STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Kansas State forced five turnovers in a 14-6 win over Oklahoma State on Saturday.
All of the Wildcats' points came off those turnovers. Kansas State, which had averaged 34.2 points in its previous five games, was held to 284 yards. Despite that, the Wildcats have won three of four.
Avery Johnson passed for 177 yards and Joe Jackson added 69 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Wildcats (5-5, 4-3 Big 12), who need one more win to become bowl eligible.
Zane Flores passed for 233 yards for Oklahoma State (1-9, 0-7), but he threw two interceptions and lost two fumbles. Oklahoma State has lost nine straight, and seven straight under interim coach Doug Meacham.
Kansas State did not score until eight minutes into the second quarter. The Wildcats got a first down by penalty after it appeared the Cowboys stopped them on a fourth-and-1, and Jayce Brown caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Johnson on the next play. The extra point put Kansas State up 7-6 — a score that held up at halftime.
An interception by Oklahoma State's Parker Robertson early in the third quarter set the Cowboys up deep in Kansas State territory. But Flores fumbled when stripped by Cody Stufflebean, and Kansas State's Zashon Rich recovered to preserve Kansas State's lead.
Kansas State's Jackson ran 15 yards for a touchdown to put the Wildcats up 14-6 in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys reached the Kansas State 26 on their final possession before turning the ball over on downs in the final minute.
The takeaway
Kansas State: The Wildcats played poorly overall but showed enough grit to pull through. The timely plays saved coach Chris Klieman from an embarrassing loss in a season that began with high expectations.
Oklahoma State: The Cowboys outgained Kansas State by 89 yards, but made too many mistakes to claim their first win under interim coach Doug Meacham.
Up next
Kansas State visits Utah next Saturday.
Oklahoma State visits Central Florida next Saturday.