Avery Johnson threw for two touchdowns and rushed for one more in No. 25 Kansas State’s 28-19 win over No. 18 NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Thursday night.
Johnson and the Wildcats led from start to finish after throwing a 37-yard scoring heave to DJ Giddens with 12:35 left in the first quarter.
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From there Kansas State got out to a lead as large as 21-7 before entering halftime ahead 21-10.
The Wildcats held the Wolfpack to 176 second-half yards and nine points, which came following a 49-yard field goal kicked by Brayden Narveson and a 60-yard touchdown run by Trent Pennix. NC State’s two-point conversion attempt after the score failed.
Kansas State rushed for 258 yards, fourth-most in a game this season by the Wildcats. Giddens had 152 rushing yards and a touchdown.
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Johnson finished with 178 passing yards on 45% completion. He connected with six receivers, including Jayce Brown and Giddens on touchdowns through the air.
NC State quarterback Brennan Armstrong went 14-of-28 for 164 yards and an interception. He also had a team-high 121 rushing yards.
