K-State 4-4 (3-2)
Kansas State dominated last week against Kansas, winning 42-17 and dominating both sides of the ball. The Wildcats’ defense has flown under the radar recently, but it has been very good and opportunistic. The Wildcats are tied for third in the nation in turnovers, and to compete with Texas Tech will need to force turnovers to sway the advantage toward them.
Quarterback Avery Johnson is coming off a phenomenal performance in tough conditions in Lawrence. Johnson was hitting big-time throws down the field and making the right play every time. Texas Tech has a great defense with a dominant pass rush and will be the biggest test for Johnson this year. If the Wildcats want any chance, Johnson will need to play his best.
Defensive tackle Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder had both a sack and a fumble recovery last week against Kansas. Alcorn-Crowder is good in both pass and run defense, allowing him to be on the field all three downs. His burst onto the scene over the past few weeks has been massive for the Wildcats’ defensive line.
No. 13 Texas Tech 7-1 (4-1)
Texas Tech is coming off a blowout win over Oklahoma State, unsurprising to anyone. The Red Raiders’ only loss came two weeks ago to Arizona State, when they lost late. Texas Tech is great in the trenches and has athletic skill players, which makes them tough to stop and to score on.
Quarterback Behren Morton has missed the past two games due to injury, but has been the starter the rest of the season. Backup quarterback Will Hammond played well in his place, but left the game last week due to a torn ACL. Morton will be back against the ‘Cats this week, but K-State will try to test his mobility with a lower leg injury.
Edge rusher David Bailey leads the nation in sacks with 10.5 on the season. Bailey can take over a game, and K-State will want to be well aware of him on every single play. Bailey is a future first-round draft pick with his great explosiveness and strength when rushing.
Who to Watch:
KSU: QB Avery Johnson, DT Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder
Texas Tech: QB Behren Morton, LB David Bailey
Nov. 1 @ 2:30 p.m. on FOX
Prediction: Texas Tech 27-20
Betting: K-State +7.5 (+215 ML) O/U 53.5
K-State
Pass yds per game: 224 yards
Sacks: 18
Turnover Ratio: +9
Total Penalties: 26
Tech
Pass yds per game: 300 yards
Sacks: 26
Turnover Ratio: +5
Total Penalties: 58
