Kansas State’s Avery Johnson sensed a few months ago that running back DJ Giddens would consistently tire out opponents.
Giddens has confirmed Johnson’s prediction. The junior has rushed for at least 182 yards in his last two games and currently ranks fourth in the nation with 786 rushing yards.
Last year, Giddens ran for 1,226 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, but he only received honorable mention on the all-Big 12 team due to the strong competition from other running backs.
He averaged 83 yards over nine games and then ended the season with four consecutive 100-yard performances, marking the third-best sophomore season in school history, behind only Darren Sproles and Deuce Vaughn.
Giddens hasn’t slowed down in 2024 and is competing with Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks, and UCF’s RJ Harvey for the Big 12 rushing title.
“I tried to warn everybody before the season started. I told you he’s a different animal,” Johnson said. “He’s doing it week in and week out. The guy’s special, man.”
Thanks to Giddens, No. 17 Kansas State (5-1, 2-1 Big 12) ranks eighth in the Bowl Subdivision with 241 rushing yards per game, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. The Wildcats have a chance to achieve their best season start in 10 years with a win on the road against West Virginia on Saturday night.
The Mountaineers (3-3, 2-1) have lost twice at home this season and have not beaten a ranked opponent in their last eight tries, including three such games this season.
