Kansas State vs Texas: Open Game Thread

What a strange season it’s been. Of course, not just for the Kansas State Wildcats, but the strangeness for the Wildcats is closer to home. Starting with the upset loss in the opener, followed a week later by a stunning upset of OU, then losing starting QB Skylar Thompson on a dirty hit, and then a true freshman QB that was the answer...until he wasn’t. And then November happened, with a rash of transfers, and a string of losing that hasn’t ended yet. In reality, it’s not much stranger than many programs around the country, but it still feels extra strange since we’re staring it in the face. But maybe with the change of calendar to December, things can feel a little less strange for the Wildcats.

But standing in the way are the Texas Longhorns, who are no stranger to the extra craziness that 2020 brought. They’ve dealt with their own issues on and off the field, and even just this week lost three starters to opt-out, as they’ve decided they’re ready to give up on Texas’ 2020 season and get ready for the NFL Draft. And that doesn’t even include the incredibly hot seat that Tom Herman finds himself on — one that might not even exist anymore if the Texas message boards are to be believed.

All of that to say that both teams are dealing with distractions as the 2020 season draws to a close. But which team will be better at dealing with it? The Wildcats might have finally figured out a path to the future, even if it meant one more upsetting loss last weekend. Texas appears headed for the end of the current era, but may be able to spin that into motivation to win one more for the (probably departing) gipper.

It could be an ugly, strange game. But would you expect anything else from 2020?

The Wildcats and Longhorns have the leadoff spot spot on FOX with an 11am CDT kickoff being aired for a national audience for the Big Noon Kickoff show. We’ve got (presumably in Manhattan) Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst), and Jenny Taft (sidelines) on the call. The game should also be available streaming via Fox Sports Go. Be sure and check out Jon’s complete How To Watch guide for more info.

If for some reason you don’t get FOX, or can’t access the stream, the game can be heard across the 39-station K-State Sports Network with Wyatt Thompson (play-by-play), former K-State quarterback Stan Weber (analyst), and Matt Walters (sidelines) calling the action. The game will also be on Sirius channel 134, XM Channel 199, and available on the TuneIn app. Live stats are available at k-statesports.com, and Twitter updates (@KStateFB) will also be a part of the coverage.

Go Cats!