Four Downs: KSU falls to BYU 38-9

Parker Kingston of BYU celebrates after scoring a punt return for a BYU touchdown. Courtesy: BYU Athletics

For years, Kansas State has prided itself on being a disciplined football program—one that doesn't beat itself. But on Saturday night in Provo, the Wildcats did more to lose than BYU did to win. And in front of over 64,000 fans at LaVell Edwards Stadium, the Cougars capitalized on every mistake, cruising to a 38-9 victory.

After 10 hours and 30 minutes of mental preparation, K-State walked into a trap of self-inflicted wounds and sloppy play, leaving fans and coaches alike wondering what went wrong.

Looks Can Be Deceiving… sounds familiar?

Before the game, BYU’s defense was ranked 61st in the FBS, but there were whispers that it could become a top-25 unit. That potential was on full display as the Cougars stifled K-State’s offense, continuing their streak of not allowing a passing touchdown through the first four games of the season—especially against Power 4 competition.

Avery Johnson struggled mightily. Two ill-advised interceptions—one late in the second quarter and another early in the third—gave BYU fantastic field position, and they took full advantage. 

Johnson did manage to pick up 74 yards on the ground, but his passing left much to be desired, finishing the night 15-of-28 for just 130 yards with two interceptions and zero touchdowns.

BYU's defense was relentless, and the Wildcats simply couldn’t find an answer, particularly in the red zone.

Discipline Derailed

When adversity struck, it hit hard. 

Kansas State committed numerous presnap penalties and lacked urgency throughout the game. Mental lapses and bad decisions plagued the Wildcats, contributing to 28 points off turnovers for BYU. Playing in the hostile environment of LaVell Edwards Stadium, K-State’s worst-case scenarios unfolded all at once.

While BYU deserves credit for capitalizing on every opportunity—whether through turnovers, special teams, or advantageous field position—Kansas State’s self-inflicted wounds were too much to overcome. The defense, though shaky at times, was consistently left in impossible situations by an offense that couldn’t hold onto the ball or sustain drives.

That One Game

Kansas State has developed an unfortunate habit under head coach Chris Klieman—one game each season where it seems like the Wildcats have forgotten how to play football. It’s been 12 years since K-State last started a season 4-0, and once again, early-season struggles reared their ugly head.

In recent seasons, K-State has consistently stumbled in September due to a lack of execution in the ground game, inconsistent quarterback play under pressure, and miscommunication between signal-callers and receivers. Against BYU, it was the turnovers, penalties, and red-zone failures that doomed the Wildcats.

K-State fans will remember similar collapses in past years, against teams like 2022 Tulane and 2023 Oklahoma State, where poor adjustments and lack of execution turned winnable games into frustrating losses.

Do or Die Next Saturday?

Looking ahead, K-State's margin for error in the Big 12 race is slim to none. 

This season, the Big 12 is already at a disadvantage in the new College Football Playoff format. While the conference is guaranteed an automatic bid, any hopes of an at-large selection took a serious hit with Kansas State and Oklahoma State’s early stumbles.

Now, these two conference contenders will face off in a high-stakes showdown next Saturday. With both teams desperate to keep their Big 12 title hopes alive, this matchup is shaping up to be an elimination game.

Utah, fresh off a 22-19 win over Oklahoma State without starting quarterback Cam Rising, has emerged as the class of the conference. Meanwhile, BYU’s physicality up front makes them a legitimate contender, and UCF and Iowa State have both shown momentum over recent weeks.

As for the Wildcats, they’ll limp into next week—figuratively and literally, with key players like Brayden Loftin and Garrett Oakley battling injuries. Oklahoma State will also be looking to rebound, setting the stage for a do-or-die clash in the Big 12 race.

Extra: Best Mascot in College Football?

On a lighter note, BYU’s Cosmo the Cougar might have just claimed the title of the best mascot in college football. 

During a break in the game, Cosmo set a world record by performing a backflip while holding a 70-pound barbell that was on fire. It’s hard to imagine any other mascot topping that. 

Someone get that cougar a ticket to Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympics!