<a href="https://kuathletics.com/late-night/" target="_blank">Late Night Landing Page</a>

Kansas Athletics has announced that the KU women’s and men’s basketball scrimmages at Late Night in the Phog presented by HyVee will be streamed on ESPN+,&nbsp;<a href="http://kuathletics.com/" target="_blank">KUATHLETICS.COM</a>&nbsp;and Facebook Watch through the KU Athletics Facebook page.&nbsp;Fans can visit the Late Night in the Phog landing page via KUAtheltics.com&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/late-night/" target="_blank">here</a>.

The 39th&nbsp;edition of Late Night in the Phog is set for Friday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CT, inside historic Allen Fieldhouse. Student gates will open at 5:15 p.m., while the general public gates will open at 5:30 p.m. For broadcast purposes, the women’s scrimmage will begin at approximately 7:20 p.m., while the men will start at 8:20 p.m. Unfortunately, due to copyright music and artist contracts, only the scrimmages will be broadcast. Though Late Night is free admission, the event is sold out and all tickets have been allocated.

Four-time Grammy Nominee and 42-time Platinum selling artist, Flo Rida will headline this year’s Late Night in the Phog. In addition to HyVee, the production of Late Night in the Phog is supported by Jayhawk Sports Properties corporate partners – Wendy’s, Crown Automotive, LMH Health, Raising Cane’s and adidas.

With the ongoing construction in Allen Fieldhouse, there will be signage directing fans on Friday. One of the many enhancements of Allen Fieldhouse is the lighting in the interior bowl of the facility, which was replaced this past summer.

ADA seating will be on the east side of the court for Late Night and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited mobility patrons will be able to sit in sections 9 and 14 and hearing-impaired patrons in sections F and G, both on a first-come, first-served basis. Those needing ADA, limited mobility or hearing-impaired seating should all enter through Gate 11. Seating in sections D1-K1 on the east side will only be accessible from the second level due to the wheelchair seating on the east side of the building.

As instituted in 2022, Late Night in the Phog will feature a re-imagined run of show designed to enhance the fan experience. Among the features fans can expect include:

● A new staging look. ● Music by the KU Pep Band and DJ Heat, an official DJ of the Washington Wizards and Mystics. ● One on-mic host to engage the crowd and student-athletes; Scott Freshour from the Sacramento Kings. ● Routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams. ● Videos from KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department. ● Enhanced coach and player introductions, interactions, and scrimmages. ● Flo Rida, who has recorded 12 chart-topping songs and numerous other hits as a featured artist. He has more than 80 million sold combined albums and singles and is one of the most popular musicians on social media with more than 15 million followers on Facebook, 4.7 million on Twitter (X) and has received more than two billion views on YouTube.

Kansas Athletics will also host Phog Fest on the front lawn of Allen Fieldhouse before Late Night, with activities starting at 2:30 p.m. It will have activities for all fans to enjoy leading up to Late Night, including the Hawk Zone with inflatable games, music and much more. Phog Fest will also include food trucks, giveaways from a variety of sponsors, interactive displays and more.

Fans are once again encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which Kansas Athletics will donate to Just Food of Douglas County who also supports the Campus Cupboard benefitting KU students. Non-perishable food and monetary donations supporting Just Food will be accepted throughout the day at Phog Fest and at all entrances to Allen Fieldhouse. Just Foods serves on average 250-450 households per week.

Free parking will be available in Lot 90, east and south of Allen Fieldhouse across Naismith Drive, beginning at 2 p.m. Fans may also park in the parking garage just north of Allen Fieldhouse with hourly rates until 4 p.m., at which time garage parking will be $5 per car. Lower levels of the parking garage will be reserved. All other normal campus parking rules apply.

In accordance with the&nbsp;<a href="https://policy.ku.edu/chancellor/public-health-safety-requirements" target="_blank">University of Kansas</a>, KU’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/2017/5/3/clear-bag-policy.aspx" target="_blank">clear-bag policy</a>&nbsp;and walk-through metal detectors will be enforced for those entering Allen Fieldhouse.

Continuing a fan-favorite Late Night in the Phog tradition, two individuals will have the opportunity to win $10,000 from men’s basketball coach Bill Self by making a half-court shot at Late Night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692967994423.jpeg" alt="Late Night at The Phog" />
 <figcaption>Late Night at The Phog</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.com/late-night/" target="_blank">Late Night Landing Page</a>Kansas Athletics has announced that the KU women’s and men’s basketball scrimmages at Late Night in the Phog presented by HyVee will be streamed on ESPN+,&nbsp;<a href="http://kuathletics.com/" target="_blank">KUATHLETICS.COM</a>&nbsp;and Facebook Watch through the KU Athletics Facebook page.&nbsp;Fans can visit the Late Night in the Phog landing page via KUAtheltics.com&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/late-night/" target="_blank">here</a>.The 39th&nbsp;edition of Late Night in the Phog is set for Friday, Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m. CT, inside historic Allen Fieldhouse. Student gates will open at 5:15 p.m., while the general public gates will open at 5:30 p.m. For broadcast purposes, the women’s scrimmage will begin at approximately 7:20 p.m., while the men will start at 8:20 p.m. Unfortunately, due to copyright music and artist contracts, only the scrimmages will be broadcast. Though Late Night is free admission, the event is sold out and all tickets have been allocated.Four-time Grammy Nominee and 42-time Platinum selling artist, Flo Rida will headline this year’s Late Night in the Phog. In addition to HyVee, the production of Late Night in the Phog is supported by Jayhawk Sports Properties corporate partners – Wendy’s, Crown Automotive, LMH Health, Raising Cane’s and adidas.With the ongoing construction in Allen Fieldhouse, there will be signage directing fans on Friday. One of the many enhancements of Allen Fieldhouse is the lighting in the interior bowl of the facility, which was replaced this past summer.ADA seating will be on the east side of the court for Late Night and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited mobility patrons will be able to sit in sections 9 and 14 and hearing-impaired patrons in sections F and G, both on a first-come, first-served basis. Those needing ADA, limited mobility or hearing-impaired seating should all enter through Gate 11. Seating in sections D1-K1 on the east side will only be accessible from the second level due to the wheelchair seating on the east side of the building.As instituted in 2022, Late Night in the Phog will feature a re-imagined run of show designed to enhance the fan experience. Among the features fans can expect include:● A new staging look. ● Music by the KU Pep Band and DJ Heat, an official DJ of the Washington Wizards and Mystics. ● One on-mic host to engage the crowd and student-athletes; Scott Freshour from the Sacramento Kings. ● Routines from KU’s spirit squad and dance teams. ● Videos from KU’s award-winning Rock Chalk Video department. ● Enhanced coach and player introductions, interactions, and scrimmages. ● Flo Rida, who has recorded 12 chart-topping songs and numerous other hits as a featured artist. He has more than 80 million sold combined albums and singles and is one of the most popular musicians on social media with more than 15 million followers on Facebook, 4.7 million on Twitter (X) and has received more than two billion views on YouTube.Kansas Athletics will also host Phog Fest on the front lawn of Allen Fieldhouse before Late Night, with activities starting at 2:30 p.m. It will have activities for all fans to enjoy leading up to Late Night, including the Hawk Zone with inflatable games, music and much more. Phog Fest will also include food trucks, giveaways from a variety of sponsors, interactive displays and more.Fans are once again encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which Kansas Athletics will donate to Just Food of Douglas County who also supports the Campus Cupboard benefitting KU students. Non-perishable food and monetary donations supporting Just Food will be accepted throughout the day at Phog Fest and at all entrances to Allen Fieldhouse. Just Foods serves on average 250-450 households per week.Free parking will be available in Lot 90, east and south of Allen Fieldhouse across Naismith Drive, beginning at 2 p.m. Fans may also park in the parking garage just north of Allen Fieldhouse with hourly rates until 4 p.m., at which time garage parking will be $5 per car. Lower levels of the parking garage will be reserved. All other normal campus parking rules apply.In accordance with the&nbsp;<a href="https://policy.ku.edu/chancellor/public-health-safety-requirements" target="_blank">University of Kansas</a>, KU’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kuathletics.com/sports/2017/5/3/clear-bag-policy.aspx" target="_blank">clear-bag policy</a>&nbsp;and walk-through metal detectors will be enforced for those entering Allen Fieldhouse.Continuing a fan-favorite Late Night in the Phog tradition, two individuals will have the opportunity to win $10,000 from men’s basketball coach Bill Self by making a half-court shot at Late Night.

