K-State (7-3, 4-3)
Kansas State lost its second straight game and struggled dramatically against Arizona State last week. In the Wildcats’ final home game, they have the chance to return to form.
Quarterback Avery Johnson had trouble in the last two games, throwing two interceptions in each. Johnson hasn’t used his fleet feet recently, but he could cut it loose on the Bearcat defense.
Defensive back Jacob Parrish is the ‘Cats’ top cover corner this season. In the second half last Saturday, Parrish did his best guarding star receiver Jordyn Tyson, who torched the ‘Cats. Look for Parrish to match up with Cincinnati’s best receiver if needed this week.
K-State’s special teams took a massive step back lately. A rotation of long snappers hasn’t been on the same page with holder Simon McClannan, failing to get him clean snaps. The return game has not been up to the usual K-State standard, looking for improvement this week.
Cincinnati (5-5, 3-4)
Cincinnati is led by a sophomore quarterback as well in Brendan Sorsby — one of the best passers in the nation. For much of the season Sorsby aired it out, but lately has used his legs more. Last week Sorsby ran for a season-high 141 yards.
Sorsby has a plethora of targets, but his favorite is 6-foot-3 senior wide receiver Xzavier Henderson, logging 52 receptions for 632 yards and four touchdowns on the season.
Linebacker Jared Bartlett is one of the Big 12’s best pass rushers with 7.5 sacks this season. His team-high 55 total tackles suggests he is very capable against the run as well.
Cincinnati can beat teams with the run or the pass with dynamic playmakers across the field. K-State struggles against the pass, so look for the Bearcats to aggressively throw the ball.
Who to Watch:
K-State: QB Avery Johnson, CB Jacob Parrish, Special Teams
Cincinnati: QB Brendan Sorsby, WR Xzavier Henderson, LB Jared Bartlett
Nov. 23 @ 7 p.m. on ESPN2
Betting: K-State -8.5 (-320 ML), O/U 52.5
Prediction: K-State 21-17
Stats: K-State
QB pass yds: 2,150 yds
Sacks: 26
Turnover ratio: 0
Avg. kickoff return yards: 19.3
Stats: Arizona State
QB pass yds: 2,453 yds
Sacks: 21
Turnover ratio: -1
Avg. kickoff return yards: 20.1
