Cincinnati ran for 271 yards and three touchdowns to defeat Kansas State 31-26 in both teams’ Big 12 opener at Nippert Stadium. The Bearcats scored twice in under three minutes in the third quarter, building a lead the Wildcats could not erase.
Kansas State narrowed the deficit to five on Rodney Fields’ 2-yard touchdown run with 1:15 left, but failed to convert a two-point attempt. Cincinnati recovered the ensuing onside kick and later punted; a holding penalty erased a 27-yard completion on Kansas State’s final possession, with a 10-second runoff leaving time for only an unsuccessful pass-and-lateral play.
Kansas State outgained Cincinnati 447-436 but was outrushed 271-155. Avery Johnson completed 30 of 50 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown, while Derrick Salley had 140 receiving yards on seven catches. Kansas State has a bye next, then hosts Houston in two weeks.
