K-State Wildcats vs. TCU Horned Frogs: Five things to know about Big 12 football game
Kansas State and TCU are teams heading in opposite directions.
The Wildcats (4-3, 1-3 Big 12) are coming off an important road victory against Texas Tech that gives them an opportunity to go on a winning streak if they take care of business as favorites in their next two games. The Horned Frogs (3-4, 1-3) have lost four of their past five games to fall below .500 after starting the season with high expectations.
Still, this figures to be a close game. The last three meetings between these teams were decided by a total of 15 points.
Here is everything you need to know to start preparing for TCU at Kansas State.
The details
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan
TV: ESPNU
Radio: KCSP 610 AM in Kansas City; KKGQ 92.3 FM in Wichita
Line: Kansas State by 3 1/2
Five things to know
1. Running the dang ball should be a priority for K-State. It came as a major surprise that the Wildcats could only muster 81 rushing yards against Texas Tech last week, considering the Red Raiders looked hapless defending the run in many of their previous games. K-State beat them through the air instead, with Skylar Thompson passing for 296 yards. The Wildcats will get another shot to establish their running game this week. TCU has allowed an average of 259 rushing yards over its past five games. The Horned Frogs are allowing 5.4 yards per rush.
2. Then again, passing could also be a priority for K-State. This has been an uncharacteristic year for Gary Patterson’s defense. Not only is TCU allowing tons of yards on the ground, it is also giving up lots of yards through the air. Five different teams have thrown for at least 245 yards against the Horned Frogs, with California and Oklahoma topping 300. Maybe Chris Klieman will let Thompson keep chucking the ball around the way he did in recent games against Texas Tech and Oklahoma.
3. Reinforcements on defense? Klieman said last week that he expected defensive end Bronson Massie to return from an injury in time to play against the Horned Frogs. He was thought to be questionable heading into last week’s game at Texas Tech, but he was unable to play. If he plays as expected this week, he will provide an instant boost to K-State’s defensive line.
4. Two-headed monster at running back. Stopping TCU running backs Zach Evans and Kendre Miller could be a challenge for K-State on defense. They have formed a terrific backfield duo for the Horned Frogs this season. Evans has rushed for 648 yards and five touchdowns. Miller has rushed for 411 yards and six touchdowns. They both average seven yards per rush.
5. Another date with Max Duggan. K-State fans are quite familiar with Duggan. The junior TCU quarterback will make his third start against the Wildcats this week. Duggan has lost both of his previous meetings against K-State. He has thrown for 1,593 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
This story was originally published October 25, 2021 at 1:23 PM with the headline "K-State Wildcats vs. TCU Horned Frogs: Five things to know about Big 12 football game."