Five things to know as Kansas State Wildcats look to stay hot against Texas Tech
The Kansas State football team will try to continue its hot streak when it returns to action at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Chris Klieman has led the Wildcats to wins in three of their past four games. They are playing so well at the moment that things like bowl eligibility and a high finish in the Big 12 standings suddenly feel within reach, despite a 1-3 start.
But it won’t be easy for K-State to continue its winning ways. Up next is perhaps the strongest opponent on the schedule: Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have been favored to win the Big 12 all season, and they have looked like a juggernaut in some games. All seven of their wins have come by at least 24 points.
Can K-State pull off an upset that disrupts the Big 12 championship race? Time will tell.
Here’s everything you need to know to start getting ready for Saturday’s game:
K-State vs. Texas Tech game details
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan
TV/Stream: FOX
Radio: KCSP (610 AM) in Kansas City, KFH (1240 AM and 97.5 FM) in Wichita
Betting line: Texas Tech by 7.5 with an O/U of 52.5
Five things to know before Saturday
1. It is rare for Kansas State to be this big of a home underdog. In fact, the oddsmakers haven’t given the Wildcats more than seven points at Bill Snyder Family Stadium since 2021, when Oklahoma was favored by 12 in Manhattan. This is a role that seems to suit this K-State team, though. K-State has been an underdog in each of its past three games, and it went 2-1 over that span. The only loss came by a single point at Baylor.
2. Behren Morton is expected to start at quarterback for Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have used both Will Hammond and Morton this season. But Morton is in line to lead the offense against K-State. Hammond reportedly suffered a season-ending injury last week. Morton is the usual starter, but he has been recovering from injuries. He has thrown for 1,501 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Third-string quarterback Mitch Griffis is next in line.
3. Texas Tech has found a new identity this season. This isn’t your older brother’s Texas Tech football team. Joey McGuire spent wisely during the offseason and he seriously upgraded the Red Raiders in the trenches. Instead of throwing the ball all over the field and trying to win shootouts, they are now flexing their muscles on defense. Texas Tech leads the Big 12 in sacks and fumbles forced. On offense, running back Cameron Dickey has rushed for 678 yards and nine touchdowns.
4. Avery Johnson has led Kansas State’s midseason turnaround. The junior quarterback has played well in four straight games. He might have been at his best over the weekend against Kansas when he threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 17 yards and two scores as a runner. He is leading an efficient offense at the moment.
5. K-State can get back in the Big 12 championship hunt with a win this week. A team with two conference losses has played in the Big 12 title game every year since 2020. The Wildcats hope to continue that streak as long as they continue winning. BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and Texas Tech are the teams to catch at the top of the league standings. K-State can pull even with Texas Tech with a win on Saturday.
This story was originally published October 27, 2025 at 9:55 AM with the headline "Five things to know as Kansas State Wildcats look to stay hot against Texas Tech."