The Kansas State wilcats exploded in the first and third period and rolled past the previously-unbeaten Missouri State Bears 61-10 in non-conference football action Saturday evening in Manhattan, Kan.

 The Wildcats amassed a 21-0 lead 12 minutes into the contest. Missouri State got its lone touchdown late in the second period and trailed 27-7 at the half, but critical mistakes after the intermission enabled the Big 12 Conference Wildcats to blow it open. The result left both teams 2-1 for the season.

 After Kansas State marched the second half kickoff down to score, an errant option pitch give the ball back to the Wildcats on the Bears' next play from scrimmage. KState punched in another quick score to make it 41-7. The Bears' made an onside kickoff attempt after they punched in a field goal but K-State got the ball and quickly punched in a third touchdown of the period. Only with a 47-10 lead through three quarters did Kansas State remove its regulars.

 The Wildcats rolled up 546 yards in total offense to 191 for the Bears in the first-ever football meeting between the two schools.

 WR Jordy Nelson spearheaded the K-State attacked as he caught 15 passes for 209 yards and one touchdown, threw a halfback option touchdown pass for the Wildcats' first touchdown of the contest, and also ran back two punts for 82 yards. The 15 catches are the most ever by an individual in a game against Missouri State.

 TB Kingjack Washington got Missouri State's lone touchdown with 4:36 left in the second period on a nine-yard run and finished with 45 yards on 10 carries. QB Cody Kirby, also a freshman, completed nine of 17 passes for 62 yards, and TE Clay Harbor was the Bears' leading receiver with four catches for 53 yards.

The Bears return home next Saturday (Sept. 22) for their second home game and fourth non-conference test of the year when they entertain the University of Central Arkansas Bears at 6:00 p.m. at Plaster Field.