The Kansas State Wildcats had a chance to build some momentum in the first year of the coach Collin Klein era.

Everything was set to happen in Saturday's game on the road against the Arizona State Sun Devils. And then quarterback Avery Johnson was ruled out just a few hours before the game.

Without Johnson, the Wildcats were defeated 28-17 by the Sun Devils. Kansas State fell to 4-3 overall and 1-3 in the Big 12 conference. The performance was disappointing considering they were coming off an impressive showing the previous week against the rival Kansas Jayhawks.

Senior Jacob Knuth started in place of Johnson, who has been the full-time starter for the last three seasons. Knuth wasn't the reason the Wildcats lost. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 194 yards. He also ran nine times for 19 yards and a touchdown.

That's all you can ask for of a backup who was thrown into the starting role at the last minute. The problem for the Wildcats was the running game and defense.

Kansas State finished with just 84 rushing on 32 carriers, an average of 2.6 yards per rush. Running back Joe Jackson, who was the star in the Kansas victory, had only 17 yards on nine carries. Last week he had 159 yards against the Jayhawks.

And then there was the Kansas State defense, especially against the run. Arizona State running back Cardae Mack had 26 carries for 159 yards and four touchdowns. The Wildcats' run defense has been suspect since Big 12 play began. It struggled in losses against the Cincinnati Bearcats and Houston Cougars as well.

So those two problem areas were the biggest reason for the defeat. After the game, Klein said he was unsure of when Johnson would return to the lineup. Despite being a late addition to the starting lineup, Knuth was strong in his debut. He is in his third season of being a backup quarterback since beginning his collegiate career playing for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

The Wildcats have little time to sulk after this deflating defeat. They return to action next week on the road against the Deion Sanders-led Colorado Buffaloes. At this point, their odds of earning a spot in the Big 12 conference title game are all about over. So it means another year of missing the College Football Playoff.

Still, the Wildcats can play with hopes of receiving a bid to a higher profile bowl game.

Source: Yahoo Sports