Additional Details for Late Night in the Phog – Streaming Information

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22728&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-october-3-2023/4833" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-october-3-2023/4834" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to the Wildcats traveling to take on Oklahoma State this Friday night. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Good afternoon, everyone. For us it's Wednesday, as far as our game prep. So, we're doing a lot of things with third downs, red zone, some of the situational things today. We had a good bye week last week. We were able to practice a handful of times. We worked a lot with our younger players and then reconvened on Sunday and started to go with Oklahoma State. We know we've got a big task ahead playing in Stillwater, and we have got to play really well. We have to have another good day of preparation and get ready for Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696366980489.jpeg" alt="K-State Football Coach" />
 <figcaption>K-State Football Coach</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22728&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-october-3-2023/4833" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-october-3-2023/4834" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex prior to the Wildcats traveling to take on Oklahoma State this Friday night. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good afternoon, everyone. For us it's Wednesday, as far as our game prep. So, we're doing a lot of things with third downs, red zone, some of the situational things today. We had a good bye week last week. We were able to practice a handful of times. We worked a lot with our younger players and then reconvened on Sunday and started to go with Oklahoma State. We know we've got a big task ahead playing in Stillwater, and we have got to play really well. We have to have another good day of preparation and get ready for Friday night.

K-State Previews Oklahoma State Game at Weekly Press Conference

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5edf8ad0-8e04-453a-9ae3-aedea3a461f4?elinkdata=1423" target="_blank">Ricco Moore</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in KWU's 10-7 win over McPherson on Saturday.

Moore was again fantastic for the Coyote defense that was key in KWU's 10-7 win over McPherson. Moore had 11 tackles in the game, leading the team, and also forced a fumble, and had three pass break-ups.

Moore's effort led the defensive effort for KWU that held McPherson to 36 points below their season scoring average, and 160 rushing yards below their season average. McPherson was held to 24 yards rushing in the game, and Moore's efforts were an integral part of that.

The Coyotes, along with the rest of the KCAC are idle this week in preparation for the start of divisional play next week.

Wesleyan opens division play in the Bissell Division on October 14, hosting Avila at 1 p.m. on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5edf8ad0-8e04-453a-9ae3-aedea3a461f4?elinkdata=1423" target="_blank">Ricco Moore</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in KWU's 10-7 win over McPherson on Saturday.Moore was again fantastic for the Coyote defense that was key in KWU's 10-7 win over McPherson. Moore had 11 tackles in the game, leading the team, and also forced a fumble, and had three pass break-ups.Moore's effort led the defensive effort for KWU that held McPherson to 36 points below their season scoring average, and 160 rushing yards below their season average. McPherson was held to 24 yards rushing in the game, and Moore's efforts were an integral part of that.The Coyotes, along with the rest of the KCAC are idle this week in preparation for the start of divisional play next week.Wesleyan opens division play in the Bissell Division on October 14, hosting Avila at 1 p.m. on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

Moore earns KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honor

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a16277a2-7403-478f-b6a3-6a12476188c3?elinkdata=1401" target="_blank">Trevor Watson</a>&nbsp;has been named as the KCAC Men's Golf Golfer of the Week for his efforts for the Coyotes last week.

Watson was the top finisher for the Coyotes last week at the Central Plains Invitational at Salina Country Club. Watson shot an even par 210 for the tournament. After opening with a 73, Watson went sub-par in the second and third rounds with a 69 and 68, respectively.

He finished tied for second in the individual results, and helped the Coyotes to a second place finish in the tournament.

Watson and the Coyotes are back in action this week at the KCAC Match Play event at Mariah Hills in Dodge City.

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a16277a2-7403-478f-b6a3-6a12476188c3?elinkdata=1401" target="_blank">Trevor Watson</a>&nbsp;has been named as the KCAC Men's Golf Golfer of the Week for his efforts for the Coyotes last week.Watson was the top finisher for the Coyotes last week at the Central Plains Invitational at Salina Country Club. Watson shot an even par 210 for the tournament. After opening with a 73, Watson went sub-par in the second and third rounds with a 69 and 68, respectively.He finished tied for second in the individual results, and helped the Coyotes to a second place finish in the tournament.Watson and the Coyotes are back in action this week at the KCAC Match Play event at Mariah Hills in Dodge City.

Watson earns KCAC Men's Golf Golfer of the Week honor

It's a three-peat for Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5d5598e-171f-46e6-81d4-1d0e896f8bf7?elinkdata=1379" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>. Deckinger was announced on Monday as the KCAC Women's Volleyball Setter of the Week for a third consecutive week for her efforts in two wins for the Coyotes last week.

Wesleyan went 2-0 last week, sweeping Tabor in straight sets, and winning in four sets over Saint Mary. The victories boosted KWU's winning streak to 10 matches, as the Coyotes are 16-7 overall and 5-0 in the KCAC heading into action this week.

Deckinger led the Coyotes to two big wins this week, averaging 13.14 kills per set, with 43 against Tabor and 49 against Saint Mary, helping KWU win its 10th straight match. She also made it a double-double with 13 digs against Saint Mary. 

This marks the third consecutive week in which Deckinger has been named the KCAC Women's Volleyball Setter of the Week, and the third time overall this season.

Wesleyan is back in action this week, hosting Doane University on Wednesday, and Avila on Friday.

It's a three-peat for Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b5d5598e-171f-46e6-81d4-1d0e896f8bf7?elinkdata=1379" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>. Deckinger was announced on Monday as the KCAC Women's Volleyball Setter of the Week for a third consecutive week for her efforts in two wins for the Coyotes last week.Wesleyan went 2-0 last week, sweeping Tabor in straight sets, and winning in four sets over Saint Mary. The victories boosted KWU's winning streak to 10 matches, as the Coyotes are 16-7 overall and 5-0 in the KCAC heading into action this week.Deckinger led the Coyotes to two big wins this week, averaging 13.14 kills per set, with 43 against Tabor and 49 against Saint Mary, helping KWU win its 10th straight match. She also made it a double-double with 13 digs against Saint Mary. This marks the third consecutive week in which Deckinger has been named the KCAC Women's Volleyball Setter of the Week, and the third time overall this season.Wesleyan is back in action this week, hosting Doane University on Wednesday, and Avila on Friday.

Deckinger earns KCAC Setter of the Week honors for third time

&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced Monday that Kansas State’s October 14 contest at Texas Tech will kick at 6 p.m., and be televised by FS1.

