Kansas State has life.
Yes, it was against UCF. Yes, starting quarterback Tayven Jackson was out for a good portion of the game. However, this is a statement win that Kansas State NEEDED.
And they got it. Instead of suffering another loss or close battle, the Wildcats played a full 60-minute game that cemented their most dominant victory of the season.
Here are the takeaways from Kansas State's second victory:
1. Dylan Edwards is back!
There's a reason offensive coordinator Matt Wells and coach Chris Klieman stressed the importance of Dylan Edwards' return. Strong rushers have headlined the Wildcats' offense the last few seasons, and the next chapter was supposed to be Dylan Edwards'. He's been sidelined with injury, holding back Kansas State in the rushing attack.
Today showed exactly why he was missed for four weeks. Edwards rushed 20 times for 166 yards and one touchdown, showing off the speed and downfield threat that made him the No. 1 option to start the season. He added that dimension to the offense that was missing for the first part of the season.
2. Avery Johnson finally unlocked his game changer.
K-State quarterback Avery Johnson frustrated fans, and frankly, his coaching staff, with his resistance to running the football this season. He finally unleashed his rushing attack Saturday, creating plays with his legs and getting out in space when there were seemingly no options downfield. Johnson rushed 12 times for 75 yards, both far above his season averages. This dual-threat play style is what makes Johnson such a dynamic signal-caller, and it was good to see it flourish again against UCF.
3. Explosive plays killed Kansas State.
Big plays have defined Kansas State's season, as its opponents regularly dominated with long drives and clock-churning football. The script was flipped Saturday afternoon, with the Wildcats being on the opposite ends of explosive plays from UCF. A DJ Black 82-yard touchdown reception, a Jaden Nixon 54-yard touchdown run, and several big rushes from Myles Montgomery were the Knights' highlight plays of the day.
The score illustrates how far this game was, but Kansas State could have dominated much more had it not allowed the chunk-yardage plays.
4. The offense did things without Jayce Brown.
For four weeks, it was the Jayce Brown show in Manhattan, KS. Of course, he's expected to shine as the Wildcats' No. 1 option, but it seemed like more of a carry than a star effort. His early exit against UCF initially smashed the panic button for the offensive game plan.
Johnson and the K-State offense found a way. In addition to the monster rushing performances, wide receiver Jaron Tibbs had a highlight day with eight receptions for 72 yards. He was Johnson's most reliable weapon all game, showcasing the preseason chemistry the two boasted together. Performances like these can give fans confidence in a No. 2 receiver for Brown going forward.