Kansas State’s early spark faded due to a flood of turnovers as Texas Tech capitalized on five Wildcat turnovers to pull away 42-20. Quarterback Avery Johnson rushed in for two touchdowns, including a 46-yard score, the longest of his college career.
“We started off really well,” K-State head coach Chris Klieman said. “Defense made a couple stops. We were able to get a lead of seven nothing, but you can’t turn the football over. Especially in short fields, against a really good team like that and that’s exactly what we did.”
Austin Romaine’s early interception gave K-State momentum, but Johnson immediately threw an interception on the ensuing drive. The Wildcats recovered quickly, as tight end Garret Oakley’s 28-yard reception set up Johnson’s 46-yard rushing touchdown for a 7-0 lead.
The K-State defense continued to be a force early, stuffing Texas Tech’s ground game and forcing a turnover on downs behind a fourth-down sack from defensive tackle Uso Seaumalo.
A Texas Tech 29-yard field goal in the second quarter cut the deficit to 7-3, before Tech quarterback Cameron Dickey punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown to give the Red Raiders their first lead at 9-7. Then a 55-yard Texas Tech field goal just before halftime sent the Wildcats to the locker room down 12-7.
“We could have had a lead at half,” Klieman said. “We didn’t finish very well and they got a 12-7 lead. Then we turned it over right away to start the second half and it snowballed from there.”
That snowball rolled quickly. K-State fumbled on its opening drive of the third quarter; this would make the Wildcats’ fifth lost fumble in two games. Texas Tech took advantage with 41 41-yard touchdown run to extend the lead 19-7.
Johnson answered with an 18-yard rushing touchdown following a 56-yard strike to wide receiver Jayce Brown, cutting the deficit to 19-14. The Red Raider offense, led by a punishing rushing attack, continued to stretch the field. Two field goals and another touchdown drive gave the Red Raiders a 29-14 lead entering the fourth quarter.
K-State’s offense showed life early in the final quarter as Johnson found Oakley for a nine-yard touchdown pass after a messed-up snap. The Wildcats would fail on the two-point conversion, and momentum slipped away for good after that.
Texas Tech responded with a 34-yard rush on the next possession and although K-State forced a fumble later in the quarter, the Wildcats again failed to convert on fourth down. Moments later, another K-State fumble was scooped up by the Red Raiders for a defensive touchdown, sealing the game.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a game with this many fumbles,” Johnson said. “We knew coming into the week they were going to punch the ball, that’s what they’re known for. We’ve got to do a better job holding onto the football.”
Texas Tech added one final score to reach 42 points, completely putting the game out of reach despite K-State’s effort to keep fighting.
“Their edges set the tone,” Klieman said. “They play physical, they play to their strength. Avery battled his tail off and made a couple big-time plays, but you can’t spot a team that good that many turnovers.”
Despite the loss, the Wildcats emphasized resilience heading into their upcoming bye week.
“Characters revealed when adversity strikes,” Klieman said. “We’ve got three games left, and there’s still a story to write for this 2025 team. Don’t let today dictate how we show up Monday, we’ll be ready to go back to work.”
K-State will use its upcoming bye week to regroup before returning to Big 12 play at Oklahoma State.
