Kansas State defeats UCF 34-20 for its first Big 12 win

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Kansas State held off UCF 34-20 on Saturday, powering a balanced offensive attack and a timely defensive stop to earn its first Big 12 victory of the season at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

Avery Johnson passed for 168 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 75 yards, while Dylan Edwards churned for 166 yards and a 75-yard touchdown that helped put the game out of reach, the Associated Press reported. The Wildcats piled up 268 rushing yards and stopped UCF on a critical fourth down with just over four minutes remaining, preserving the margin.

The game was interrupted in the first half when UCF starting quarterback Tayven Jackson was driven to the sideline after being struck by Kansas State defensive end Cody Stufflebean and leaving the field to the medical tent. Local accounts said Jackson, who had entered the season after replacing an injured Cam Fancher, was 5 of 9 for 18 yards at the time he left. The AP reported that Jackson later returned and finished with 115 passing yards. On the possession following Jackson’s exit, backup Jacurri Brown threw an interception that led to a short Joe Jackson touchdown run and a 10-0 Wildcat lead.