K-State Blows Out UT Martin After a Slow First Half

© Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

No. 18 Kansas State (1-0) overcame a slow start to beat the UT Martin Skyhawks (0-1) 41-6 on Aug. 31 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kan. The Wildcats defense had a good night, only giving up 134 yards and only yielding 6 points, which were all attributable to turnovers. The K-State offense showed some life, especially in the second half, scoring on four straight possessions to put the Skyhawks away.

Game Summary

The game started with two three-and-outs by UT Martin and one from Kansas State. On the game's fourth drive (K-State's second drive), Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson and the offense found their stride, getting on the board with a 23-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brayden Loftin. The next UT Martin drive ended with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown to put Kansas State up 14-0.

In the second quarter, the teams did not do much offensively, exchanging field goals and going into halftime with K-State ahead 17-3.

After the Wildcats fumbled on the kickoff return at the outset of the second half, the Skyhawks made another field goal, closing the score to 17-6. After that, K-State erupted. Running back Dylan Edwards scored two Kansas State touchdowns on a 1-yard carry and a 15-yard pass reception, respectively, and the Wildcats never looked back.

Turning Point for K-State

Ahead 20-6 in the third quarter, Johnson connected with wide receiver Jayce Brown for 44 yards to set up Edwards' rushing touchdown. That was the first deep pass in the game and gave the Kansas State offense a shot in the arm. After that play, the Wildcats were in complete control.

What It Means

K-State faced and overcame some early adversity in this game. The defense created havoc for the Skyhawks offense, racking up 4 sacks of QB Kinkead Dent, led by defensive end Tobi Osunsanmi's 1.5 sacks. Next week, K-State travels to Tulane, seeking to avenge a loss to the Green Wave in 2022.

UT Martin will continue its season against FCS competition. None of the teams on the Skyhawks' schedule are of the same caliber as Kansas State. They will set their sights on the Ohio Valley Conference championship.