The Cincinnati Bears are most concerned with slowing Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson in Saturday's matchup
Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson is one of the best players in the country at the position because of his dual-threat abilities.
So, naturally, he's always at the top of the scouting report for opposing teams. It will be no different when the Wildcats play the Cincinnati Bearcats this weekend. The Bearcats have already stated defending Johnson is the priority during the game.
Just listen to what Bearcats coach Scott Satterfield said about Johnson leading up to their matchup.
"Once he hits the sideline, he is fast-fast," Satterfield said. "He's a different speed. Even like a quarterback that can move and run, he's a little bit better. We have to do a really good job to contain the perimeter runs. They hurt us with that in '24 and he's still doing that now, getting outside and making some big-time runs."
This is the Big 12 conference opener for both teams. The Wildcats completed an undefeated non-conference portion of the schedule with wins against the Nicholls Cowboys, Washington State Cougars and Tulane Green Wave. The Bearcats did the same by defeating the Boston College Eagles, Western Carolina Catamounts and Miami of Ohio Redhawks.
The Bearcats have legit reason to have so much concern for Johnson. Last week he had one of the best games of his career against the Green Wave. Not only did he throw for 227 yards on 21 of 28 passing, he also ran for a career-high 152 yards and two touchdowns.
At the end of the day, Johnson accounted for 90 percent of the team's offense. That is not a requirement for every game but the fact he can do it should place fear in opposing defensive coordinators.
Regardless, this should be the norm for Johnson the rest of the season. After his strong start, he will be the focal point of all defenses. Now, it's just a matter of if he can handle the pressure.
After being a starter for the past three seasons, Johnson should have no problem dealing with that.
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Shandel Richardson is the publisher of KStateRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected]
