The Kansas State Wildcats picked up their first win of the season last weekend, defeating North Dakota in a 38-35 thriller. Now sitting at 1-1, Chris Klieman’s squad will look to build momentum with a Week 2 matchup against Army on Saturday, Sept. 6. After a tough Week 0 loss to Big 12 rival Iowa State, the Wildcats are hoping to right the ship and stack a second win before diving back into conference play.
Army will travel to Manhattan to play the Wildcats on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. KSU enters the non-conference battle as 17.5-point favorites with the over/under set at 46.5 total points. Here are two key players to watch in this game, followed by the top storylines for each team, and a prediction from Heartland College Sports.
Two Key Players to Watch
Jayce Brown (WR, KSU)
Jayce Brown has firmly established himself as Kansas State’s go-to receiver through the first two games of the season. The sophomore wideout led the Wildcats in receiving yards in both contests, starting with a four-catch, 78-yard outing and a touchdown against Iowa State. He followed that up with a monster performance in the win over North Dakota, hauling in 12 receptions for 109 yards and another score. With an Army defense that just gave up 30 points to Tarleton State, Brown could be in line for another big showing.
Dewayne Coleman (QB, Army)
Army quarterback Dewayne Coleman brings a true dual-threat presence to Saturday’s matchup with Kansas State. He rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown last week against Tarleton State, while also throwing for 129 yards on just 12 attempts. Coleman’s ability to run the option and keep defenses honest through the air makes him a tough assignment, and if K-State isn’t disciplined defensively, he has the tools to make them pay.
Two Key Storylines
Kansas State’s Defense Looking for Answers
The Wildcat defense has allowed 59 points in the first two games, including 35 against North Dakota. After giving up big plays to Iowa State and nearly letting North Dakota steal a win, the Wildcats now face a unique challenge in Army’s triple-option attack. Slowing down the run-heavy scheme will take discipline and sharp execution, which is something the Wildcats will need to improve after a shaky start. Saturday’s game will be a key test of whether this unit can make the necessary adjustments before Big 12 play ramps up.
Time of Possession is Key for Army
Army’s best chance at an upset lies in controlling the pace. If the Black Knights can extend drives, dominate time of possession, and keep the score low, they’ll be right where they want to be late in the game. With a run-first offense, Army can control the tempo, especially if the offensive line creates lanes for Coleman and running back Hayden Reed. Limiting possessions will also keep Kansas State’s playmakers on the sideline and increase pressure on every Wildcat drive.
Prediction: Kansas State 45, Army 14
Kansas State should have the edge in talent and depth, but Army’s triple-option will test the Wildcats’ discipline on defense. If K-State limits mistakes and finishes drives, it should have no problem pulling away. Army will control the clock at times, but the Wildcats’ offensive weapons, especially Brown and quarterback Avery Johnson, should be enough to secure a solid win. Johnson has totaled over 590 passing yards and five touchdowns through two games, and he’ll be a key factor again on Saturday.
