Kansas State Players of the Game in Pop-Tarts Bowl win
Kansas State offensive MVP: DJ Giddens
I’m actually going against the ESPN broadcast and who won Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP for Kansas State. DJ Giddens was very, very good for most of the game in Orlando. For much of the first half, he was unstoppable.
The Junction City native had 90 yards on the ground and a touchdown in the first half. Giddens also added a 37-yard catch and touchdown in the first 30 minutes. While the second half wasn’t as great for Giddens, he was able to come through in the clutch moments.
He had a big run on a fourth and one play in the fourth quarter as well as a big run after a Jacob Parrish interception in the final minutes of the game.
Quarterback Avery Johnson was also great in the win over NC State. The K-State true freshman had 178 yards through the air and two touchdowns and added 71 rushing yards and another score. What impressed me most about the Kansas State signal caller was his poise.
He did not make any mistakes and was always under control.
K-State true freshman Jayce Brown quietly had a good game as well. The Florida native was slippery after the catch and had the game-sealing touchdown. Brown finished with five catches for 52 yards and the touchdown.
Defensive MVP: Desmond Purnell
Kansas State linebacker Desmond Purnell had a few big splash plays. The sophomore linebacker had four total tackles and continued his impressive season. He played fast and was flying around and made some big hits.
Sophomore VJ Payne led K-State in total tackles with 10. The Kansas State safety also absolutely blew up Brennan Armstrong on the two-point conversion attempt in the third quarter.
Another young player that really flashed for K-State was Colby McCalister. He put himself in good positions to make a play all night and closed with six total tackles. McCalister got the start at the ‘Jack’ safety in Orlando after Kobe Savage elected to transfer.
K-State special teams MVP: Jack Blumer
The only positive flash from the Kansas State special teams was a fake punt that was advanced by Jack Blumer. In his final game at K-State, he ran for 30 yards behind offensive lineman Cooper Beebe to set up a second Wildcat touchdown in the first half.
Seth Porter busted a punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. However, a penalty brought the score back.
