Texas Longhorns Week 10 Opponent Preview: Kansas State

The Texas Longhorns will face the Kansas State Wildcats on Saturday in what has turned out to be a massive Big 12 contest.

Looking at its past six matchups, a win for Kansas State against the Texas Longhorns in Week 10 of the 2023 season does not seem very promising for the Wildcats as a consecutive six-game losing streak is in their books since 2017. However, could Kansas State end the streak on Nov. 4?

The Wildcats came off of its program's most productive season under coach Chris Klieman as the reigning Big 12 champions. However, there is a constant buzz circling that the Longhorns may take Kanas State's crown this year. 

Now, the Wildcats sit at a 6-2 overall record while the Longhorns are 7-1 overall. 

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns' roster must approach this game with caution as two losses in the Big 12 will most likely not result in a trip to Arlington at the end of the season.

With Texas starting quarterback Quinn Ewers on the injured list, backup quarterback Maalik Murphy will make is second consecutive start against the Wildcats on Saturday. 

Texas facing off against Kansas State last season in Manhattan / © Scott Sewell, USA TODAY

In his 2023 season debut, Murphy made quite the impression, totaling 16-of-25 passes for 170 yards while recording two touchdowns and one interception against BYU on Saturday.

The Wildcat's quarterback situation seems to be the most threatening to the Texas Longhorns as both of Kansas State's quarterbacks are now taking snaps. Quarterbacks Will Howard and backup Avery Johnson have been a dynamic duo on the field and the Wildcats are not afraid to use both of them as weapons. 

Kansas State's defense is coming off of a high from its 41-0 shutout of the Houston Cougars on Saturday. The Wildcats only allowed Houston to convert 3 of 14 third downs, while also being 0-for-4 on fourth downs. This being said, momentum will be rising for the Wildcats' defense as the Longhorns' matchup approaches, which could be a threat to Texas' offense.

Kansas State Wildcats

2023 record: 6-2, 4-1 Big 12 Conference

Head coach: Chris Klieman 

Passing: QB Will Howard/QB Avery Johnson

2023 Stats: 137 of 215 for 1,628 yards, 14 touchdowns, seven interceptions 

Rushing: RB DJ Giddens

2023 stats: 116 carries, 722 rushing yards, seven touchdowns

Receiving: WR Phillip Brooks

2023 stats: 39 catches, 437 yards, three touchdowns

Returning defensive leaders: LB Austin Moore

2023 stats: 43 total tackles, 1.5 sacks