Eric Boggs 
Kansas State beat Arizona easily, to move to 3-0 on the season.
Kansas State made a bold statement on Friday night, signaling their potential to dominate the Big 12 this season with a decisive 31-7 victory over Arizona. In a matchup that wasn’t officially counted in the Big 12 standings, the Wildcats shut out the Wildcats of Arizona in the second half, snapping Arizona’s nine-game win streak and proving they’re serious contenders for the conference championship.
Avery Johnson led the charge for Kansas State with 156 passing yards, 110 rushing yards, and two touchdowns, while Dylan Edwards electrified the crowd with a 71-yard punt return for a score. The defense, which struggled the previous week, held Arizona to just 324 yards, a marked improvement after allowing Tulane 491 total yards in their last outing.
Kansas State’s performance against Arizona demonstrated their ability to adjust and elevate their game, especially on defense. Despite Arizona’s Noah Fifita throwing for 268 yards, K-State’s pressure and downfield coverage stifled the Wildcats’ potent offense. Keenan Garber’s key interception in the end zone further shifted momentum in Kansas State’s favor, and Arizona failed to capitalize on opportunities throughout the game.
The victory didn’t come without some early-game jitters, including time-management issues by head coach Chris Klieman at the end of the first half. But Kansas State dominated the second half, with Johnson showcasing his dual-threat ability, propelling the Wildcats to back-to-back touchdown drives and a commanding 28-7 lead. This win puts Kansas State (3-0) on the radar as the team to beat in the Big 12.
As the Wildcats prepare for their conference opener against BYU, Friday night’s performance signals that K-State may indeed be the class of the Big 12 this season. With a balanced offense, an improving defense, and a dynamic quarterback in Johnson, they are positioning themselves as not just contenders for the conference title but potentially for a playoff berth as well.
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