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Huberts second-half running helps turn back Mizzou
spt Hubert handoff 77 blocking
Kansas State running back John Hubert takes a handoff from quarterback Collin Klein while offensive lineman Colten Freeze (77) prepares to make a lead block during Saturday's Big 12 Conference game with Missouri at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan. - photo by Mack McClure Great Bend Tribune

MANHATTAN — John Hubert, it seemed, was the “other” running back for Kansas State.
In the preseason, touted Bryce Brown, a transfer from Tennessee, was the sentimental favorite, it seemed, to take over the reins as the Wildcats’ every-down back.
Bryce Brown this. Bryce Brown that. A blue-chip prospect in high school coming out of Wichita East, he transferred to Kansas State, joining his brother, linebacker Arthur Brown, a junior transfer from Miami.
It all seemed so right.
All the while, Hubert simmered.
“That was a big chip on my shoulder,” Hubert said. “There was a lot of talk in the media and newspapers about Bryce Brown.
“Actually, all that did was motivate me and I just want to prove to the fans and everybody that I’m capable of being a running back at Kansas State.”
Five games into the season, Hubert, a 5-foot-7, 185-pound sophomore, has proven to be the team’s every-down back.
Meanwhile, Bryce Brown hasn’t practiced with the team or been on the sidelines for games the last two weeks.
Hubert rushed for 126 net yards in 26 carries on Saturday during No. 20 Kansas State’s 24-17 Big 12 Conference win over Missouri.
It was the second 100-yard game this season for the Waco, Texas, native, who had a breakout game during the Wildcats’ 28-24 win at Miami two weeks ago. Hubert rushed for 166 yards in 18 carries and scored the game-winning touchdown against the Hurricanes.
Hubert managed only nine net yards on seven carries during the first half against Mizzou, where Kansas State held a 10-3 halftime lead.
But Hubert, who broke NFL running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s single-season prep rushing record in Waco, responded by totaling 117 rushing yards on 19 carries in the second half  — all but 12 of the Wildcats’ yards on the ground coming from him.
“The first half, it was kind of rough,” said Hubert of his team, which only had 45 net rushing yards at halftime before finishing with 174. “We came out in the second half and made some adjustments and it started opening up our running game.”
Kansas State improves to 5-0 for the first time in 11 seasons.