Beasley Leaves Own Impression

DALLAS — In his 25th and last start as the Kansas State quarterback, Jonathan Beasley gave Wildcat fans reason to remember him as more than the player who replaced Michael Bishop.

Beasley did a superb job running the option, gaining a career-best 98 yards and scoring a touchdown and also throwing for two touchdowns as No. 11 Kansas State defeated No. 21 Tennessee, 35-21, in the Cotton Bowl on Monday.

Beasley, who redshirted as a junior in 1998 when Bishop was a senior, ended his career 21-4 as a starter.

In his finale, Beasley accomplished something Bishop didn’t, becoming the first quarterback in school history to win two bowl games. He also helped the seniors become the second group in NCAA history to win 11 games four consecutive seasons.

“Two years ago, people counted us out after Michael Bishop left,” said Beasley, who completed 13 of 27 passes for 210 yards.

Kansas State (11-3) rushed for 297 yards, the most against Tennessee (8-4) since last year’s Fiesta Bowl. Josh Scobey ran 28 times for 147 yards and two third-quarter touchdowns as the Wildcats averaged 5.03 yards a carry.

“They took us out behind the woodshed and spanked us,” Vols Coach Phillip Fulmer said. “Our defense was on the field way too long.”

Tennessee freshman quarterback Casey Clausen, who came in 6-0 as a starter, wilted against the best defense he has seen, going seven for 25 for 120 yards and three interceptions.