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Texas (2-4) has had two weeks to bask in the glow of the win over Oklahoma, and now it’s time to show that it wasn’t a fluke. Kansas State (3-3) has had a few days to wallow in the pain of getting obliterated by Oklahoma 55-0, and now it’s time that show that it was a fluke. Check out the Texas vs. Kansas State prediction and game preview.

Texas vs. Kansas State Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
Game Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas
Network: FOX Sports 1

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Why You Need To Care

Is this when Kansas State can kickstart its season? Baylor is coming up in two weeks, and then that’s it for the big boys having already lost to Oklahoma State, TCU and Oklahoma. While an 0-5 Big 12 start might seem disastrous if the Wildcats lose this week, there’s still plenty of time to get to at least six wins – having Iowa State and Kansas on the slate helps – but beating Texas would be a big boost in a sinking year.

How good is Texas? Yeah, you are what your record is, and 2-4 is awful, but TCU and Oklahoma State are still unbeaten, and Notre Dame and Clemson both have one loss and lost to teams that are currently unbeaten. The Oklahoma win showed that the team really could play, and if that’s true, there’s no reason not to go on a great run with Iowa State and Kansas up next. With two weeks off to rest up and prepare, beating Kansas State is a must.

Why Kansas State Will Win

With the exception of turnover margin, Texas has the right formula for Kansas State. The Longhorns don’t keep the ball for long, holding it for just 25:45 a game because they’re miserable on third downs, they commit too many penalties, and they don’t have much of a passing offense. A running team that sets itself up for way too many third-and-longs? That’s right in K-State’s wheelhouse. Taking away last week’s debacle, the Wildcat offense scores, it just doesn’t do anything all that well. This is still a smart, sound team that isn’t going to beat itself with silly mistakes and can stop the run. This might be more of a battle than Longhorn fans might like.

Why Texas Will Win

There’s nothing tricky about the Kansas State offense that a Charlie Strong coaching staff can’t figure out with two weeks to prepare. There’s a little bit of a passing attack, but it’s not anything to get in a twist over. At best, it’ll crank up about 200 yards, and if things break down under pressure, like they did last week against Oklahoma, then it’s ugly at a whole other level. How bad was the offense? Joe Hubener completed 4-of-14 passes for 39 yards and two picks, backup Kody Cook completed 1-of-8 throws for six yards and a pick, and the ground game came up with just 65 yards. Texas has the front seven to dial up the pressure.

Player Who Matters

How is Malik Jefferson doing? The one true superstar in the Texas recruiting class had all the pressure in the world to come out and produce right away at a high level, and he’s doing just that. The hybrid linebacker is second on the team with 37 tackles, returned a fumble for a score against Rice, and has shown flashes of potential disruptive greatness with two sacks against Oklahoma. This week, it’s all about stopping the run for him – expect double-digit stops.

What’s Going To Happen?

Texas will keep it rolling. Kansas State will play far better, and Jerrod Heard and the Longhorn offense won’t be doing anything special, but the defense will control the game throughout on the way to a nice post-Oklahoma win.

Texas vs. Kansas State Prediction

Final Score: Texas 26, Kansas State 20, Line: Texas -7, o/u: 50.5

Must See Rating: 5: Bridge of Spies – 1: Rock The Kasbah … 3

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