Army Tops Wildcats Behind Dominant Ground Game

Willie the WIldcat dressed in camouflage, points to the crowd. Courtesy: Ashton Todd

Coming into the Game

Kansas State entered Saturday night as heavy favorites against the Army Black Knights, with Fort Riley Day festivities at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, including a helicopter flyover and skydivers. Dylan Edwards was ruled out before the game, remaining without a snap all season. Coach Chris Klieman challenged his veteran players to embrace leadership and accountability heading into the matchup.

First Quarter

Bryce Noernberg set the tone with a 44-yard kickoff return, but the Wildcats managed only a field goal on the drive. Both teams traded punts the rest of the quarter, leaving the score 3-0.

Second Quarter

Kansas State added another field goal before Avery Johnson connected with Jaron Tibbs on a 32-yard touchdown pass. Army QB Cale Hellums answered with a 2-yard TD pass to Brady Anderson as time expired in the half, sending K-State to the locker room leading 13-7.

Third Quarter

The Wildcats had just one offensive drive, a short 4-play series with a first-down pass to Jayce Brown. Army, however, executed two drives, including a 14-play, 89-yard touchdown march. Kansas State's special teams responded with a kickoff return touchdown by Noernberg, putting the Cats ahead 21-14 heading into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Army’s persistence on the ground forced the K-State defense into a grind, including a 14-play touchdown drive to take a 24-21 lead with under three minutes remaining. Kansas State’s offense, inactive for nearly 23 minutes, was unable to respond, with Johnson throwing his first interception of the season to Collin Matterson, who earned Defensive MVP honors.

What Happened

The second half exposed challenges for the Wildcats. Army dominated time of possession (40:29–19:31) and plays (47–13), while K-State struggled on third down (2-10). With 70 rushing attempts, Army wore down the defense, converting 6-of-7 fourth downs and limiting K-State’s opportunities.

Coming Up

Kansas State falls to 1-2 overall, 0-1 in Big 12 play. The Wildcats head to Arizona on Friday night at 8:00 CST on FOX for a non-conference matchup against the other Wildcats. Following that game, K-State will enjoy the first of three bye weeks before starting conference play.