K-State will be in search of its eighth-straight win over the Red Raiders and fourth-straight victory in Lubbock. The Wildcats hold the longest winning streak by either team in the 23-game series, while they have won 11 of the last 12 matchups dating back to 2011.

<a>Coming off its bye week, Kansas State travels to face Oklahoma State this Friday night in a 6:30 p.m., contest. The game from Boone Pickens Stadium will be broadcast by ESPN.</a>

THE TOP 51)&nbsp;Kansas State won its Big 12 opener for a second-straight season with a 44-31 victory over new conference member UCF, and the Wildcats will look to make it two in a row following their lone bye week of the season as they face Oklahoma State on Friday in Stillwater. It will be K-State's first weeknight conference game since playing Baylor on a Thursday in 2015.

2)&nbsp;K-State hit the 40-point mark for a third-straight conference game dating back to last season (not counting the Big 12 Championship), its longest streak since a three-game stretch in 2012. Since Collin Klein took over as offensive coordinator for the 2021 Texas Bowl, K-State is averaging 34.3 points per game. The Cats currently rank 14th nationally and second in the Big 12 with 39.5 points per game.

3)&nbsp;Senior quarterback Will Howard has thrown for over 250 yards in each of the first four games, the longest streak ever by a Wildcat. However, it was DJ Giddens who stole the show against UCF, rushing for 207 yards and four touchdowns en route to Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors. He produced the first 200-yard, four-touchdown rushing performance in school history.

4)&nbsp;The K-State defense enters the week ranked in the top 15 nationally in rushing defense (6th – 73.2 yds/gm), tackles for loss (6th – 9.0 TFLs per game), sacks (10th – 3.50 sacks per game) and first down defense (12th – 67). Since the Cats switched to a 3-3-5 alignment to start the 2021 season, K-State has allowed just 21.1 points per game to rank 21st in the nation and second in the Big 12 (Iowa State – 20.9).

5)&nbsp;Senior linebacker Austin Moore leads the team with 22 tackles, including 7.0 tackles for loss to enter the week ranked 10th in the nation. Defensive end Khalid Duke – who has moved from linebacker back to his natural home at defensive end – has 4.0 sacks over the first four games to rank sixth in the nation, while Jacob Parrish ranks eighth in the country in passes defended with 1.5 per game.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS207&nbsp;–&nbsp;Rushing yards by DJ Giddens vs. UCF, the first Wildcat to rush for over 200 yards since Alex Barnes at Baylor in 2018.

134&nbsp;–&nbsp;Number of Big 12 wins for K-State since the league was formed, which ranks third behind Texas and Oklahoma.

75.5&nbsp;–&nbsp;Career winning % by Chris Klieman, which ranks fourth nationally among FBS coaches with at least 10 years experience.

73.2&nbsp;–&nbsp;Rushing yards per game given up by K-State this season, which ranks sixth nationally and is first in the Big 12.

36&nbsp;–&nbsp;Tackles for loss in the first four games this year, as K-State ranks fifth in tackles for loss per game (9.0).

• In K-State's last home game, the Wildcats used a strong running attack from DJ Giddens to rush past UCF, 44-30, to open Big 12 play and move to 3-1 on the year.

• Giddens' 207 yards and four touchdowns earned him Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors.

• K-State registered 536 yards of total offense against UCF, the second time this season the Wildcats eclipsed the 500-yard mark (588 yards vs. SEMO), and it marked the first time K-State had two 500-yard games in the same season since 2019.

• K-State won its second game of the season, a 42-13 triumph over Troy to end the Trojans’ 12-game winning streak.

• Will Howard threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more to lead a Wildcat offense that amassed 397 total yards, including a 5-play, 66-yard touchdown drive during the final minute of the first half to take a 21-10 lead.

• K-State went on to out-score Troy, 21-3, in the second half, converting on 5-of-8 third-down attempts.

• The defense held Troy to just 70 rushing yards on 28 attempts (2.5 yds/att) with 46 yards coming on one rush.

• K-State, which collected 9.0 tackles for loss with 4.0 sacks, did not allow Troy to convert any of its seven third-down attempts in the second half as it held the Trojans to just 98 second-half yards.

• An SEC-record 61-yard field goal as time expired lifted Missouri to a narrow 30-27 win over the Wildcats in Columbia in the Cats' first road game of the season.

• Howard threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns on 25-of-39 aim with his 25 completions setting a career high, bettering the 21 he had last year against Oklahoma State and the previous week against Troy.

• K-State is getting used to early Big 12 road games in the state of Oklahoma, as this is the fifth-straight year the Wildcats' first Big 12 road game will be in the Sooner State. They started in Norman in 2020 and 2022 and in Stillwater in both 2019 and 2021.

• The Wildcats are 12-15 all-time in their first Big 12 road game of the season.

• K-State's last win in Stillwater came in 2017, a 45-40 triumph over the 10th-ranked Cowboys.

• K-State has a total of 216 victories since 1996, which ranks 23rd nationally and 16th among Power 5 programs.

• Among current Big 12 teams, the Wildcats rank fifth behind Oklahoma (267), Texas (234), BYU (227) and TCU (227).

• Over the last 13 seasons, the Wildcats have won at least seven games 11 times.

•&nbsp;Kansas State has a strong history of being in the postseason, having advanced to a bowl game 23 times since 1993, including 11 times in the last 13 years.

• K-State’s 23 bowl trips since 1993 are tied for fourth among current Big 12 teams.

• In an era when over 80 teams play in a bowl game each year, the Cats are one of just 19 Power 5 teams to play in a bowl game 11 times in the last 13 years.

• Kansas State has been one of the best Big 12 teams since the inception of the conference in 1996. The Wildcats are third with 134 conference victories, trailing only Oklahoma and Texas.

• The Wildcats are also third in the conference in winning percentage since round-robin play began in 2011. They sit at 59.6% (65-44), trailing only Oklahoma (78.0%; 85-24) and Oklahoma State (64.2%; 70-39).

• During that stretch, the Wildcats are 36-19 (65.5%) at home in Big 12 play and 29-25 (53.7%) on the road.

• K-State picked up three victories over AP top-10 teams in 2022, which culminated with a 31-28 overtime win over No. 3 TCU in the Big 12 Championship. It was the first time in school history the Cats took down multiple AP top-10 teams in one season.

• The Cats also defeated No. 6 Oklahoma, 41-34, in Norman, while they shut out No. 9 Oklahoma State, 48-0, at home.

• K-State was one of only two teams in the nation – along with Georgia – to post three wins over AP Top-10 teams.

• The Wildcats are now 6-3 in their last nine games against top-10 teams dating back to Nov. 18, 2017, a span that began with a 45-40 victory at No. 10 Oklahoma State. Prior to that, the Cats were just 1-15 in their previous 16 tries.

• Under head coach Chris Klieman, K-State has defeated five teams ranked in the top 10 by the Associated Press. No other current Big 12 team has more than three victories over AP Top 10 teams since 2019 (Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU all with three).

• Kansas State earned its third Big 12 title with a 31-28 overtime victory over No. 3 TCU in the 2022 Big 12 Championship.

• It was the second for the Cats in a conference championship game as they took down No. 1 Oklahoma, 35-7, in 2003.

• Kansas State earned its first conference title since finishing with an 8-1 record in 2012 as there was no conference championship game conducted that year.

• The Wildcats are in search of winning a Big 12 title in consecutive years for the first time in school history. They are looking to become the second Big 12 program ever to defend its conference title (Oklahoma – 7 times).

• In addition to having a target on their backs after winning the Big 12 in 2022 and entering the season in the top 20, the Wildcats are facing a difficult schedule in 2023.

