Kansas State running back Alex Barnes rumbled for 181 yards rushing on 34 carries and caught three more passes for 51 yards in the Wildcats’ 31-12 victory over Oklahoma State on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

“Our running game, we’ve addressed this week-in and week-out, it’s gotten better, “Bill Snyder said. Alex got a lot of yards but you get a lot of yards because someone up front is knocking someone else back. It’s a team-oriented deal.

The WIldcats ( 3-4 ) were up against the top rushing defense in the Big 12 Conference. Speaking about the K-State offensive line Barnes noted it says how physical and prepared they are. “How hard they worked in practice this week, how they came out prepared to go, and they really came and played today.”

K-State quarterback Skylar Thompson only had 130 yards passing but rushed for an additional 80 yards to help the Wildcats end a three-game losing skid and pick up their first win in Big 12 Conference play this season.

Oklahoma State held a 6-3 lead at halftime but Kansas State got their rushing attack going in the second half. they leaned heavily on Barnes, who ran for a career-best 250 yards last against Baylor.

Oklahoma State ( 4-3 ) finished the game against Kansas State with 127 yards rushing and 184 yards passing.

Kansas State is idle next week before playing at Oklahoma on October 27th. Oklahoma State will next play in two weeks on October 27th when they host Texas.