MANHATTAN, KS — Baylor’s hopes of reaching the Big 12 Championship Game took another major hit after a mistake-filled 21-19 loss to Kansas State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

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It was a frustrating afternoon for junior quarterback Walker White, who threw three interceptions and failed to record a touchdown pass. The turnovers ultimately proved to be the difference in a game Baylor appeared capable of winning.

White’s most costly mistake came with 5:37 remaining as the Bears tried to extend a narrow lead. Facing 2nd-and-7, White attempted to hit tight end Joey Olson over the middle, but linebacker Basil Montrose stepped in front of the pass and returned the interception to the Wildcats’ 49-yard line. Nine plays later, quarterback Joshua Douglas found Lincoln Cure for a 6-yard touchdown, giving Kansas State a 21-19 lead after the extra point.

Baylor still had an opportunity to respond. The Bears moved the ball into Wildcat territory, but White’s third interception ended the threat. Trying to connect with Mason Dossett down the left sideline, White instead found defensive back Ben Hanks Jr., who secured his second interception of the game and sealed the Wildcats’ victory.

Ben Hanks Jr celebrates an interception. The junior cornerback had 2 in the game.

Kansas State had its share of mistakes as well. Douglas threw three interceptions and lost a fumble that Baylor returned for a defensive touchdown. But unlike the Bears, the Wildcats were able to overcome their miscues when it mattered most.

The loss was Baylor’s second straight and dropped the Bears to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in Big 12 play. While not mathematically eliminated from the conference championship race, Baylor’s margin for error is gone. A loss next week to No. 9 TCU would officially close the final path to Arlington.