Kansas State vs. Oklahoma State Recap: Wildcats' Ground Game Powers Dominant Victory

The Kansas State Wildcats responded in bold fashion to their only loss of the season.

The Wildcats defeated the No. 20-ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys, 42-20, on Saturday afternoon. This comes just a week following the blowout against the BYU Cougars.

The ground game was the highlight of the day for K-State, as quarterback Avery Johnson and running back D.J. Giddens took over. Johnson finished with five carries for 60 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Giddens comfortably outperformed OSU standout back Ollie Gordon II by recording 15 carries for 187 rushing yards (209 total) and a touchdown. Gordon was held to less than 100 yards and kept out of the end zone by the Wildcats’ defense.

While Johnson’s rollercoaster campaign throwing the ball continued, the wide receivers made strides. Jayce Brown concluded with four receptions, 78 yards, and a touchdown while Jadon Jackson and Keagan Johnson tallied more than 50 yards each.

Kansas State coach Chris Klieman dared the Cowboys to beat his team through the air, and it paid off. OSU quarterback Alan Bowman threw a pair of interceptions en route to a 364 passing yard day. Wideout De’Zhaun Stribling did, however, cause some serious issues for the secondary. His outing was highlighted by a 77-yard TD catch, as he finished with seven receptions for 157 yards.

Kansas State gets a week off before taking on the nationally-spotlighted Colorado Buffaloes on Oct. 12.