Kansas State jumped out to a 20-3 first half lead and rolled on to a 48-27 win over Louisiana on Saturday night at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
There were good points and some concerns for Kansas State in this ballgame. Positives included a kickoff return for a touchdown by Tremaine Thompson, and nearly a punt return for a score by Thompson in which his 61-yard return was stopped at the Ragin’ Cajuns two-yard line, but set up a Wildcat touchdown.
On the other side the Wildcats gave up 24 points to Louisiana in the second half, with seven due to a 100 yard kickoff return by Darryl Surgent for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
After the game K-State coach Bill Snyder was asked how much room for improvement for his team, particularly with the second half defense? “It’s a collective effort. If you put your defense on the field and they get off, and the offense puts them back on the field in three snaps, or the kickoff cover unit puts them back in one snap you know sometimes you put them in compromising situations.” Snyder added, “That wasn’t totally the case but that was part of it.” The coach noted the defense did a nice job holding Louisiana to three points in the first half, but commented the second half was different.
Snyder did see progress in his team from a season opening loss to North Dakota State a week. “But consistency isn’t one of them quite obviously. The game has to be played that way in the conference that we’re in.” Snyder said the Wildcats do not have the consistency and ability to play “a solid four quarters” right now.
Jake Waters completed 22 of 31 passes but threw two interceptions. Daniel Sams saw more time at quarterback than a week ago. He rushed eight times for 63 yards and a touchdown.
One of the big plays in the game was an interception returned 32 yards by K-State safety Ty Zimmerman for a touchdown. That score with 7:09 remaining in the third quarter vaulted Kansas State to a 41-17 lead after Louisiana ( 0-2 0 ), had scored two touchdowns earlier in the quarter.
Kansas State, ( 1-1 ), hosts Massachusetts next Saturday night.