The Texas Longhorns (5-3, 4-3) head to Manhattan, Kansas to face the Kansas State Wildcats (4-5, 4-4) on Saturday. The Wildcats have lost their last four games, including a clock expiring, game-winning field goal by Baylor last weekend in Waco. The Longhorns meanwhile are reeling from a 23-20 loss to Iowa State that essentially knocked the ‘Horns out of a potential spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. With a number of internal challenges taking place on The 40 Acres, will the Texas game plan muster a win in the Little Apple?
The HornSports Staff provides their thoughts and game predictions on tomorrow’s 11:00 am kickoff from Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan.
Jameson McCausland
I have a tough time believing the Texas players and coaches are blocking out the outside noise right now. Tom Herman knows his time in Austin could end at any moment and two team captains opting out for the remainder of the season speaks to the mindset of some of the leaders on the team. The assistant coaches are probably looking over their shoulder wondering if they will have a job in a few weeks.
In regards to Kansas State, they are one the worst offenses in the Big 12 since Skylar Thompson went down early in the season. Will Howard does not present much of a threat throwing the football meaning the Wildcats will want to shorten this game and try to move the ball on the ground.
Texas fans should be very worried about what the Texas offense might look like without Sam Cosmi and Derek Kerstetter (who is questionable with an injury). The Kansas State defensive line is strong and Wyatt Hubert has to be salivating at the thought of going up against the inexperienced Texas tackles.
I do not see Texas winning this game.
Score Prediction: Kansas State 21, Texas 14
Devon Messinger
While the Longhorns were not able to capitalize on the opportunity that was presented last weekend, they still have a lot to play for. After the opt-outs of Sam Cosmi and Caden Sterns, Saturday’s contest could offer fans a sneak peek of next year’s studs. Consequently, Texas’s play against the Wildcats may be more inconsistent than usual, but will pay dividends for the program’s future.
Luckily for the Longhorns defense, quarterback Will Howard has struggled to replace Skylar Thompson (season-ending injury) for the Wildcats. As a result, Kansas State has lost four games in a row. However, Texas will have to stop Deuce Vaughn, the talented freshman running back from Round Rock, TX. In fact, Vaughn leads the Wildcats in both rushing and receiving yards.
Score Prediction: Texas 31, Kansas State 17
TFloss32
After what amounts to a program-changing loss against Iowa State over Thanksgiving weekend, the question heading into Manhattan is where Texas’ coaches and players are at mentally. Kansas State isn’t a good football team, but this reads like a perfect trap game. Tom Herman has reached lame duck status, the team goal of a conference title has been wiped out and certain players have opted not to play the last two games of the season. It’s difficult to envision this match-up as anything but a close, grind-it-out defensive struggle in which one break could determine the outcome of the game. Sam Ehlinger working with a true freshman center and a new LT won’t help matters. I want to believe the Longhorns’ morale is still decent, but even so, I will fade them on the road with an early kickoff.
Score Prediction: Kansas State 20, Texas 17.
Tristan Larsen
Texas suffered a devastating loss to Iowa State that virtually killed their Big-12 title dreams. Nonetheless, it’s important to still come out and finish this season strong. This week Texas matches up with a 4-5 Kansas State squad that somehow beat Oklahoma. The Wildcats though are in a free fall as they have lost four consecutive games, Two of which by one possession. Does Kansas State continue their plummet or will they feast on a vulnerable Texas? It’s hard for me to imagine Texas losing this game. It’s been a disappointing year but this is a bounce back game one that they should be able to handle. The Longhorns play up to their superior opponents and also play down to inferior opponents so still expect this one to be a close exciting contest. Kansas State needs to get after Sam Ehlinger early to have a chance in this game. Unfortunately for them, I just don’t see it.
Score Prediction: Texas 27, Kansas State 23
Aaron Carrara
On paper Texas should win this game, but given the recent deficiencies, injuries and opt-outs, I think Texas will have their hands more than full on Saturday. Tom Herman consistently preaches “tuning out the noise” to his players, but some things are hard to ignore – particularly within the program. Opt-outs, injuries and the swell of chatter regarding Herman’s future in Austin aren’t good for team morale and certainly aren’t ideal for motivating players during game week. I worry about an offensive line devoid of Cosmi (and likely Kerstetter) and their ability to protect Ehlinger as well as Texas being able to win in Manhattan. In the last 14 years Texas has won just once in the Little Apple. The Wildcats have had their share of struggles though, losing their last four games and currently sit at 4-5. A win at home against the Longhorns is always something to celebrate for Kansas State, and I expect them to do so this year.
Score Prediction: Kansas State 24, Texas 21
