From The Couch – Undefeated Non-Conference Begs The Question: How Good Is K-State?
K-State football moved to 3-0 on the season, completing an undefeated non-conference schedule, by beating Tulane 31-20 on Saturday. Quarterback Avery Johnson put on a show, making us all wonder where this type of performance was in 2025 when we were all begging to see it. But enough about the past. It is obvious that this new coaching staff has let Johnson loose, which is fantastic for K-State’s prospects of competing for a Big 12 championship in 2026. Did I just type those words? Yes. Were you thinking it after watching K-State’s first three games? I hope so.
My takeaways after week three:
-Avery Johnson was phenomenal. He was 21/28 passing for 227 yards. Almost anyone would take that kind of performance out of their quarterback, right? Well, Johnson added 152 rushing yards on the ground, a career-high, with two touchdowns. He became the first player in K-State history to reach 200 passing yards and 150 rushing yards in a single game. Think of all the great K-State quarterbacks we have seen. None of them have done this. He also became the first player in K-State history to reach 6,000 passing yards and 1,500 rushing yards in a career. Best K-State quarterback of all-time? We will be having this argument by the time this season is over.
-K-State allowed the Green Wave just 260 total yards. They haven’t allowed an opponent to reach 300 total yards in three straight full games for the first time since 2007. The Big 12 champion teams of 2012 and 2022 weren’t able to do that.
-After three games, K-State ranks in the top 25 in the country in total offense, and number two in total defense:
Look at their company in the top 10. Iowa, Notre Dame, Penn State, defending national champion Indians, Georgia, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Michigan.
-The K-State defense ranks number one in pass defense and number 30 in rush defense. The rush defense will be an issue all season. There isn’t enough beef on the interior of the defensive line. Regardless, they are holding their own so far.
JM: Johnson was pretty winded after this run, so K-State called a timeout and punched it in for a touchdown on the next play. Johnson showed not only speed, but shiftiness and patience in using his blockers before breaking away. What a run.
JM: A very good example of Johnson’s awareness and experience explaining in detail what happened right after the big run.
JM: I don’t want to dwell on the past, but we all knew that Avery Johnson had this in him in 2025. There was no “hype up” needed.
JM: I’ll give it to the blockers on that run. No defender came within five yards of him.
JM: No hesitation. Just saw the opening and took advantage. He’s not overthinking it. Just playing ball.
JM: This was not anywhere close to a first down, but the officiating was terrible all day, both ways. Every one of the officials should go have their eyes checked today.
JM: Impressive.
“Really, really pleased with the effort collectively. We were able to settle in offensively after the first couple drives, and the defense made them kick some field goals on some good drives. Lot to fix. Lot to tighten up.“…K-State head coach Collin Klein, post-game
JM: “Lot to fix.” Love it.
“I’m hungry for wins and the accolades that come along with it, I’ll always be grateful for. The biggest thing is to be 3-0 right now. It’s a really good feeling. Going into conference play 3-0, we’re in a great spot, but now is not the time to take our foot off the gas.”…K-State quarterback Avery Johnson, post-game.
JM: “Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas.” Love it.
“This gives us a lot of confidence going into the Big 12. We played three quality opponents, and we still have a lot to learn but while still winning comfortably. It gives us a lot of confidence in what we have and in what we can improve upon. There’s still a ton of season left. I’m excited to see the progression from Game 1 to Game 12.”…K-State wide receiver Jaron Tibbs, post-game
JM: “What we can improve upon” and “there’s still a ton of season left.” Love it.
Next week, K-State travels to Cincinnati, who struggled to beat Miami Ohio 35-31 yesterday. We’ll see if these K-State Wildcats can “take the show on the road” and be as successful as they have been the first three games. If those national offensive and defensive rankings are legit, we are all in for a very exciting season.
