Even though Kansas State’s stunning loss to Houston wasn’t determined by a single play, it felt that way following their 24-19 setback at TDECU Stadium on Saturday. With fewer than 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Wildcats had total control of the football game. They had the ball at their own 12-yard line and were ahead 19–10. With a scoring drive or perhaps simply a couple first downs, K-State might have won the game.
Additionally, it might have won by playing solid defense and punting against a squad that wasn’t producing much offensively in the gloomy weather. However, none of those things could be accomplished by Chris Klieman’s team. Why? because the Wildcats urged sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson to toss the ball after they opted to act aggressively.
Zeon Chriss spotted Maliq Carr in the end zone, resulting in a costly interception that Houston swiftly converted into a score and recovered to the 9-yard line. Suddenly, Houston gained life and K-State’s advantage was down to 19–17. as well as momentum.
A few minutes later, with 2:31 remaining, Chriss scampered 41 yards into the end zone, giving the Cougars the edge. Austin Romaine, a linebacker for K-State, described it as “really frustrating.” Wide receiver Keagan Johnson continued, “We let it slip away.” According to Avery Johnson, “that interception and giving them the ball in plus territory really just starts it.” “They score right there, and I greatly weakened our defense.” Then they score once more.
Johnson claimed responsibility for the defeat. Late in the fourth quarter, as the Wildcats were trying to score a game-winning touchdown in the closing seconds, he threw another costly interception. Houston supporters rushed the field to celebrate after Johnson’s failed Hail Mary pass in the back of the end zone ended the game. Due in great part to its own errors, K-State fell to a squad that gained 232 yards. Johnson thinks he could go back and change that one play. This is what took place:
From its own 12, K-State was down by a second-and-eight. Johnson had the choice to toss the ball to his running back, keep it for a run of his own, or throw it to a receiver when offensive coordinator Conor Riley called a run-pass option.
He chose to throw the ball to his left after reading the defense and spotting Keagan Johnson opening up. However, Houston defender Jeremiah Wilson made a game-changing interception when his ball went off the mark. Avery Johnson remarked, “I was trying to push a guy in my window and just led Keagan a little bit too much.” “I need to improve right there and avoid putting the ball in danger, especially when it’s in plus territory.” Some K-State supporters may question why Johnson was allowed to throw in such circumstance.
Klieman, however, disputed the ruling, pointing out that the Wildcats’ average running yardage was only 2.6. A punt would have been against the wind and probably handed Houston the ball near midfield, so he didn’t feel comfortable going overboard with his conservative play. Klieman stated, “We weren’t running the ball a lick.” We were receiving one or two yards.
It happened because he threw it incorrectly. However, we were heading into a very severe breeze. Our incapacity to throw the football quickly makes it more difficult, but I don’t want to hand it to them at the nine. Regardless, the remainder of the game was a master lesson in how to lose a K-State football game.
For a club that had won all three of its prior games that were decided by a single score going into the weekend, it was unexpected. The term “clutch” was frequently used to describe this group.
So far. Houston advanced to 4-5 on the season with a 3-3 Big 12 record after scoring the game’s last 14 points. In the Big 12, K-State fell to 7-2 and 4-2. In the league standings, the Wildcats are currently tied for fourth place.
However, a Texas Tech victory over Iowa State would have put them in a tie for second place. The Wildcats are still in the running for a conference title, but if they hope to lift a trophy at the conclusion of this season, they cannot afford to lose any more leads.
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