Marina
Kansas State’s home opener turned into a thriller. In front of over 50,000 fans, a resilient No. 17 Wildcats pulled out a 38–35 victory over FCS underdog North Dakota.
With only 42 seconds remaining, quarterback Avery Johnson launched a game-winning drive, capped by a 6-yard touchdown to Joe Jackson.
We’ve broken down what coach Chris Klieman had to say postgame—his reflections ranged from disappointment in discipline, praise for leadership, to a sharp warning for future improvement.
Klieman’s Key Quotes: A Postgame Recap
| Topic | Klieman’s Reaction |
|---|---|
| Discipline Issues | Called the first half “really poor,” citing breakdowns in defensive eye discipline. |
| Halftime Rally | Praised his team’s urgency and energy in the second half following a critical talk. |
| Respect for UND | Acknowledged UND as a tough, well-coached team that fought until the end. |
| QB Praise | Hailed Johnson’s game-winning drive and composed leadership under pressure. |
| Room for Growth | Urged improvement in all phases—defense, offense, special teams—not just one area. |
| Cautious Optimism | Reminded fans and players that victories at this level must be earned, not expected. |
Game Flow & Turning Points
- First Half Struggles: K-State looked rattled by UND’s physicality and was repeatedly exposed due to discipline lapses.
- Second Half Surge: Improved urgency and execution led to a two-score lead entering the fourth quarter.
- UND Rally: The Fighting Hawks capitalized on momentum, scoring two long touchdown drives and taking a 35–31 lead with 4:19 left.
- Game-Winning Drive: Johnson calmly navigated 10 plays (81 yards), including a notable 25-yard scramble, before hitting Jackson in the end zone.
Standout Performances
- Avery Johnson: 28 of 43, 318 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, plus 43 rushing yards.
- Joe Jackson: Game-winning catch and sturdy running throughout.
- DeVon Rice: Two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter, stepping up after injuries elsewhere.
- Jayce Brown: 12 receptions for 109 yards and a score—second-most catches for a K-State player in recent history.
- Cody Stufflebean: Key defensive beast with two sacks and a late forced fumble that sealed the win.
Klieman’s Takeaway Points
- “You never deserve anything. You’ve got to earn everything.” A powerful reminder that respect for your opponent shouldn’t waiver, even at home.
- Urgency Wins Games: The team’s turnaround proved halftime adjustments and attitudes matter, but consistency is key.
- No Room for Complacency: Klieman highlighted that the game exposed gaps across all units—offense, defense, and special teams.
- Leadership Matters: Johnson’s calm composure under duress reflected true leadership at work.
Charting the Game
| Phase | K-State’s Issues | Course Correction |
|---|---|---|
| First Half | Defensive eye discipline, lack of focus | Klieman’s halftime address sparked urgency |
| Third Quarter | Offensive rhythm found, Rice scored twice | Momentum swung back to Wildcats |
| Fourth Quarter | UND rallied with clutch scoring drives | Johnson led 81-yard drive under pressure |
| Final Minutes | High pressure, game on the line | Defense stood tall to secure win |
Kansas State survived a scare—avoiding one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. Chris Klieman’s candid reflections shine a light on where the Wildcats must improve.
It wasn’t vintage K-State football, but the win might serve as a wake-up call. The message was clear: victory isn’t guaranteed, effort must be relentless, and improvement must come across every phase. If this shaky performance sparks growth, it may prove valuable in the long run.
