K-State relied on explosive plays in the first half, but it was classic K-State football that won Texas Bowl XI in the second half, tying the all-time series between the Wildcats and Texas A&M at 8-8.
Texas A&M marched down the field for a touchdown to start the game, but K-State hit back with a 79-yard touchdown reception for Byron Pringle later in the first quarter. The Wildcats took a lead with a Jesse Ertz rush that featured another of his signature stiffarms. A missed PAT allowed A&M to take a 14-13 lead on another long drive, but an Ian Patterson field goal and 52-yard jet sweep by Dominique Heath sent K-State into the locker room up 23-14 at halftime.