No. 17 Kansas State (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) will face Houston (3-5, 2-3) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcast on Fox.
The betting odds from BetMGM favor Kansas State to win by 12.5 points.
In their brief history of meetings, Kansas State currently holds a 1-0 advantage in the series.
What’s at stake in this matchup?
Kansas State is looking to keep its hopes alive for a spot in the Big 12 championship game and potentially the College Football Playoff. Since starting the conference season with a loss to BYU, the Wildcats have bounced back to claim four consecutive victories. They aim to extend this streak to five, which would mark their longest winning run since achieving six straight victories towards the end of the 2016 season and into the 2017 season. On the other hand, Houston is fighting to maintain its hopes of qualifying for a bowl game, having secured a thrilling last-minute victory with a field goal last week. The Cougars are seeking their first back-to-back wins this season and their initial victory over a ranked opponent since overcoming No. 19 SMU on October 20, 2021.
A critical point of the game will be the performance of Kansas State running back DJ Giddens against the Houston run defense.
Giddens has accumulated 945 rushing yards along with four touchdowns this year, propelling Kansas State’s rushing attack to a national ranking of eighth, averaging 223.3 yards per game. The Cougars’ defense has shown strength, allowing 100 yards rushing or less in four games this season but has also given up nine rushing touchdowns.
Key players to keep an eye on include Kansas State’s defensive end Brendan Mott, who boasts 8.5 tackles for loss, including seven sacks, ranking him 11th nationally.
Mott has contributed 30 total tackles along with four quarterback hits and a fumble recovery this season, spearheading a defense that permits an average of only 96.8 rushing yards per game.
For Houston, running back J’Marion Burnette stood out last week, carrying the ball for 81 yards in the win over Utah. His efforts were part of a Cougars rushing performance that totaled 228 yards—their highest in a conference game since November 6, 2021, against South Florida when they were part of the American Athletic Conference.
Some interesting statistics also highlight both teams.
Kansas State ranks 28th in the nation with an average of 43.6 penalty yards per game. Houston has been more disciplined, having committed only 12 penalties over their last three games, which is tied for the best in the country during that period.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson has thrown for 1,654 yards and 16 touchdowns, also adding 373 rushing yards and four touchdowns to his stats this season. Kansas State is perfect in one-possession games this year with a record of 3-0.
Defensively, Houston’s A.J. Haulcy is making waves, ranking fifth nationally with four interceptions, including three in just the last three games.
Lastly, wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV continues to impress, having caught at least one pass in 23 consecutive games, including a 28-yard touchdown reception last week against Utah.