Kansas State cruises to victory after dominating Arizona at home
Kansas State wide tight end Will Swanson (83) celebrates with teammates Dylan Edwards (3) and Will Anciaux (80) after a three-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against Arizona Friday September 13, 2024 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The battle of the Wildcats started off with a bang under the Friday night lights, but quickly turned into a lopsided affair in the second half.
Kansas State used an explosive play on special teams, favorable field position and a stout defense, to throttle Arizona 31-7 in front of a sold out crowd at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Everyone expected an offensive shootout with the amount of firepower on both teams, but Coach Chris Klieman executed a great game plan that suffocated No. 20 Arizona.
It was the Wildcats’ largest margin of victory over a ranked team since 2022, and they solidified their 14th spot in the AP Poll. Klieman is proud of what his team accomplished on the gridiron, and how they took advantage of the spotlight in what he thought was an amazing game day atmosphere.
“The crowd, that was as loud as I’ve ever heard the Bill [Bill Snyder Family Stadium], and I knew they were going to be cranked up when I came in the parking lot,” Klieman said. “They were electric tonight, and they helped us win that football game, so I cannot thank our fans and our fan base enough, they were loud and it affected their offense.”
After they fell behind by a touchdown early in the first quarter, the Wildcats scored 31 unanswered points, including 17 in the second half. However, it was Dylan Edwards’ 71-yard punt return touchdown that opened up the floodgates and gave Kansas State (3-0) the lead for good. Not to mention Edwards’ explosive return sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Quarterback Avery Johnson made plays with his arm and legs throughout the contest. He completed 14 of his 23 passes for 156 yards, and two touchdowns. Johnson also rushed for a game-high, 110 yards on 17 carries. Klieman thought Johnson handled himself like a seasoned veteran, and was in complete command of the offense, especially the ground game.
“Sometimes it was the design of the play, where the read was probably going to be pretty easy for him (Johnson), and then there were some other designs where we either knew we were going to get him to run, or we gave it to the running back,” he said. “They all thought Avery was going to keep it and then we got some big gains on that.”
Running back DJ Giddens rushed 86 yards, and Edwards added 41. Johnson and Edwards both had a run that went for 20-plus yards. Wideout Jayce Brown led Kansas State with 60 receiving yards. Johnson displayed great chemistry with his tight ends down in the red zone, and found Will Swanson and Brayden Loftin for touchdowns.
Joe Klanderman’s defense made a statement against a high-flying offense. Kansas State held Arizona to its’ lowest point total in the past 33 games. Noah Fifita led the Wildcats on a touchdown drive on their first possession, but Klanderman’s adjustments made life hard for him in the pocket.
All-American wideout Tetairoa McMillan finished with a game-high, 11 catches for 138 yards, but he wasn’t a factor in the second half. Kansas State’s secondary forced Fifita to find other options, and he really couldn’t. Which is why only one other Arizona player generated more than two receptions.
Cornerback Keenan Garber even picked off Fifita, and Jacob Parrish led the team with eight tackles. Linebacker Austin Romaine added seven stops, including one for loss, plus edge rusher Brendan Mott made Fifita eat grass. Klieman was amazed that the defense tackled well, flew around the ball, and provided non-stop pressure.
“Once we took away the run and made them one dimensional, we were in good shape, because that quarterback could
scramble,” the 56-year old said. “We just had to play great coverage, and got off the field a number of times at critical, critical moments, so hats off, we played a ton of guys on defense and they all played well.”
Kicker Chris Tenant was able to redeem himself for a 48-yard missed field goal in the second quarter. Tenant connected on a 35-yarder midway through the fourth quarter, which pretty much put the game out of reach. By the numbers, Kansas State led Arizona (2-1) in offensive yards, plays and first downs. On top of that, Klieman’s squad had fewer penalties, and averaged more yards per play.
Friday the 13th wasn’t spooky at all for Kansas State, and Klieman feels the best is yet to come as his team approaches Big 12 play.
