TCU-Kansas State preview: Stats, trends, key matchups
TCU running game vs. Kansas State rush defense
The Frogs boast a solid one-two running tandem in running back Aaron Green and quarterback Trevone Boykin. Green is on pace to be the first 1,000 rusher for the Frogs since Ed Wesley did it in 2010, and Boykin is averaging nearly 50 yards per game. Those numbers will get tested against a stout Wildcats’ rushing defense. Kansas State didn’t allow a touchdown until the second quarter of its third game. The Wildcats rank third in the country in rushing defense, allowing just 71 yards a game.
TCU front seven vs. Kansas State quarterback
TCU is feeling better about its defense after shutting out Texas for the first half on Saturday allowing just 7 points, which is what TCU fans have come to expect with Gary Patterson as coach. TCU will have a chance to put up similar numbers if it can find a way to contain the Kansas State quarterback. The big question is who will that be? Junior Joe Hubener has handled the duties the majority of the season, but he got hurt against Oklahoma State and Kody Cook moved from wide receiver to QB during the game. Cook threw for two touchdowns, but he got hurt in the game and he may not be able to play. Hubener should be healthy enough to start, but the Frogs have to be prepared for anything.
Trevone Boykin and Josh Doctson vs. Kansas State secondary
Kansas State allows a whopping 288 passing yards a game. That number sticks out for several reasons. First, it’s the third worst in the Big 12. Second, those numbers have come against South Dakota, Texas San Antonio and Louisiana Tech. This game has all the ingredients for another big day from TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin and receiver Josh Doctson.
Did you know?
The Horned Frogs have just one player on their roster from the state of Kansas, but he’s a good one. TCU guard Brady Foltz, who hails from Rose Hill, has started 18 consecutive games for the Frogs.
Kansas State quarterback Kody Cook has some versatility. He caught a touchdown pass earlier this season when he was at wide receiver, and then threw for two touchdown passes and ran for another against Oklahoma State. He’s the first Wildcat to run for a touchdown, catch a touchdown pass and throw for one in the same season since 2007.
No. 2 TCU will be the highest-ranked opponent to play in Manhattan since Kansas State faced No. 2-ranked Oklahoma in 2004. The Wildcats are 0-3 at home against teams in the top two.
Streaks
The Horned Frogs have had the Big 12 offensive player of the week three consecutive weeks. Quarterback Trevone Boykin nabbed the honor after the SMU win and receiver Josh Doctson after the win over Texas Tech. This week freshman KaVontae Turpin was awarded for his four-touchdown game against Texas.
Saturday’s game will be Kansas State’s 23rd consecutive sell out.
TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 20-consecutive games, which is the longest streak in the nation.
Tarrant ties
The Wildcats have six players on their roster who went to high school in Tarrant County. Junior linebacker Will Davis (Carroll) has 15 tackles this season and an interception.
The basics
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000)
Records: TCU (5-0, 2-0 in Big 12); Kansas State (3-1, 0-1)
Last week: TCU beat Texas 50-7; Kansas St. lost to Oklahoma St. 36-34
Rankings: TCU No. 2 in AP; Kansas St. received votes
Series record: Series tied 4-4
Last meeting: TCU won 41-20 in Fort Worth last year
TV: KDFW/Ch. 4
Radio: WBAP/820-AM, KTCU/88.7-FM
Forecast: 77 and sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain
Point spread: TCU by 8 1/2
This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 10:43 AM with the headline "TCU-Kansas State preview: Stats, trends, key matchups."