AUSTIN, Texas — Bert Auburn kicked a 42-yard field goal in overtime and the Texas defense got a key stop on fourth down to earn a 33-30 win over Kansas State on Saturday in a matchup of Big 12 co-leaders.
No. 7 Texas (8-1, 5-1 Big 12, No. 7 CFP) had led 27-7 late in the third quarter before No. 25 Kansas State (6-3, 4-2, No. 23 CFP) stormed back with three touchdown passes from Will Howard.
The Wildcats forced overtime on Chris Tennant's 45-yard field goal with 1 second left. Tennant had earlier missed a short chance to tie with 1:45 to play.
Texas went nowhere on its first possession of overtime before Auburn's go-ahead kick. Kansas State then drove to the Texas 6. Three consecutive plays gained only 2 yards before the Wildcats went for the win instead of the tie and another overtime. Howard was pressured and was slipping down when he lofted a pass that was easily batted down.
Jonathon Brooks ran for 112 yards and a touchdown for Texas, which also got a 54-yard scoring run early from C.J. Baxter.
Howard passed for 327 yards and four touchdowns for the Wildcats, two of them to Phillip Brooks.
Texas appeared in total control midway through the third quarter until consecutive turnovers — an interception and fumble — set up two quick Howard touchdown passes.
THE TAKEAWAY
Kansas State: The Wildcats stubbornly stuck to a running game that was going nowhere in the first half as Texas steadily built its lead. Even when they rotated in speedy freshman quarterback Avery Johnson, his first full series produced three consecutive handoffs instead of letting him probe for an opening. The Wildcats moved the ball through the air on a short scoring drive in the second quarter before opening up the offense on Howard's passing in the second half.
Texas: Maalik Murphy has managed the last two games at quarterback for Texas but has been erratic and struggled with accuracy and turnovers Saturday. After a quick start Saturday, he threw one interception and two more passes that were dropped by Wildcats defenders. Ewers has been deemed “week-to-week” by coach Steve Sarkisian with a sprained right throwing shoulder.
UP NEXT
Kansas State hosts Baylor next Saturday.
Texas plays at TCU next Saturday.
