State vs Arizona: Arizona Wildcats beat Kansas State 23-17 behind Noah Fifita’s two rushing touchdowns and Ismail Mahdi’s 189 yard performance. Read full Kansas State vs Arizona game recap, stats, previews, and what this means for Arizona Football and K State Football. (Arizona vs Kansas State, Noah Fifita)
Background Context
The matchup between Kansas State Football (K-State) and the Arizona Wildcats Football program carried extra weight in 2025. Arizona has joined the Big 12, bringing renewed rivalries and fresh intensity to nonconference and now conference scheduling. Kansas State, traditionally a Big 12 powerhouse, was expected to assert dominance, particularly given their strong history, depth, and experience.
Arizona, under coach Brent Brennan, entered the season looking to prove it can hang with the best in its new conference alignment. Noah Fifita, the junior quarterback, has been under a microscope — his dual-threat ability (throwing and running) being essential for Arizona’s offense to balance itself out. Meanwhile, Kansas State under Chris Klieman has had early-season challenges with offensive consistency and execution, particularly in nonconference games.
This Kansas State vs Arizona game was their final nonconference test before both teams shift into full Big 12 play. A win for Arizona meant not only improving to 3-0 for the first time since 2015, but also proving its mettle in pace, depth, and situational football. For Kansas State, this was about salvaging momentum, protecting their reputation, and avoiding a tough start that could put pressure on conference goals and bowl eligibility.
Game Recap: Arizona vs Kansas State (23-17)
The Bottom Line
- Final Score: Arizona Wildcats 23, Kansas State Wildcats 17
- Arizona improves to 3-0, their best start in nearly a decade.
- Kansas State drops to 1-3, struggling with offensive production and unable to finish key moments.
Key Players & Performance Highlights
| Player | Team | Key Stats / What They Did |
|---|---|---|
| Noah Fifita (QB) | Arizona | Ran for two touchdowns, one from 15 yards and another 2 yards. Threw for 178 passing yards on 16/33 attempts. Showed dual threat capability. |
| Ismail Mahdi (RB) | Arizona | Rushed for 189 yards, one of the best performances of the season. Provided most of Arizona’s ground game strength. |
| Arizona Defense | Arizona | Held Kansas State to 193 total yards, which is very low vs. a Power-Conference opponent. Forcing turnovers on downs, key fourth-down stops late. |
| Michael Salgado-Medina (Kicker / Punter) | Arizona | Made some field goals (31 and 41 yards) to preserve lead; missed a longer attempt (46 yards) late which would have given more breathing room. Also involved in special teams miscues. |
| Avery Johnson (QB) | Kansas State | Completed only 13/29 passes for 88 yards, no passing touchdowns. Struggled vs Arizona’s defense. |
| Kansas State Offense / Special Teams | K State | Managed a big play: a 75-yard touchdown run by Jayce Brown; also got a touchdown after a blocked punt. But overall, couldn’t sustain drives. Offensive line struggled. |
Critical Moments & Turning Points
- Strong First Half by Arizona: Fifita’s first TD (15-yard scramble) and Mahdi’s run game put the Wildcats up big early.
- Kansas State Rally: In the third quarter, the Wildcats from Kansas State tied the game at 17 with two big plays — a 75-yard run by Jayce Brown and a touchdown after blocked punt.
- Fourth Quarter Defensive Resilience: Arizona’s defense, after being pressured, held firm in key moments: forcing turnovers on downs and resisting Kansas State’s drives. The late field goal by Arizona and missed chance by Kansas State sealed the game.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Tactical & Statistical Analysis
Offense: Wildcat Balance (Arizona) vs. K State Disruption
- Arizona balanced its offense: ground game with Mahdi was dominant; Fifita utilized both his arm and legs. Holding penalties were a problem, and passing game efficiency could improve, but explosive plays kept them ahead.
- Kansas State could generate occasional big plays but was mostly stifled by Arizona’s defensive schemes. Their passing game, particularly, was held in check. Offensive line issues showed up in run blocking as well.
Defense & Special Teams: What Won It for Arizona
- The Arizona defense deserves credit: restricting total yards (193) for K State, which is unusually low for them. Holding on third/fourth down, forcing stops late.
- Special teams were mixed. K State benefited from a blocked punt and a muffed punt return by Arizona which gave K State shorter field. But Arizona’s punter/kicker made critical field goals to maintain their lead.
Errors, Missed Opportunities & Areas to Improve
- Arizona’s penalties hurt in timing and drive momentum. Holding calls and a few miscues limited what could have been a more comfortable win.
- Missed field goals: The late 46-yard attempt missed, which could’ve put the game more out of reach.
- Kansas State needs to clean up offensive sluggishness, especially in the passing game, and improve conversion on third/fourth downs.
Avery Johnson did it all in No. 14 Kansas State’s 31-7 win against No. 20 Arizona 🔥@KStateFB pic.twitter.com/vMXrIR75iC
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 14, 2024
Broader Implications: What This Means
For Arizona Football
- 3-0 Start: First time since 2015 Arizona has opened at 3-0. Momentum boost.
- Big 12 Outlook: With the Big 12 era underway, this win signals that Arizona can compete with established Power 5 programs. Coaching (especially on defense) and player development (like Fifita, Mahdi) are visibly progressing.
- Noah Fifita’s Growth: He shows more trust in using his legs, with two rushing touchdowns. Passing still an area for refinement, but this game adds credence to his dual threat as a QB in Arizona’s scheme.
For Kansas State Football
- Early season worries: At 1-3, K State finds itself under pressure. Losses in nonconference can ripple, especially with Big 12 scheduling ahead.
- Offensive and Line Concerns: Pass protection, run blocking need improvement. Avery Johnson’s dual threat ability is undermined if the line can’t open lanes or if pass rush gets home too easily.
- Recruiting the mental toughness: Overcoming setbacks, responding to adversity—these are lessons for a team aiming for consistent Big 12 competitiveness.
Three Bold Observations / Takeaways
- Arizona’s Running Game Is Back – Ismail Mahdi’s 189 yards rushing underscores a restored emphasis on ground attack, which opens up play action and balances the offense.
- Fifita as a Dual Threat QB – Though his passing was modest (178 yards), his two rushing touchdowns and ability to maneuver when plays break down adds layers to Arizona’s offense that K State struggled to defend.
- Defense Wins Tight Games – The Wildcats’ ability to force turnovers on downs, fourth-down stops, and limit explosive plays (except for that one 75-yard run) made the difference. Arizona’s defensive front and secondary stiffened when it mattered.