A 71-3 opening act

Week 1 under Collin Klein could not have gone better. K-State ran 44 times for 312 yards against Nicholls, with four different backs finding the end zone.

Rodney Fields sets the tone

Fields Jr. led the Week 1 rushing effort with 101 yards and a touchdown, the headliner of a backfield that took turns scoring.

The defense barely bent

Nicholls managed just 122 yards and three points a week after hanging 44 on someone else. Drives died before they started.

A real test arrives

Washington State came in off a 24-10 loss to Washington. Tougher than a Colonels team that never threatened, and the first honest read on Klein.

“Klein's first game went as well as it possibly could for any coach in their first game, but now it is time for Week 2.”

Nine minutes, three points

K-State opened with a marathon drive mixing short throws and runs, then settled for a field goal. Johnson missed deep shots to Jaron Tibbs and Linkon Cure.

Special teams save the lead

With 1:35 left in the first, the Cougars moved the ball and lined up to tie it. K-State blocked the field goal and kept a 3-0 edge into the second quarter.

First pick of the season

K-State owned time of possession but not the scoreboard. Johnson threw his first interception of the year, handing Washington State the ball at the Wildcat 45.

Fourth-and-one stand

The defense answered immediately, stuffing the Cougars on fourth-and-one after they started in K-State territory. Nine yards on the whole drive.

“What a stand by the defense.”

Johnson finds Manning

Another long march finally paid off, a 6-yard touchdown to Manning for a 10-0 lead. K-State went 8-of-10 on third down in the first half.

Jackson keeps producing

Wendell Gregory's sack and a near punt-return score by Brandon White set up the offense. Joe Jackson caught a 21-yard touchdown, his second of the season, for 17-0.

The throw that changed halftime

With no time left in the half, an indecisive K-State pushed an out route. Cougars defensive back Jaylen Thomas jumped it for his second pick, a 47-yard return.

“K-State has controlled this game in every facet, but the decision-making by Johnson has made this a game.”

Lightning stops play

A weather delay pushed the restart to 1:38 p.m., contingent on no further strikes near the stadium.

Fields breaks a 75-yarder

After a three-and-out to open the half, Fields Jr. ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run. K-State 24, Washington State 7, and the doubt was gone.

“Rodney Fields Jr. shows why K-State wanted him so bad.”

Manning's career day

Gregory added a second sack, and Manning caught his ninth ball for 93 yards, 25 more than his career high at Missouri. A field goal made it 27-7.

White finishes it

The Cougars ended up 1-of-8 on third down with 100 total yards. Jackson drove K-State into the red zone and White caught the touchdown from Johnson for 34-7.