Manhattan, KS (AP) - Josh Freeman may have thrown three interceptions in Saturday's game against Missouri State in Manhattan. And Coach Ron Prince probably wants him to improve on that number, but everything is all good, at least for now as Freeman threw for a K-State record five touchdowns through the air in addition to running in two himself today in Kansas State's 77-0 shutout of FCS Missouri State. Freeman's five passing touchdowns broke the previous mark of four, which was set by Ell Roberson back in 2003.

Freeman started the game atrociously, having his first pass attempt picked off. Although he did throw two more in the game, Freeman ended the day with five scoring strikes, while also showing the ability to run, running for 35 yards and two touchdowns on 5 carries.

James Johnson carried the ball a team high 14 times for the 'Cats, tallying 199 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 80 yard touchdown run in the first quarter where Johnson left the entire Missouri State defense in the dust.

Other top performers included receiver Jordy Nelson, who caught seven balls for 182 yards and two scores. Nelson also had a solid day on special teams, collecting 161 yards on just 5 punt returns, including a 59 yard return where Nelson was stopped just short of the goal line by the Missouri State punter.

B. Alstatt, originally the third string tight end at the beginning of the year, made four catches for 72 yards and one touchdown, seeing the ball thrown his way much more often today in the absence of starting tight end Rashaad Norwood, who sprained his ACL last week against San Jose State. Norwood is listed as questionable for K-State's next game.

Regardless of their opponent, and regardless of Freeman's record day, the story of the game may have been the 'Cats defense, who played by far their best game of the young season on Saturday.

"I think we just set the tone from the get-go, from the very first play by Missouri State from scrimmage. We weren't going to take them lightly, and I think we showed exactly how good our defense has the ability to be this season," said Kansas State linebacker Chris Patterson, who recorded 12 tackles, including two for a loss, one of which was a sack.

Kansas State improves to 2-1 on the year with their win Saturday, and they have next week off. In two weeks they will open up Big XII play with an extremely tough road test in Austin against the #4 ranked Texas Longhorns.