(BCSNN) — Kansas State will look to steady its footing Saturday when the Wildcats host Army at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. CT. Both teams enter the matchup with something to prove after uneven starts to the 2025 season, and the quarterback duel between K-State’s Avery Johnson and Army’s Dewayne Coleman could be pivotal.

Coleman, Army’s redshirt senior quarterback, exited last week’s double-overtime loss to Tarleton State with an ankle injury in the final minute of regulation. Head coach Jeff Monken said he expects Coleman to play, calling him “a tough guy” and noting that he’s practiced in a limited capacity this week. Coleman rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries and threw for 129 yards with two interceptions before being replaced by backup Cale Hellums.

Johnson, meanwhile, has been the centerpiece of Kansas State’s offense through two games. The junior quarterback threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns in a narrow 38-35 win over North Dakota, following a solid but frustrating performance in a season-opening loss to Iowa State. Johnson has completed 67.1% of his passes for 591 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions, while adding 86 rushing yards and a score. His dual-threat ability remains the Wildcats’ most consistent weapon.

Army’s triple-option attack ranks 15th nationally in rushing yards per game (280.0), but the Black Knights have struggled in the red zone and with turnovers, posting a -3 margin and scoring on just 50% of red zone trips. Kansas State’s defense, which allowed 354 yards to FCS North Dakota, has been inconsistent but ranks 27th nationally in red zone defense. Linebackers Austin Romaine and Desmond Purnell will be tasked with maintaining eye discipline against Army’s deceptive ground game.

The coaching matchup features two seasoned leaders with contrasting trajectories. Chris Klieman, in his seventh season at Kansas State, is under pressure after a 1-1 start and a controversial fourth-down call in the Week 0 loss to Iowa State. His Wildcats were preseason Big 12 contenders but have yet to establish a reliable run game. Jeff Monken, now in his 12th year at Army, is coming off a historic 12-win season and The American Conference title, but his team’s loss to Tarleton State raised concerns about depth and execution.

Klieman's squad comes into this game as a 17-point favorite, but recent performances suggest a tighter contest. Army’s time-of-possession advantage (36:34 per game) and physicality could frustrate a Wildcats defense still searching for rhythm. If Coleman is fully healthy, his ability to extend drives and absorb contact could keep Army competitive deep into the second half.

K-State’s offensive balance, combined with Johnson’s poise should give the Wildcats an edge here, but Army’s ground game will test the Wildcats defensive discipline. Fans can expect a close first half before the deeper and better-conditioned Kansas State pulls away late.