Cats Cruise in Opener Against South Dakota

Kansas State’s defense dominated and the Cats offense used explosive plays to roll to a 34-0 victory over South Dakota in the season opener Saturday night.

It only took one offensive snap for K-State to jump on top.

That's how you start a season@Leekfor6 pic.twitter.com/6SP58g1N5g

— K-State Football (@KStateFB) September 3, 2022

A 75yd run from Malik Knowles allowed the Cats to take the lead ten seconds in. The senior raced down the left sideline after taking a sweep handoff from Adrian Martinez, who was making his first start in a Wildcat jersey.

Running back Deuce Vaughn scored on a 39yd scamper late in the first quarter and Martinez added a 6 yd run in the second as K-State built a 27-0 halftime lead.

Seth Porter’s blocked punt in the first quarter resulted in Desmond Purnell getting a “scoop and score” for the Wildcats’ second touchdown of the night. Porter had just missed blocking the first punt of the night and nearly got to another midway through the second quarter.

The swarming K-State defense limited South Dakota to four first half first downs, turned the Coyotes over on a fourth-and-one to end one drive and gave up 99 yards before halftime.  Add in an interception by Cincere Mason and the Wildcats were able to work in multiple personnel changes throughout.

K-State preserved the shut out with a fourth-down stop inside the five with 58 seconds to play.

Junction City native D.J. Giddens scored his first TD in a K-State uniform to add to the advantage with 8:43 to play in the 3rd. The 12 yard run capped the initial drive after halftime for the Wildcats.

Redshirt freshman Jake Rubley replaced Martinez at the start of the 4th quarter, marking his first action for the Wildcats.

Pratt’s Travis Theis carried the ball 11 times for 56 yards as the starting running back for the Coyotes.

K-State hosts Missouri next Saturday in an 11am start. Powercat Gameday airs starting at seven.

Final Stats: