Kansas State quarterback Will Howard turned in the game of his life, leading the Wildcats to a stunning 31–28 upset victory over the No. 4 ranked Texas Longhorns. In a nationally televised Big 12 showdown, Howard threw for 287 yards and 2 touchdowns, and rushed for another score, as the Wildcats handed Texas their first loss of the season.
The defining moment came in the fourth quarter, when Howard escaped pressure and found Phillip Brooks streaking down the sideline for a 45-yard touchdown that gave Kansas State the lead for good. The defense, led by linebacker Austin Moore, then made a critical stop on 4th-and-2 with under a minute left.
“This team believes,” said head coach Chris Klieman. “Will is the heart of this offense. He proved why he’s one of the top QBs in the country.”
The win catapults Kansas State into playoff discussions and puts them in control of their Big 12 destiny. Fans stormed the field in Manhattan as Howard soaked in the victory. With two regular-season games left, the Wildcats now have a legitimate shot at their first College Football Playoff appearance. Texas, meanwhile, will need help to recover from the loss.
