Oct 26, 2024; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) runs by Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Jereme Robinson (90) on his way to a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
AMES — Iowa State’s defense has faced several dual-threat quarterbacks this season, and it’s struggled each time.
The No. 17 Cyclones have given up 140-plus yards rushing to opposing quarterbacks twice this season — and 68 or more yards in five of those matchups.
Enter Kansas State’s Avery Johnson, who may be the most dangerous running playcaller ISU will face this season in Saturday’s 6:30 p.m. (FOX) Big 12 regular-season finale at Jack Trice Stadium.
His arm and legs form a potential bulwark against what could be the Cyclones’ (9-2, 6-2) first 10-win season in program history — and the Wildcats (8-3, 5-3) are eager to knock ISU out of Big 12 title game contention.
“He’s such a talented runner and really a talented football player in general,” said ISU head coach Matt Campbell, whose team will likely reach the Big 12 championship game with a win on an ice-cold late November night. “You’ve got to use your wisdom from — we’ve played some really talented quarterbacks who could run. Where were we good? Where were we not good? How do you continue to evolve? And then (you) try to use some different things in practice just to replicate those things. But his speed, his athleticism, his talent, those are hard.”
Johnson’s scampered for 484 yards this season and his six rushing touchdowns trail star running back DJ Giddens by just one score. He’s coming off a 10-carry, 72-yard performance in last week’s win over Cincinnati, and he’s scored three rushing touchdowns in the past four games.
“He’s a real explosive player,” the Cyclones’ senior cornerback Myles Purchase said. “He’s able to break good runs with his feet and he can also throw the ball. So he definitely (presents) a challenge, a dual-threat player, but we’re gonna prepare for it the best way we can.”
ISU is locked in on curtailing Johnson’s production while amping up its own. The Cyclones are eager to take risks offensively in critical situations and lead the Big 12 in fourth down conversion rate at 82.4 percent.
“This is what you live for, November football,” ISU quarterback Rocco Becht said. “This is what everybody wants to play in. Meaningful games in November (are) special. My dad (former NFL veteran Anthony Becht), actually texted me that before the Utah game, so I wasn’t really thinking about that until then. It’s special to be in this place right now, and we need to embrace it and be in the present, because we might not ever get (this opportunity) again.”
Brock Purdy led the Cyclones to the Big 12 title game in the COVID-framed 2020 season, but Oklahoma spoiled that effort with a 27-21 triumph in Arlington, Texas. This ISU team will likely have a shot at a league championship if it can subdue the Wildcats. An external outcome or two may need to aid that aim, but the Cyclones more or less control their own destiny.
Are they focused on what could happen, however? No. Not publicly, anyway.
“I think one of the things that’s been so remarkable about our (senior) leadership is, yeah, nobody likes losing a game when you work as hard as you do, (but) nobody has pointed a finger,” Campbell said. “Nobody’s complained. We went back to work, and I think going back to work is the way through tough and trying times, and I think our seniors have led the way. They’ve given this group a chance to rebound and start to play its best football again in November.”
ISU will certainly need to be at its best in order to stop Johnson from spoiling its potential run to the league title game. It won’t be easy — and never is, but it is imperative if the Cyclones hope to keep making history as the month of November winds down.
“It’s gonna be a real good game, especially being senior night,” senior center Jarrod Hufford said. “We still have everything to play for. They still have everything to play for. It’s just gonna come down to who executes.”
