The final week of non-conference action is here as teams have one last chance to rack up some wins and correct their mistakes. However, in Manhattan, Kansas we had one of the more interesting non-conference games of the season. The Arizona Wildcats went on the road to take on the Kansas State Wildcats. As if having the same mascot wasn’t strange enough, this game was also a non-conference matchup between two teams who are now in the same conference, thanks to advanced scheduling.
While this was a much-anticipated game for both schools, it ended up being completely lopsided as Kansas State beat Arizona 31-7. Here are my three takeaways from the game.
Kansas State’s Defense Came to Play
After giving up 31 points to Tulane last week, Kansas State’s defense had an even bigger test going up against Arizona’s high-flying offense. The Wildcats (Arizona) have one of the best offenses in the Big 12, with star quarterback Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan, who may be the best wide receiver in the entire country.
Not only did Kansas State hold Arizona to less than 330 yards on the evening, but they only gave up seven points in the process. Kansas State also held Arizona to just 56 rushing yards on 19 carries. It also helped that the Wildcats got the job done on special teams, and Dylan Edwards returned a punt for a 71-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Between great defense and special teams, I was extremely impressed with the way Kansas State played on Friday night. They look like a Big 12 title contender when they can play defense like they did against Arizona.
Give Avery Johnson Some Time
There has been a lot of talk around Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson. He had more hype around any player in the Big 12 since Kyler Murray back in 2018. People were talking about him possibly even winning the Heisman Trophy.
During the first two weeks of the season, Avery didn’t live up to the hype. He looked like a first-year starting quarterback, and the same could be said about his performance in the first half. He missed a few throws and then made a mistake late in the first half when he took too long to end the play in Arizona territory.
To his credit, he played much better in the second half. He had better command of the offense, and his confidence grew. Of course, he was effective in the running game to as he finished the day with over 100 yards on the ground. It’s no secret that he has it all between his arm and his athleticism. The question is if he can put it all together on a consistent basis. Just like with any new starting quarterback, there will be some growing pains, but it is how you respond that matters. Well on Friday night, Avery responded in a positive way.
Arizona is Not a Big 12 Title Contender
I know that Arizona was a popular pick to be a dark horse team in the Big 12, but I just didn’t understand the hype. In fact, I wrote an article earlier in the summer, labeling them one of my most overrated teams in the conference. Of course, Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan are of the best QB-WR duos in the Big 12, but I just had so many question marks outside of those two great players.
The offensive line still has issues sorting out, and the defense struggled to stop the run. Two weeks ago, against a bad New Mexico team, Arizona gave up over 200 yards on the ground, and on Friday night, they gave up over 230 yards to Kansas State. This team can put up points, but when you can’t run the football and play defense, you will struggle week in and week out in the Big 12. Don’t get me wrong, Arizona is a fun team to watch, but they aren’t a serious Big 12 title contender in my eyes.
