Kansas State football vs Utah grades as Wildcats fall short of upset

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Kansas State football surrendered 16 points over the last seven minutes of the game, collapsing in its upset bid against No. 12 Utah.

The Wildcats lost 51-47 to the Utes on Saturday, Nov. 22, in Salt Lake City.

Here’s how we graded the Wildcats’ loss.

Kansas State football offense vs Utah: A

Where has this ground game been all season? Joe Jackson was spectacular, putting up huge numbers with 293 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The only knock was Avery Johnson’s interception on the team’s final drive.

Kansas State football defense vs Utah: D

When you score 47 points, you should be able to win comfortably. The defense didn’t do its job.

Kansas State football special teams vs Utah: B

Nothing catastrophic, nothing special. Luis Rodriguez made a 36-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

Kansas State football coaching vs Utah: B

Offensive coordinator Matt Wells has taken a ton of heat this season for the Wildcats’ inconsistent play, and he put together an impressive game plan. Unfortunately, the Wildcats couldn’t get enough stops defensively.

Final grade for Kansas State vs Utah: B-

The Wildcats made this game a lot more fun than anyone thought it would be, but the defensive performance simply had to be better for what the Wildcats did offensively.

Wyatt D. Wheeler covers Kansas State athletics for the USA TODAY Network and Topeka Capital-Journal. You can follow him on X at @WyattWheeler_, contact him at 417-371-6987 or email him at wwheeler@usatodayco.com

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football vs Utah grades: Wildcats fall short

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