The No. 20 Arizona Wildcats (2-1, 0-1 in Big-12) lost in their first ever Big 12 conference game against No. 14 Kansas State University (3-0, 1-0 in Big-12) 31-7.
After a great opening drive, Arizona went scoreless the rest of the game. Arizona had not scored less than 7 points in a game since October 16, 2021.
Star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan accounted for 42% of Arizona’s total offense. Friday night’s game was a wake up call for Arizona’s defense, especially physically, as they allowed a season high 235 rushing yards. The physicality of Kansas State wore down Arizona, forcing them to miss multiple tackles during the game. Penalties were a problem for Arizona for a third straight week, as they were penalized nine times for 74 yards.
Offense:
On the Wildcats’ first drive of the game, they executed a 14-play, 73-yard drive capped off by a one-yard touchdown run by running back Quali Conley.
The highlight play of the drive came on third-and-six when quarterback Noah Fifita completed a six yard pass while falling to the ground after getting hit by multiple Kansas State players. The pass completion made it fourth-and-inches and Arizona converted the fourth down play to keep the drive alive.
On their third drive, Fifita was intercepted by Kansas State’s cornerback Keenan Garber after trying to find wide receiver Malachi Riley in the endzone. Fifita was late on the throw, however, which allowed Garber to intercept the pass, a rare mistake from Fifita. Their next drive was killed by back to back holding calls, forcing the offense to punt.
Arizona’s worst drive of the game was their first drive of the second half, with the Wildcats only gaining four total yards and going three-and-out. Arizona’s offense in general was halted in the second half due to Kansas State’s defensive line.
Kansas State’s defensive line sacked Fifita once in the second half in addition to numerous pressures. The defensive line of Kansas State was great against the run as well in the second half, only allowing 10 total rushing yards from Arizona.
Defense:
In the first half, Arizona’s defense struggled to stop the run all game, allowing 6.9 yards per carry. Kansas State ended the half with 111 total rushing yards.
Arizona, however, won the time of possession battle which helped keep Kansas State off the field and only allowed them three total first half drives. The Wildcats’ biggest mistake of the first half was allowing Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards to return a punt 71 yards for his first career punt return touchdown to take the lead 14-7.
To start the second half, Arizona’s defense forced their first three and out of the game. On second down, Arizona linebacker Taye Brown sacked quarterback Avery Johnson to force a third and long which Kansas State did not convert. After that stop, Arizona’s defense fell apart.
Arizona allowed the biggest pass play of the game in the middle of the third quarter. Johnson connected with wide receiver Jayce Brown for a 48 yard completion. A few plays later, Johnson found tight end Brayden Loftin wide open in the endzone to put Kansas State up 21-7.
On that same drive, star senior Treydan Stukes injured himself and remained on the sidelines for the rest of the game.
Looking Ahead:
The Wildcats’ next game will be in Salt Lake City, Utah when Arizona plays No. 12 Utah. This two-game road stretch is one of the toughest stretches of games any Big 12 team will have to play all season.
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