Special Teams & Ineffective Passing Game Does In West Virginia At Kansas State, 24-23

After a back and forth first half, WVU had the lead and momentum into the break only to allow big returns to do them in in the second half.

Kansas State starting quarterback Joe Hubener was knocked out of the game in the 3rd quarter and converted wide out Cody Cook came in and immediately provided a spark for the Wildcats, leading two touchdown drives in the 3rd.

It took 12 games, but WVU's special teams woes of old reared their ugly heads this evening. First was the muffed punt by Gary Jennings, then came the blown coverage on the kickoff team. Morgan Burns had three straight long returns for 201 yards and a touchdown in the second half.

WVU outgained the Wildcats by a count of 447 to 304 but having to settle for field goals when Kansas State was working on a short field most of the second half kept the Wildcats in the game enough for the return to give them the lead.

One bright spot for the Mountaineers was Wendell Smallwood. He had 141 yards on the ground to finish the regular season as the Big 12's 2nd leading rusher, falling short by just 8 yards for the overall lead.

The Mountaineers now await their bowl destination fate.