K-State Wildcats Bowl Game Matchups And History

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The thrill of college football is palpable, especially when it comes to the Kansas State University Wildcats. As one of the most beloved teams in the Big 12 Conference, the Wildcats have a rich history of competing in bowl games. In this article, we'll delve into the world of K-State Wildcats bowl game matchups and history, highlighting the team's most notable appearances, victories, and rivalries.

Early Bowl Game Appearances (1960s-1980s)

The Kansas State Wildcats first appeared in a bowl game in 1960, when they faced the Rice Owls in the Bluebonnet Bowl. Although they lost 24-20, this marked the beginning of a long and storied tradition of postseason play. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Wildcats made sporadic appearances in bowl games, often facing off against teams from the Southwest Conference.

One notable exception was the 1970 Peach Bowl, where the Wildcats defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 20-17. This victory marked the team's first bowl win and set the stage for future successes.

The Bill Snyder Era (1989-2005)

The arrival of head coach Bill Snyder in 1989 marked a turning point in K-State's bowl game history. Under Snyder's leadership, the Wildcats became a consistent presence in postseason play, appearing in 11 bowl games between 1990 and 2005.

During this period, the Wildcats enjoyed some notable victories, including a 52-17 thrashing of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 1993 Fiesta Bowl and a 41-7 win over the Oregon Ducks in the 2001 Fiesta Bowl. The Snyder era also saw the Wildcats participate in several high-profile bowl games, including the 1995 Holiday Bowl against the Colorado Buffaloes and the 2001 Alamo Bowl against the Syracuse Orange.

Recent Bowl Game Appearances (2006-Present)

Since Bill Snyder's return to K-State in 2009, the Wildcats have continued to be a regular presence in bowl games. The team has appeared in 11 bowl games since 2006, including the 2011 Pinstripe Bowl against the Syracuse Orange and the 2015 Alamo Bowl against the UCLA Bruins.

One notable recent victory was the 2012 Fiesta Bowl, where the Wildcats defeated the Oregon Ducks 35-17. This win marked the team's first Fiesta Bowl victory since 2001 and capped off a 10-win season.

Bowl Game Records and Statistics

Here are some key statistics and records related to K-State's bowl game history:

• Overall bowl game record: 8-13 (.381 winning percentage)
• Bowl game appearances by decade:
  • 1960s: 2
  • 1970s: 2
  • 1980s: 3
  • 1990s: 7
  • 2000s: 8
  • 2010s: 11
• Most common bowl game opponents:
  • Nebraska Cornhuskers (3)
  • Oklahoma Sooners (2)
  • Oregon Ducks (2)
• Longest bowl game winning streak: 3 games (1993-1995)
• Longest bowl game losing streak: 4 games (2002-2005)

Notable Rivalries

K-State's bowl game history is marked by several notable rivalries, including:

• Nebraska Cornhuskers: The Wildcats and Cornhuskers have a long and storied history, with 116 meetings between the two teams. Their bowl game matchups are always highly anticipated and closely contested.
• Oklahoma Sooners: The Wildcats and Sooners have a strong rivalry, with 104 meetings between the two teams. Their bowl game matchups are often high-scoring and closely contested.
• Oregon Ducks: The Wildcats and Ducks have a growing rivalry, with three bowl game matchups since 2001. Their games are often marked by high-powered offenses and close finishes.

Conclusion

The Kansas State Wildcats have a rich and storied history in bowl games, with 21 appearances since 1960. From the early days of the Bluebonnet Bowl to the recent victories in the Fiesta Bowl, the Wildcats have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete against the best teams in college football. As the team looks to the future, fans can expect more exciting bowl game matchups and a continued tradition of postseason play.

What's your favorite K-State bowl game memory? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below!