3 game balls for No. 18 Kansas State's telling win over UT Martin in Week 1

Week 1 game balls are here!
Oct 28, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Desmond Purnell (32) celebrates a missed field goal by the Houston Cougars during the second quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2023; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Desmond Purnell (32) celebrates a missed field goal by the Houston Cougars during the second quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports / scott sewell-usa today sports
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Kansas State walked into Bill Snyder Family Stadium Saturday night and probably envisioned the game going a little differently than it did. The Wildcats came into their game against UT Martin as heavy favorites and only led 17-6 at halftime.

However, they did come out in the second half firing after a mistake on the opening second-half kickoff when sophomore wide receiver Jayce Brown fumbled the ball on the return. The defense held up and only allowed three points to the Skyhawks and from there on out, the Wildcats were rolling.

K-State scored on five straight drives and put UT Martin away by the fourth quarter started. While it felt like the Wildcats didn't play a complete game, they got the job done and didn't reveal too much about their offense's ability. While there are things that need to be worked on, there were still some breakout performances by a few players.

So here are three game balls for a great performance in the win over UT Martin.

1. Desmond Purnell

Desmond Purnell was the best defensive player on the field for the Wildcats against UT Martin. The third-year linebacker came into this season as one of the leaders on the defense, especially a young defense.

Against UT Martin, Purnell led the defense with seven total tackles and six solo tackles, three more than the next person on the defense. He also had 1.5 tackles for a loss which added to the Wildcat's total of 11. Head coach Chris Klieman praised Purnell for his performance, as well as his performance throughout fall camp.

2. Braden Loftin

Now it may not seem like Braden Loftin had a big game with just two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown, but Loftin has a hand in a lot of plays. With Ben Sinnott leaving K-State after last season frot eh NFL, the Wildcats had big shoes to fill as Sinnott was more than just a tight end.

K-State has a big tight end room and it seems like Loftin is leading the way. Klieman talked about his performance in the game as well and was pleased with his success on his touchdown play, even though it was a simpler call.

3. Dylan Edwards

Dylan Edwards probably had the best offensive performance of any Wildcat against UT Martin. Edwards had five rushes for 43 yards and a touchdown along with two receptions for 19 yards and another touchdown.

Edwards worked well with fellow running back DJ Giddens as both worked as blockers for the other. Edwards is explosive, especially for being on a new team and only having a few months to learn the offense. It is no wonder he was the leading rusher at Colorado, even with a rough offensive line.

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