Kansas State football must prove Oklahoma win wasn’t fluke vs. Texas Tech

Kansas State football looks to build off of its upset win against Oklahoma last week as it takes on the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Game one couldn’t have gone any worse for Kansas State football after they lost to Arkansas State 35-31 at home. They were able to rebound with an upset win over Oklahoma 38-35 to even out their record at 1-1.

Texas Tech’s season has been on shaky ground with two close games to start the season. Their season started with a win, but it was a 35-33 win over Houston Baptist that should have been a blowout win. Last week was almost an impressive win, but Texas came back from 15 down to beat the Red Raiders in overtime 63-56.

Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson has played well so far but hasn’t had much success running the ball which is a strength for him. Running back Deuce Vaughn hasn’t been dominant on the ground, but he does lead the team in rushing and receiving yards. The defense has a lot to be desired in the secondary, but injuries and COVID-19 cases have held multiple players back from playing.

The Red Raiders don’t have many complaints offensively with quarterback Alan Bowman racking up big yards. Texas Tech is also having success on the ground thanks to running back SaRodorick Thompson rushing for 222 yards and four touchdowns. While the offense must cut down on turnovers, the defense needs to create more turnovers and reduce points allowed.

Here’s everything you need to know for Saturday’s Texas Tech-Kansas State matchup:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Manhattan, Kan.
Venue: Bill Snyder Family Stadium
TV: FS1
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go

Keys To Victory

Kansas State’s offense needs to find a way to open up their running game. Deuce Vaughn has great ability with his speed and always is a threat for big-play potential. Quarterback Skylar Thompson only has 17 rushing yards in two games. The Wildcats need their top runners to step up and get the running game going early and often.

Defensively, the Wildcats need more out of their secondary to slow down Texas Tech’s secondary. What helped them against Oklahoma was picking Spencer Rattler three times in their win last week. Texas Tech quarterback Alan Bowman is prone to turnovers with four in two games this season. If Kansas State’s defense can create the same amount of turnovers as last week, they have a strong case to win this weekend.

The Red Raiders have no trouble putting points on the board. It’s turnovers that have put their defense in bad positions. Bowman must do a better job protecting the football and finding ways to throw the ball away. Turning more to running back SaRodorick Thompson more often could reduce that and help Texas Tech win the time of possession battle.

Texas Tech must figure out how to close games. Both games have seen them struggle to close out games and it almost cost them a potential upset to Houston Baptist. Slowing down a surprisingly strong Wildcats passing game could be their ticket to a first Big 12 win of the year.

Betting Odds

Odds courtesy of The Action Network

Point Spread: Kansas State -3.5
Over/Under: 64

Prediction

More than likely, fans will see two good offenses go back and forth for points. Texas Tech always has one of the best passing games in college football, but adding a good running game makes them scary. Kansas State has found some life to passing the ball which is odd for a team that is more known for running the ball.

The difference in this game will be turnovers. Texas Tech has struggled to protect the football and Kansas State’s defense created three big turnovers against the Sooners to earn their upset win. Both teams’ defenses will decide who comes out on top.

Expect a high-scoring game that could result in Kansas State winning the turnover battle against a high-powered Red Raiders offense.

Final Score: Kansas State 41, Texas Tech 37