By Darin 
Did you know that one of the longest losing streaks in college football history—a staggering 29 games—was snapped by a single, unforgettable performance? That streak, which had plagued the Kansas State Wildcats for three decades against their rival Nebraska Cornhuskers, finally ended on November 14, 1998, in a game that wasn’t just a victory, but a definitive statement on the rise of the K-State program under legendary coach Bill Snyder.
For 29 agonizing years, dating back to 1968, the Wildcats had been unable to conquer their powerhouse neighbors from Lincoln. The game against the No. 11 Nebraska Cornhuskers was more than just a regular-season contest; it was a chance to erase three decades of futility and validate K-State’s ascent to national relevance. The No. 2 ranked Wildcats, standing undefeated at 10-0, were ready.
The hero of the day was quarterback Michael Bishop. The senior sensation put on a performance for the ages, accounting for a massive 446 yards of total offense and throwing for four touchdowns. Bishop, a dual-threat menace, consistently evaded the Nebraska defense, showcasing the brilliance that made him one of the country’s most exciting players. His stat line alone was a testament to the fact that the old K-State, the “Futility U” of past years, was gone forever.
The game was a fierce, back-and-forth battle, but the final, decisive moments etched it into football lore. With the game still in doubt, Nebraska’s quarterback Eric Crouch fumbled, and Wildcats defender Jeff Kelly scooped up the loose ball. Kelly rumbled 24 yards for a game-sealing touchdown with just three seconds left on the clock, turning a hard-fought victory into an exclamation point. The final score, Kansas State 40, Nebraska 30, sent the crowd at KSU Stadium into a frenzy of cathartic celebration.
The victory not only ended the 29-game losing streak but was a defining moment for Coach Bill Snyder, who had meticulously built the program from the ground up since his arrival in 1989. This win was arguably the pinnacle of his “Miracle in Manhattan” and secured K-State’s status as a legitimate national contender.
Michael Bishop finished the 1998 season as a Heisman Trophy finalist, placing second in the voting. The game itself remains a highlight of Big 12 football history and a powerful reminder of how long-suffering fans can find redemption in a single, perfectly executed game.
Article from Nov 15, 1998 The Mercury (Manhattan, Kansas)
Football Accolades and Accomplishments:
- Michael Bishop: Heisman Trophy Runner-Up (1998).
- Michael Bishop: Consensus First-Team All-American (1998).
- Bill Snyder: Guided Kansas State to a 10-0 start and the No. 2 national ranking (1998).
- Kansas State Wildcats: Ended a 29-game losing streak against Nebraska.
- Game Performance: Michael Bishop accounted for 446 yards of offense and four touchdowns.