Texas vs. Kansas State: 3 bold predictions

The Texas Longhorns have gained momentum over the last several weeks. Does Kansas State have what it takes to play spoiler?

Texas football hosts Kansas State this Saturday in a game that will have major implications when it comes to the Big 12 conference standings. Texas enters the matchup with just one loss to the Oklahoma Sooners earlier in the year.

Kansas State football comes in with two losses and the ability to level the playing field with Texas in the race to a conference championship. Kansas State feels like a team being overlooked in this regard, overshadowed by Oklahoma and Texas. However, they are still very much alive in the race for a conference championship. It will require a victory in this matchup. Here are a few bold predictions I have for Saturday.

1. There will be under 40 points scored in this game.

In a typical Big 12 matchup, it is not uncommon to see 80-90 points scored. It is a conference that is known for shootouts and not necessarily hard-nosed defense.

This matchup may be a little different as it features the top two rush defenses in the conference. It will likely be difficult for either team to run the ball.

This becomes particularly concerning this week as Quinn Ewers is likely out again and Maalik Murphy will be running the show at quarterback for Texas football. He played well last week against BYU, but it should be much more difficult to run the ball against K-State, allowing the defense to stack the box and make Murphy beat them.

On the other side, the running game is a huge part of the identity of this Kansas State team. Not being able to run the ball will make it really difficult on this offense in a hostile environment where the receiving core may struggle to get open against this Texas secondary. This game may come down to whichever team can make their opponent pay in the passing game.