Longhorn Gameday

Just some quick links this morning, as Kansas State gets ready for an 11 AM kickoff. Again. Luckily, it’s Homecoming, so that should take the edge off. Maybe.

Jon Morse brings you all the important game details in the HOW TO WATCH post.

Meanwhile, for all your other football schedule needs, you can go HERE.

ICYMI

Derek Smith has been busy churning out content, and in his latest piece, he looks at one weird stat that suggests the Wildcats will win.

TB takes an analytical look at this contest of two 3-3 teams in Kicking the Tires. He thinks playing at home might give Kansas State the narrowest of advantages in a close game.

Football

The Longhorns have not won in Manhattan since before the Vince Young era really began. But Texas is confident they can come away with a victory as long as they stay in the moment and avoid Texas-sized braggadocio (Mike Finger, Houston Chronicle).

In The Oklahoman, Berry Tramel gives Texas the nod in this game but can’t help trolling the Longhorns just a little bit, tabbing the pick as his upset special.

Special teams have often made the difference in Kansas State games (and especially against Texas). This is partly because the players are passionate about this aspect of the game, and linebacker Trent Tanking takes special pride in being able to block for big returns by Dominique Heath or Byron Pringle (Kellis Robinett, Wichita Eagle).

Ironically for a school that “owns” Texas, a win today will go a long way to establish Kansas State belongs in the same league as the Longhorns. That blowout win in 1998, the first conference game between the schools, helped the Wildcats to the top of the league and cut Texas down a notch. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a repeat performance almost twenty years on (Kevin Haskin, Topeka Capital-Journal).

Speaking of things that happened decades ago, Stan Parrish won his only Big 8 game in his first year as head coach way back in 1986. That win was, predictably and satisfyingly, over Bob Valesente, also in his first year at Kansas. The Wildcats ran off 210 yards on 64 carries for a 29-12 win (Haskin, Capital-Journal).

The key to a win against Texas today is absolutely the offense. Effective production from Jesse Ertz and/or Joe Hubener is a practical necessity, but Kansas State will also look to keep the run game alive. Meanwhile, Kansas State’s rush defense—one of the top units in the country—will need to keep D’Onta Foreman in check (Ken Corbitt, Capital-Journal).

Let’s go, Cats! Beat the heck outta Texas!