K-State 2-4
Last Saturday, Kansas State led by 14 points with nine minutes to go before collapsing in their loss to Baylor. However, the Wildcats looked to have improved again, which could be a good sign to come for the rest of the season. The tough part for K-State this week will be managing their emotions and remaining focused after a tough defeat.
Tight end Garrett Oakley is coming off a career-best seven-reception game, including a touchdown score against Baylor. Oakley is a big target for the Wildcats, looking for him on third down and in the red zone. His ascendance should continue to rise this week against a weaker Texas Christian pass defense.
Defensive end Chiddi Obiazor is a big body on the defensive line for the ‘Cats and has played well so far this season. Obiazor’s greatest strength may be his versatility, playing both on the edge and lining up inside. Obiazor has good speed and gets off for someone his size, allowing him to be effective in pass rush situations, but also has the size to plug up running gaps.
TCU 4-1
Texas Christian University is off to a solid start this season, coming off a home win against Colorado last week, where they pulled away late for the victory. TCU can certainly throw the ball, but running has been a bigger challenge lately. The Horned Frogs have also been susceptible on defense, but are opportunistic, forcing multiple turnovers.
The TCU wide receiver room is as dynamic as it comes and will be a big test for the Wildcats’ secondary. Eric McAlister, Jordan Dwyer, and Joseph Manjack IV all have over 300 yards receiving and have combined for nine touchdowns. Quarterback Josh Hoover has plenty of options on any given play, and the Wildcats will need to account for them all.
Linebacker Namdi Obiazor has done a little bit of everything for TCU this year, and if that name sounds familiar, it’s because he is the brother of K-State’s Chiddi Obiazor. Namdi Obiazor, like his brother, can play, as he has two sacks on the season, an interception and has forced a fumble. Obiazor is also the third leading tackler on the defense for TCU.
