Arizona Wildcats vs. Kansas State Wildcats Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 13th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The highly anticipated clash between No. 14 Kansas State and No. 20 Arizona is set to take place on Friday night in Manhattan, Kansas. This matchup was arranged before Arizona and three other teams from the Pac-12 joined the Big 12 conference this season. Despite the new additions, both programs agreed to keep this game on the schedule as a thrilling showdown to welcome Arizona to the 16-team Big 12.

Kansas State (2-0) showed their resilience in their last game against Tulane, coming back from a 10-point deficit at halftime to secure a 34-27 victory. The winning points were scored on a 60-yard fumble return in the fourth quarter. Head coach Chris Klieman praised his team's leadership and culture for their ability to rally and win the game.

On the other hand, Arizona (2-0) has some concerns heading into this matchup. They gave up 39 points to New Mexico in their season opener and struggled offensively in a 22-10 win over FBS opponent Northern Arizona last weekend. The Wildcats were missing two starting offensive linemen in their last game, including veteran center Josh Baker. It is uncertain if Baker will return for the game against Kansas State.

The patchwork offensive line led to more pressure on quarterback Noah Fifita, who threw for 173 yards after an impressive 422 yards in the season opener. Star receiver Tetairoa McMillan also had a quiet game, with only two receptions for 11 yards against Northern Arizona after a standout performance of 10 catches for 304 yards and four touchdowns in the first game.

Arizona may also be without their starting running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was held out of the last game due to potential eligibility issues. His status for the upcoming game is still unknown. The Wildcats struggled on third downs in their last game, going 0-for-10.

Kansas State poses a threat offensively with running back DJ Giddens (32 carries, 238 yards) and talented backup Dylan Edwards, who is averaging 10.8 yards on his nine carries. Giddens is also the team's leading receiver with seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Avery Johnson has shown his ability to extend plays and make smart decisions, with 29 completions for 334 yards, four touchdowns, and only one interception.

Coach Klieman has been impressed with Johnson's development and his ability to stay composed under pressure. He believes that Johnson's competitive spirit and winning mentality will be a key factor in the game. On the other side, Arizona's head coach Brent Brennan knows the challenges of facing a dual-threat quarterback like Johnson, calling him "ridiculously explosive."

In the end, it will be a battle between two talented teams with different strengths and weaknesses. Both coaches have acknowledged the need to improve and make adjustments in order to come out on top in this crucial Big 12 matchup.

PREDICTION

Arizona Wildcats

Kansas State Wildcats

Arizona Wildcats vs. Kansas State Wildcats Recap SEP 13TH 2024

Avery Johnson passed for two touchdowns, Dylan Edwards returned a punt for a score, and No. 14 Kansas State stopped the nation's longest winning streak by beating No. 20 Arizona 31-7 in a nonconference game on Friday night in Manhattan, Kan.

Arizona (2-1) had won nine games in a row but didn't muster much offense after going up 7-0 on the game's first possession. Edwards gave Kansas State (3-0) a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter with a 71-yard return, while Johnson was a dual threat, rushing for 110 yards on 17 carries and completing 14 of 23 passes for 156 yards.

Although it was a matchup of Big 12 teams, the result does not count in the league standings. The game was scheduled before Arizona joined the Big 12 this season and kept on the slate as a nonconference clash.

Arizona didn't do much offensively beyond the passing connection of Noah Fifita to Tetairoa McMillan. Fifita was 26 of 42 passing for 268 yards, with McMillan making 11 receptions for 138 yards.

Fifita threw a costly interception in the second quarter, when he threw late over the middle and was intercepted in the end zone by Keenan Garber, who preserved his team's 14-7 lead.

Kansas State went up 21-7 with 9:29 to go in the third quarter when Johnson capped a touchdown drive with a 9-yard pass to Brayden Loftin, a score that was set up by a 48-yard completion to Jayce Brown on third-and-12.

DJ Giddens, who ran for 86 yards, scored on a 1-yard run late in the quarter for a 28-7 lead.

Kansas State held Arizona to 324 total yards.

Kansas State answered Arizona's 14-play touchdown drive on the opening possession with a TD drive that lasted 15 plays, tying the game at 7 late in the first quarter on a 3-yard pass from Johnson to Will Swanson.

K-State missed a chance to add to its 14-7 lead after reaching the Arizona 19 with nine seconds left in the half. Johnson scrambled to keep the next play alive, with the clock running out after a 5-yard gain.