K-State football survives a scare, beats FCS North Dakota in closing minutes

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - A win is a win.

The No. 17 K-State Wildcats hold on in its home opener and take down North Dakota, 38-35.

K-State trailed 21-17 at the half but exploded in the third quarter for 14 points to get back on top.

The Fighting Hawks would not go away, however, responding with two touchdowns on its own to go up 35-31.

K-State would get the ball back under two minutes and get to work with its backs against the wall.

The Wildcats would put together a 10-play, 81-yard drive capped off with an Avery Johnson touchdown pass to Joe Jackson.

North Dakota would have an opportunity to get into field goal range but would turn it over on downs, resulting in a Wildcats win.

"If you give teams life, they're going to stick around the whole time," K-State head coach Chris Klieman said. "You have to earn everything you have."

Avery Johnson finished the night with 318 passing yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning drive to find Jackson in the endzone.

"If we're going to play like this every week, we're not going to be the team we want to be," Johnson said. "It was way too close for comfort."

Johnson connected with Jackson, Jayce Brown, and Jaron Tibbs for scores. Brown had himself a night reeling in 12 catches for 109 yards and the score.

Jackson rushed for 55 yards on 11 carries.

The Wildcats' defense allowed 354 total yards of offense, but made the defensive stop in the final minute when needed for the win.

K-State will turn its attention to Week 2 and host Army (0-1) next Saturday. Kickoff set for 6 p.m.