3. Kansas State loses to Arkansas State
Kansas State was looking to climb higher in the second year of Chris Klieman as the head coach. The Wildcats started the 2020 season with an embarrassing 35-31 loss to Arkansas State. The Red Wolves started their season in Week 1 with a 37-24 loss at Memphis. They were able to come together and defeat the Wildcats that were confident in their new starters.
The Wildcats had a 21-14 lead going into halftime against the Red Wolves. They could not find answers on both sides of the ball as they fell into consistent traps. They out-gained the Wildcats in total yards 489-374. The Wildcats were horrible on converting third downs as they were only 1-for-11 on third downs.
After halftime, the Red Wolves came out with an aggressive and determined mindset as they outscored the Wildcats 21-10 in the second half. In the final drive for Arkansas State, it mixed up its play schemes that confused the Wildcats’ defense. The Red Wolves were able to score on a 17-yard pass from quarterback Layne Hatcher to wide receiver Jonathan Adams Jr. with 38 seconds left in the game.
This created serious damage in the Wildcats’ plans to a postseason bowl game with their limited schedule. This also slows the development of their team to compete in the Big 12. It will be unlucky that the Wildcats compete for the playoff unless they win out.
Losing in this non-conference game does not damage their chances of competing for a Big 12 title but there are serious doubts.