# K-State grinds out a 34-7 win over Washington State

> Collin Klein's second game as play-caller: a dominant defense, a 75-yard run, and two interceptions that kept it interesting.
- Title: K-State grinds out a 34-7 win over Washington State | Shortify
- Summary: Collin Klein's second game as play-caller: a dominant defense, a 75-yard run, and two interceptions that kept it interesting. K-State won every phase but…
- Keywords: college football, k-state, big 12, washington state, avery johnson, sports, grinds, 34-7, win, Washington, State, Kansas State Wildcats On SI
- Source: Kansas State Wildcats On SI — https://si.com/college/kstate/latest-news/live-game-thread-updates-for-k-state-football-vs-washington-state-01m2a5ap3v3r
- Published: 2026-09-12T16:03:32+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: college football, k-state, big 12, washington state, avery johnson, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

K-State won every phase but Avery Johnson's two picks were the only thing keeping Washington State on the board.