In contrast to their performance against UT Martin in Week 1, Kansas State displayed more in their victory over Tulane. Sometimes a strong comeback win can reveal more about a team than a blowout, even if they seemed lackluster in the first half.
Using all three phases of the game, Kansas State overcame a 10-point hole at halftime to defeat Tulane 34-27. To make things easier for the offense, the defense had to restrict Tulane to as few points as possible while the offense needed to score points to tie the game. They succeeded in doing so.
Avery Johnson played a key role in the Kansas State offense’s ability to operate so well and overcome a deficit. As a sophomore who recently started for the Wildcat offense, Johnson played with the experience of a seasoned player in the second half against Tulane.
Let’s evaluate Johnson’s performance versus Tulane in Week 2 even though he didn’t appear flawless.
Johnson, Avery
Week 2: 34-27 victory against Tulane | 15/23, 181 yards, 2 touchdowns
B+
After quarterback Will Howard transferred to Ohio State over the winter, Avery Johnson assumed the starting job for Kansas State this season. Johson may not have performed to the degree that everyone had hoped since taking over the starting duties, but that was to be expected.
But even though his stats versus Tulane might not seem impressive, it was his ability to rally in the second half that won him a B+. After the game, Johnson might have received an A- or perhaps an A, but his play in the first half seemed hurried and careless.
Throughout the second half, Johnson made several huge passes that helped the Wildcats offense gain momentum while also displaying a great deal of poise and patience. Chris Klieman, the head coach of Kansas State, spoke about the fourth-and-one play that resulted in a touchdown for his team. The play was meant to be a short pass to running back DJ Giddens for short yardage and a new set of downs, but according to Klieman, the Tulane defense blew it up. Rather than pausing when he saw the defender coming, Giddens went right through it, leaving himself wide open for Johnson’s pass.
Rather than panicking or hurrying, as many inexperienced quarterbacks seem to do, Johnson calmed down and showed patience. Johnson saw Giddens break free from the defense and promptly threw a perfect throw for the game-winning touchdown, which turned out to be crucial.
Johnson improved from Week 1 to Week 2, and if he can keep getting better and learning new things, he has the potential to be a very potent college football player. Johnson demonstrated a lot versus Tulane, proving that he is not only a skilled runner but also an effective thrower.
Defenses should be wary of Avery Johnson’s increasing skill, particularly in the Big 12.
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