The matchup between Kansas State and TCU on Saturday could amount to what’s essentially an elimination game for the College Football Playoff. Both teams come into the game ranked in the top 10, and a second loss for either team would spell the end of their title hopes. It’s November and the math is getting simple: Survive and advance.
How to watch Kansas State vs. TCU: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
In a day full of massive games with playoff implications, the biggest one may be in Fort Worth.
These two teams are a study in how two different methods can get the same result. The Horned Frogs are wild, explosive and unpredictable, putting up big scores and playing some of the most entertaining football in the country. Kansas State, meanwhile, takes after their head coach, Bill Snyder. The Wildcats are steady and predictable, but they’re good enough to pull it off and win consistently.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Radio: Kansas State | TCU
Online streaming: Fox Sports GO
Our blogs on these schools
The numbers
Rankings and records: TCU enters the game at 7-1 (4-1 Big 12) and ranked 6th in the College Football Playoff rankings. Kansas State is 7-1 (5-0 Big 12) and ranked 7th in the College Football Playoff rankings. Kansas State leads the all-time series 4-3.
Vegas: TCU is a six-point favorite at most sportsbooks. The over/under is set at 57.5.
Weather forecast: Sunny with a high of 68.
Two things at stake
Control of the Big 12 title race
Well, “control” may be a strong word, but the winner of this game will be the favorite to win the Big 12 title. If Kansas State can get past TCU, they’ll still have to beat West Virginia and Baylor, so they’re hardly out of the woods even with a win. The Frogs’ path to the finish line is considerably cleaner, with only Kansas, Texas and Iowa State remaining. If TCU can win this game, you have to like their chances.
A probable College Football Playoff berth
And related to the aforementioned Big 12 title, the winner of this game very well might end up in a playoff position come next Tuesday night. TCU enters the game ranked 6th in the College Football Playoff rankings and the Wildcats are only one spot behind in 7th. They both have good resumes that will hold up well in front of the selection committee with a conference title attached, but that’s only if they can finish with only one loss.
One big matchup
TCU's offense vs. Kansas State's defense: The Wildcats are ninth in the nation in rush defense, allowing just over 101 yards per game to their opponents. They rank 18th in the nation in defensive F/+, and are just all around stingy. TCU's offense is certainly explosive, but was wildly inefficient last week against West Virginia. They'll need a much better game out of Trevone Boykin, more along the lines of what they were getting for most of the season. Another big day from running back B.J. Catalon would go a long way towards taking the heat off Boykin.
Further reading
For more on Kansas State, head over to Bring On The Cats. For more on TCU, check out Frogs O’ War.
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