Kansas State players of the game in loss to Iowa State

In a game where they beat themselves again, who stood out for Kansas State?

Kansas State offensive MVP: Jayce Brown

Receiver Jayce Brown was probably the best player for the Kansas State offense in Ireland. The problem was, even he was inconsistent. Brown had a game-high 78 yards receiving on four receptions and had a great double move which led to his touchdown.

The junior wideout also had a 33-yard run to spark the offense while they were stuck in the mud in the first half. Brown had two drops, which was also a game high.

K-State quarterback Avery Johnson was a bit rocky, but he finished with solid stat line.

Johnson was 21 of 30 for 273 yards and two touchdowns, with another 21 yards on the ground and another score. The reads weren’t always sharp and he was stopped on a crucial fourth down play in the fourth quarter. Of Johnson’s nine incompletions, four were drops which is still an issue after last season.

Defensive MVP: Tobi Osunsanmi

Tobi Osunsanmi was unblockable at times. He had two sacks that included a huge play in the first half. Osunsanmi was the best player on the field in the game’s first 30 minutes, but he did not have as flashy of a second half.

In fact, the entire Kansas State defense went downhill after the break. Iowa State scored on three second half drives to put the game in their own control. The lone stop for the K-State defense after the opening three-and-out was when the Cyclones elected to knee the ball out for the win.

K-State special teams MVP: Luis Rodriguez

The K-State special teams was once again a sore spot. Luis Rodriguez more or less gets this by default because he was perfect on his extra points.

Dylan Edwards muffed a punt to begin the game and was injured and did not return. Sterling Lockett took care of the ball at least. Simon McClannan was fine punting the ball, but he had a rough one and was not great on kickoffs. Bryce Noernberg had one good kick return but had two that were not great.