Kansas State players of the game in win over Knights

Kansas State offensive MVP: DJ Giddens

Have yourself a night, DJ Giddens. The Kansas State sophomore running back had a career high 207 rushing yards along with a career high in receiving yards with 86. Giddens also had four touchdowns, which was another career high.

Much of the K-State offense revolved around giving No. 31 the ball on Saturday night and letting him go to work. He had to grind for yards that were not there at times and still averaged nearly seven yards per carry.

His rushing yard total is more than even Deuce Vaughn had in any game for his career. It is very likely that Giddens will be in consideration for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week.

Will Howard quietly had a solid night as well. The senior did throw an interception in the first half, but he still threw for 255 yards. Howard also ran for 64 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensive MVP: Desmond Purnell

To be honest, there weren’t a lot of great options on the defensive side of the ball for Kansas State. There were more than a few breakdowns that led to big plays for UCF. The Knights gave the Wildcats problems and Chris Klieman credited their talent for that.

Linebacker Desmond Purnell probably had the best game, defensively. The Topeka native always seemed to be in the right spot to make plays and was the leading tackler with seven. Purnell also forced a crucial fumble in the first half and had a tackle for a loss.

His head coach praised him during the postgame press conference.

Jacob Parrish had a pass break-up in the fourth quarter and recorded his first career interception in the first half. The K-State defensive line also played pretty well for the most part and got to the passer a lot in the second half. All three of Nate Matlack, Brendan Mott and Khalid Duke had a sack.

K-State special teams MVP: Jack Blumer

Special teams were not great for the Wildcats on Saturday night. There were two holding calls on returns, Chris Tennant missed a field goal and an extra point. Tennant also had a kickoff go out of bounds. It was not an ideal performance and far from it.

Jack Blumer wasn’t used much. He only punted once, but the super senior took advantage of his opportunity. His 69-yard punt was the longest of his career. Randen Plattner also recorded his second career tackle on the punt.