Willie Fritz seems to have a knack for outsmarting Kansas State, having secured his second significant victory over the Wildcats in just three years. In a surprising turn of events during his inaugural season as coach of the Houston Cougars, Fritz’s team pulled off a 24-19 upset against No. 15-ranked K-State at TDECU Stadium in Houston.
Fritz’s previous triumph over K-State took place in 2022 while he was coaching Tulane, continuously showcasing his ability to disrupt K-State’s game plan. This latest matchup saw K-State struggling offensively, particularly in the running department, where they managed only 89 yards. Quarterback Avery Johnson faced challenges, throwing two critical interceptions in the fourth quarter—one of which led directly to a Houston touchdown.
While K-State outgained Houston in total offense—327 yards compared to Houston’s 232—the turnovers proved decisive, as K-State lost the battle 2-1. Avery Johnson completed 23 passes for 238 yards and connected with Keagan Johnson for a touchdown, while DJ Giddens contributed with a 51-yard rushing performance and a touchdown.
In a game marked by dramatic moments, Houston’s quarterback Zeon Chriss executed a flawless performance, completing all 11 of his passes, albeit for just 103 yards. Crucially, he turned a late opportunity into a 41-yard touchdown run, sealing the victory for Houston with only 2:31 remaining in the game.
Looking forward, K-State will take a break before returning to the field against Arizona State on November 16 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Subsequent games include a matchup against Cincinnati and a season-ender at Iowa State.
In summary, this latest defeat has certainly raised questions about K-State’s performance against Fritz-led teams. However, the Wildcats have the opportunity to regroup during their open week and focus on improving their offense in preparation for their upcoming games, fostering a sense of hope for a strong finish to their season.
Overall, it remains essential for K-State to analyze its recent performances, learn from mistakes, and approach the next matchups with a renewed determination as they look to rebound successfully.