Kansas State found its first win of the season against North Dakota, but it wasn't as easy as everyone thought it would be. It took a go-ahead 81-yard drive to go up by three in the final two minutes of the game, and a turnover on downs forced by the defense for the Wildcats to squeak out a 38-25 win to make K-State 1-1 on the season.
After the heartbreaking loss in Dublin to Iowa State, there was hope that Kansas State would bounce back big against North Dakota, but instead, it seemed like they were constantly chasing the Fighting Hawks to keep up with them. Quarterback Avery Johnson certainly had a better game than he did in Dublin, going 28-for-43 for 318 yards and three touchdowns.
The biggest problem was the total absence of the run game, and the giant hole Dylan Edwards is currently leaving with his injury. The team as a whole finished with 146 rushing yards, with backup Joe Jackson leading the way with 55 yards and Johson coming in second with 43 yards.
In the first half, the Wildcats had just 28 rushing yards, so at least in the second half, they were able to get the run game going a little bit more, but Edwards' absence certainly is being felt.
Kansas State fans may want their hand over the panic button
While Kansas State walked away with the win in this game, there is a lot to worry about with this team. The defense is not looking up to the caliber of a Chris Klieman defense, and the offense needs to be able to work both the pass and the run.
The game in Dublin against the Cyclones really exposed a lot in Kansas State's offense, and there may be more problems than some think. Johnson is not looking the the poised veteran quarterback many were hoping he would, and not knowing when Edwards will come back is troubling when he is so dominant in the run game.
Kansas State has to come out looking like a different team against Army, or else the panic button is going to be looking very bright and ready to be pushed. The defense needs to be shut down, and the offense has to flow with both the passing attack and the run.