Kansas State Football Dominates Season Opener with Impressive 45-0 Win and Explosive Offense
Kansas State football kicked off their 2023 season with an unforgettable performance, leaving no doubt about their dominance on the field. The Wildcats delivered a resounding 45-0 victory over Southeast Missouri State, showcasing their explosive offense and igniting the momentum they carried from the previous season.
Led by quarterback Will Howard, Kansas State’s offense was a force to be reckoned with. Howard put on a spectacular show, throwing for an impressive 297 yards and contributing to four total touchdowns. His connection with wide receiver Jadon Jackson was on full display, as they connected for a 33-yard touchdown on the opening drive, marking Howard’s first touchdown as a Wildcat.
While Southeast Missouri State’s wide receiver Ryan Flournoy tried to spark his team’s offense with five catches for 48 yards, the Redhawks failed to score and succumbed to a turnover-on-downs. The Wildcats’ defense, anchored by linebacker Austin Moore, defensive tackle Damian Ilalio, and linebacker Daniel Green, put relentless pressure on SEMO, resulting in a quick three-and-out.
Although Howard encountered a slight setback with an interception during the Wildcats’ second drive, the defense, led by nose guard Uso Seumalo, came through with a crucial third-down sack to halt SEMO’s progress. Howard wasted no time redeeming himself, delivering an exceptional 40-yard pass to tight end Ben Sinnott, which set up a 1-yard read option keeper for a touchdown, pushing the Wildcats’ lead to 14-0.
The explosive plays on offense continued for Kansas State as Howard connected with wide receivers RJ Garcia II and Sinnott for consecutive drives, extending their lead to a commanding 28-0. Head coach Chris Klieman lauded the team’s emphasis on explosive plays, acknowledging the talents of their playmakers and Howard’s remarkable throwing ability.
The Wildcats’ dominance wasn’t limited to their offense, as the defense continued to shine. Defensive end Khalid Duke showcased his skills with a highlight reel spin move while delivering a sack, and the impressive performances kept coming. On the subsequent drive, running back DJ Giddens exploded down the left side for a 43-yard run, followed by running back Treshaun Ward’s unconventional play.
With both running backs and Sinnott in the backfield, Howard handed the ball to Ward, who then threw a forward pass back to Howard for an 8-yard touchdown, allowing Howard to demonstrate his versatility with a throwing, running, and receiving score all in the first half. The Wildcats entered halftime comfortably ahead with a staggering 35-0 lead.
The second half witnessed Kansas State’s unwavering defensive prowess, as they shut down SEMO’s attempts to score. Freshman quarterback Avery Johnson made his debut, showcasing his talent with 60 passing yards and 27 rushing yards, including a touchdown where he impressed with his elusive moves.
The Wildcats’ victory was a collective effort, with several players making significant contributions. Sinnott and Garcia excelled in the receiving department, accumulating 100 and 119 yards, respectively. Giddens showcased his running abilities with an impressive 128 yards, while Ward added 56 yards to the rushing performance.
Howard expressed his excitement over the team’s outstanding offensive performance, considering it one of their best season openers in recent years. The Wildcats demonstrated their readiness for the 2023 season, feeding off the momentum from the previous year and establishing themselves as a formidable force in college football.
Kansas State kicked off their season with a statement victory, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and promising campaign. With their explosive offense and stifling defense, the Wildcats have undoubtedly captured the attention of football enthusiasts nationwide.
