MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas State Wildcats secured their spot in a postseason bowl game with a decisive **24-14** victory over the Colorado Buffaloes at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on a challenging, cold afternoon. This win concluded the regular season with Kansas State finishing at **6-6** overall, including a **5-4** record in the Big 12 Conference.
The Wildcats displayed resilience, overcoming a tumultuous season that included a mid-season slump with a record of **2-4**. Head Coach **Chris Klieman** praised the team’s determination, especially during the second half of the season, where they rallied to win four of their final six games. The official announcement of their bowl game destination will be made on **December 7, 2023**.
Dominant Performance from Joe Jackson
Running back **Joe Jackson** continued to shine, building on his record-breaking performance from the previous week. After rushing for a remarkable **293 yards** and three touchdowns against Utah, he added **142 yards** and three touchdowns on **26 carries** against Colorado. Although he did not replicate the explosive runs from the week before, Jackson’s ability to gain tough yards was crucial in the windy, snowy conditions.
Klieman’s enthusiasm was evident as he celebrated each of Jackson’s touchdown runs, even losing his headset during the jubilant moments on the field. Jackson’s performance was pivotal in a game where the weather posed significant challenges.
Creative Offensive Strategies
Kansas State employed a unique approach on offense, opting for a physical style rather than the traditional spread offense. Offensive coordinator **Matt Wells** utilized a variety of jumbo packages, integrating extra linemen to bolster the running game. Notably, offensive lineman **Dylan Villarouel** took on multiple roles, even lining up in the backfield.
In a standout moment, **Uso Seumalo**, a **340-pound** defensive tackle, was brought in to create space for Jackson’s short touchdown run. The Wildcats managed **206 rushing yards** on **43 attempts**, a respectable total given the adverse weather, although it fell short of the school record of **472 yards** set the previous week.
Anticipation for Bowl Game
Despite the victory, ticket sales for the bowl game may not reach expected levels. The Wildcats began the season ranked **17th** in the preseason polls, leading to heightened expectations that extended beyond mere postseason eligibility. Nonetheless, players have expressed excitement about participating in another bowl game, especially considering their mid-season struggles.
Bowl projections suggest potential matchups in the **Independence Bowl**, **Liberty Bowl**, and **Armed Forces Bowl**, among others. Notably, a representative from the Independence Bowl was present for Saturday’s game, which is set to take place on **December 30** in Shreveport, Louisiana, featuring a matchup between a Big 12 team and a Conference USA team.
Defensive Dominance
Kansas State’s defensive unit was instrumental in sealing the victory, limiting Colorado to **323 total yards** and stifling seven of their nine drives. Linebacker **Desmond Purnell** stood out with **nine tackles**, including two for a loss, while **Ryan Davis** contributed with three tackles for loss. Additionally, **Donovan McIntosh** intercepted a pass, further highlighting the Wildcats’ defensive prowess.
While attendance was lower than usual, primarily due to the weather and the teams’ records, those who braved the conditions provided vocal support during key moments. Fans celebrated with the players on senior day, marking the end of the regular season with a sense of accomplishment.
As Kansas State prepares for its upcoming bowl game, the Wildcats will look to build on their momentum and end the season on a high note.
