K State vs. Tech: 5 things to know

A lot can change in a week.

At this time seven days ago, Kansas State and Texas Tech were afterthoughts in the Big 12 championship race because both teams were coming off a disappointing loss.

But first place will be on the line when they play at 11 a.m. (CDT) on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. K-State (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) bounced back with a thrilling victory at Oklahoma. Texas Tech (3-1, 1-0 Big 12) flexed its muscles by beating Texas in overtime.

Suddenly, this conference matchup is loaded with meaning.

Here is everything you need to know to start preparing for the game.

The details

Kickoff:11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan

TV: ESPN+ (Online streaming service, subscription required)

Betting line: K-State by 7 1/2 with an O/U of 57 1/2

Five things to know

1. The teams that beat Oklahoma and Texas last week will meet on Saturday. It’s rare for the Big 12’s two biggest brands to lose on the same day, but that is exactly what happened over the weekend. Adrian Martinez led K-State to a 41-34 victory over the Sooners, and the Red Raiders pulled off a home upset against the Longhorns. It’s appropriate that K-State and Texas Tech will play coming off those big victories. The winner will stay on top of the conference standings.

2. K-State has been ranked before under Chris Klieman. Staying ranked has been more of a challenge. K-State checked in at No. 25 in the latest AP poll, which means the Wildcats have been ranked for at least one week in four straight seasons. That’s good. But K-State has only spent a grand total of seven weeks in the top 25 since 2019. Winning as a favorite hasn’t been easy for Klieman.

3. Texas Tech quarterback Donovan Smith is the Big 12’s leading passer. Dillon Gabriel threw for 330 yards and four touchdowns against the Wildcats. Their defensive secondary will once again be tested against the Red Raiders. Smith has thrown for 1,117 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He is the only quarterback in the conference with more than 1,100 passing yards.

4. The Red Raiders are stingy against the run. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire has quickly established a defensive identity in Lubbock. The Red Raiders don’t let teams beat them on the ground. They are holding teams to 2.9 yards per rush this season. Their front seven could pose some problems for K-State running back Deuce Vaughn. On the flip side, Texas Tech is not a skilled rushing offense. The Red Raiders average a Big 12 worst 3.2 yards per run.

5. One-sided football series. K-State hasn’t had much trouble against Texas Tech since Mike Leach left town. The Wildcats have won six straight games in this series and 10 of the last 11. They haven’t lost at home to the Red Raiders since 2008. Not even Patrick Mahomes could win in Manhattan.