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Avery Johnson has gradually transitioned into a pocket-passing quarterback, maintaining his composure while standing tall within the pocket. With the help of another game featuring multiple tight-end touchdowns, Kansas State narrowly edged past their in-state rival, the University of Kansas, with a nail-biting 29-27 victory at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas.
The win extends the Wildcats’ winning streak to 16 straight games, keeping their hopes alive for a trip to Arlington as they continue eyeing the Big 12 title game and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Giddens Struggles in Slow-Starting Ground Game
DJ Giddens continues to show that his peak is not behind him, as the race for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year remains competitive. Giddens, who has accumulated 945 total yards, now ranks second in the Big 12 for rushing yards, trailing RJ Harvey (1,017 yards). Kansas followed West Virginia’s blueprint by stacking the box and bringing in two linebackers for additional support, leading to a slow first half for Giddens.
However, Giddens turned things around in the third quarter, breaking off a 54-yard run that set up Avery Johnson for a 10-yard touchdown run. Giddens finished the game with 18 carries for 102 yards, though he didn’t find the end zone. The silent superstar will face another challenge as he returns to Bill Snyder Family Stadium to take on the Big 12’s second-best rushing defense, Arizona State.
Sunshine Shines Bright Amidst the Night
Avery “Sunshine” Johnson continues to elevate his passing abilities, leading this young and dynamic team. His performance outshone that of Heisman hopeful Jalon Daniels. Although Daniels was once viewed as one of the next big names in college football, his underwhelming season continued with another subpar game against Kansas State’s defense.
Johnson took control with a solid performance, completing 19 of 34 attempts for 253 yards and two touchdowns to a pair of tight ends. Statistically, his only shortcoming was in completion percentage, where his 56.5% fell just 2% short of Daniels’. Johnson also strengthened his connection with wide receiver Jayce Brown, hitting him for a deep 42-yard pass that nearly gave Brown another 100-yard game, but he came up just short with 98 yards through the air.
A Halloweekend Theme in the Crowd but a Thriller on the Field
Despite the festive “Halloweekend” atmosphere, the Wildcats' performance was more tense than celebratory. Kansas University struck first in the Sunflower Showdown, holding a 7-0 lead after the first quarter.
Momentum shifted when Kansas State recorded a safety on a downed kickoff just one yard away from the end zone. After that, Kansas State’s offense found its rhythm, as Avery Johnson connected with Garrett Oakley for a 2-yard touchdown pass. The Jayhawks responded quickly with a six-play touchdown drive, leaving the Wildcats clinging to a 16-14 lead at halftime.
Kansas State received the ball to start the second half, and both teams traded touchdowns. However, the game began to slow down after a red-zone fumble by Johnson cast a shadow over the fans' excitement.
Kansas State’s defense, however, stood firm. They held the Jayhawks scoreless in the fourth quarter and forced a fumble that set up Chris Tennant’s game-winning 51-yard field goal, tying his career-long. Tennant’s field goal gave the Wildcats a 29-27 lead, which they held onto for the victory.
With Kansas State favored by 10 points, many fans were hoping for a blowout. But the narrow 2-point win came after two potential touchdowns were wiped off the board — one due to Johnson’s fumble in the red zone, and another after true freshman tight end Will Anciaux dropped a routine catch in the end zone. Despite the offensive struggles, the defense stepped up when it mattered most.
Helmet Stickers and Game Balls
Defensively, Austin Romaine continues to earn respect, leading the team with 57 tackles this season, including six in this game. On the defensive line, Desmond Purnell was a standout, being the only player to sack the mobile Jalon Daniels. The Topeka native also showcased his intelligence and field awareness, proving his worth to the team.
Offensively, Avery Johnson deserves a helmet sticker for being responsible for all three touchdowns on the night. While his passing performance was strong, it wasn’t without its flaws, as he struggled with a few throws in the flat and some accuracy issues against Kansas’ formidable cornerback duo.
The game ball, however, goes to Chris Tennant, whose two field goals, including the game-winner from 51 yards, sealed the victory. Without Tennant’s heroics, Kansas State’s winning streak may have been snapped.
The Wildcats aim to extend their current four-game winning streak as they head south to TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas. Tune in every weekday at 6 p.m. to Wildcat 91.9 FM for live commentary over K-State Sports and more.
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