• The 12 opponents K-State will face during the regular season combined for a 60.8% winning clip in 2022, which is the 10th-highest percentage in the nation.

• K-State is one of just four teams in the nation to play 11 games in 2023 against teams that made the postseason in 2022. Two of the other three programs that will face 11 postseason teams from last year reside in the Big 12 in Iowa State and Texas, in addition to Ole Miss.

• A proven winner with a championship history, Chris Klieman holds a 104-34 career record, as his 75.5% career winning percentage ranks fourth among current FBS coaches that have led programs for at least 10 seasons. He is also one of just 14 current Power 5 head coaches with at least 100 victories.

• Klieman, who is 33-21 since arriving at K-State, is 7-7 in his career against teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 with six of the victories coming at K-State.

• K-State is the nation’s best in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 24 seasons as it has 129 since 1999, six more than the next closest team (Alabama – 123).

• Of the 129 non-offensive scores since 1999, 44 have been punt returns, 40 interception returns, 33 kickoff returns, 10 fumble returns and 2 missed/blocked field goal returns.

OFFENSIVE NOTESSCORING SURGE• Kansas State has scored at least 40 points in five of its last six regular-season contests dating back to last season. Included in that stretch is three-straight Big 12 regular-season games, the longest streak by the Wildcats since 2012 when they had 55 points against both West Virginia and Texas Tech, and 44 points against Oklahoma State.

• Since Collin Klein started calling plays during the 2021 Texas Bowl, K-State’s offense has averaged 34.3 points per game.

• The Cats currently rank 14th nationally and second in the Big 12 with 39.5 points per game this season.TOTAL OFFENSE• K-State has totaled at least 375 yards in all 10 conference games dating back to last season – including the Big 12 Championship. The 10-game conference game streak is the longest in school history.

• Overall, the 2023 opener saw the Wildcats total 588 yards, the fifth-most in school history, most ever in a season opener and the most since a school-record 658 yards in the 2005 North Texas game.

• K-State collected 408 yards at Missouri, 536 yards against UCF and enters this week’s game ranked 15th nationally and fifth in the Big 12 by averaging 482.3 yards per game.TAKING CARE OF THE BALL

• A staple of K-State football over the past decade has been committing very few turnovers, as the Wildcats are tied for second in the nation among Power 5 teams in fewest turnovers since 2012 with 170.

• That figure leads returning Big 12 teams, as the Wildcats are 16 better than the next closest program (Texas, 186).

• The Wildcats finished the 2022 season tied for eighth nationally and tops in the Big 12 in turnover margin (+0.86 / game) but head into this week's game ranked just 66th in turnover margin (E).

PUTTING IT WHERE ONLY OUR GUY CAN GET IT• Since Collin Klein took over coaching the quarterbacks in 2017, K-State has only thrown 47 interceptions, equating to 0.59 per game.

• K-State’s 47 total interceptions thrown the last six-plus seasons is the lowest in the Big 12 (Oklahoma is second with 49) and tied for 14th in the nation.

PRODUCING A CLEAN POCKET• K-State has excelled in pass blocking since offensive line coach Conor Riley arrived in 2019, as the Cats have allowed fewer than 2.0 sacks per game each of the last four seasons. It is the Wildcats’ first four-year stretch under 2.0 sacks allowed per game since 1997 to 2000.

• K-State is the only Big 12 program – including the four new programs in 2023 – to currently hold a streak of at least four years allowing less than 2.0 sacks per game each season, and the Wildcats are only one of 10 FBS programs to lay that claim.KEEPING IT 100• Those that produced the clean pocket for the Wildcats last year all return as K-State brought back 100% of its 70 starts along the offensive line from a year ago.

• To open the 2023 campaign, the Wildcats brought back a nation-leading 116 starts from their starting unit from last season. K-State also ranked 12th nationally in total returning games played among all offensive linemen with 204.RED ZONE SUCCESS• Kansas State has been one of the best teams in the Big 12 in terms of scoring in the red zone since 2019, as the Wildcats rank second in the league at 90.8%.

• One of only two league teams to eclipse the 90% mark over the last four seasons, K-State is 188-for-207 with 135 touchdowns in the red zone during that span.

• This year, the Cats are 19-of-21 in the red zone with 17 touchdowns, the latter of which ranks second in the Big 12 (OU – 19).IT’S WILL’S TURN• Even though he has played in 23 career games with 16 starts entering 2023, this is the first time that Will Howard entered a season as the No. 1 starter.

• Thus far the Downingtown, Pennsylvania, native has not disappointed as he ranks seventh in the nation in points per responsible for (21.0 pts/gm), 22nd in completions (22.75 comp/gm), and 24th in total offense (298.8 yards per game).

FOUR IN A ROW• Will Howard has opened the season with four-straight games of 250 or more passing yards, including a career-best 297 yards in the season opener against SEMO.

• It is the first time in school history a K-State quarterback has four-straight games with at least 250 passing yards during the course of a season.

• Doing so has allowed Howard to produce the third 1,000-yard passing season of his career. He is one of just five players in school history with three 1,000-yard seasons, joining Lynn Dickey (1968-70), Carl Straw (1988-90), Josh Freeman (2006-08) and Skylar Thompson (2017-21).

THE TRIFECTA• K-State boasts two of only three players in the nation that have passed for a touchdown, rushed for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass this season in Will Howard and running back Treshaun Ward. The other is Penn State's Trey Potts.

• Howard did all three in the season opener vs. SEMO, just the sixth Big 12 quarterback to accomplish the feat, while he was just the second to do all three in one quarter.

HAVE A GAME, DJ• Sophomore running back DJ Giddens has a historic performance against UCF, as he produced the first 200-yard, four-touchdown rushing performance in school history en route to Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honors.

• His four rushing scores tied for third in a game in school history and were the most since Alex Barnes had four against Oklahoma State in 2018. It was also the first 200-yard rushing game by a Wildcat since Barnes went for 250 yards at Baylor in 2018.

MULTI-FACETED BACK• Not only did DJ Giddens rush for 207 yards against UCF, but he was also the team's leading receiver with eight receptions for 86 yards.

• Giddens' 293 yards from scrimmage were the second most in school history.

CONTINUED SUCCESS• Tight end Ben Sinnott burst onto the scene last season, and that has continued in 2023 as he ranks fourth nationally among tight ends with 61.8 receiving yards per game.

• Included in that total is a career-high 100-yard effort in the season opener against SEMO, the first K-State tight end with a 100-yard receiving game since Jeron Mastrud at Kansas in 2006 (103 yards).

• Sinnott enters this week's game with six career receiving touchdowns to tie for second in school history by a tight end (Henry Childs, 10, 1971-73). He also has 709 career receiving yards, which ranks sixth in school history by a tight end.

SWISS ARMY KNIFE• Ben Sinnott’s skill set allows him to line up in many different spots. Thus far in 2023, the Waterloo, Iowa, product has lined up 169 times as an inline tight end, 54 times in the slot, 40 times in the backfield and 11 times as a wide receiver.

A VERSATILE LINEMAN• Preseason All-American offensive lineman Cooper Beebe has shown off his versatility this year as he has taken snaps at left guard and both tackle positions.

• Starting each game at left guard in which he has taken 173 snaps, Beebe has also produced over his 106 snaps at right tackle and 11 snaps at left tackle.

• According to Pro Football Focus, Beebe has not allowed a sack in his last 953 pass blocking snaps, dating back to the 2020 Iowa State game. He has also only been flagged for a post-snap penalty four times in his career.

DEFENSIVE NOTESA BIG TURNAROUND• The K-State defense switched from a four-man front to a 3-3-5 alignment in 2021, and the change has paid off.

• In the 32 games since the defensive switch, the Cats are allowing just 21.1 points per game, which ranks second in the Big 12 and 21st in the nation.

• The Wildcats surrendered just 21.0 points per game in 2021 and 21.9 points per game last year. It marked the first time K-State allowed less than 22.0 points per game in consecutive seasons since going 13-straight years from 1991 to 2003.

LOCKDOWN DEFENSE• K-State has held five teams without a touchdown since the beginning of the 2022 season, four of which came last year against South Dakota, Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Baylor.

• The last time K-State did not surrender a touchdown in four games overall in a season was 2002 (Western Kentucky, ULM, Kansas, Missouri), while the last time they did so in three Big 12 games was 2001 (Kansas, Iowa State, Missouri).

UNDER AVERAGE• K-State held all of its Big 12 opponents last season – and the first in 2023 – under its season averages coming into the game.

K-State’s October 14 Game at Texas Tech Set for Nighttime Kick

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/23-FB-GameNotes6-UCF2.pdf" target="_blank">Game Notes</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=472959" target="_blank">Live Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox.com/sports/" target="_blank">Watch</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/" target="_blank">Listen</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=" target="_blank">Tickets</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Following its first loss of the season, Kansas (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) returns home to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium to host UCF (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. CT for the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

The game will air on FOX&nbsp;with Jason Benetti (Play-by-Play), Brock Huard (Analyst) and Allison Williams (Sideline) on the call.

Saturday’s contest against UCF also serves as the Ring of Honor induction ceremony for two Kansas football legends, Tony Sands and Nick Reid. The Kansas football Ring of Honor is the highest honor bestowed upon Kansas football letterwinners, as Sands and Reid become the 24th and 25th members to be inducted into the Ring of Honor. The Ring of Honor induction will take place during halftime of the UCF game on Saturday.

UCF is one of the four newest members to the Big 12 Conference, as the Jayhawks and Knights square off for the first time in program history. Both teams are coming off losses, as Kansas fell to No. 3 Texas, 40-14, on Sept. 30, while UCF has dropped back-to-back Big 12 games against Kansas State (Sept. 23, 31-44) and Baylor (Sept. 30, 35-36).

Kansas is 3-0 at home this season with wins against Missouri State (Sept. 1, 48-17), Illinois (Sept. 8, 34-23) and BYU (Sept. 23, 38-27). Since the start of the 2022 season, Kansas is 7-2 in its last nine home games. UCF makes its second trip to the State of Kansas over a span of three weeks.

Kansas is led by an offense that is averaging 442.4 yards of offense per game and 199 rushing yards per game. The Jayhawks were without quarterback Jalon Daniels in the loss at Texas, who was named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year. Kansas’ rushing attack of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. have combined for nine rushing touchdowns this season, while Hishaw has scored 10 touchdowns (9 rushing, 1 receiving) over his last nine games played.

Defensively, the Jayhawks have the ninth most tackles-for-loss nationally (41), bolstered by defensive ends Jereme Robinson and Austin Booker. The KU duo has combined for 8.5 sacks through five games this season, which is the third-most among teammates in the NCAA this season. Kansas defensive backs Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant have held down the secondary for the Jayhawks with Dotson ranking fifth nationally in passes defended, paired with Bryant’s two interceptions this season.

UCF enters the weekend with the No. 1 offense in the Big 12 Conference, averaging 545.8 yards per game through the first five games. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has missed the last three games due to injury, as Timmy McClain has stepped in to complete 50-of-82 for 872 yards and seven touchdowns. UCF is coming off a 36-35 loss to Baylor, in which Baylor overcame a 29-point deficit to defeat the Knights in Orlando.

Following Saturday’s contest with UCF, the Jayhawks will be back on the road on Saturday, Oct. 14 when they travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Kansas and Oklahoma State have faced off 73 times in series history, which dates back to 1923. The two teams have&nbsp;met in each season since 2010. Last season, the Jayhawks defeated OSU for the first time since 2007 with a 37-16 win over the then-No. 18 Cowboys at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The victory was the sixth win of the season for Kansas and secured KU its first bowl berth since 2009.&nbsp;

This will mark KU’s first appearance on FS1 during the 2023 season and ninth overall during head coach Lance Leipold’s tenure. The Jayhawks were 2-2 in games televised on FS1 last season, including the victory over OSU in Lawrence.

The Jayhawks are 4-1 on the year and 1-1 in Big 12 play following a 40-14 defeat at No. 3 Texas on Saturday. Kansas started the season 4-0 for the second consecutive season and reached No. 24 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll prior to the setback.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Oklahoma State is 2-2 (0-1 Big 12) and coming off its&nbsp;open&nbsp;week as the Cowboys defeated Central Arkansas and Arizona State to open the season before falling to South Alabama and Iowa State. OSU hosts Kansas State on Friday, Oct. 6 prior the matchup with the Jayhawks.&nbsp;

Kansas returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 7 against Big 12 newcomer UCF. The Jayhawks host the Knights at 3 p.m. CT with the game televised on FOX. Fans interested in attending the Kansas vs. UCF game can purchase single-game tickets in advance to avoid lines on game day. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=" target="_blank">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696268811419.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/23-FB-GameNotes6-UCF2.pdf" target="_blank">Game Notes</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=472959" target="_blank">Live Stats</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fox.com/sports/" target="_blank">Watch</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/" target="_blank">Listen</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=" target="_blank">Tickets</a>LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Following its first loss of the season, Kansas (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) returns home to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium to host UCF (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. CT for the first-ever meeting between the two teams.The game will air on FOX&nbsp;with Jason Benetti (Play-by-Play), Brock Huard (Analyst) and Allison Williams (Sideline) on the call.Saturday’s contest against UCF also serves as the Ring of Honor induction ceremony for two Kansas football legends, Tony Sands and Nick Reid. The Kansas football Ring of Honor is the highest honor bestowed upon Kansas football letterwinners, as Sands and Reid become the 24th and 25th members to be inducted into the Ring of Honor. The Ring of Honor induction will take place during halftime of the UCF game on Saturday.UCF is one of the four newest members to the Big 12 Conference, as the Jayhawks and Knights square off for the first time in program history. Both teams are coming off losses, as Kansas fell to No. 3 Texas, 40-14, on Sept. 30, while UCF has dropped back-to-back Big 12 games against Kansas State (Sept. 23, 31-44) and Baylor (Sept. 30, 35-36).Kansas is 3-0 at home this season with wins against Missouri State (Sept. 1, 48-17), Illinois (Sept. 8, 34-23) and BYU (Sept. 23, 38-27). Since the start of the 2022 season, Kansas is 7-2 in its last nine home games. UCF makes its second trip to the State of Kansas over a span of three weeks.Kansas is led by an offense that is averaging 442.4 yards of offense per game and 199 rushing yards per game. The Jayhawks were without quarterback Jalon Daniels in the loss at Texas, who was named the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year. Kansas’ rushing attack of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. have combined for nine rushing touchdowns this season, while Hishaw has scored 10 touchdowns (9 rushing, 1 receiving) over his last nine games played.Defensively, the Jayhawks have the ninth most tackles-for-loss nationally (41), bolstered by defensive ends Jereme Robinson and Austin Booker. The KU duo has combined for 8.5 sacks through five games this season, which is the third-most among teammates in the NCAA this season. Kansas defensive backs Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant have held down the secondary for the Jayhawks with Dotson ranking fifth nationally in passes defended, paired with Bryant’s two interceptions this season.UCF enters the weekend with the No. 1 offense in the Big 12 Conference, averaging 545.8 yards per game through the first five games. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has missed the last three games due to injury, as Timmy McClain has stepped in to complete 50-of-82 for 872 yards and seven touchdowns. UCF is coming off a 36-35 loss to Baylor, in which Baylor overcame a 29-point deficit to defeat the Knights in Orlando.Following Saturday’s contest with UCF, the Jayhawks will be back on the road on Saturday, Oct. 14 when they travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma to take on the Oklahoma State Cowboys.Kansas and Oklahoma State have faced off 73 times in series history, which dates back to 1923. The two teams have&nbsp;met in each season since 2010. Last season, the Jayhawks defeated OSU for the first time since 2007 with a 37-16 win over the then-No. 18 Cowboys at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The victory was the sixth win of the season for Kansas and secured KU its first bowl berth since 2009.&nbsp;This will mark KU’s first appearance on FS1 during the 2023 season and ninth overall during head coach Lance Leipold’s tenure. The Jayhawks were 2-2 in games televised on FS1 last season, including the victory over OSU in Lawrence.The Jayhawks are 4-1 on the year and 1-1 in Big 12 play following a 40-14 defeat at No. 3 Texas on Saturday. Kansas started the season 4-0 for the second consecutive season and reached No. 24 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll prior to the setback.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oklahoma State is 2-2 (0-1 Big 12) and coming off its&nbsp;open&nbsp;week as the Cowboys defeated Central Arkansas and Arizona State to open the season before falling to South Alabama and Iowa State. OSU hosts Kansas State on Friday, Oct. 6 prior the matchup with the Jayhawks.&nbsp;Kansas returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 7 against Big 12 newcomer UCF. The Jayhawks host the Knights at 3 p.m. CT with the game televised on FOX. Fans interested in attending the Kansas vs. UCF game can purchase single-game tickets in advance to avoid lines on game day. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=" target="_blank">here</a>.

