QB Avery Johnson Cannot Lead Kansas State Past Iowa State in Dublin in Shocking Turn of Events

The rain couldn’t dampen the electricity at Aviva Stadium, but it couldn’t save Kansas State either in a game that had everything. Fumbles, fourth-down gambles, and clutch throws under pressure for quarterback Avery Johnson delivered a performance that deserved a better ending than the 24-21 loss his Wildcats suffered to No. 22 Iowa State in Dublin.

Avery Johnson’s Masterful Display Under Pressure

Walking into this international showcase as the field general for No. 17 Kansas State, Avery Johnson carried the weight of expectations on his shoulders. The junior quarterback from Philadelphia exceeded those expectations.  Still, he spectacularly exceeded them, throwing for 273 yards and two touchdowns while adding a crucial 10-yard rushing score that tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter.

Johnson’s poise in the pocket was nothing short of remarkable. With 6:23 remaining and his team trailing by 10 points, he delivered the throw of the game. A perfectly placed 65-yard bomb to Jerand Bradley that cut Iowa State’s lead to just three points. The pass showcased Johnson’s ability to read defenses and deliver strikes when his team needed them most.

“That’s the thing, regardless of the outcome, we have 11 games to play,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said after watching his quarterback put together a satisfactory performance.  “We have our back against the wall, but now we’ve got to reset and regroup.”

The Numbers Tell Johnson’s Story

The statistical line speaks volumes about Johnson’s impact on this contest. His 273 passing yards came on efficient decision-making, and his two touchdown passes demonstrated his ability to find receivers in tight coverage. The 37-yard scoring strike to Jayce Brown in the fourth quarter was a thing of beauty.

Johnson scanned the field before finding Brown wide open after a stutter-step move that left an Iowa State defender going the wrong direction. But numbers only tell part of the story. Johnson’s leadership was evident throughout the contest, particularly during Kansas State’s aggressive fourth-down attempts.

 When the Wildcats elected to go for it on fourth-and-1 from just shy of their own 30-yard line with 8:19 remaining, Johnson took the hit from Iowa State’s Jamison Patton and came up just short—a play that ultimately shifted momentum in the Cyclones’ favor.

Fourth Quarter Heroics That Nearly Stole the Show

After Iowa State had seemingly taken control with a 24-14 lead, Avery Johnson proved why he’s considered one of the Big 12’s most dangerous quarterbacks. His connection with Bradley on that 65-yard touchdown pass wasn’t just a spectacular throw. It was a statement that Kansas State wouldn’t go quietly into the Dublin night. The play call was perfect, the execution flawless.

Johnson stepped up in the pocket, surveyed the field with the composure of a veteran, and delivered a strike that had Wildcat fans believing in miracles. Bradley, running a post route, found himself in single coverage, and Johnson didn’t hesitate, launching a perfect spiral that traveled 65 yards through the Irish air.

The Defense That Couldn’t Quite Hold

While Avery Johnson was putting together a virtuoso performance on offense, the Kansas State defense struggled to contain Iowa State’s balanced attack. The Wildcats allowed crucial fourth-down conversions, including the game-sealing 15-yard completion to Carson Hansen with 2:26 remaining.

Avery Johnson and his offense never got the ball back after cutting the deficit to three points. A cruel twist of fate for a quarterback who had just engineered one of the most spectacular comeback attempts in recent memory.

Looking Ahead After Dublin Disappointment

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Avery Johnson’s performance in Dublin should give Kansas State fans plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the 2025 season. His ability to perform under pressure, make clutch throws, and lead his team back from a two-score deficit demonstrates the kind of quarterback play that wins championships.

The defeat stings, particularly given how close Johnson brought his team to pulling off what would have been a stunning comeback victory on the international stage. But championship seasons aren’t defined by opening losses. They’re built on the foundation of performances like the one Johnson delivered in Dublin.

Final Thoughts

As Kansas State prepares to host North Dakota on August 30, they do so knowing their quarterback has already proven he can rise to the most significant occasions. Avery Johnson may have left Dublin with a loss, but he also went with the knowledge that he belongs among the elite quarterbacks in college football.

The Irish rain may have made conditions difficult, but it couldn’t wash away what was undoubtedly one of the finest individual performances in Kansas State’s recent history. For Johnson and the Wildcats, sometimes the best victories come in defeat, and this performance will be remembered long after the scoreboard is forgotten.