The Kansas State defense came up big multiple times in the Wildcats’ 20-14 loss to Auburn Thursday night in Manhattan.

They nearly overcame other problems for the Wildcats including three missed field goals, an interception by Auburn in the end zone that stopped a potential K-State scoring drive, and even held Auburn to a field goal after an early fumble set Auburn up with a first down deep in Kansas State territory.

After the loss defensive end Ryan Mueller was asked about how difficult it is defend when there are missed field goals, dropped passes, and turnovers. Mueller said, “As far as missed opportunities it was a collective team loss.  ”

Mueller pointed to a play late in the fourth quarter with Auburn facing a third down in their own territory, and leading by six points. They converted that situation into a first down, and went on to run out the clock to preserve the win. “Fourth quarter, third down, if we get that stop it’s a different ballgame. Didn’t happen. There was a missed opportunity there.”

Had Kansas State gotten that final stop on defense, their offense would have had one more crack at trying drive down the field and put the ball in the end zone for a potential winning touchdown.

The Wildcats fell to 2-1 with the loss, while Auburn is 3-0.