College football is weird. No, honestly, it’s beautiful chaos, and nothing proves that more than the budding "Wildcat vs. Wildcat" rivalry that just injected a massive dose of adrenaline into the Big 12.
If you tuned in thinking you’d see a classic, high-flying shootout between Kansas State and Arizona, you probably left with a mild case of whiplash. The 2024 showdown in Manhattan wasn't just another game. It was a 31-7 statement by Avery Johnson and the purple-clad Wildcats that flipped the conference narrative on its head. But then, as college sports always does, things got messy and interesting.
The Night Avery Johnson Became "That Guy"
September 13, 2024. Friday the 13th. For Arizona, it was exactly that kind of nightmare.
Most of the talk leading up to Kansas State vs Arizona centered on Arizona’s explosive duo of Noah Fifita and Tetairoa McMillan. People expected them to slice through the K-State secondary. Instead, they ran into a purple wall. Kansas State’s defense looked less like a unit and more like a collective organism, swarming the ball and holding Arizona to a measly 7 points.
But the real story? Avery Johnson.
The kid is basically a human cheat code. He didn’t just play quarterback; he dismantled a defense. Johnson racked up 110 rushing yards and 156 passing yards, throwing two touchdowns without a single interception. He’s a 10.4-second 100-meter sprinter playing football. Arizona’s defenders weren’t just missing tackles—they were chasing a ghost.
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Arizona coach Brent Brennan admitted after the game that Johnson is "something different." That’s a polite way of saying his defense was exhausted by halftime.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Matchup
There’s a common misconception that Arizona just "had a bad night." That’s a lazy take.
The truth is, Kansas State vs Arizona revealed a fundamental clash in styles that will define the Big 12 for years. K-State is built on the "Bill Snyder" DNA—discipline, brutal efficiency, and a running game that feels like being hit by a slow-moving truck. Arizona is the new-school flashy kid on the block, moving over from the Pac-12 with high-octane aspirations.
When these two styles met, the old school won.
Kansas State dominated the time of possession. They squeezed the life out of the game. Arizona, used to a certain rhythm, simply couldn't find their oxygen. It’s a classic case of a team being forced to play a game they didn’t sign up for.
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The 2025 Revenge Factor
Fast forward to the 2025 rematch in Tucson. Different story.
Arizona secured a 23-17 victory, and it was a reminder that the desert is where ranked teams go to die. Noah Fifita looked like the guy everyone expected him to be in 2024, rushing for two scores and keeping the chains moving. Meanwhile, K-State’s Avery Johnson struggled, throwing for only 88 yards.
It was a total reversal. K-State looked sluggish, while Arizona played with a chip on their shoulder the size of the Grand Canyon.
Behind the Numbers: A Tale of Two Teams
If you look at the stats from the 2024 and 2025 meetings, the disparity is wild. In 2024, K-State outgained Arizona significantly. In 2025, Arizona outgained K-State 412 to 193.
- Rushing dominance: When K-State wins, they usually have a 100-yard rusher (like DJ Giddens or Avery Johnson).
- Third down conversions: Arizona’s 8-of-18 performance in the 2025 game was the dagger that kept K-State’s defense on the field far too long.
- Special teams' mishaps: Arizona almost blew the 2025 game with a blocked punt and missed field goals. It’s never simple with these two.
Why This Rivalry is the Big 12’s Secret Weapon
With Texas and Oklahoma gone, the Big 12 is wide open. It’s a power vacuum.
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Kansas State vs Arizona is quickly becoming one of those "must-watch" games because both programs believe they are the rightful heirs to the conference throne. K-State has the stability of Chris Klieman. Arizona has the recruiting momentum and the flash.
There's a specific kind of saltiness growing between these fanbases, too. K-State fans pride themselves on being the toughest, most blue-collar group in the country. Arizona fans bring a certain "West Coast cool" that irritates the Midwest sensibilities. It’s perfect.
Real-World Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking ahead to future Kansas State vs Arizona matchups, keep these things in mind:
- Home Field is Everything: The home team has dominated the recent stretch. Manhattan is a fortress; Tucson is a furnace.
- Watch the QB Run Game: If Avery Johnson is contained in the pocket, K-State’s offense loses its soul. Arizona’s ability to "spy" the QB is the single most important factor in their defensive game plan.
- The McMillan Effect: Tetairoa McMillan is a projected first-round NFL talent. If a defense doesn't double-team him, he will finish with 150+ yards. K-State’s ability to bracket him in 2024 was a coaching masterclass.
- Weather Matters: Don't underestimate the shock of a desert team playing in a Kansas wind tunnel in late November, or a Kansas team melting in 100-degree Tucson heat in September.
To truly understand where the Big 12 is going, you have to watch these two programs. They are the bellwethers. When Kansas State is physical and disciplined, they are top-15 caliber. When Arizona is fast and surgical, they can beat anyone in the country.
The next time these two programs meet, forget the rankings. Toss the record books. Just find a screen and settle in, because it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be physical, and it’s probably going to be a little bit weird.
Next Steps for Your Game Day Prep
To get the most out of the next Wildcat clash, start tracking the "explosive play" percentage for both offenses. Kansas State relies on 20-yard bursts from their dual-threat backfield, while Arizona lives on the deep ball to McMillan. The team that wins the "big play" battle has won three of the last four meetings between these schools. Keep an eye on the injury reports for Avery Johnson and Noah Fifita specifically; both offenses are entirely dependent on their quarterbacks' health and mobility.