Everyone knows to never underestimate any team, but when a program that is favored to win the Big 12 Championship and make it to the College Football Playoff is trailing at halftime against North Dakota, an FCS team, that is cause for worry. That team right now is Kansas State.
The Wildcats are currently down 21-17 to North Dakota in a game that is being played in Manhattan, Kansas, in Bill Snyder Family Stadium. After struggling against No. 22 Iowa State last week in Dublin, Ireland, many thought it was simply just a closer game between two great teams, but this is starting to become worrisome.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson was able to get things going better against North Dakota, going 14-for-20 with 220 yards and two touchdowns in the first half; however, the run game is practically non-existent. The Wildcats are playing without starting running back Dylan Edwards, who was injured during the Iowa State game with an ankle injury, and was ruled out for today's matchup adn potentially next week's as well.
K-State trailing North Dakota 21-17 at the break at home.
— Kole Emplit (@KoleEmplit) August 31, 2025
Avery Johnson: 14-20, 220 yards, 2 TD
Jayce Brown: 6 rec, 81 yards, TD
Jaron Tibbs: 2 rec, 40 yards, TD
Only 28 rushing yards for the Wildcats after one.
Kansas State only has 28 rushing yards in the first half, with backup running back Joe Jackson leading the way with 22 of those yards. Johnson has two rushes for -4 yards, which means head coach Chris Klieman isn't calling many run plays for his dual-threat quarterback. Johnson has to be able to use his legs in order to have success on the offense.
Now some will speculate that playing the game in Dublin last week adn then turning around to play against the following week could be detrimental because that is a lot on the players. This is very true, but Iowa State did the same and was able to win big in their game against South Dakota today.
Not having Edwards in this game seems to be hurting the Wildcats more than most expected as the run game is virtually nonexistent. So here is to hoping the second half go better and Kansas State can find it's first win of the season.