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.
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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-
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
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
With a short week to prepare, the coaches pushed all the right buttons. K-State looked sharp on offense and the defense made huge strides from the Tulane game.
Grade: A+
Overall grade: A+
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State football report card, grades in win over Arizona
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