Rapid Recap: A fast start from Kansas State

Kansas State injury update

Kansas State linebacker Jake Clifton left the Baylor game due to an injury. Head coach Chris Klieman did not have an update after the game, sharing there was no preliminary information that was given to him.

He was also quick to point out that junior college linebacker Rex Van Wyhe played well in Clifton’s absence. It was the second game of his K-State career. The Iowa native is someone Kansas State wants to redshirt and will be able to this season because of the new redshirting rules regarding postseason play.

Duke’s ejection

Defensive lineman Khalid Duke was ejected in the contest against Baylor. The K-State defensive end and an offensive lineman from Baylor got into a skirmish. Punches were thrown and both players were removed from the game.

Klieman had not been able to speak with the senior defensive end at the time of his postgame press conference because he had to be taken off the field and couldn’t remain on the sideline. He did go to bat for his edge rusher, though.

Fast start from Wildcats

After an emotional loss to Texas, it would have been understandable if Kansas State started slow. However, the Wildcats came out on fire and scored on the first drive. It was important for K-State to be able to get off to a good start.

The Kansas State players were excited to play in the morning and kept the excitement going throughout the game.

Forcing turnovers was a critical component to that. After Baylor scored on their first drive, K-State responded with a touchdown of their own. On the next drive for the Bears, Cody Stufflebean broke free and hit Blake Shapen and forced a fumble. It was picked up by Desmond Purnell and returned for a score.

The fumble forced by Stufflebean was the first of four Kansas State turnovers forced for the game. Purnell’s touchdown was also the first of two defensive touchdowns on the day as Keenan Garber added a pick six in the second half.