble when he was sacked at the K-State 49-yard line with 59 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Fortunately, the Wildcats were able to regroup at halftime.
"We had to overcome the adversity of losing our quarterback and tackling really poorly and we just gave them touchdowns because we couldn't hold onto the football," Klieman said. "We did things that get you beat in a game no matter who you're playing. I told our guys all week this is a good football team. We found a way to win."
It looked like the Wildcats could make easy work of their opponent early on.
K-State struck immediately as a 43-yard pass from Thompson to Malik Knowles highlighted a six-play, 75-yard drive capped by a four-yard touchdown run by Vaughn. On the Wildcats' third drive, Thompson found Knowles for 50 yards before disaster struck on the ensuing play after it appeared the Wildcats were in charge one week following an impressive 24-7 win over Stanford at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
After Thompson went down, things were never quite the same. That's when K-State particularly leaned on its star running back and defense.
Thompson completed 3 of 4 passes for 96 yards before his injury. Howard finished 8 of 17 for 76 yards with one interception and added eight carries for nine yards and one touchdown. Knowles had 4 catches for a career-high 112 yards with most of his yardage coming with Thompson in the contest. Add in Vaughn's 120 rushing yards, and it marked the first time since 2014 that the Wildcats had a 100-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver in the same game.
"We were down a quarterback but we have good players at all positions," Klieman said. "We needed to step up and play. Defensively, we played exceptionally well in the second half. They're a good team, and they're going to make some plays. Offensively, we sputtered a little bit and have some things to sort out."
Fortunately, the Wildcats did just enough to survive a wild home opener.
CATS WIN#KStateFB ⚒ pic.twitter.com/8GsYMxJX92
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 12, 2021
'Cats, baby #KStateFB ⚒ pic.twitter.com/0j2ynCsGm5
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 12, 2021
DEUCE MOOD ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/lWOXTeBK2Y
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 12, 2021
GET YOU ONE @JayPick45 #KStateFB ⚒ pic.twitter.com/71xT2iuewC
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 11, 2021
Catjacks in The Bill #KStateFB ⚒ Game 2 pic.twitter.com/lGpWBabJnM
— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 11, 2021
Team Stats
SIU
KSU
Total Yards
276
380
Pass Yards
176
172
Rushing Yards
100
208
Penalty Yards
10
40
1st Downs
17
24
3rd Downs
4
4
4th Downs
2
1
TOP
26:04
33:56
1st Quarter
SIU 0, KSU 7
KSU - Vaughn,Deuce 4 yd run (Winkel,Taiten kick), 6 plays, 75 yards, TOP 03:15
SIU 0, KSU 14
KSU - Howard,Will 1 yd run (Winkel,Taiten kick), 8 plays, 77 yards, TOP 04:08
2nd Quarter
SIU 3, KSU 14
SIU - Gualdoni,Nico 32 yd field goal 17 plays, 61 yards, TOP 06:41
SIU 3, KSU 21
KSU - Vaughn,Deuce 1 yd run (Winkel,Taiten kick), 10 plays, 55 yards, TOP 04:57
SIU 9, KSU 21
SIU - Williams Jr.,Javon 4 yd run (), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:07
SIU 16, KSU 21
SIU - Williams Jr.,Javon 1 yd run (Gualdoni,Nico kick), 2 plays, 9 yards, TOP 00:46
SIU 23, KSU 21
SIU - Jules,PJ 41 yd interception (Gualdoni,Nico kick)
3rd Quarter
SIU 23, KSU 24
KSU - Winkel,Taiten 34 yd field goal 14 plays, 66 yards, TOP 07:38
4th Quarter
SIU 23, KSU 31
KSU - Vaughn,Deuce 4 yd run (Winkel,Taiten kick), 7 plays, 59 yards, TOP 03:19
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
CMP
3
TD
0
YDS
96
INT
1
CMP
8
TD
0
YDS
76
INT
1
Players Mentioned
DE
/ Football
WR
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ FootballQB
/ Football
WR
/ Football
DT
/ FootballQB
/ Football
RB
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