Kansas State Wildcats Resume Big 12 Play on Saturday
By Eddie Grier
The Kansas State Wildcats sit at the top of the Big 12 standings tied with four other teams. The Wildcats are heading into Saturday night’s important matchup with the Texas Tech Red Raiders hoping to jump to 2-0 in the conference.
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Even from the Iowa State game a few weeks ago, every game from this point forward is just as big. K-State’s first test was on the road where the Cats did not play well until they fell behind. K-State then turned it around in the second half of the ball game to win.
Since then, Kansas State has really played great and should be undefeated, but unfortunately they couldn’t limit their mistakes against Auburn.
K-State does have a lot of momentum coming into their second Big 12 game against a team who may or may not have their starting quarterback for this game. The defense has absolutely been flying around and limiting the yards on the ground against recent opponents. Saturday is a big game with Oklahoma in a few weeks, K-State would like to keep the mojo going.
K-State Offensive Preview
Key Matchup – K-State’s ground game vs. Texas Tech Defense
KSU got back on track running the football last week against UTEP and now turns around to face a defense that so far this season giving up average wise 262 yards per game.
Charles Jones leads the Big 12 with 8 rushing touchdowns and is poised to have a big game against Texas Tech. Last year running back Jon Hubert ran through the Red Raiders for over 170 yards in Lubbock. Jake Waters also reached the end zone in that game too.
The Cats, who will be playing in Manhattan on Saturday, are going to be inching at the bit for the same kind of success.
K-State Defense Preview
Key Matchup – Texas Tech QB’s vs. Kansas State Defensive Front
With questions surrounding Texas Tech’s starting quarterback Davis Webb, the front line for the Wildcats could have a big game. Webb was injured last week against Oklahoma State and is questionable for this game.
Last year’s matchup saw Ryan Mueller get 3 sacks. The front set the tone in that game, which Davis Webb started the game and struggled against the pressure. Being at home will amp up Mueller, Travis Britz, Marquel Bryant, and Elijah Lee, who should be able to do big things in this game. These guys need to have good games in other to slow down the passing attack from Texas Tech.
Final Say
A night game in Manhattan with the home crowd and momentum should carry this team to be successful. The first 15 minutes will be the key in setting the tone. This will be a tough game and could go badly if KSU doesn’t set the tone early and shut Texas Tech down.
If K-State plays like they did last week, watch out. Things could get ugly for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.