The Associated Press
No. 9 Kansas State (7-1, 5-0 Big 12, CFP 7) at No. 6 TCU (7-1, 4-1, CFP 6), 7:30 p.m. EST (Fox)
Line: TCU by 6.
Series Record: Kansas State leads 4-3.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
This game has huge implications in the races for a Big 12 title and a spot in the first four-team College Football Playoff. Kansas State leads in the Big 12 standings, but TCU is a spot higher in the playoff rankings. The Horned Frogs are playing their fifth ranked opponent in six games, and have won all but one so far — that 61-58 loss at Baylor when they blew a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter. K-State is playing the first of three road games against ranked teams in the final month of the season, including No. 10 Baylor.
KEY MATCHUP
TCU dual-threat quarterback Trevone Boykin vs. Kansas State defense. Boykin apologized to his team after a subpar performance at West Virginia, a victory on a game-ending field goal. Boykin is the Big 12 leader with 362 total yards per game (309 passing and 53 rushing). The Wildcats have the league’s best defense, allowing only 321 total yards per game — 220 passing and 101 rushing.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kansas State: WR Tyler Lockett is second on the school’s career lists with his 2,877 yards receiving and 23 touchdown catches. The leader in both categories is his father, Kevin (3,032 yards and 26 TDs from 1993-96).
TCU: CB Kevin White held the West Virginia receiver with the same name without a catch the last three quarters, and 27 of his 32 tackles are solo stops.
FACTS & FIGURES
Kansas State QB Jake Waters has played five consecutive games without a turnover. … TCU coach Gary Patterson was born in Kansas and went to Kansas State. He is 0-2 against his alma mater. … The Frogs are the nation’s most improved offense from last season in both total yards (+205 yards) and scoring (+23 points) per game. … Kansas State is 52-18 in November games under coach Bill Snyder. Â