MUNICH – What a championship game thriller for the Big 12 title. The underdogs of the Kansas State Wildcats inflicted their first overtime loss on the previously undefeated TCU Horned Frogs.
First, the Wildcats’ defense stopped the Horned Frogs four centimeters from their own end zone. In return, Kansas kicker Ty Zentner then sunk the decisive field goal to 31:28.
Kansas was already on an upset course at half-time, leading 14:10 after two quarters. The defense in particular played well again and again. After the break, wide receiver RJ Garcia II even gave a two-score lead with a touchdown catch on the second floor.
TCU saves itself in extra time
TCU didn’t give up, only got into position through a muffed punt from the Wildcats and shortened, but had to put up with the next touchdown in the final quarter. Quarterback Max Duggan led the comeback with two minutes remaining and ran into the end zone himself. He also sold the subsequent two-point conversion.
In the end, however, his 251 yards and one touchdown each through the air and on the ground are useless. In overtime, he failed to break the Wildcats’ goal line in four attempts.
With their first loss, the Horned Frogs are now 12-1. To what extent this defeat will affect playoff hopes remains to be seen.
Kansas State won’t get another chance at the National Championship game this season, but can grace the year with a ring for the Big 12 title.