No. 17 Kansas State Wins 38-35 Over FCS North Dakota

Kansas State narrowly defeated FCS opponent North Dakota 38-35 with a last-minute touchdown pass from Avery Johnson to Joe Jackson, avoiding a historic 0-2 start to the season. The Wildcats overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit, with Johnson completing 28 of 43 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns, despite concerns about his throwing mechanics. North Dakota, under new coach Eric Schmidt, played a competitive game and nearly secured an upset, which would have been the seventh time an FCS team beat a ranked FBS opponent. Kansas State had to convert multiple fourth downs and showed resilience in a tightly contested game, with North Dakota leading 35-31 late before Johnson's decisive 81-yard drive. The game marked Kansas State’s home opener after a close loss to Iowa State in Dublin the previous week, and it was broadcast on ESPN+. The Wildcats may face poll consequences due to their shaky start but managed to escape with a win to keep their season hopes alive.