Quick Takes on KSU (by Mike Roach)

[HornSports Staff]

Who: Texas Longhorns 3-3 (1-2) vs. Kansas State Wildcats 3-3 (1-2)
When: Saturday, October 22nd at 11 AM Central
Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium – Manhattan, KS
Television: (ESPN2)
Odds: Kansas State -3

The Good:

Kansas State continues to operate business as usual under Bill Snyder. The Wildcats rely on defense, physical running, and disciplined play. Jesse Ertz will start at quarterback according to Snyder, and appears to be a slightly lesser version of Collin Klein. Ertz is just south of 50% passing on the year, but he does present a run threat with a big physical body. Ertz is assisted in the run game by Charles Jones, who is averaging 5 yards per carry and leading the team in rushing. Byron Pringle is the man to watch in the passing game for K-State. Pringle is averaging nearly 17 yards per reception, and he teams with Dominique Heath to create a formidable receiving duo. The defensive side of the ball is carrying this team so far this season. The Wildcat defense ranks tops in the conference against the run holding opponents to around 90 yards per game on the ground. In home games this season, Kansas State is only allowing 58.3 rushing yards per game in Manhattan.

The Bad:

Kansas State has been pretty lucky to avoid injuries, but Ertz does enter the game banged up. Backup quarterback Joe Hubener drains what little punch their offense has. Snyder’s offense relies on a slow and steady approach while they wait to exploit a defensive mistake. Kansas State averages around 340 yards per game offensively, and are worse at home than they are on the road.

The Uncertain:

This game will come down to the K-State ability to stop D’onta Foreman and the Texas run game. If the K-State offense hopes score often, they will need to keep Jesse Ertz clean. The shoulder injury Ertz suffered could come into play as well if he is not completely healed.

What’s at Stake:

Both teams hold identical overall and conference records, and a win would put both taems above the .500 mark. Kansas State fans hold a special pleasure at the pain they’ve inflicted on Texas fans over the last decade, and they’d probably love to keep that going. For Texas, every game is a big game as Charlie Strong tries to rally and hold on to his job. The Longhorns are also trying to get a win in Manhattan for the first time since 2002. If the Longhorns can enforce their run game on the Wildcats stingy defense, and continue their own defensive improvement they might be able to generate some momentum as they enter the second half of the schedule.

 

[Coot]

Did Ertz injure the shoulder of his passing arm or the other arm?

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Did Ertz injure the shoulder of his passing arm or the other arm?

I really don't think it matters. He can't pass worth a lick and neither can his backup. They are equally inept in the passing game. 

In other words, don't expect a drop off the passing game if the starter doesn't play because he, the starter, isn't that good to begin with.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

In addition to their inept passing attack, their rushing attack is not exactly stellar against teams with a defensive pulse.

Their rushing stats are greatly padded thanks to playing Florida Atlantic, Missouri State, and Texas Tech.

Against Stanford, West Virginia, and Oklahoma they rushed the ball 106 times for 322 yards, barely 3 yards per carry.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

On the defensive side, both of the cornerbacks are 5'9".

Think we can throw on those guys?

They do apparently have a really good LB. Here's what Scipio Texas had to say about him.

Kansas State leading tackler LB Elijah Lee will be offering a linebacking clinic for Texas recruiting fans who think LBing ability is best expressed by a SPARQ score. Lee will do exotic things like read blocks, tackle well and use the sideline in pursuit.

 

[83Dee]

A must win if we are going to hit that magical 7-5 number for the season!

 

[texbound]

If Texas can jump out to an early lead then they will have it.  KState isn't built for coming back.  If we let them hang around and keep it within one score then we might be in trouble.  Texas offense can't wait until halftime to get going.  Have the same outburst they had in the 3rd qtr against ISU and we will be in good shape.

 

[dillohorn]

If the game is close, UT is toast.

 

[DBut82]

After reading this quick takes, I'm actually leaning toward a blowout by the good guys. We'll stop the run and force the pass. I see our secondary having 3 int's. Depending on the weather. If it's not raining I think our offense hangs 40 on em. UT-41 KSU-17

 

[TexExSpur]

I think its going to be a grind it out low scoring game, 20-17 Purple Kryptonite

It was 23-0 last trip to the Little Apple, 23-9 at DKR in the rain last year.

KSU will turn some of SB 50/50 balls into interceptions if he's not careful.  If Foreman goes down, the run game is all but dead.