dailysentinel
On Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. EST, TCU will welcome Kansas State to Fort Worth for a Big 12 clash between two teams with identical 4-5 records. The Horned Frogs opened as 9.5-point favorites, and the game will be televised on ESPNU.
Against the spread, TCU holds a 4-4-1 record, while Kansas State is 3-5-1. Both programs are eager to return to winning ways after suffering defeats in their most recent outings.
Key Analysis
TCU's offense has been inconsistent, averaging 378.3 total yards per game (73rd in FBS). The passing game has been a strength, ranking 24th nationally at 271.0 yards per game, but the rushing attack lags significantly at 107.3 yards per game (128th). Scoring has also been a struggle, with the Horned Frogs putting up just 23.8 points per game (100th). However, TCU's defense has been stellar, allowing only 304.7 yards per game (22nd) and a mere 15.8 points per game (12th). The unit also ranks 23rd in third-down conversion defense, holding opponents to a 31.8% success rate.
Kansas State presents a more balanced offensive profile, averaging 415.6 yards per game (41st). The Wildcats lean heavily on their rushing attack, which ranks 26th at 196.8 yards per game, while the passing game sits at 218.8 yards per game (82nd). Scoring-wise, Kansas State puts up 31.3 points per game (47th). Defensively, the Wildcats allow 345.4 yards per game (53rd) and 26.8 points per game (89th). Their pass defense is a notable strength, ranking 15th nationally at 173.0 yards per game, but the run defense is vulnerable, surrendering 172.4 yards per game (102nd). Kansas State also excels in time of possession, ranking 15th with an average of 32:31.
Discipline could play a role, as TCU averages 66.2 penalty yards per game (113th), while Kansas State is far more disciplined at 39.0 per game (10th). In the red zone, TCU's offense has struggled, scoring on only 76.5% of trips (121st), while Kansas State's red zone defense ranks 50th at 81.8%.
Players to Watch
TCU quarterback Jaden Craig has thrown for 2,439 yards with 12 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, completing 65.5% of his passes. Running back Jeremy Payne leads the ground game with 429 yards on 88 carries and 2 scores. Receiver Kari Ashley has been the top target, hauling in 52 catches for 655 yards and 4 touchdowns.
For Kansas State, quarterback Avery Johnson has passed for 1,301 yards with 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, completing 63.1% of his attempts. Running back Rodney Fields Jr. has rushed for 574 yards on 113 carries and 6 touchdowns. Receiver Jaron Tibbs leads the team with 421 yards on 45 catches and 4 scores.
Last Time Out
TCU is coming off a narrow 29-28 loss to Arizona on Nov. 6. Craig completed 28 of 41 passes for 232 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and he added two rushing touchdowns on nine carries for 12 yards. Amante Martin contributed 35 rushing yards on eight carries and caught two passes for 18 yards. Ashley had a big day with 14 receptions for 95 yards.
Kansas State, meanwhile, was routed 66-28 by Oklahoma State on Nov. 7. Blake Barnett struggled, completing 7 of 17 passes for 106 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, while also rushing 10 times for 23 yards. Fields ran for 87 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown, and Derrick Salley Jr. caught three passes for 100 yards and two scores.
Up Next
Following this matchup, TCU will host No. 2 Utah on Nov. 21, while Kansas State will welcome No. 22 Arizona on the same day.
Originally reported by dailysentinel.