Kansas State ends the first half against BYU in nightmare fashion

Kansas State struggled in the red zone and with turnovers in the first half against BYU.

Sep 21, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) drops back to pass against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) drops back to pass against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray-Imagn Images

The first half was one the Wildcats aren't going to want to remember against BYU.

The Cougars were able to score 17 unanswered points in the final 10 minutes of the second quarter against Kansas State, a quarter that included a DJ Giddens fumble and Avery Johnson interception within a minute of each other.

Kansas State knew this wouldn't be an easy game, but they probably weren't expecting this.

Kansas State started this game pretty well, especially on defense, not allowing the Cougar offense to get much going, especially with a three-and-out on the first drive of the game. The Wildcat offense was able to march down the field, but the drive stalled out in the red zone, forcing K-State to settle for a field goal.

The Wildcat defense was able to force another punt on BYU's second drive, including some great defensive plays by the K-State secondary.

Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson was able to lead the offense down the field yet again, but a costly holding call on the Wildcats' tight end Will Swanson caused the drive to stall yet again and force the Wildcats to settle for a field goal...again.

BYU was able to get some things going on offense, but like the Wildcats, had a drive stall in the red zone after a big sack by Brendan Mott for a loss of 12 yards on the play.

After the field goal, Kansas State started to find themselves in some trouble.

Giddens is one of the most sure-handed running backs in the Big 12 and rarely fumbles the ball. However, a good hit by a BYU defensive lineman who was able to get his helmet on the back forced the fumble so far away that there was no chance of the Wildcats recovering it. The Cougars were able to pick it up and take it to the end zone for a score, giving them a 10-6 lead for the first time in the game.

There was till a little over a minute left in the half and K-State fans were probably just assuring themselves that the Wildcats could go down and get at least a field goal to make it a one-point half at half.

However, things just got worse for the Wildcats. Johnson threw just his second interception in his career after trying to throw the ball away before taking a big hit for a sack. The BYU defense just seemed to be in the right spot at the right time and was able to scoop the ball out of the air for the pick.

All the Wildcat defense had to do was get a stop with about 40 seconds left on the clock or force the Cougars to settle for a field goal. However, broken coverage allowed BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff to throw the ball to his favorite target so far this season, Chase Roberts, for the tow-tap touchdown.

LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo was definitely rocking as the clock ticked down to halftime, with the Cougars holding an 11-point lead against a top-15 team.

However, as most Kansas State fans know. the Wildcats have shown they know how to make adjustments at halftime, and Johnson and the Wildcat offense get the ball to start the second half.

Kansas State does trail 17-6 at halftime, but there is still so much time left.

Don't panic just yet, Wildcat fans, there is still a whole second half to be played, that is why there are four quarters in football, not just two.