Kansas State football dominates Troy, 42-13: Key takeaways

Kansas State survives hiccups to defeat Troy 42-13 in their second game of the season.

Kansas State's victory over Troy was not as easy as their previous blowout win against Southeast Missouri State. However, the 15th-ranked team managed to overcome some challenges and come out on top with a score of 42-13. The game took place at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan.

In terms of total offense, Kansas State gained 395 yards, with 250 yards through the air and 145 on the ground. Troy, on the other hand, accumulated 286 yards, with 216 passing yards and 70 rushing yards.

Kansas State's quarterback, Will Howard, had a productive game, completing 21 of 32 passes for 250 yards. He threw three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Phillip Brooks was Howard's go-to target, making seven catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score of 2 yards. Jadon Jackson also had a solid performance, with four receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown.

Troy's quarterback, Gunnar Watson, completed 17 of 32 passes for 167 yards. Running back Kimani Vidal had a decent game, rushing for 83 yards on 17 carries, although 46 of those yards came on one play.

Here are three key takeaways from the game:

1. Kansas State showcased their depth at wide receiver, with Keagan Johnson returning to the lineup in a limited role. Phillip Brooks and Jadon Jackson had standout performances, proving that the team has multiple receiving threats.

2. Carver Willis made his second consecutive start at right tackle, filling in for the injured Christian Duffie. However, Troy's defense put pressure on that side of the line. Cooper Beebe, an All-American left guard, shifted to right tackle and provided stability in that position. Hadley Panzer moved from right to left guard, and Taylor Poitier took over at right guard. KT Leveston remained at left tackle.

3. Kansas State's defense had a strong showing, except for two series at the end of the first half. They limited Troy to just 286 total yards, including only 70 rushing yards. The Wildcats recorded four sacks and forced two turnovers.

Overall, Kansas State's victory over Troy was hard-fought, but they managed to come out on top. Their wide receiver depth, offensive line adjustments, and solid defense played crucial roles in securing the win.

Arne Green, a sports journalist based in Salina, covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be contacted via email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @arnegreen.

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