K-State capped off its most successful season in 83 years, with its first-ever bowl game victory. The 20th ranked Kansas State Wildcats, making only their second bowl appearance in school history, defeated the Wyoming Cowboys, 52-17.
Wyoming took a quick 3-0 lead on a 35-yard field goal, but K-State put its high-powered offense into overdrive and scored on its first three possessions. J.J. Smith put K-State on the board with a two-yard TD run and Tate Wright added a 22-yard field goal before K-State drove 76 yards on its third possession to take a 16-3 edge on a Chad May TD plunge. All-American Andre Coleman closed out the first half with a 68-yard punt return to put K-State ahead 24-10 at the break then blew things open with a 61-yard touchdown catch just 54 seconds into the third quarter.
Freshman All-American Kevin Lockett put K-State ahead 38-10 midway through the third quarter with a 30-yard touchdown reception before reserve running back Leon Edwards added a 13-yard touchdown run and cornerback Kenny McEntyre provided the game’s crowning moment with a 37-yard interception return for a score.
Andre Coleman racked up a career-high 283 yards of total offense, tying or breaking three Copper Bowl records along the way. Quarterback Chad May threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, including the picture-perfect 30-yarder to wide receiver Kevin Lockett on a fourth-down play in the fourth quarter.[1][2]
