1. Lockdown Defense
Three weeks into the season, Kansas State’s identity is starting to solidify — led by the defense.
The Wildcats’ defensive attack was relentless against Arizona, locking down the new foe after an opening drive touchdown.
The defense forced four punts, a turnover on downs and grabbed an interception to win the turnover battle.
Junior cornerback Jacob Parrish led the team with eight tackles, followed by sophomore Austin Romaine with seven, including one for a loss. Senior cornerback Keenan Garber grabbed the interception.
Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman’s bunch held Arizona to an offensive efficiency of just 34. K-State’s offense connected for 13 big plays — rushes of 10 or more yards or receptions of 15-plus — compared to just seven for Arizona.
Arizona’s star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan had his moments, but the Wildcats kept the junior from taking over the game in dramatic fashion. He finished with 138 yards across 11 receptions.
2. The Third Phase
Once again, the 2024 Wildcats beg the question: has the title “Special Teams U” returned to the Little Apple?
After a blocked punt touchdown in Week 1, ending the third phase’s year drought of no scores, K-State tagged on another score.
The Wildcats now own 133 non-offensive touchdowns since 1999 — the most in the FBS.
Sophomore Dylan Edwards showcased his game-breaking speed by racing — and beating — Arizona tacklers down the sideline to the finish line of purple paint.
Much like Week 1, however, a mistake on special teams pumped the brakes on re-earning the title. Kicker Chris Tennant went wide left on a 48-yard field goal. The senior did cash a 35-yarder late.
K-State redshirt freshman punter Simon McClannan put together a strong performance as well, booting a 55-yard field goal deep in his own territory to start the second half.
3. Miscommunication
With K-State’s high expectations in 2024, there is no room for poor clock management — especially in avoidable circumstances.
K-State’s end to the second half, draining the remaining 10-plus seconds on one play and losing a chance to add three points was unreasonable.
While it didn’t hurt K-State in this contest, the same mistake could prove costly in the majority of games the Wildcats will play this year.
4. Tight End(zone)
K-State added two more tight end touchdowns on the young season.
Senior Will Swanson got things started with a three-yard touchdown in the first quarter — his second of the year.
In the third quarter, sophomore Brayden Loftin grabbed his second touchdown as well, hauling in a nine-yard toss.
On the year, K-State has connected for six receiving touchdowns — four to tight ends and two to running backs.