Avery Johnson threw for three touchdowns and rushed for two as No. 23 Kansas State triumphed over No. 20 Oklahoma State, 42-20, on Saturday.
Johnson completed 259 passing yards and added 60 rushing yards, while DJ Giddens contributed 187 rushing yards and a touchdown, along with a 22-yard reception. The Wildcats (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) initially fell behind but then scored 35 unanswered points to seize control of the game.
Oklahoma State’s Alan Bowman threw for 361 yards and a touchdown, but his performance was marred by two interceptions and a lost fumble. De’Zhaun Stribling had seven receptions for 157 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown on a flea flicker.
Giddens’ 66-yard touchdown run early in the second half put Kansas State up 28-13, followed by Johnson’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Will Anciaux for a 35-13 lead. Johnson sealed the victory with a 13-yard touchdown run.
The Cowboys, who were preseason favorites for the Big 12 Championship, face a challenging road ahead. Although running back Ollie Gordon II started strong with 72 rushing yards in the first quarter, he finished with just 76.
Kansas State’s offense was impressive, amassing 559 total yards, but the defense needs to address its vulnerability to big plays, having allowed Oklahoma State to accumulate 364 passing yards with five players making receptions of 10 yards or more.
