Kansas State Welcomes Arizona for a Battle of the Wildcats

Aug 31, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats mascot Willie Wildcat leads the team onto the field — © Scott Sewell-Imagn Images

No. 20 Arizona (2-0) is set to face No. 14 Kansas State (2-0) at 8 p.m. EST on Sept. 13 in Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kan. While currently in the same Big 12 conference this season, these two teams are meeting in a nonconference game scheduled before the Pac-12 Conference fell apart. This game will be determined by which defense can slow down the opposing offense. Both teams played good defense against their respective FCS opponents, but when the competition was tougher K-State gave up 27 points 491 yards but were able to force 2 turnovers in its win against Tulane (1-1), while Arizona gave up 39 points 471 yards and forced 2 turnovers against New Mexico (0-2) to thwart an upset.

What's at Stake?

The winner of this game will come into conference play undefeated with a record of 3-0. While this game won't affect the conference standings it will give both coaches an idea of where their team stands against upper competition in the Big 12. The Arizona offense, last week against Northern Arizona (1-1), did not play up to expectation, scoring 22 points and being down 10-6 at halftime. A bounce-back game is pivotal to the Arizona offense which is capable of being one of the best in America if they play to their potential. The Kansas State offense have had slow starts the last two weeks but made adjustments to score 24 points in both games after halftime.

Sep 7, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jeremiah Patterson (2) celebrates a touchdown — © Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Key Players: Kansas State

Dylan Edwards, Running Back

The backup running back Edwards comes into this game with 97 yards rushing on 9 carries, 2 touchdowns on the ground and 17 yards receiving with 1 touchdown. Every time he gets the ball he can score and head coach Chris Klieman recognized that this week in the press conference saying, " We need to find ways to get him the football more, that's a pretty simple concept that I've challenged, or addressed, with our offensive guys." Look for Edwards to play a bigger role against Arizona.

Austin Romaine, Linebacker

The sophomore linebacker has 11 tackles and 2 sacks leading the team in both categories. Against Tulane, he made a play on the quarterback in the fourth quarter stripping the ball which led to a 60-yard scoop and score. The K-State defense will need to make quarterback Noah Fifita uncomfortable and limit his time to throw the ball to help the secondary from covering Arizona's strong wide receivers for long periods.

Key Players: Arizona

Tetairoa McMillian, Wide Receiver

In Week 1 of the season McMillian had 10 catches for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns. In Week 2 he had 11 yards on 2 catches. Which McMillian will we get? Kansas State is hoping they get the latter version after the K-State secondary gave up 342 yards passing and 2 touchdowns through the air. If he has a good game like he is capable, Kansas State will be in trouble.

Jacob Manu, Linebacker

Manu has 21 tackles on the season and is one of the leaders of the Arizona defense. He will be needed to step up to stop the K-State rushing attack that is gaining 249 yards a game so far this season with 3 touchdowns.

Trends to Watch

Both teams can score points but have been inconsistent at doing so this season. Whichever Wildcats team that can be more consistent on offense and find ways to force some turnovers will walk away with the win. Both teams will have a say in who is playing for a Big 12 Championship in December and this game will give us a preview of some of the best teams this conference has.