Wildcats earn first Big 12 win of season after blowing out Cowboys

MANHATTAN, Kan. — After week four’s loss on the road, the Wildcats rebounded in a big way at home Saturday, and gave the 51,741 fans in attendance plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Kansas State took down Oklahoma State 42-20, which were the most points it scored all season. The Wildcats also won their first Big 12 game of the year. Not to mention Chris Klieman’s team avenged the 2023 loss at Boone Pickens Stadium.

The No. 20 Cowboys basically walked into a snakepit, and Klieman put together the perfect game plan for the opposition. The Wildcats drew first blood, after quarterback Avery Johnson scored on their opening drive, which consisted of 14 plays for 75 yards. Johnson was in full command of the offense, and Kansas State (4-1) did everything it wanted to.

Oklahoma State was able to strike back, and scored 13 unanswered points, but that’s when Klieman made adjustments. Kansas State took the lead for good after tight end Garrett Oakley caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Johnson. It was obvious at that point the Wildcats smelled blood in the water. Johnson passed for another touchdown in the second quarter, and Klieman knew the floodgates were open.

“It was really good throws in tight windows, so I see a guy that’s gaining a lot of confidence, and we’re going to be more aggressive, especially on some early downs,” Klieman said. “I thought he (Johnson) really delivered today.”

Kansas State was even more impressive in the second half. Running back DJ Giddens rushed for a 66-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. Johnson later connected with tight end Will Anclaux for a two-yard score. The defense also took care of business, and kept Oklahoma State scoreless until it was under two minutes left in the game. Johnson put the finishing touches on the contest after he rushed for a 13-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Once the smoke cleared, the Wildcats led the Cowboys in total offense, and yards per play. It didn’t even matter that Oklahoma State led in plays, first downs and time of possession, because it suffered three costly turnovers. Klieman was glad to see that his team clicked on all cylinders.

Johnson completed 19 of his 31 passes for three touchdowns and an interception. He also generated two rushing scores. Giddens rushed for a game-high, 192 yards, a touchdown and outshined Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon. The running back also averaged a jaw-dropping, 12.5 yards per carry, which impressed Klieman.

“I know there’s only one ball, and we wanted to get it to everybody, but when 31 (Giddens) got it in his hands, he’s pretty darn good,” he said. “We talk about all of our guys having a role, the kids got a big role, I think he hears things, and wants to prove a point as well.”

The Wildcats’ aerial attack took a step forward too. Wideout Jayce Brown got in on the scoring action, and caught a 55-yard touchdown pass. Jadon Jackson had a team-high, five catches. Brown and Keagan Johnson ended up with four receptions apiece.

Cornerback Jacob Parrish, and linebacker Austin Romaine tied for a team-high, seven tackles. Parrish also hauled in an interception, which shifted the momentum to Kansas State’s side. Safety Jordan Riley added six stops, and defensive back Keenan Garber recorded five, including four solo. Although the Wildcats’ defense surrendered 490 yards, and didn’t record any sacks, they contained Gordon, and forced three turnovers, which made Klieman proud.

“We played better in the second half, give those guys (Oklahoma State) credit,” the 57-year old coach said “There’s a lot of good play-calling, and when you’re trying to get everybody up there to defend Ollie Gordon, there’s going to be some holes and some windows.”

Klieman felt his defensive backs made a statement with the way they blanketed the Cowboys’ tall receivers. Special teams was solid in Klieman’s eyes, despite the fact that Kansas State didn’t  attempt a single field goal. The No. 23 Wildcats now have momentum heading into their bye-week, and Klieman believes the best is yet to come. After all, the Cowboys were the second ranked team that the Wildcats defeated at home this season.

“So we’ve been a good football team, and we’re going to enjoy it as we have this week off.”