No. 14 Kansas State Runs Away From No. 20 Arizona

© Scott Sewell - Imagn Images

No. 14 Kansas State (3-0) welcomed No. 20 Arizona (2-1) to the Big 12 Conference with a 31-7 beat down on Sept. 13 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kans. Arizona started the game with the ball and marched down the field on a 14-play, 73-yard drive which ended in a 1-yard touchdown run from running back Quali Conley. Kansas State then got the ball and responded with a long drive of their own, chewing up 6 minutes and 25 seconds while running 13 plays and going 75 yards in a drive that ended with a Will Swanson 3-yard touchdown catch. After that first Arizona drive, it was all K-State the rest of the way.

Game Summary

The Kansas State defense showed up tonight after a rough showing against Tulane (1-1). Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian had 11 catches for 138 yards but was kept out of the end zone for the second straight week. Quarterback Noah Fifita completed 26-of-42 passes for 268 yards and had an interception. Kansas State only gave up 56 yards rushing and forced an interception in the second quarter in the end zone by cornerback Keenan Garber.

The Kansas State offense ran the ball for 235 yards, led by quarterback Avery Johnson with 110 yards rushing. Johnson completed 14-of-23 passes for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns, the K-State offense led by Johnson was efficient and mistake-free and showed more explosiveness in this game.

Turning Point for Kansas State

After both teams had long, sustained drives amid a tied game in the second quarter, the Arizona offense went three-and-out, being forced to punt the ball. Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards was back to return the punt and the electric athlete got a clean hop to make a play on. Edwards angled to the left and once he got around the edge of the Arizona punt coverage, he was in the clear to bolt down the sideline, scoring a 71-yard return touchdown untouched.

What it Means

While this game was a matchup between two Big 12 teams, it did not count in conference standings due to it being scheduled before Arizona joined the conference. As such, Kansas State finishes its nonconference schedule undefeated for the first time since 2021.

The K-State offense still has room to develop but, unlike the last two weeks, they moved the ball effectively throughout the game. The defense showed that they are working on the mistakes from the Tulane game after giving up multiple explosive plays in the passing game. Having the ability to down one of the best quarterback/wide receiver duos in college football is a boost for Kansas State's defense. K-State travels to BYU (2-0) next week for a late-night Big 12 game, starting at 10:30 pm EST.

Arizona has some work to do before they are part of the upper echelon of the Big 12. Its defense has struggled in both of their games against quarterbacks with a running threat this season. The Arizona offense needs to find another consistent playmaker outside of McMillian, who is well on his way to the NFL, but he needs some help. Because this game was technically a nonconference matchup, it was a good chance for Arizona to see where they match up with the upper teams in the Big 12, while not having it affect their chances at making a run to the Big 12 Championship Game. Arizona will have a bye week to work on some of their issues before a trip to Salt Lake City to face No. 12 Utah (2-0).