{
  "id": 5889829,
  "title": "Avery Johnson and Kansas State trounce Nicholls 71-3 to open the Collin Klein era in style",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/avery-johnson-and-kansas-state-trounce-nicholls-71-3-to-open-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T02:15:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/09/05/avery-johnson-and-kansas-state-trounce-nicholls-71-3-to-open-the-collin-klein-era-in-style"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manhattan, Kansas (AP) — In a commanding display, Kansas State handily defeated Nicholls 71-3 on a hot Saturday night, marking the beginning of the Collin Klein era. Quarterback Avery Johnson was a standout, completing 199 yards and scoring four touchdowns in less than a half. Running back Rodney Fields Jr. added 101 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Johnson's 49th career touchdown pass tied him with Will Howard for the school record. Fields' touchdown run set the tone early, and Brandon White capitalized on the sweltering conditions with a 65-yard punt return. Freshman Jay Harris, Monterrio Elston Jr., and Jacob Knuth each contributed with touchdown runs. Nicholls, fresh from a lopsided win over Mississippi Valley State, struggled against the dominant Wildcats, amassing only 122 yards of offense. Kansas State, returning a lot of the style of the Snyder era, faces a new challenge against a conference rival in their next game.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Kansas State defeats Nicholls 71-3, opening Collin Klein era.",
    "Quarterback Avery Johnson throws 4 TD passes, 199 yards.",
    "Running back Rodney Fields Jr. rushes for 101 yards and TD."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}