Wildcats' offense cruises thanks to Beasley's efforts.(The Dallas Morning News)

DALLAS _ Jonathan Beasley ran Kansas State's potent option offense as if he were driving a finely tuned roadster, and, of course, had a definite destination in mind.

Beasley knew the shortcuts and every potential bump in the road. He never ran a light, and at every intersection, or almost every one, he made the right turn and the correct choice. And so in the end, with Kansas State defeating Tennessee, 35-21, in Monday's Cotton Bowl, the Wildcat quarterback became the choice as the game's outstanding offensive player.

Beasley, who ran for nearly 500 yards during the season, ran for 98 yards Monday, as well as a touchdown, on 17 carries. And he passed for another 210 yards and two touchdowns. Most important, he pushed all the right buttons and shifted all the right gears for the Kansas State option offense, which took advantage of the young men in orange.

"It's only fitting that he went out like that," Kansas State center Randall Cummins said about Beasley, who was playing his final game for the Wildcats. "He's probably one of the most intelligent young men I've had the opportunity to play football with."

And with Monday's performance, Beasley not only emerged but also separated himself from the shadow of Michael Bishop, the All-America quarterback of Kansas State's 1998 team, according to offensive coordinator Ron Hudson.

Beasley accepted the victory and his award Monday with modesty and aplomb. Just another day driving the roadster.

Nor was he surprised by the success the Wildcats had against a formidable defense.