Arizona outclassed by Kansas State in first Big 12 test

It turns out that the early warning signs for No. 20 Arizona were a legitimate cause for concern, as the team didn’t look like it was in the same league as No. 14 Kansas State, which lost 31-7.

Despite being a one-touchdown underdog, Arizona was expected to compete alongside its opponent and other teams like No. 13 Oklahoma State and No. 12 Utah at the top of the Big 12. This game didn’t give much reason to believe new head coach Brent Brennan has his Wildcats ready to do that.

Arizona’s lack of discipline was a major problem, committing nine penalties for 74 yards. A 14-7 halftime deficit could have been much worse, and that seven-point lead, which Kansas State tripled to 28-7 after three quarters, all but sealed the game’s fate.

Missed opportunities in the first half defined the offensive day. Quarterback Noah Fifita had star wideout Tetairoa McMillan in the slot on a third down early in the second quarter, running a multi-option route. But an unexpected miscommunication between the duo, praised for their chemistry, resulted in an incomplete pass instead of a long leadoff pass that McMillan could have converted into a touchdown.

On the next play, a bad punt by backup kicker Tyler Loop helped Kansas State’s Dylan Edwards run the ball back 71 yards for a touchdown, making it a two-touchdown swing in just two plays.

On the next drive, Fifita had an open receiver in the slot rushing into the end zone, but his slightly delayed read and the slight deflection of the ball gave Kansas State defensive back Keenan Garber enough time to intercept the ball.

Stylistically, the matchup was an Arizona team playing primarily through the air against a fearsome Kansas State running attack, and it wasn’t entirely clear who was, er, stronger. Kansas State had +179 rushing yards while Arizona had +112 passing yards, thanks largely to the fourth quarter. Kansas State averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

McMillan was a major factor in the game again after a confusing two-catch performance the previous week, catching 11 passes for 138 yards, the only successful element of Arizona’s offense.

Arizona will take a week off before playing on the road again on September 28, this time against the Utah Utes.

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