FAN Preview: Kansas State at Texas Tech

October 15, 2011
#17 Kansas State (5-0, 2-0) at Texas Tech (4-1, 1-1)
Kickoff at 6p Jones AT&T Stadium
Television: FOX Sports Net
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It's Homecoming for Texas Tech and the Red Raiders need a win after last week's loss to Texas A&M. The Kansas State Wildcats are 5-0 and Bill Snyder has the team hitting on all cylinders.

Things to watch for this week:

Time of Possession & Turnover Battle
Last week in Kansas State's 7-point win over Missouri, the Wildcats held on to the ball for 38:28. Two weeks ago, in the Wildcats one-point win over Baylor, Snyder's team had the ball for 38:47.  Needless to say, Bill Snyder this week will try to limit the Red Raiders' possessions and move the ball on the ground.  The Red Raider defense will have to force a K-State turnover or two for the Red Raiders to have a chance to win.

Red Raider Running Backs vs. K-State Front Seven
It's a new world for the Texas Tech running game with Eric Stephens out for the season with a dislocated knee.  Neal Brown will use three running backs to try to get the most offensive production and best pass-blocking available out of the running back position.

Senior Aaron Crawford will get the start and the most time in the backfield, while true freshmen DeAndre Washington and Kenny Williams will also be given opportunities.  If the Kansas State defensive front seven can limit the production from Tech's running backs, it's going to be a long day offensively for the Red Raiders because they'll be able to drop back 7 or even 8 into pass coverage.

Kansas State Quarterback Collin Klein vs. Texas Tech Defense
Collin Klein's ability to run the ball, and Bill Snyder's offense, is why he's the starter for the Wildcats. Through the Wildcats' five games, Klein has rushed for 468 yards on 115 carries and 7 touchdowns. He is averaging 4.1 yards per carry and his longest run of the season is 63 yards.  Klein's passing numbers are very average, 58/101 passing for 593 yards, 6 TD and 3 INT. If the Red Raider defense can stop Klein, and running back John Hubert, on the ground, then they will be in a great position to limit Kansas State's drives and get the ball back to the Red Raider offense.

Wild Card: Texas Tech Special Teams
If the Red Raider special teams can play better this week against Kansas State, they might be the boost Tech needs to win the game.  Errors in last week's game against A&M-- a breakdown on field goal blocking and making sure punts are caught and not allowed to bounce inside the 20-- cannot be repeated if the Red Raiders are going to win.

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Prediction:
Kansas State 42
Texas Tech 27

Don't forget to join me for FAN Feedback after the game, starting at about 9:20p. We'll take your phone calls until 11 o'clock on 1340 The Fan.