Kansas Returns Home Saturday for Inaugural Matchup with UCF

Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes Coach Show&nbsp;&nbsp;6 p.m.&nbsp; 

(Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;

Chiefs Kingdom Show&nbsp;&nbsp;7 p.m. (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;

Kpreps Kansas Pregame Show&nbsp;&nbsp;6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)

&nbsp;Southeast of Saline Trojans Football Pregame Show&nbsp;6:30 p.m. (Listen on KINA or Watch and Listen Live on Salina Post)

Southeast of Saline Trojans VS Hillsboro Trojans Football at Wiens Stadium Hillsboro, Ks&nbsp;7p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; (Listen on KINA or Watch and Listen Live on Salina Post)

Sacred Heart Knights VS Wabaunsee Chargers Football at Gene Bissell Field Salina, Ks&nbsp;7 p.m.&nbsp; (Watch and Listen on Salina Post)

KIN Scoreboard Show&nbsp;&nbsp;10pm&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;

MRN&nbsp; Nascar Live&nbsp;&nbsp;8 a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;(Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)

PRN&nbsp; The Pit Reporters&nbsp;&nbsp;9 a.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)

&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs VS Minnesota Vikings at&nbsp; U.S. Bank Stadium Minneapolis, Mn&nbsp;&nbsp;2 p.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and KSKG)

MondayKansas Wesleyan Coyotes Coach Show&nbsp;&nbsp;6 p.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;Chiefs Kingdom Show&nbsp;&nbsp;7 p.m. (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;FridayKpreps Kansas Pregame Show&nbsp;&nbsp;6 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;Southeast of Saline Trojans Football Pregame Show&nbsp;6:30 p.m. (Listen on KINA or Watch and Listen Live on Salina Post)Southeast of Saline Trojans VS Hillsboro Trojans Football at Wiens Stadium Hillsboro, Ks&nbsp;7p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; (Listen on KINA or Watch and Listen Live on Salina Post)Sacred Heart Knights VS Wabaunsee Chargers Football at Gene Bissell Field Salina, Ks&nbsp;7 p.m.&nbsp; (Watch and Listen on Salina Post)KIN Scoreboard Show&nbsp;&nbsp;10pm&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;Saturday&nbsp;&nbsp;MRN&nbsp; Nascar Live&nbsp;&nbsp;8 a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;(Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;SundayPRN&nbsp; The Pit Reporters&nbsp;&nbsp;9 a.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and&nbsp;<a href="http://910kina.com/" target="_blank">910kina.com</a>)&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs VS Minnesota Vikings at&nbsp; U.S. Bank Stadium Minneapolis, Mn&nbsp;&nbsp;2 p.m.&nbsp; (Listen on KINA and KSKG)

910KINA Sports Schedule

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs appeared on their way to a blowout against the struggling New York Jets.

A few mistakes by the star quarterback made it uncomfortably close, but he and the Chiefs shook off a subpar performance during which they blew a 17-point lead and then held on for a 23-20 victory Sunday night.

“I knew I put us in two bad positions,” said Mahomes, who was intercepted twice. “No one points fingers in that locker room. We all play together. Not everything is going to be pretty, but the guys responded and we found a way to win.”

With pop superstar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-jets-1b1b3ba43139acefcbdf52072b018154">Taylor Swift watching Travis Kelce and the Chiefs</a>&nbsp;for the second straight game, this time from a suite at MetLife Stadium, Kansas City was able to bounce back.

After the Chiefs (3-1) regained the lead on Harrison Butker’s 26-yard field goal with 10:51 remaining, Zach Wilson made his first big mistake for the Jets when he lost a snap. Tershawn Wharton recovered and Mahomes and the Chiefs got the ball at the Jets 47.

Michael Carter II intercepted Mahomes on third-and-20 from the Jets 40 — but it was negated by a holding call on Sauce Gardner. Replays showed it was a questionable call and an irate Jets coach Robert Saleh stormed down the sideline to shout at an official.

“Fourth quarter, crunch time," Gardner said. "I don’t even know what to say.”

Mahomes, who had a 25-yard run on third-and-23 to extend the drive, ran for 9 yards on another third down to the Jets 2, sealing the victory.

“Listen, I thought it was a hold,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who tied Tom Landry for fourth on the career list with his 250th regular-season victory. “I've got to go back and look at the tape on it. He was on the other side of the field. They’re aggressive, so they’re going to get a couple of those during the game. Sauce is as good as there is in the league, but he might have had a little bit of fabric there.”

Moments later, a still-angry Saleh was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty — and the clock hit zero on a bitter loss for the Jets (1-3).

“Just that whole drive after the fumble was unfortunate,” Saleh said. “That’s extremely unfortunate, especially for a prime-time football game.”

Mahomes, who became the fastest to 200 NFL touchdown passes, was 18 of 30 for 203 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 51 yards to set the franchise's career rushing mark for a quarterback. Isiah Pacheco rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, and Kelce had six catches for 60 yards.

"It was a lot of hard grinding tonight," Pacheco said.

Wilson had his best game since taking over for the injured Aaron Rodgers, going 28 of 39 for 245 yards and two touchdowns. But he blamed himself for the loss because of the lost fumble.

"To be driving right there, to drop a snap, I can not do that,” Wilson said.

