Kansas State Wildcats vs. Texas Longhorns Keys To The Game
The Kansas State Wildcats finished their 2022 season with a strong 10-4 record and ended the year with a bang - as Big 12 conference champions.
Predicting that the Wildcats could capture the conference championship trophy for the second year in a row this season is not a ridiculous assumption, but Kansas State would have to overcome the Texas Longhorns, who are 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big 12 conference.
While the Wildcats' offense may be most dangerous by utilizing two quarterbacks, Will Howard and Avery Johnson, defenses can make or break a ball game. In 2022, one of the main reasons Kansas State was defeated by the Longhorns was due to its inability to contain Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers or stop the run game. But now, since Ewers has been listed as injured for the upcoming matchup, Maalik Murphy will be named the starting quarterback for the second week in a row.
Here's what both the Longhorns and the Wildcats will need to accomplish if they want to end Week 10 with a win on their record.
Maalik Murphy
Jay Janner/American-Statesman-USA TODAY NETWORK
Texas wins if...
...it can break through Kansas State's offensive line.
Aside from Howard returning to be the main leader of the Wildcats' offense and Johnson being of aid to throw off defenses, after having a breakthrough year last season, Kansas State's biggest strength on offense is its offensive line.
The Longhorns should prepare for unexpected playcalling by the Wildcats, especially now that two quarterbacks are taking charge. This being said, Texas should keep its eyes open for quarterback runs.
If the Longhorns can break through the Wildcats' experienced offensive line and apply pressure to Howard and Johnson, Kansas State will have less opportunities on offense that may force some much-needed turnovers for Texas.
Kansas State wins if...
...it can stop Texas running back Jonathon Brooks.
Brooks has been explosive recently. In the past five games, the star running back has recorded over 800 yards, averaging about 162 yards per game. If the Wildcats can keep Brooks from navigating around their defense, Murphy may be forced to keep the ball in the air more on Saturday.
And if they can make the inexperienced true freshman have to carry the offense, the Longhorns could be in for a long day.
