Kansas State Football: Alex Barnes tramples Oklahoma State Cowboys
By Chris Taylor
Where has this guy been? Over the last two weeks, Alex Barnes has been quintessential for Bill Snyder and his Kansas State Football team.
Just like that, Kansas State Football has become relevant once again. The Wildcats record doesn’t show it, but they are a much better team than they were two months ago. Alex Barnes is a big reason why.
The Wildcats have not had the type of season they thought they would be having. The season, although hanging by a piece of yarn, is still salvageable, however.
Over the last two weeks, Alex Barnes has been otherworldly while running the ball. Last week, in a close loss against the Baylor Bears, Barnes ran the ball 22 times for a career-best 250 yards and three touchdowns. This week was as impressive.
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The Cowboys had no answer for the running game of Kansas State. Bill Snyder had his Wildcats playing perfect Snyder football. Tough defense, great blocking, and a run game that gives opposing defenses nightmares.
Barnes was a workhorse, running the ball 34 times for 181 yards and four touchdowns. Overall, the Wildcats ran the ball for 291 yards. Skylar Thompson added another 80 yards and Dalvin Warmack contributed 32 yards on the ground. Barnes also gained 51 yards through the air.
The Wildcats defense came to play. As a group, they held Cowboys running back Justice Hill to 41 yards rushing. The stout rush defense forced Oklahoma State to throw the ball, which the Wildcats defended great as well. Duke Shelley came up with two huge interceptions as well.
The offensive line, led by All-American Dalton Risner, has stepped up their game as well. With a strong line and a great running game, these Wildcats can make a strong run to finish the season.
The remaining teams on the schedule all have issues defending the run, Oklahoma, TCU, Kansas, Texas Tech and Iowa State can all be beaten with a good run game and mediocre defense.
Next. KSU All-Time leaders in rushing yards. dark
The Wildcats are 3-4, to become eligible for a bowl game they need three more wins. Behind Barnes and an improved defense that seems much more likely to become a possibility than it did a few games ago.