Special teams and defense were the story as Kansas State defeated Louisiana Tech 39-33 in triple overtime at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Saturday.
How the game was won: Bill Snyder's team showed some resolve, making key plays in the fourth quarter and overtime to hold off Louisiana Tech's upset bid. Kody Cook's 31-yard touchdown on third-and-16 during the first possession of triple overtime was the critical play of the game. That came after the Wildcats had been stuffed on third-and-1, but a chop-block penalty gave them a second chance. Kansas State's defense sealed the win, stopping Louisiana Tech on the final drive.
Stat of the game: Kansas State’s offense won’t put fear in anyone’s hearts if it continues to play like this. The Wildcats finished with 4.7 yards per play and 292 total yards in regulation before bumping those numbers to five yards per play and 355 total yards including the three overtime possessions. The Louisiana Tech defense was solid, but the Wildcats' lack of big plays and game-changers on offense was readily apparent. Tyler Lockett isn’t coming through that door, folks.
What a win means for Kansas State: Despite being a beat-up football team searching for consistent playmakers, Kansas State will enter Big 12 play undefeated. Snyder's team has plenty to improve, but it found a way to win -- with clutch fourth quarter and overtime plays -- despite its offensive struggles. The Wildcats get a week off before opening Big 12 play at Oklahoma State on Oct. 3.
What a loss means for Louisiana Tech: The Bulldogs felt like they had control at various times during the loss, giving Louisiana Tech some positives to take away from the setback, particularly with its late drive to tie the game as time expired and some clutch plays in the first two overtimes. Its defense was solid, and quarterback Jeff Driskel made enough plays to win, but the Wildcats simply made the clutch plays when it mattered to hold off Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs will look to snap their two-game losing streak when they host Florida International on Sept. 26.