Somehow, Kansas State was the underdog.

Despite finishing at No. 19, many chose the Wildcats to lose on the road to coach Deion Sanders and Colorado.

K-State quarterback Avery Johnson had other plans.

He connected with receiver Jayce Brown for a 50-yard touchdown in just over two minutes, leading the Wildcats to a 31-28 victory Saturday night. Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns against one interception.

“At the end of the day, in big moments you just have to play,” Johnson said. “At the end of the day, that’s exactly what our guys did.”

While Johnson made his plays when it mattered, it was the K-State running back who stole the show. Running back DJ Giddens ran 25 times for 182 yards. Dylan Edwards, a transfer from Colorado, had seven carries for 21 yards and a touchdown.

The Buffaloes were at a disadvantage in the second half and lost receivers Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. to injuries. Hunter, who also plays defensive back, is considered one of the best players in the country.

Still, coach Sanders refused to attribute the defeat to their absences.

“The loss of Travis, Jimmy and others was certainly tremendous because they are an important part of our team, a part of our identity,” said Coach Prime. “That demanded a lot from us. But other guys had the opportunity to step up, and they did. That’s why I’m proud of her.”

Shandel Richardson is editor of Kansas State Wildcats On SI. He can be reached at [email protected]

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