Kansas State, Army strive to improve after tough showings vs. FCS teams

Field Level Media|published: Thu 4th September, 20:21 2025

Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson (2) fires a throw during the first half against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025.

Army and Kansas State, both coming off disappointing performances last Saturday, will square off Saturday night in Manhattan, Kan.

Kansas State (1-1) needed a last-minute touchdown pass by Avery Johnson to beat FCS opponent North Dakota 38-35 last Saturday. Johnson finished the night with 318 passing yards and three TDs.

"I was pleased with the way we finished the game, getting a stop on defense and taking a two-minute drive 81 yards," head coach Chris Klieman said Monday. "I was disappointed, like we talked about Saturday. But I was happy that the guys found the resolve to find a way (to win).

"We were able to watch film this morning and make some corrections on a handful of things on both sides of the ball."

The Wildcats will have a chance to see if their adjustments will help when the Black Knights (0-1) travel to Manhattan. Appropriately, it will be "Fort Riley Day," an annual occurrence honoring the Army base a half-hour away.

"They've got a really good team and are well-coached," Klieman said. "I've known coach (Jeff) Monken for an awfully long time, and I have tons of respect for him. I've competed against him for a long time, and I know how good his teams are."

Army lost 30-27 at home in double overtime to FCS opponent Tarleton State in its season opener.

The Black Knights led 24-10 in the third quarter before Tarleton scored the next 14 points. Army missed a late 43-yard field goal, resulting in the game going to overtime.

Both teams hit a field goal in the first overtime, but Army's Dawson Jones missed another field goal in the extra session, leading to Tarleton State's victory.

"They completely outplayed us," a dejected Monken said after the game. "Unfortunately, we didn't do the things it takes to win a football game."

Klieman knows Army's option offense will employ a different type of offensive attack than Kansas State is used to seeing. Army quarterback Dewayne Coleman rushed 24 times for 100 yards and a touchdown in addition to 129 yards passing against Tarleton State.

"We did a few of our walk-through practices in the spring, just to get them familiar," Klieman said. "We knew this one was coming, and it's so unique and challenging. They know how to attack you.

"It's going to be a tremendous challenge, because you just don't see it."

--Field Level Media