Introduction: Postgame Analysis

Kansas State completes
non-conference play Friday
night by hosting Big 12 member

Arizona. The game ended
tied at seven points in the
first quarter as Arizona State

and hometown Kansas State
systematically ran the field
on their first possession. was

supposed to lead the program, but K-State’s defenders introduced themselves. For the remainder of Friday night’s game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, a patient K-State offense carried the ball while UofA’s purple defense kept it off the scoreboard.

What was expected to be a close game ended in a 31-7 win for No. 14 Kansas State in a non-conference game between members of the Big 12 Conference. With the win, the home Wildcats move to 3-0 in Big 12 play, while 20th-ranked Arizona drops to 2-1. The upcoming Wildcats will rest next weekend before traveling to Utah for their Big 12 opener.

The game turned into a stunning defensive performance as sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson tore the Arizona defense apart. This version of the Wildcats appeared to be the team that could compete for a Big 12 title in 2024.

The decisive moment

Both teams scored on their first drive with 14 minutes left in the first quarter. Arizona’s second possession was quickly fouled and UofA stumbled up the middle. Dylan Edwards was waiting at the other end and caught the ball cleanly, read the left block perfectly and headed down the west sideline. Then Edwards accelerated and raced 71 yards to the end zone. The game only gave the Cats a 14-7 lead, but it forced Arizona to spend the rest of the night chasing K-State until the home team continued to score.

What kind of game is this?

Even though it was a non-conference game, it was a game for Kansas State. The local Wildcats showed their potential both offensively and defensively. The win against a Big 12 rival was certainly a sign for K-State as it prepares to travel to BYU next Saturday to begin Big 12 play. This young group of Wildcats should feel good about where they stand in the conference.