The Kansas State football team wrapped up its ninth win of the season with a victory in the Pop-Tarts Bowl beating #19 NC State 28-19 in Orlando, Fla. on Thursday. Freshman quarterback Avery Johnson was named the game’s MVP after gaining 249 total yards. The Wildcats led 21-10 at the half, but NC State got back into the game thanks to a 60-yard touchdown run by Trent Pennix on a fake punt in the third quarter. The Wildcats took their second to last possession with over 10 minutes to go and went on a clock-chewing 15-play 72-yard drive that took nearly seven and a half minutes off the clock ending with a Jayce Brown touchdown reception with less than three minutes to go. A Jacob Parrish interception ended any NC State hopes of a comeback. Head coach Chris Klieman said it was a great way to cap 2023 and also a great preview for 2024.
Johnson looked back on his first collegiate season after the game.
The Wildcats end the year 9-4 with their second bowl win in the last three seasons.
