The Kansas State Wildcats used a strong rushing night by Charles Jones, a 99 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, a pick-six interception to defeat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 44-38 in Manhattan Saturday night.

Jones rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries before 51,545 fans at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Jones, who had career highs in both yardage and carries, said the game ball goes to the offensive line. He credited their blocking. “I just loved the way they came out and attacked the defense. They were the difference.”

Following a Texas Tech touchdown on a three-yard run by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, K-State’s Byron Pringle returned the ensuing kickoff 99-yards for a touchdown with 1:31 remaining in the first half, saying after the game every man on the field at that time had a big role in the play.

DJ Reed put K-State ahead when he picked off a Mahomes’ pass and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown with 4:19 remaining in the first quarter to put the Wildcats ahead for the first time in the game.

Bill Snyder said the Wildcats played well on offense. “The kicking game was obviously good until we made a bonehead error on the onside kick. Defensively we struggled, but they are a talented, very good offensive football team.” The Wildcats surrendered four touchdowns in the first half, but only 10 points over the final two quarters.

The Red Raiders pulled within six points, 44-38, with five seconds remaining in the game. and then recovered an onside kick. On the final play Mahomes, under pressure from K-State, threw one final incomplete pass and the Wildcats were able to celebrate the win.  It as the first Big 12 victory for K-State this season as they improve to 1-1 in the conference and 3-2 overall. Texas Tech has an identical record.

Kansas State plays at Oklahoma next Saturday. The Sooners will be coming off a 45-40 victory over Texas.