Kansas State faced a negative distraction one night before the bowl game, when its quarterback and team leader, Ell Roberson, was accused of sexual assault.
Kansas State had been favored to win by 7 points, but some casinos pulled the line over the uncertainty about Roberson (Ultimately, no charges were filed against him).
The Wildcats' star running back Darren Sproles ran 6 yards for a touchdown to make the score 21–7.
Later, with only 36 seconds left in the third quarter, Craig Krenzel found Santonio Holmes again for a 31-yard touchdown, and Ohio State led 35–14.
Ohio State recovered an onside kick, and melted the clock to preserve a 35–28 win.
Craig Krenzel, with his four touchdown passes, was named the Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP.