No. 14 K-State
Kansas State enters Week 3 with a perfect record — however, things have looked far from perfect thus far.
“We’ve got to do a lot of things better on all three phases,” head coach Chris Klieman said. “I’m smart enough to realize that we’ve got to be better … We’re not saying, ‘Hey, we got to win, everything’s great.’ It’s not great. We’ve got to improve.”
K-State has struggled in the opening half offensively in both games this season, while its secondary was dissected by Tulane in the opening period.
“If you lose your eyes against a terrific quarterback … you’re going to pay for it,” Klieman said. “[Tulane] made us pay every time.”
Heading into a ranked matchup, K-State needs to prove its top-15 prowess early if it hopes to stay undefeated under the lights on national television.
No. 20 Arizona
The first matchup of these two Wildcat foes as members of the Big 12 will not be counted as a league game, standings-wise. The matchup was scheduled before league expansion.
Still, the game carries the prominence of a heavyweight Big 12 battle. Arizona owns the longest active win streak in college football at eight games.
Arizona will look to exploit the early struggles of K-State’s secondary using star receiver Tetairoa McMillan, paired with Arizona’s own star sophomore quarterback Noah Fifita.
Klieman has high praise for the duo. Slowing them down will be key to the Manhattan-based Wildcats having a path to victory.
The challenge of a day-early kickoff does present a higher obstacle for Arizona, considering its week of prep is rushed with travel plans as well.
Who to Watch:
K-State: Safety Marques Sigle, Wide receiver Keagan Johnson, cornerback Keenan Garber
Arizona: Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, cornerback Tacario Davis, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea
Bottom Bar
Sept. 13 @ 11 a.m.
Betting: K-State -7, O/U 57.5
Prediction: K-State 31-26
By the numbers
Stats: K-State: 173.5 pass yds/game — 7.8 ru0sh yds/attempt — 249 rush yds/game — 0-0 sacks-yards lost
Stats: Arizona: 297.5 pass yds/game — 7.1 rush yds/attempt — 196.5 rush yds/game — 2-16 sacks-yards lost