Every team has a kryptonite, and Kansas State is just that for No. 13 Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have lost eight consecutive games to Kansas State since 2016, and the last time Texas Tech traveled to Manhattan, Kan. and won, quarterback Behren Morton was six years old.
Here’s what to look for in their next matchup:
Texas Tech vs. Kansas State
Sports Roundup
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kan.
Records: No. 13 Texas Tech (7-1, 4-1 Big 12); Kansas State (4-4, 3-2 Big 12)
Last meeting: Oct. 14, 2023 (Kansas State won, 38-21)
TV: FOX
What’s at stake?
The Red Raiders are having their most successful season since 2008, when they won on the road, but Kansas State is coming off consecutive 40-point victories. Neither team has a clear edge considering the history, but the result matters significantly more for the Red Raiders than the Wildcats.
A win Saturday keeps Texas Tech in contention for the Big 12 title game, as well as the playoffs, ahead of a home game against No. 10 BYU. However, a loss takes the Red Raiders’ destiny out of their hands and will force them to rely on scattered losses among the top three Big 12 teams.
When Texas Tech has the ball
Morton is officially back at the helm of Texas Tech following a two-week injury, and with that comes a full playbook. Offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich limited his downfield play-calling while Will Hammond was starting in his place, but said Morton is a full-go for vertical plays.
Wide receivers Reggie Virgil and Caleb Douglas will spend a high percentage of their snaps on option-go routes, while Coy Eakin handles bubble screens and quick slants. The wide receiver corps spent extensive time in the offseason working on option routes with Behren to allow for quick-release plays.
Morton detailed his plan to reestablish rhythm with the offense, stating Texas Tech will run the ball early and often until Kansas State adds a defender to the box.
However, the Red Raiders’ run game has been in a rut. Since Cameron Dickey’s 263-yard game against Kansas on Oct. 11, no Red Raider has eclipsed 50 rushing yards.
When Kansas State has the ball
The last time Texas Tech faced Kansas State, eventual national champion Will Howard was substituted out for true freshman Avery Johnson. He rushed for five touchdowns in the victory.
Johnson is no longer the pure runner archetype, but his legs are still a dangerous component of his game. Texas Tech has had mixed success against mobile quarterbacks, limiting them on high-yardage box scores, but struggling to bring them down on short scrambles for a first down.
Wednesday’s Big 12 availability report revealed starting running back Dylan Edwards would be out Saturday, meaning Johnson’s running responsibilities will take on a slight increase against Texas Tech.
Prediction
While Saturday presents itself to be a trap game, the return of Morton should give Texas Tech an edge it hasn’t had in the past few weeks.
The Red Raiders will need a few drives to get back into rhythm with him at the helm, but the Red Raider defense can afford to play extra reps in the first half. Once Morton is comfortable, the offense will become vertical, and whichever team can keep pace in a shootout through the fourth quarter will come out on top.
Final score: Texas Tech 37, Kansas State 29
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