Trailing 20-12, Wilson and the Jets opened the second half with the ball and marched down the field. Wilson found Allen Lazard in the middle of the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown pass. The quarterback then avoided a tackle attempt, rolled out and zipped forward for a 2-point conversion that tied the game at 20.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-jets-aaron-rodgers-2a0de7afa073497aced5047853ce4a87">Rodgers, who rejoined his teammates Saturday</a>&nbsp;after tearing his left Achilles tendon in his debut on Sept. 11, was shown on the stadium video screens clapping and cheering after the score, sitting in a suite with Jets owner Woody Johnson — and that got the New York fans even more fired up.

It appeared it would be a blowout early when Pacheco slipped a tackle attempt by Micheal Clemons in the backfield on third-and-1, made a move downfield and then zipped into the end zone for a 48-yard touchdown that made it 10-0.

Mahomes threw the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-patrick-mahomes-200-touchdown-passes-19a81d6761a2b0919b5e5fd141186c77">200th touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;of his career, reaching the milestone in his 84th game to break Dan Marino’s NFL record when he connected with Noah Gray on a 34-yard score with 3:24 left in the first quarter. Marino threw his 200th TD pass in his 89th NFL game with Miami in 1989.

The Jets got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter when Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor was called for a facemask penalty on Bryce Huff in the end zone, resulting in a safety.

The play seemed to breathe some life into New York's offense and Greg Zuerlein's 31-yard field goal made it 17-5.

Ashtyn Davis intercepted Mahomes' throw to Gray to open the Chiefs' next possession, and New York took advantage.

After Randall Cobb extended the drive by reaching out for a first down on third-and-5 to the 19, wide receiver Xavier Gipson gained 14 yards on an end-around to put the ball at the 5. Two plays later, Wilson found C.J. Uzomah for a 1-yard TD to cut the Jets' deficit to 17-12 with 6:26 left in the half.

Butker's 37-yarder made it 20-12 with 2:15 remaining in the second quarter.

The Jets chose to try a field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Chiefs 34 in the waning seconds of the first half, but Zuerlein hit the right upright from 52 yards.

Former Jets star defensive lineman Joe Klecko received his Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence during a halftime ceremony.

Klecko, who also served as the Jets’ honorary captain for the pregame coin toss, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in August. He played for the Jets from 1977-87 and was the heart of the team's “New York Sack Exchange.”

Chiefs: LB Cole Christiansen left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury and didn't return.

Jets: CB Brandin Echols injured a hamstring in the second quarter and was ruled out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696218723280.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is tripped up by New York Jets linebacker Bryce Huff (47) as he throws during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is tripped up by New York Jets linebacker Bryce Huff (47) as he throws during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football WriterEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs appeared on their way to a blowout against the struggling New York Jets.A few mistakes by the star quarterback made it uncomfortably close, but he and the Chiefs shook off a subpar performance during which they blew a 17-point lead and then held on for a 23-20 victory Sunday night.“I knew I put us in two bad positions,” said Mahomes, who was intercepted twice. “No one points fingers in that locker room. We all play together. Not everything is going to be pretty, but the guys responded and we found a way to win.”With pop superstar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-jets-1b1b3ba43139acefcbdf52072b018154">Taylor Swift watching Travis Kelce and the Chiefs</a>&nbsp;for the second straight game, this time from a suite at MetLife Stadium, Kansas City was able to bounce back.After the Chiefs (3-1) regained the lead on Harrison Butker’s 26-yard field goal with 10:51 remaining, Zach Wilson made his first big mistake for the Jets when he lost a snap. Tershawn Wharton recovered and Mahomes and the Chiefs got the ball at the Jets 47.Michael Carter II intercepted Mahomes on third-and-20 from the Jets 40 — but it was negated by a holding call on Sauce Gardner. Replays showed it was a questionable call and an irate Jets coach Robert Saleh stormed down the sideline to shout at an official.“Fourth quarter, crunch time," Gardner said. "I don’t even know what to say.”Mahomes, who had a 25-yard run on third-and-23 to extend the drive, ran for 9 yards on another third down to the Jets 2, sealing the victory.“Listen, I thought it was a hold,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who tied Tom Landry for fourth on the career list with his 250th regular-season victory. “I've got to go back and look at the tape on it. He was on the other side of the field. They’re aggressive, so they’re going to get a couple of those during the game. Sauce is as good as there is in the league, but he might have had a little bit of fabric there.”Moments later, a still-angry Saleh was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty — and the clock hit zero on a bitter loss for the Jets (1-3).“Just that whole drive after the fumble was unfortunate,” Saleh said. “That’s extremely unfortunate, especially for a prime-time football game.”Mahomes, who became the fastest to 200 NFL touchdown passes, was 18 of 30 for 203 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 51 yards to set the franchise's career rushing mark for a quarterback. Isiah Pacheco rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, and Kelce had six catches for 60 yards."It was a lot of hard grinding tonight," Pacheco said.Wilson had his best game since taking over for the injured Aaron Rodgers, going 28 of 39 for 245 yards and two touchdowns. But he blamed himself for the loss because of the lost fumble."To be driving right there, to drop a snap, I can not do that,” Wilson said.Trailing 20-12, Wilson and the Jets opened the second half with the ball and marched down the field. Wilson found Allen Lazard in the middle of the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown pass. The quarterback then avoided a tackle attempt, rolled out and zipped forward for a 2-point conversion that tied the game at 20.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-jets-aaron-rodgers-2a0de7afa073497aced5047853ce4a87">Rodgers, who rejoined his teammates Saturday</a>&nbsp;after tearing his left Achilles tendon in his debut on Sept. 11, was shown on the stadium video screens clapping and cheering after the score, sitting in a suite with Jets owner Woody Johnson — and that got the New York fans even more fired up.It appeared it would be a blowout early when Pacheco slipped a tackle attempt by Micheal Clemons in the backfield on third-and-1, made a move downfield and then zipped into the end zone for a 48-yard touchdown that made it 10-0.Mahomes threw the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-patrick-mahomes-200-touchdown-passes-19a81d6761a2b0919b5e5fd141186c77">200th touchdown pass</a>&nbsp;of his career, reaching the milestone in his 84th game to break Dan Marino’s NFL record when he connected with Noah Gray on a 34-yard score with 3:24 left in the first quarter. Marino threw his 200th TD pass in his 89th NFL game with Miami in 1989.The Jets got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter when Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor was called for a facemask penalty on Bryce Huff in the end zone, resulting in a safety.The play seemed to breathe some life into New York's offense and Greg Zuerlein's 31-yard field goal made it 17-5.Ashtyn Davis intercepted Mahomes' throw to Gray to open the Chiefs' next possession, and New York took advantage.After Randall Cobb extended the drive by reaching out for a first down on third-and-5 to the 19, wide receiver Xavier Gipson gained 14 yards on an end-around to put the ball at the 5. Two plays later, Wilson found C.J. Uzomah for a 1-yard TD to cut the Jets' deficit to 17-12 with 6:26 left in the half.Butker's 37-yarder made it 20-12 with 2:15 remaining in the second quarter.The Jets chose to try a field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-1 from the Chiefs 34 in the waning seconds of the first half, but Zuerlein hit the right upright from 52 yards.SPECIAL RINGFormer Jets star defensive lineman Joe Klecko received his Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence during a halftime ceremony.Klecko, who also served as the Jets’ honorary captain for the pregame coin toss, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in August. He played for the Jets from 1977-87 and was the heart of the team's “New York Sack Exchange.”INJURIESChiefs: LB Cole Christiansen left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury and didn't return.Jets: CB Brandin Echols injured a hamstring in the second quarter and was ruled out.UP NEXTChiefs: At Minnesota next Sunday.Jets: At Denver next Sunday.

