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Oklahoma State survives despite impressive showing from K-State QB carousel

Kyle Ringo

Oklahoma State's Ben Grogan kicked the game-winner in the final minute for the second week in a row Saturday to beat Kansas State 36-34, moving the No. 20 Cowboys to 5-0.

OSU quarterback Mason Rudolph deftly guided the Cowboys down the field to get Grogan in position for the game-winner after Kansas State scored a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Rudolph passed for 437 yards and three touchdowns and led his team to victory, but it might not have been the most impressive performance by a signal caller in this one.

If it wasn't clear already from a lot of success over a lengthy career, Saturday provided more evidence that Kansas State co-offensive coordinator Del Miller knows how to coach quarterbacks and get guys ready to play.

Joe Hubener started the game for the Wildcats on Saturday but took a nasty shot on the first drive and went to the bench. With Alex Delton and Jesse Ertz out with previous injuries and Jonathan Banks out sick, Miller and KSU coach Bill Snyder called on their fifth option under center, wide receiver Kody Cook.

Kansas State fans can't be blamed for thinking their quarterbacks have been cursed this season. This is truly bizarre to see, but it also speaks to the impressive job Miller does.

All Cook did was lead the Wildcats to four first-half touchdowns and a 28-13 halftime lead. He completed 10 of 16 passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns and also ran 21 times for 87 yards and a score. Kansas State had won 49 straight games when leading at the half, but it was unable to keep the lead in this one.

Cook was injured in the second half requiring Hubener to return to the game. He apparently did not suffer a concussion on the hard hit he took in the first quarter. Hubener completed a long pass to Charles Jones for 72 yards late in the fourth quarter and ran in for the go-ahead score four plays later.

But Rudolph got the last word, including converting on fourth-and-8 on the game-winning drive.

For more Oklahoma State news, visit OStateIllustrated.com.

For more Kansas State news, visit GoPowerCat.com.

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Kyle Ringo is a contributing writer on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at kyle.ringo@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!