MANHATTAN, Kan. — In an impressive performance, DJ Giddens rushed for 143 yards on 15 carries and secured two touchdowns, helping Kansas State to a 41-15 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday night.

With this win, Kansas State improved its record to 8-3 overall and 5-3 within the Big 12, breaking a two-game losing streak.

Cincinnati, on the other hand, suffered its fourth consecutive loss, dropping to 5-6 and 3-5 in the Big 12. The Bearcats now need to secure a home victory against TCU next Saturday to become bowl eligible.

Quarterback Avery Johnson completed 13 of 23 passes for 147 yards, resulting in two touchdowns for Kansas State. Brendan Sorsby had a solid outing for Cincinnati, connecting on 21 of 39 attempts for 200 yards and also throwing two touchdown passes.

Facing a 24-point deficit, Cincinnati managed to get on the board with a 9-yard touchdown pass from Sorsby to Tony Johnson late in the third quarter, although a two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Giddens quickly responded with his second rushing touchdown, increasing K-State’s lead again.

Johnson added to the score with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Will Swanson, which pushed Kansas State’s lead to 41-9. Sorsby then found Johnson again, this time for a 6-yard touchdown that concluded the scoring for the Bearcats.

Kansas State took an early lead on its first possession when Johnson capped a five-play, 65-yard drive with a 21-yard touchdown run. Following some solid drives, the Wildcats extended their lead to 10-0 thanks to a Chris Tennant 28-yard field goal, later followed by a 32-yarder to make it 13-0.

The Bearcats’ defense faltered when they were stopped on a 4th-and-8 play at the Kansas State 33-yard line. Giddens seized the opportunity, spinning past a defender at the line of scrimmage and sprinting 32 yards for a touchdown, enhancing the Wildcats’ advantage to 20-0.

Cincinnati finally got points on the board with a Nathan Hawks 42-yard field goal as the first half drew to a close. Shortly after, a critical interception by Brendan Mott at the Cincinnati 22-yard line set up a 6-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Tre Spivey, leading Kansas State to a commanding 27-3 halftime score.

**Key Insights**

Cincinnati struggled in critical moments, converting only 3 out of 12 third-down attempts and failing on all five fourth-down attempts.

In contrast, Kansas State’s dominating scoreline might suggest a one-sided game, but they only out-gained Cincinnati by a mere 54 total yards, indicating a more balanced contest.

**Looking Ahead**

Both teams are in preparation for their final regular season games on November 30. Cincinnati will host TCU, while Kansas State heads to Iowa State for their match.