Collin Klein probably won’t win the Heisman Trophy, but the tough-as-nails quarterback delivered in the clutch Saturday and helped Kansas State win the Big 12 championship.
He capped off senior night by doing what he does best — rushing for two scores and more than 100 yards.
With Oklahoma watching and hoping or a Texas upset, the Longhorns looked like they just might do that. But then the magic of Bill Snyder struck again and Kansas State rolled in the second half to a 42-24 win in Manhattan, Kan.
Was it really that lopsided? Not really, but Kansas State took advantage of good field position and turnovers late to make it look bad. Actually, Texas scored with less than a minute to play to make it look closer.
Snyder makes great adjustments. After scoring just seven points in the first half, Kansas State scored three touchdowns on three possessions to take over the game. The Wildcats finished with four scores in second half and won their fifth straight over Texas. It was also Klein's third win over Texas.
Kansas State also looked like a team that really needed a week off, and the time away from the field really helped refocus them and the Wildcats (especially Klein) were healthier.
The Wildcats should be playing Notre Dame in the BCS Championship, but one lackluster performance against Baylor will keep them from getting that shot. Instead, Kansas State will likely land in the Fiesta Bowl against Oregon. It will be interesting to see how K-State’s defense holds up against Chip Kelly’s high-octane unit. Of course, nothing is set yet.
The Big 12 should also get Oklahoma in a BCS Bowl, and it looks like a 2008 BCS Championship rematch with Florida.
Texas’ best play of the night was totally stolen (borrowed) from West Virginia. The Longhorns used the Geno Smith to Tavon Austin push pass that just tore up Clemson in last year’s Orange Bowl. Only the Longhorns were using Daje Johnson and D.J. Monroe with the quick pass from Case McCoy.
The Longhorns are loaded with speed and talent, but Texas is not an elite team right now. Mack Brown’s team is young, but it just seems like a program with all of the advantages that are afforded Texas that it should be better than 8-4. UT has shown some flashes this season, but losses to Big 12 newcomers TCU and WVU are almost inexcusable now.
But Saturday night was all about Klein, Kansas State and Snyder. The big awards may elude them, but going 11-1 at Kansas State is a reason to celebrate.
