Images From K-State’s Run To The Fiesta Bowl (Part I)

In celebration of an 11-1 season culminating in a Big 12 championship (sorry Oklahoma, but we’re not sharing) and bid to the Fiesta Bowl, Jug of Snyder brings you the iconic pictures from throughout the season thanks to an agreement with the US Presswire and their extensive photo stock (roll mouse over photos for a description):

September 1, versus Missouri State
K-State hosted Missouri State to start the season and looked like the Cardiac Cats of 2011, managing a meager 9-6 lead at halftime and finding itself tied 9-9 midway through the third quarter against an Bearcat team from the ranks of the FBS. That’s when Collin Klein and company turned it on, scoring 42 straight points en route to a 51-9 victory. Record: 1-0

Sep 1, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back John Hubert (33) crosses the goal line for a 95-yard touchdown run during a 51-9 win over the Missouri State Bears at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

September 8, versus Miami
In a rematch of last year’s last second thriller, Miami came to Manhattan looking for revenge following K-State’s goal line stand the year before. However, K-State demonstrated its ability to put teams away early and dominated the Hurricanes from kick off to the final whistle, winning 52-13. Record: 2-0

Sep 8, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) breaks away from the tackle of Miami Hurricanes linebacker Tyrone Cornileus (31) during a 52-13 Wildcat win at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

September 15, versus North Texas
In a game that showed significant chinks in the pass defense, North Texas Quarterback Derek Thompson set out to outshine Collin Klein by completing 25 of 28 passes with no interceptions for 208 yards. Klein and Wildcats would get the better of the Mean Green in the end, triumphing 35-21. Record: 3-0

Sep 15, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Collin Klein (7) follows the block of running back John Hubert (33) on North Texas Mean Green defensive back Zac Whitfield (23) during the Wildcats

September 22, at Oklahoma
K-State’s conference opener proved to be one of the biggest games of the season, and a pass defense that appeared unable to stop North Texas redeemed itself in a big way by holding Landry Jones to 19 points and securing the win that proved critical to K-State’s conference championship. Record: 4-0 (1-0)

Sep 22, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooner quarterback Landry Jones (12) has the ball knocked out of his hands by Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Justin Tuggle (2) and Jarrell Childs (26) recovered the fumble for a touchdown in the second quarter at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

October 6, versus Kansas
Seemingly unstoppable after becoming the first ranked team to walk into Norman and beat Bob Stoops, the Cardiac Cats returned and looked to be suffering a serious hangover. Even with the bye week the team was unready to play KU and only led 21-14 at halftime while unable to stop the Jayhawks’ offensive attack. A series of explosive runs and forced turnovers quickly put Kansas away in the second half, as K-State recorded four touchdowns in the third quarter en route to a 56-16 victory. Record: 5-0 (2-0)

Oct 6, 2012; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks running back James Sims (29) is tackled by Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Justin Tuggle (2), defensive back Jarard Milo (23) and defensive tackle Vai Lutui (92) during the Jayhawks

October 13, at Iowa State
A game in which many accused the Wildcats of looking forward to their trip to Morgantown and the #5 Mountaineers the next week, K-State utilized a 14 play, eight minute and ten second drive in the fourth quarter to consume the game clock and not allow Iowa State the chance to score again. The drive ended in a field goal and proved to be the game’s final score in a 27-21 win. Record: 6-0 (3-0)

Oct 13, 2012; Ames, Iowa, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back Braden Wildon (37) turns up field after catching a pass against the Iowa State Cyclones during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Kansas State defeated Iowa State 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

October 20, at West Virginia
Although the game lost a bit of luster after West Virginia lost at Texas Tech the week before, the game still featured two top 15 teams and would have broken the Big 12 race wide open if K-State fell with several one-loss teams. Instead, the Wildcats dominated the entire game and easily won by a score of 55-14. The match up was widely recognized for killing Geno Smith’s Heisman hopes while vaulting Collin Klein to the top of the list of favorites. Klein accounted for seven touchdowns, running for four and passing for another three while completing over 90 percent of his throws. Record: 7-0 (4-0)

October 20, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith ( middle right) is sacked by Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Adam Davis (bottom) and Wildcats defensive end Meshak Williams (42) against during the third quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Kansas State Wildcats won 55-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

October 20, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers fan reacts as he watches the game against the Kansas State Wildcats during the fourth quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. The Kansas State Wildcats won 55-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Check back tomorrow as we examine images from the second half of K-State’s remarkable season.