Texas Football vs Kansas State: Week 8 Schedule, Preview, and Prediction
By Tyler Brett
Texas football is on the road again in Week 8. This time, the Longhorns (3-3, 1-2) head to Manhattan to take on Kansas State (3-3, 1-2) in a must-win game for both programs. Texas is 0-3 this season away from DKR but need this win to keep their season from going off the rails.
Where to Watch
Saturday, October 22, 11:00 AM CT, ESPN2
What to Watch For
Texas finally got off their losing streak last week, winning 26-7 over Iowa State. However, the Horns are still looking for their first road win of the season. In games at Cal, at Oklahoma State, and on a neutral field against Oklahoma, Texas has not looked sharp. Communication issues or general confusion have made these games tough to watch and resulted in their 0-3 record away from home.
They will not get an easy W in this one, though. Kansas State is a well-coached program under Bill Snyder who is going to play everyone tough, particularly when they’re at home. This season, K-State has averaged 47.3 points per game at home (compared to 15.3 on the road), which included a 44-38 shootout win over Texas Tech two weeks ago. While they currently rank last in the Big 12 in total offense, this is a different team at home and they will test the Texas defense.
More from Texas Football
- Texas Football: Quinn Ewers joins 7-Eleven Cleat Crew for charity event
- Texas Football: 4-Star A&M OT commit officially visiting for KU game
- How to watch Texas football vs. Baylor: TV, stream, game time
- Texas Football: Predicting each remaining 5-Star commit for Horns this fall
- Texas Football: Top 5 defenders during nonconference play
A major key in this game will be the health of Jesse Ertz. The junior quarterback left last week’s loss against Oklahoma with a shoulder injury but has been cleared to return to the starting lineup. However, there’s no telling how limited Ertz will be by his shoulder. In six games, Ertz has thrown for 756 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions.
While the Kansas State offense has lacked pop, their defense has been outstanding so far this season. They are currently the No. 2 defense in the Big 12 and the No. 4 defense in the nation against the run. They are allowing opponents just 90.3 yards per game on the ground. That’s after facing excellent rushing teams like Stanford and Oklahoma. This defense is legit.
The last time Texas visited Kansas State, they got dominated 23-0 by the then-No. 11 Wildcats. Charlie Strong is just 5-11 away from home at Texas and their road woes have really hindered this program. Getting over that hump against a tough Kansas State team would be a great step towards building lasting success.
Keys to the Victory
- Maintain Defensive Momentum – Last week, the Texas defense finally looked like a competent unit. They limited the Cyclones to just 280 yards of total offense, including 98 yards rushing and just 6-of-19 on third down conversions. Kansas State doesn’t have an explosive offense like Cal, Oklahoma State, or Oklahoma so it should give this defense another week to build some confidence. However, they must play disciplined or the Wildcats will ground them into the dirt.
- Get the Running Game Going – Texas has lived off their rushing attack, led by the Big 12’s best running back, D’Onta Foreman. He is No. 2 in FBS for rushing this season and has run for 100 yards or more in seven straight games, the longest active streak in college football. Maintaining that streak will be key to beating the Wildcats. When Kansas State has allowed at least 100 yards rushing in a game, they are 0-3 on the year. If the Horns can get Foreman rolling, they stand a very good chance in this game.
- Turnovers – Texas has not been great this season at consistently creating turnovers. They currently rank No. 8 in the Big 12 in turnover margin at -3 and in turnovers gained (6). Kansas State meanwhile ranks No. 1 in the conference with a +7 turnover margin and has generated 11 turnovers this season, including six interceptions. Protecting the football will be a major key in this game.
Prediction
Texas has positive momentum after their strong defensive showing last week. They should be able to continue that play against a limited Kansas State offense. That should allow the Longhorn offense to stay patient with the running game and find Foreman room to take this game over.
Texas 27, Kansas State 13
Next: 5 Best Players for Texas Football in First Half of 2016