The Wildcats held Nebraska to just 267 yards and 17 points, which would normally be good enough for a win. But Saturday, it wasn't enough.
Grade: B
SPECIAL TEAMS
Brandon Banks had a couple decent punt returns, but kicker Josh Cherry missed a 32-yard field goal and a 51-yarder, which came up just short prior to the half. The Wildcats also lost their punter Ryan Doerr to injury after he was hit early in the game, costing them their best leg when it comes to distance.
Grade: C-
COACHING
The Wildcats were penalized seven times for 69 yards, and ultimately that goes back to coaching. K-State did hold the Nebraska offense in check and opened up the playbook on the offensive end, but it still only produced three points.
Grade: B
NOTEBOOK
Third down and penalties
Between third down deficiencies and lost yardage on penalties, the Wildcats had their share of issues. K-State was flagged seven times for 69 yards — including a costly pass interference penalty and a personal foul for hitting Nebraska's Zac Lee out of bounds. When it came to third-down conversions, the Wildcats were just 3-for-14 in the game, including 1-for-6 in the first half.
Hartman's high and lows
K-State free safety Tysyn Hartman came up with a big interception in the second quarter and returned it 42 yards, thwarting a Cornhusker threat deep in the Wildcats' territory. It was Hartman's team-leading fifth interception of the season.
However, Hartman came up limp and had to be helped off the field early in the third quarter. He went to the locker room and never returned.
Hartman's absence was noticeable too. Immediately after leaving the game, the Wildcats gave up a 47-yard pass to the KSU 14, which set up the Huskers' only score of the second half.
"We only give up 17, but that one touchdown we gave up, set up by that deep pass, was a blown assignment after Tysyn came out," KSU linebacker John Houlik said. "He's a big part of our defense and losing him really hurt us."
Thomas update
Daniel Thomas rushed 19 times for 99 yards against the Nebraska rush defense that entered the game ranked 11th nationally, allowing just 95 yards a game. The junior running back now has 1,265 yards for the season, the fourth-most for a single season in KSU history.
Cherry bombs again
Josh Cherry's return to his home state didn't go so well after missing two kicks — a 51-yarder just before halftime and a 32-yarder in the third quarter. The McCook, Neb., native was named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week last Monday after a perfect 4-for-4 outing against Missouri. Cherry, who finished 12-of-20 for the season, was true on a 44-yard try in the first quarter — K-State's lone score.
No touchdowns
K-State ended its season with nine straight quarters without a touchdown. The Wildcats' last touchdown came in the third quarter against Kansas on Nov. 7, a 5-yard rush by Thomas. During the nine-quarter touchdown drought, the Wildcats scored just 15 points — all on field goals.
Bye week to blame
The Wildcats concluded their season playing 12 straight games. K-State was just one of just 16 teams of the 119 division I-A programs that didn't get a week off this season.
"I know that's difficult, but I wouldn't put this loss on that," KSU coach Bill Snyder said. "I think over
