Another big game for Cornell’s Knake

MOUNT VERNON - Ben Knake can do a little bit of everything and that amounts to a lot for Cornell College.

The Rams' junior is more than just a wide receiver, rushing for touchdowns as well as reeling in scoring throws. The former state champion prep quarterback hasn't thrown a touchdown pass or returned a kick to the end zone, but the season is just at the midway point.

Knake posted receiving and rushing touchdowns for the second straight week, tallying 284 all-purpose yards and leading Cornell to a 49-29 Homecoming win over Knox College Saturday at Ash Park. The Rams improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Midwest Conference South Division.

Knake scored four touchdowns overall and 214 total offensive yards, including 187 receiving yards while matching a career high of 13 receptions. Knake led the conference with 9.5 catches per game average and was third with more than 100 yards per game, entering the game with Knox (2-4, 0-2).

He praised the coaches for putting him in position to succeed and the contribution of quality teammates.

'The coaches are game-planning and they do a great job of scouting,” Knake said. 'All I have to do is go out there and do what they tell me. It ends up working out for me.”

Knake has compiled 505 all-purpose yards the last two games, including 221 in a 35-17 win at Grinnell on Oct. 11. Cornell Coach Vince Brautigam said Knake plays a major role in the Rams offense, trying to get the ball in his hands.

'There is no hidden secret he is getting a lot of touches in a lot of different ways so we can use his athleticism,” Brautigam said. 'I'm proud of him. I think in the last two to three weeks he has really grown up as far as leadership, taking the bull by the horns, wanting the ball and being the guy and doing all the little things it takes to being a good football player. I commend him on that.”

Knake is a three-year starter and has been a big asset for starting freshman quarterback Daniel Brown, who threw for 244 yards and three TDs. Brown said they are continuing to build chemistry and learning Knake's precise route running. He hit Knake for two touchdowns.

'No matter what you tell him to do he is going to do it,” Brown said. 'Even if I throw a bad ball, he'll make me right 95-percent of the time.

'Not everybody has a weapon like that you can easily throw to and he can get it for touchdowns and make plays. It's a real luxury to have it.”

Brown threw a jump ball into double coverage in the end zone that Knake came down with for a 12-yard TD, pulling the Rams within 15-14 at halftime.

'I just threw it up,” said Brown, adding a 44-yard TD pass to Knake for a 28-15 lead late in the third. 'He went and got that ball even though there were two guys on him.”

Knake had a 2-yard touchdown run, giving Cornell the lead for good at 35-15 with 12:33 to play. He also capped the scoring with a 15-yard reception from backup quarterback Jacob Kvale with 2:02 left.

The 2013 all-conference performer and Cornell's 2012 First-Year Athlete of the Year will do anything his team needs for a win.

'Any way to help the team,” said Knake, who had 70 return yards. 'Whatever they need me to do I will do it.”

The Rams suffered through a slow start, trailing the entire first half and taking their first lead on brown's 2-yard run with 10:49 left in the third. They were missing seven starters due to injury. Brautigam said he hopes at least two return for next week's game at Monmouth (Ill.) when the schedule becomes more challenging.

'It takes a little bit of gamelike situations to get some rhythm and momentum,” Brautigam said. 'We've been able to do that in the second half. Hopefully, we'll be able to cure it and put four quarters together, because you can't always come back and do the things you need to do.”

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