The Associated Press
TCU (4-6, 2-5 Big 12) at Kansas State (5-4, 3-3), 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday (FSN)
Line: Kansas State by 10½.
Series record: Tied 3-3.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
TCU loss would snap an eight-year bowl streak for Horned Frogs and clinch second losing record in 13 seasons under Gary Patterson, who is making first appearance as head coach at alma mater. Patterson graduated from Kansas State in 1983. The Wildcats are seeking fourth straight win and can become fourth Big 12 team to make bowl appearance after 2-4 start.
KEY MATCHUP
Kansas State’s rushing attack against TCU defense. The Wildcats are third in Big 12 and 37th nationally at 198 yards rushing per game, and the Horned Frogs lead conference by allowing 125 yards per game. The Wildcats have two running backs average at least 75 yards per game in John Hubert (78) and Daniel Sams (75).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
TCU: QBs Casey Pachall and Trevone Boykin figure to continue sharing time after Pachall missed most of season with broken arm. Boykin had three touchdowns rushing touchdowns as Horned Frogs snapped three-game losing streak with win over Iowa State. Pachall had 245 yards passing but almost threw away chance to win with fourth-quarter interception.
Kansas State: DE Ryan Mueller leads the nation with 10.5 sacks and is second with 15 tackles for loss. The junior had three sacks in last week’s win over Texas Tech.
FACTS & FIGURES
TCU has chance to be first team since Nebraska in inaugural Big 12 season of 1996 to lead league in sacks and interceptions. Horned Frogs have 28 sacks and 17 interceptions, with interception total tied for fourth nationally. … After averaging just 5.3 points in fourth quarter over first six games, Kansas State has 56 in final frame over past three games while holding opponents to 14. … Pachall needs one more touchdown pass to tie Sammy Baugh for third on TCU’s career list with 40. … The Wildcats have a chance to become bowl eligible for the 15th time under coach Bill Snyder. … Boykin is only player in nation this season with 100-yard rushing game, 100-yard receiving game and 200-yard passing game. … Ty Zimmerman had 13th career interception against Texas Tech, tying him for third in school history.