Kansas State vs. Texas Longhorns Game Predictions
The Texas Longhorns are in the midst of a Big 12 title hunt. However, an uphill battle for the Horns will be underway when Texas faces the reigning conference champion, Kansas State Wildcats - and will have to do so with a backup quarterback.
However, there have been recent offensive changes to both of the contenders' rosters. For the Longhorns, with an injured Quinn Ewers, quarterback Maalik Murphy will take the field as leader of the offense for the second week in a row. Kansas State, however, has found a new offensive weapon by allowing both quarterbacks, Will Howard and Avery Johnson, to take snaps.
However, Kansas State's biggest challenge for the Horns might be the Kansas State defense, which is one of the best in the nation in terms of scoring defense, giving up just 15.9 points per game.
Here are the Longhorns Country staff's predictions for the Kansas State versus Texas matchup on Saturday.
Matt Galatzan, Publisher
Texas has had Kansas State's number the last few seasons, but without Quinn Ewers, that could change on Saturday. I have been going back and forth on this all week. What I do know is that it is going to be close, and physical.
But I think the Texas defense can hold down the Wildcats on offense, and get just enough out of Murphy and the rest of the playmakers to take this game.
Texas 23, Kansas State 21
Tori Garcia, Staff Writer
The Texas Longhorns have yet to lose to the Kansas State Wildcats since Charlie Strong was making decisions as head coach of the Horns. I don't see Texas' winning streak coming to an end this season. Murphy and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian's 'all gas, no breaks' offense will most likely overwhelm the Wildcat's inexperienced defense.
Texas 41, Kansas State 31
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer
I said at the start of the season this would be Texas' toughest matchup outside of Alabama. I stand by it. The version of the Wildcats that lost games to Missouri and Oklahoma State is extinct like the Sabertooth Tiger, and Chris Klieman might be the most underappreciated coach in the conference has outscored Texas Tech, TCU, and Houston 120-24.
The Longhorns struggled to control Dillion Gabriel in the open field during Red River in Dallas. And it's not just freshman sensation Avery Johnson moving the sticks with his legs. Will Howard is averaging 5.2 yards per run and has six TDs on the ground.
Even with Quinn Ewers playing, this would be a nightmare matchup in Austin. It's not a nightmare reality with Maalik Murphy at the helm.
Kansas State 34, Texas 31
Zach Dimmitt, Staff Writer
The talk headed into this game has often been about Texas’ success against the Wildcats in recent seasons, but this feels like a true toss-up game based on how both teams have been playing recently.
The Longhorns have the front seven capable of limiting K-State’s running game, but will have to find some success in the red zone on offense to make the defense’s effort worth it.
This will also be another test for Maalik Murphy in what is one of the biggest games of the season for the Longhorns. Will K-State’s cause him trouble?
It’s hard to see this game not finishing a within one possession, regardless of who wins, but Texas’ defense at home gives the Longhorns the slight edge.
Texas 27, Kansas State 23
Kevin Borba, Staff Writer
We are in Week 2 of the Maalik Murphy experience, and this is already the biggest game of his young career. I expect this game to be a close one, that may even get a bit ugly in terms of turnovers for the Longhorns as Murphy seemed a little too loose with the ball against BYU.
The Wildcats will lean heavily on the run, which Texas can stop but being that I'm expecting some mistakes, they may be able to wear the Longhorns out similar to the way Oklahoma did.
Kansas State 27, Texas 19