🏈 Mahomes, Chiefs hold on to beat Jets

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9a4f397a-3d78-456f-8332-5b7356560207?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Byron McNair</a>&nbsp;may just be a freshman, but on Saturday in Kansas Wesleyan's 10-7 win over McPherson, he played like a veteran. McNair led the Coyotes on a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter and got a huge defensive stand to come away with the win on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.

The win is the third straight for the Coyotes who improved to 4-2 overall completing a grueling cross-division slate in the Kansas Conference. KWU is the only team in the Bissell Division to have a winning record heading into this week's league-wide bye week before division play starts on October 14.

It was also Wesleyan's 59th win in the all-time series, which today was the 100th meeting between the teams.

The Coyotes were on the board first as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/982467cb-ea82-4d0e-b19b-38f9a26d40ad?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;hit a 38-yard field goal with 11:03 left in the first quarter to give the Coyotes a 3-0 lead.

The game was a defensive battle after that.

On its next drive the Coyotes drove to the McPherson 37, and were forced to try another Cope field goal, but the kick with the gusty south wind drifted just enough right to miss.

McPherson tried to tie in at the end of the first half. The Bulldogs had drive to the KWU 23, but quarterback Tristan Szabo was sacked but&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b89b6cff-421c-414a-a26f-dbf62510a3e5?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Dylan Worrell</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4b476fa3-e2dc-4938-af17-28616515b70d?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Deyondre Gomez</a>&nbsp;and a delay of game, and another sack, this one by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0c3dbf82-2111-46a5-93d4-557b521159f8?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Ricardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;pushed the ball back to the KWU 41.

The Bulldogs quickly ran out Jack Lowery to try a 58-yard field goal, but&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/459843a8-5ce7-4bb1-9a07-50d437070be1?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Julian Urioste</a>&nbsp;blocked it and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ecb77bb5-e42e-4814-bf50-18af2697c64a?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Jordan Dupre</a>&nbsp;recovered.

The Coyote defense got two big turnovers in the third, as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/abd5a265-4db1-4749-adfb-633c26147c56?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">James Preston</a>&nbsp;picked off a pass after it had been tipped by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3bbb3ef8-5ed6-429b-a7e4-8cde46ae16e3?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Shaylan Lewis</a>, and on the next McPherson drive&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/faa28dee-fc60-49cf-ac11-d7e4823c63c8?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Jordan Dupre</a>&nbsp;had an interception to stop a McPherson drive.

Story by BOB DAVIDSON<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9a4f397a-3d78-456f-8332-5b7356560207?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Byron McNair</a>&nbsp;may just be a freshman, but on Saturday in Kansas Wesleyan's 10-7 win over McPherson, he played like a veteran. McNair led the Coyotes on a game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter and got a huge defensive stand to come away with the win on Gene Bissell Field at JRI Hospitality Stadium at the Graves Family Sports Complex.The win is the third straight for the Coyotes who improved to 4-2 overall completing a grueling cross-division slate in the Kansas Conference. KWU is the only team in the Bissell Division to have a winning record heading into this week's league-wide bye week before division play starts on October 14.It was also Wesleyan's 59th win in the all-time series, which today was the 100th meeting between the teams.The Coyotes were on the board first as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/982467cb-ea82-4d0e-b19b-38f9a26d40ad?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Talon Cope</a>&nbsp;hit a 38-yard field goal with 11:03 left in the first quarter to give the Coyotes a 3-0 lead.The game was a defensive battle after that.On its next drive the Coyotes drove to the McPherson 37, and were forced to try another Cope field goal, but the kick with the gusty south wind drifted just enough right to miss.McPherson tried to tie in at the end of the first half. The Bulldogs had drive to the KWU 23, but quarterback Tristan Szabo was sacked but&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b89b6cff-421c-414a-a26f-dbf62510a3e5?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Dylan Worrell</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4b476fa3-e2dc-4938-af17-28616515b70d?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Deyondre Gomez</a>&nbsp;and a delay of game, and another sack, this one by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0c3dbf82-2111-46a5-93d4-557b521159f8?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Ricardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;pushed the ball back to the KWU 41.The Bulldogs quickly ran out Jack Lowery to try a 58-yard field goal, but&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/459843a8-5ce7-4bb1-9a07-50d437070be1?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Julian Urioste</a>&nbsp;blocked it and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ecb77bb5-e42e-4814-bf50-18af2697c64a?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Jordan Dupre</a>&nbsp;recovered.The Coyote defense got two big turnovers in the third, as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/abd5a265-4db1-4749-adfb-633c26147c56?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">James Preston</a>&nbsp;picked off a pass after it had been tipped by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3bbb3ef8-5ed6-429b-a7e4-8cde46ae16e3?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Shaylan Lewis</a>, and on the next McPherson drive&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/faa28dee-fc60-49cf-ac11-d7e4823c63c8?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Jordan Dupre</a>&nbsp;had an interception to stop a McPherson drive.Meanwhile, enter Mr. McNair. After the Preston pick, he led the Coyotes to the McPherson 19, but the drive stalled there and Cope missed the 38-yard field goal.McPherson took the lead with 8:17 left in the fourth after a KWU turnover as Szabo hit Burnts Lewis for a 30-yard pass play.Back came the Coyotes. McNair hit&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a116460-7d41-4a44-a3f1-044fcae3d648?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Rhadarious Lomax-Spivey</a>&nbsp;for 16 yards, then three plays later converted a third down with a pass to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d6f8bd62-eeac-4a3e-8184-5aefbfaf156b?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Darrias Pearsall</a>. After an incompletion, McNair hit Lomax-Spivey again for 24 yards to the McPherson 22, and two plays later McNair passed it to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/57916c07-a030-4e5f-a155-6c5fd85700f5?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Jacquante Pitts</a>&nbsp;for 20 yards down to the McPherson 2, setting up&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/359054e3-4982-45ad-b665-ed3513fceb15?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Tyler Boston</a>&nbsp;to walk into the end zone untouched to give the Coyotes a 10-7 lead.McPherson took possession and would drive down the field, and had first down at the KWU 13 yard line.Szabo would get sacked on a third down at the 13 and the ball stripped by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f0d51765-321f-48d4-8a6b-2a3e6b31f773?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Dylan Worrell</a>&nbsp;after a 20-yard loss and&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32dd46a6-0dae-439e-8ba9-589861b0eced?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Josh King-Bradley</a>&nbsp;would recover it with 59 seconds left.The Coyotes took two knees to run out the clock and come away with the 10-7 win.Szabo threw it 52 times completing 29 for McPherson for 273 yards, but had two interceptions and was sacked four times. He also added 15 yards rushing as the Coyotes held the Bulldogs to 24 yards rushing.McNair was 7 of 11 for 115 yards in the win.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b94b94ba-b039-4b6d-af2e-9ff020fd2484?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Richard Lara</a>&nbsp;was 7 of 16 for 54 yards.&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f313c97a-ef9b-4a91-8ae9-dcec1cd9facb?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Nick Allsman</a>&nbsp;ran for 41 yards on 16 tries. Lomax-Spivey had 67 yards receiving on five grabs.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3294e6fb-2836-4cdf-93cc-9ec26fc166ab?elinkdata=1357" target="_blank">Ricco Moore</a>&nbsp;led KWU's defense with 11 tackles and had three break-ups.The Coyotes get next Saturday off, before hosting Avila on October 14 in a 1 p.m. kickoff.