I’m going to give it to you live today, my friends. Or at least I’m going to try. Not hamstrung by a late start time, so we’ll do what we can do. As usual, let’s keep the conversations going in the comments, and Levi will try to address as much of those as possible.
Keep checking throughout the day for updates.
FIRST QUARTER – 12:23
Awful starts for both teams. Baylor seems content to try to run at K-State, which just isn’t going to work. Brandon Whitaker isn’t hitting the hole hard enough. As for the Cats, they looked awfully out of sync early, which is alarming because they’ve been so proficient on opening (scripted) drives. But special teams is going to be a significant factor, and the Bears are dreadful in that area. Dreadful.
7:14 – KSU, 7-0
Freeman leans in from the 1 and gives the Wildcats the first score of the game and the lead. The offense seemed more in tune that drive. Inside the 10, K-State went to the option – take note, Chris Harper – and Freeman kept the ball, earning a couple of yards. A couple of thoughts – Baylor’s defense is solid, but a pass interference call on Alton Widemon, who was covering Jordy Nelson step for step, didn’t help. But the real issue for the Bears is going to be the offense. Yikes, it’s suspect. Things could change, but I can’t see BU mounting any serious charges on that side of the ball. Again, plenty of time left in the game, but…
5:31 – KSU, 10-0
OK, Courtney Herndon strips Mike Machen and Ian Campbell recovers. But the Wildcats can’t punch it in from deep inside BU territory. On third down and 4, Freeman misses his target and it looked like he could have run into the end zone. Prince rips into Freeman on the sideline. Earlier, LaMark Brown left the field and was escorted into the hydrotherapy center of the football complex, dangling his left arm. Rossman connected on a 34-yard field goal.
3:34
Disaster for the Bears. Moving deep into KSU territory, Machen throws a pick to Bryan Baldwin, who was at least the third Wildcat in coverage in the end zone. Someone from the BU contingent in the press box says, “That’s awful.” It was – the Bears walk away with nothing when a score would have changed the complexion of the game.
2:25
Bad toss by Freeman snaps his no turnover-streak when Antareis Bryan picks one off. It’s time for some Weed – John David Weed, that is, the backup BU quarterback. He comes in and moves the Bears a little, but – go figure – Baylor misses a 36-yard field goal. Some poor football being exhibited today.
SECOND QUARTER – 12:53
I feel so bad for Baylor’s defense. This unit is a solid, salty group, flummoxing Freeman and the Cats for the most part all day. But that offense is a hot mess. Blessed with decent starting position after Cedric Wilson produced one of K-State’s best tackles all season – although it was a 15-yard personal foul because it was after the BU punt returner called for a fair catch. Machen was back in, but while he was scrambling, he was hit and fumbled. K-State recovered. Points should be coming shortly.
10:42 – KSU, 13-0
Rossman boots a 34-yarder. We see the option again, which doesn’t work so well because, well, Freeman isn’t the quickest or fastest guy in the world. Jordy Nelson is frustrated, but we’re guessing the People’s Champ will still get the ball another six times this afternoon. Not a crisp performance by the Wildcats, by any means, but as Ron Prince will undoubtedly say after the game, he’ll never begrudge a win – which is where this one is headed, in the win column for the Cats.
6:18
Rossman missed another one, this one from 33 yards. More sloppy play. I’m sure you’re all wishing you were here. Few seconds later, Cline leaps into the air to snare an errant toss from Machen for an interception.
4:15 – KSU, 16-0
Rossman makes it from 33 yards this time. Freeman hits Nelson at the goal line on 3rd down, but Jordan Lake jars the ball loose on the way to the ground. Nice play by the BU safety.
2:34 – KSU, 16-6
The Machen experiment appears over. Blake Szymanski, the opening day starter, is now, and he might be giving the Bears a lift. He completes his first two passes, which is plenty impressive offense on a day like this. He steps into a pass, hits Thomas White in stride, who makes a Wildcat miss and then he sprints the rest of the way for the score, a 52-yard touchdown. Again, go figure – Baylor misses the extra point. Think they’ll stick with Blake?
HALFTIME – KSU, 16-6
Ugly. That’s the best I’ve got. But K-State is on alert. The Wildcats need to play better in the second half. Not saying BU has enough to make this interesting, but you never know.
THIRD QUARTER – 13:00, KSU, 23-6
Baylor couldn’t do anything on its possession, but then K-State decided to get Deon Murphy involved. He returns a punt 55 yards and then Freeman pump-faked on a pass, the Baylor corner bit, and Murphy raced past him for 22-yard touchdown catch. He was wide open. I mean, the corner gave him at least an eight-yard cushion to start, and then he bit on the fake and was still beaten by Murphy.
5:44 – KSU, 30-6
Two key plays that Wyatt and Stan can’t do justice to – Jordy Nelson’s one-handed corral on 3rd and 5 was ridiculous. The run after the catch was expected, but Freeman’s throw was low. Nelson reached back, while running full speed, and controlled the toss. Great play, but not to be undone a few minutes later when Freeman stepped up in the pocket and delivered a 40-yard strike to the end zone to Daniel Gonzalez. Folks, that was a NFL throw. He dropped the ball – on a rope – in the only open space there was, which was into Gonzo’s outstretched hands.
5:14 – KSU, 37-6
Freeman to Nelson – how many times have we said that? – from six yards out. As Levi points out, the BU corner just sat there, almost mesmerized by what was happening. Don’t be surprised if K-State keeps throwing, and especially to Nelson, who the program is promoting for postseason accolades. Nelson has five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. Freeman has now thrown for 214 yards and three touchdowns — all in the third quarter. Pretty good stuff, especially after a lackluster first half.
That’s all for now, folks. K-State rolls to its fifth victory. Check in tomorrow for my Sunday morning thoughts.
