K-State defense powers 41-28 win over TCU

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - The Wildcats were firing on all cylinders today, but it was the defense that helped K-State grab its third win of the season.

The game was scoreless through the first quarter, before TCU opened up the scoring in the second with a one-yard touchdown run from Jeremy Payne to make it 7-0.

K-State responded on the next drive with a pass from Avery Johnson to Garrett Oakley for 32 yards to tie it up, 7-7.

The 'Cats would grab its next touchdown on a fumble via a backwards pass from Josh Hoover to Ed Smalls. Sophomore safety Wesley Fair would recover the fumble for a touchdown, putting K-State up by a score to close out the first half.

The Wildcat defense continued to show out with a pick-six from Topeka-native and Hayden High alum Desmond Purnell for a 25-yard touchdown to increase the lead to 21-7. Purnell sacked Hoover on the previous snap.

Johnson connected with Oakley for his second touchdown of the day, a 17-yarder to put the 'Cats up 28-7.

The Horned Frogs scored on its next possession to cut the lead to 28-14, but the 'Cats kept its foot on the gas.

On the first drive in the fourth, Johnson found Jerand Bradley for a 12-yard touchdown pass to increase its lead, 35-14.

Hoover would find Eric McAlister for 85 yards for the touchdown. K-State maintains its lead, 35-21.

K-State would score on two of its next three drives, with a 19 and 36-yard field goal from Luis Rodriguez.

TCU would score late in the fourth, but it wasn't enough as the Wildcats walk away with a statement win, 41-28, to improve to 3-4 (2-2 Big 12).

K-State is off next weekend, before heading out to Lawrence for the Sunflower Showdown on Oct. 25.

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