No. 20 Arizona visits No. 14 Kansas State for non-conference showdown of new Big 12 rivals

No. 20 Arizona (2-0) at No. 14 Kansas State (2-0), Friday, 8 p.m. ET (FOX)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Kansas State by 7.

Series record: Arizona leads 5-1-1.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

The new Big 12 rivals are meeting for the first time since Sept. 9, 1978, when Arizona beat Kansas State 31-0 in Tucson. The game is not considered a conference matchup for purposes of the Big 12 standings because it was agreed to before Arizona left the Pac-12 for its new home. Nevertheless, it is an important game for two teams harboring College Football Playoff aspirations as they try to make statement nationally. Arizona is beginning a tough stretch with a trip to No. 12 Utah up next, while Kansas State is coming off a tough road win over Tulane.

KEY MATCHUP

Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan vs. the Kansas State pass defense, which was shredded by Tulane freshman Darian Mensah to the tune of 342 yards passing and two touchdowns last week. McMillan had 10 catches for 304 yards and four touchdowns in Arizona's opener against New Mexico but had two catches for 11 yards in last week's ragged 22-10 win over Northern Arizona.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arizona: RB Quali Conley is averaging 7 1/2 yards per carry through two games. The transfer from San Jose State, by way of Dixie State and Utah Tech, needed just 10 carries to gain 90 yards and score three TDs against New Mexico. He ran 17 times for 112 yards last week against Northern Arizona.

Kansas State: QB Avery Johnson has yet to look comfortable leading the offense since the sophomore took over the starting job this season. He still threw for 181 yards and two TDs while running for 40 yards last week against Tulane, but those who thought he could have a Heisman Trophy-like season are still waiting for a breakout performance.

FACTS & FIGURES

Brent Brennan is the first Arizona coach to win his first two game since Rich Rodriguez in 2012. ... Arizona has won nine straight games dating to last October, the longest active streak in the Bowl Subdivision. It matches the school record set from 1997-98. ... Arizona is averaging 39.3 points during its nine-game win streak. ... Arizona QB Noah Fifita has thrown at least two TD passes in seven straight games dating to last season. ... Kansas State RB D.J. Gidden has six straight 100-yard rushing games, the third-longest streak in school history. ... The Wildcats had five sacks last week against Tulane, their most since recording six at Texas Tech in 2022. ... Kansas State has scored at least 28 points in 10 consecutive games. ... FS Jack Fabris had a 60-yard fumble return for a TD against the Green Wave. It was the longest for the Wildcats since Stephen Harrison returned one 85 yards ag Kansas in 2010. ... Wildcats DE Austin Romaine had eight tackles, two sacks and forced a fumble against Tulane.

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The Associated Press