Josh Cherry News

Tis the season to be thankful for such things as stretch pants, extra notches in your belts, double-XL shirts.

Lots of defense. Success on special teams, and enough offense to notch another win.

Published online 11/23/2009 12:04 AM Struggling offense dooms KSU LINCOLN, Neb. - Kansas State offense, seldom a juggernaut during the season, came up especially short in the last two games - a 38-12 loss to Missouri last week and then again Saturday with a 17-3 loss to Nebraska.

As the last seconds of the game ticked away against the Wildcats, I looked at the field and counted the Seniors that had impacted the game with their skill and determination on Senior Day.

Roy Helu Jr. ran 26 times for 95 yards and a touchdown, and Nebraska defeated Kansas State 17-3 to win the Big 12 North on Saturday night.

Sometime before Saturday night's Nebraska game, Kansas State kicker Josh Cherry might need a chill pill.

Nobody knows the up-and-downs of a college placekicker better than Kansas State's Josh Cherry.

Life is good for Josh Cherry. Six weeks ago, though, that statement couldn't have been further from the truth as the junior kicker seemed to shoulder more of Kansas State's early-season woes than anybody else.

The team that stepped onto the field Saturday against Missouri was eerily similar to the one that showed up earlier this season against teams like Louisiana and UCLA.

Bill Snyder returned to Kansas State to calm the waters. Now, the K-State coach will look to part the Red Sea as the Wildcats travel to Nebraska Saturday facing a must-win. Everything is on the line for K-State. A Wildcat victory ensures K-State wins the North and advances to the Big 12 Championship game, while also securing a bowl bid.

Oklahoma State cornerback Perrish Cox, Missouri receiver Danario Alexander and Kansas State kicker Josh Cherry are the Big 12 players of the week.

I'm done trying to figure this team out. Attempting to accurately assess the value of this Tiger squad is a futile practice.

Missouri running back Derrick Washington, right, dives into the end zone to score a touchdown as he is pulled down by Kansas State linebacker Ulla Pomele and defensive end Brandon Harold during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov.

The Kansas State football is yet to figure out how to stop Blaine Gabbert or efficiently run against Missouri's defense.

Kansas State coach Bill Snyder, right, and Kansas coach Mark Mangino meet on the field after their NCAA college football game Saturday in Manhattan.

Quarterback Grant Gregory called Daniel Thomas the best running back in the Big 12, and it is hard to argue.

Kansas State junior running back Daniel Thomas carries for a big gain against Kansas on Saturday.

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Bill Snyder orchestrated a massive turnaround in his first stint at Kansas State's coach, transforming a team with more losses than any other into a national title contender.

FIRST QUARTER Key play: Emmanuel Lamur intercepted a Todd Reesing pass near the end zone on Kansas second possession and helped keep the first quarter scoreless.Key stat: Minus-2, the Wildcats passing yards in the opening 15 minutes.SECOND QUARTER Key play: Grant Gregorys 31-yard touchdown pass to Lamark Brown with 20 seconds remaining put ...

Todd Reesing kept giving, and Kansas State finally took advantage. Reesing's third turnover of the first half set up a 31-touchdown pass to Lamark Brown to give K-State a 10-7 halftime lead over Kansas in Saturday's Sunflower Showdown.