By Jayson Henderson

Kansas State saw a 13-7 halftime lead slip away in a 24-21 loss to Army on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

The Wildcats ran just four plays in the second half before their final drive, holding the ball for less than four minutes after halftime. Army’s option attack produced three long scoring drives, including the game-winning touchdown by quarterback Cale Hellums with 2:52 remaining.

K-State’s highlight came on Bryce Noernberg’s 99-yard kickoff return that briefly put the Wildcats ahead 21-14 in the third quarter. Avery Johnson finished 15-of-25 for 172 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Army outrushed K-State 237-75, controlled possession for over 40 minutes, and ran 82 plays to the Wildcats’ 43.

K-State drops to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Big 12 play. The Wildcats travel to Arizona next Friday looking to rebound.