Kansas State Debriefing: Accepting Finality and Appreciating an Historic Sendoff

Oklahoma State suffered a disappointing home loss to Kansas State on Saturday, effectively ending any hopes of a Big 12 title for Mason Rudolph, James Washington and several other prolific seniors whose fingerprints will remain on this program forever.

Expectations were cut down, hopes were dashed and the finality of all of it is still setting in. We spent so much energy anticipating an historic outcome that we may have neglected the scent of a few roses along the way.

So let’s put a bow on K-State starting with the short story.

The Short Story

Oklahoma State traded scores with KSU on the first two possessions but what followed was an unfortunate turn of events. But there was a feeling that these were just a foundation for what would become yet another chapter in the ludicrous Cardiac Cowboy saga.

Unfortunately, the Wildcats did just enough and the Pokes did just a little less than enough. The result was Bill Snyder’s fifth victory in Stillwater on possibly his last trip — it was his first in 18 years.

Who earned a Marshal Badge?

Offense: Dillon Stoner

These badges are going to be a little harder than normal to give out after so many mishaps and errors — and especially given the result — but Stoner had quite the game. No. 17 hauled in his career-high eight catches on a career-high nine targets for 73 yards and the TD that pulled OSU within 5 and gave it a chance to win late. He also had an 8-yard punt return.

As difficult as it might be to look forward right now, Stoner has three years left of eligibility and is just one of a slew of ace wideouts the Cowboys have returning. And he might be OSU’s leading receiver next year.

Defense: Justin Phillips

It might even be harder to hand these out to a defense that made Kansas State’s box score look like Oklahoma’s, but the Cowboys made several key stops, especially late, that could have facilitated the historic comeback.

One of those plays was made by the redshirt junior linebacker who I predicted would make an all-conference team. That prediction might not pan out but Phillips has been solid as the starting Will backer all season, including his back-to-back pick-6 games against South Alabama and Pitt. That seems like so long ago.

But Phillips had a big game on Saturday, including a strip-sack against Skylar Thompson. It gave his offense the ball with almost five minutes left and led to the aforementioned Stoner TD that gave the Cowboys a chance. Phillips ended with five total tackles (three solo), that sack, 1.5 tackles for loss and the forced fumble. He might be the Cowboys’ best defender next season.

It was over when

Strangely enough, the Cowboys found themselves very much in it, very late. With 2:16 on the clock, Mason Rudolph had the ball near midfield, down less than a score. It’s all you could want in a close game — again — which may have been the hardest part to stomach of the entire affair.

Four passes, zero catches and the blame was shared by QB1, his two best receivers and the team leader in catch rate, Justice Hill, who had his only miss in five targets. When that final pass aimed at Marcell Ateman landed on the turf, whatever breath have been collectively compiled by those remaining inside BPS exhaled and headed for the exits.

Questions for Week 13

The questions heading into the final week of the regular season have, all the sudden, become much less complicated. There is no Big 12 title game on the line and a playoff berth is beyond forgotten. All that is left is Senior Night Morning with some of the best to ever play in Stillwater suiting up for the last time. Maybe there are some style points to be earned before the bowl bids are divvied out.

So, in acceptance of the finality that is college football most of the time, let’s show up. Let’s enjoy what should be an easy win and relish the last time we get to see Rudolph2Washington, Rudolph2Ateman, etc. at home.