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Wildcats expect bump to top

 
Collin Klein overcomes three interceptions and three sacks to position Kansas State to move atop today’s BCS standings.
Collin Klein overcomes three interceptions and three sacks to position Kansas State to move atop today’s BCS standings.
Published Nov. 11, 2012

FORT WORTH, Texas — Collin Klein and third-ranked Kansas State bolstered their chances in the national title chase by doing what Alabama failed to do. The Wildcats beat one of the newcomers in their conference.

A few minutes after No. 1 Alabama lost to Texas A&M, Klein threw a 62-yard pass to set up the first of his two touchdown runs, and the third-ranked Wildcats went on to a 23-10 victory at TCU on Saturday night.

Kansas State (10-0, 7-0 Big 12) seems likely to take over the top spot in today's BCS standings.

"I have no thoughts about it whatsoever," said coach Bill Snyder, who said he didn't know about Alabama's loss until after the game.

"I just found out. My reaction was, 'Wow!' " said Anthony Cantele, who kicked three field goals. "It doesn't change what we're going to do. … We'll enjoy it for what it is and get back to work."

Kansas State's game had just started and Klein already had a rare turnover when SEC newcomer and former Big 12 team Texas A&M finished off its 29-24 victory at Alabama, the top team in the BCS standings.

Kansas State, 10-0 for the second time under Snyder, was No. 2 in the BCS, one spot ahead of Oregon. The Ducks, No. 2 in the Associated Press poll, played California late Saturday.

"We still have a lot of things to accomplish," defensive back Jarard Milo said. "So as far as the rankings, we don't pay too much attention to that because we obviously have a lot of work to do."

Kansas State plays Saturday at Baylor, then has a week off before ending the regular season at home against 19th-ranked Texas.

Klein's third interception of the season came on the fourth play against TCU (6-4, 3-4), in its first Big 12 season. Freshman defensive end Devonte Fields was back in coverage when he made a diving grab for his first career pick.

The Horned Frogs failed to take advantage, going three and out.

By time they got the ball back, they were trailing for good and on their way to their third consecutive home loss.

"There is a very fine line, and that is a team that can play for a national championship," TCU coach Gary Patterson said.

It was during the timeout for the change of possession after TCU's punt that Alabama's game ended.

Klein's next play was his 62-yard pass to Chris Harper. That drive ended with the Heisman Trophy hopeful quarterback running for a 7-yard TD.

Klein was sacked a season-high three times while completing 12 of 21 passes for 145 yards. He had 15 carries for 50 yards.

"He played reasonably well. He made the plays he had to make in the game, but we were probably a little conservative for him," said Snyder, saying that was because of TCU's defense.