Kansas State Dominates Arizona: Avery Johnson and Dylan Edwards Shine in 31-7 Victory

Will Swanson celebrates after scoring the first touchdown of the game against Arizona. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

Avery Johnson threw two touchdown passes, and Dylan Edwards returned a punt 71 yards for a score, leading No. 14 Kansas State to a 31-7 victory over No. 20 Arizona. The win marked a rare non-conference matchup between new Big 12 rivals and ended Arizona’s nine-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Johnson finished with 156 passing yards and 110 rushing yards. D.J. Giddens added 86 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping Kansas State (3-0) rebound from a lackluster win over Tulane with a decisive victory over Arizona (2-1).

Arizona's Noah Fifita threw for 268 yards but had an interception. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, had 11 catches for 138 yards but couldn’t turn any of his receptions into a touchdown.

Johnson’s Clock Blunder

Johnson made a significant mistake when he was sacked at the Arizona 19 with 24 seconds left in the first half. Instead of stepping out of bounds to stop the clock, he reversed field, allowing the clock to expire and missing a chance for a field goal attempt. Despite this error, Johnson finished with impressive stats and secured his second Top-25 win.

Run Dylan Run!

Dylan Edwards, the Colorado transfer, scored his fourth touchdown of the season with a spectacular 71-yard punt return. Edwards showcased his speed and agility, leaving Arizona defenders—including defensive lineman Chubba Ma’ae—in his wake. Fans are eager for more touches for Edwards, and his performances continue to support that demand.

Night and Day Difference

After allowing 342 passing yards to Tulane, K-State’s defense faced a tough test against Arizona’s potent passing attack. However, head coach Chris Klieman and defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman implemented a game plan that kept Arizona’s offense in check. Although McMillan caught 11 passes for 138 yards, the Wildcats struggled to find rhythm afterward. K-State’s defense pressured Fifita and confused him with downfield coverages, including an interception by Keenan Garber in the end zone.

Next up, K-State will face BYU in a Big 12 After Dark game next Saturday. The Cougars have limited their first two opponents to an average of 14 points per game, and the game’s potentially hostile atmosphere could present a trap for the Wildcats.