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Grading Kansas State football’s victory over Arizona in its nonconference finale

MANHATTAN — No. 15-ranked Kansas State backed up a shaky victory last week at Tulane with a dominating performance against No. 18 Arizona on Friday night, knocking off the other Wildcats, 31-7, at sold-out Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

K-State racked up 391 yards total offense to 324 for Arizona and outscored the Big 12 newcomers 17-0 in the second half.

Here is how the K-State (3-0) graded out against Arizona (3-0) before opening Big 12 play next Saturday at Brigham Young.

Related: Friday night game gives Kansas State football coach Chris Klieman a rare opportunity

Related: Kansas State football defense has work to do before facing potent Arizona passing game

Related: Is this the week Kansas State football turns running back Dylan Edwards loose?

Kansas State football report card against Arizona

Offense: Avery Johnson finds a rhythm and Wildcats soar

After scoring on its first possession, K-State’s offense sputtered again the rest of the half, but no worries. Avery Johnson caught fire, especially running the ball, in the second half and the Wildcats had Arizona off balance the rest of the way.

Grade: A-

Defense: An impressive performance against an explosive offense

Quarterback Noah Fifita and favorite target Tetairoa McMillan got theirs, but nobody else hurt the Wildcats, who had only 56 yards rushing. Keenan Garber’s end zone interception in the second quarter preserved a 14-7 lead.

Grade: A

Special teams: Dylan Edwards makes the night a success

K-State did not return a kick for a touchdown at all last year, a rarity, but Dylan Edwards ended that streak in the second quarter. Edwards’ 71-yard punt return less than a minute into th period proved to be the game winner, and Chris Tennant tacked on a field goal.

Grade: A

Coaching: A great job getting the team ready in a short week

With a short week to prepare, the coaches pushed…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/grading-kansas-state-footballs-victory-032545860.html

Author : The Topeka Capital-Journal

Publish date : 2024-09-14 03:25:45

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

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