AFC WEST
x-playoff
x-Kansas City 15-2
x-LA Chargers 11-6
x-Denver 10-7
Las Vegas 4-13
AFC EAST
x-Buffalo 13-4
Miami 8-9
NY Jets 5-12
New England 4-13
AFC SOUTH
x-Houston 10-7
Indianapolis 8-9
Jacksonville 4-13
Tennessee 3-14
AFC NORTH
x-Baltimore 12-5
Pittsburgh 10-7
Cincinnati 9-8
Cleveland 3-14
NFC EAST
x-Philadelphia 14-3
x-Washington 12-5
Dallas 7-10
NY Giants 3-14
NFC CENTRAL
x-Detroit 15-2
x-Minnesota 14-3
x-Green Bay 11-6
Chicago 5-12
NFC SOUTH
x-Tampa Bay 10-7
Atlanta 8-9
New Orleans 5-12
Carolina 5-12
NFC WEST
x-LA Rams 10-7
Seattle 10-7
Arizona 8-9
San Francisco 6-11
BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
MANHATTAN — Kansas State's record-breaking 16th consecutive victory over the Kansas Jayhawks was determined by the kicking game.
Chris Tennant rescued the Wildcats with a 51-yard field goal for a wild 29-27 Big 12 victory over their in-state rivals. Kansas State (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) owns the longest continuous head-to-head winning streak over a opponent in NCAA football. The Wildcats stay in contention for a Big 12 football title.
Kansas State's chance to compete for a Big 12 championship swung on a defensive takeaway.
The Wildcats moved 15 yards after Brendan Mott recovered s fumble that Austin Romaine forced against Jayhawk quarterback Jalon Danels.
“Austin Romaine making a heck of a play," Mott said. "I was able to get the ball and get it in our offense’s hand.”.
Tennant had confidence to convert one of the longest game-winning kicks in Kansas State history that ignited a celebration.
“As you get older, things become easier," Tennant said. "It's my season to step up as a leader in the room, and that definitely helps on field.”
Kansas State coach Chris Klieman believed in Tennant.
“I knew that was going in. Nobody on our sideline had any doubt," Klieman said. "It was exciting for him to be able to do that, being a senior from Kansas. When you get into a rhythm, and you see that thing splitting the uprights, it's fun to see.”
Tennant appreciated Klieman's boost of confidence.
“It feels great. I haven't always been that guy," Tennant said. "K-State fans give me hell, and it's fair there, but I haven’t always been that guy. I'm glad to finally reach the point in my career where I'm confident and I make others around me confident.”
K-State's other key play was Damian Ilalio creating a first-half safety after a botched Jayhawk kickoff return that turned into a 9-point swing and a 16-7 lead.
“The safety was a critical moment to get two points, because that was the difference in the game," Klieman said. "It was a game of who could make another play. "
Kansas quarterback Daniels (209 rush, 66 yards) and taiback Devin Neal with two touchdowns gave the Wildcats fits to turn a 9-point deficit into a 27-23 Jayhawk lead.
"Same football team that was up 27-16 on us last year minus their quarterback (Jalon Daniels)," Klieman said. "He's a terrific player, and competitor. Hats off to our players finding a way making a play. (Austin) Romaine, stripping it, (Brendan) Mott falling on it."
Klieman was thankful the Wildcats survived the Jayhawks' challenge.
"Avery (Johnson) and (Jalon) Daniels, they're going to make a ton of plays, and they're going to make a mistake,' Klieman said. "That's why it's a team game. I was proud at the end, offense, defense and special teams came through.”
The Wildcats created a final defensive stop with defensive pressure.
“After Chris hit that field goal, let's get off the field and let's win this game," Romaine said. The defense stepped up. That fourth down stop was amazing.”
Kansas coach Lance Leipold bemoaned the lost opportunities.
“We catch a kickoff return on the 1-yard line. We dropped a touchdown pass. We didn't tackle well and had some coverage busts on a couple of plays. We miss an extra point and don't knock it out, and they get a safety. All those things hurt you in the end.
"We battled and fought hard. This one stings as much as any of them. I was proud of how we fought and competed for four quarters.”
