Top QB was asked about his focus on improving Kansas State’s offense before their road game against BYU. His answer likely remains the same after K-State’s 38-9 loss to the Cougars, where Johnson threw two interceptions and finished with just 130 passing yards.
“The biggest thing is just getting on the same page as those wide receivers,” he said. “We have a lot of decision routes and option routes where those guys have the freedom to make choices.
“So, it’s crucial for us to ensure we’re all on the same page and at the right depths so I can trust that, hey, this guy’s going to be in the right spot, and I can put the ball where it needs to be based on what I practiced all week. I want to make sure a guy can make a play on it.
“For me, it’s about refining my footwork in the pocket and being able to make the throws I executed in practice. I want to show that on film.” Johnson and the Wildcats need to find a way to revitalize their passing attack.
So far, the statistics haven’t been favorable. Johnson, a sophomore, has completed 61.1% of his passes for 620 yards and six touchdowns, but he has also thrown three costly interceptions.
The receivers have also had a slow start, with Jayce Brown leading the team with 13 catches for 199 yards and Keagan Johnson following with 10 catches for 109 yards. No other receiver on the roster has surpassed 50 yards. Notably, all of Johnson’s touchdown passes have gone to tight ends and running backs.
The Wildcats have struggled so much with their passing game that they are averaging more yards per rush (6.5) than per pass (6.4), which is uncommon and not seen with any other Big 12 team. Unsurprisingly, K-State ranks last in the conference for both passing yards per play and per game.
Addressing this issue is also a priority for head coach Chris Klieman, who believes a collective team effort is necessary to make improvements.
“It can’t just be Avery,” Klieman said. “We need to perform better as a team. We have to improve in complementary football, enhancing the offense around him while also stepping up on defense to support him.”
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