Dawg Preview- Houston vs Kansas State

Photo credit- Nick Friesen CFD

Houston (3-4,1-3) travels to Kansas State (5-2,3-1) for a morning kickoff in Manhattan Kansas. Houston is looking for their first Big 12 victory on the road. K-State is looking to keep pace with the top of the conference to punch a ticket to Arlington Texas and a Big 12 Championship birth.

Where to watch?

When:12:00 PM EST/11:00 AM CST

Channel: ESPN 2

Announcers: Lowell Galindo, Kirk Morrison

Players to Watch - Kansas State

QBs Will Howard/Avery Johnson of Kansas State combined last week in their blowout win over TCU and played both quarterbacks with time split almost evenly. These two combined for 244 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. They also added 135 yards rushing combined. No matter which quarterback is behind center the K-State offense can be effective.

Safety Kobe Savage - The heart and soul of the K-State defense. Comes into this game with two interceptions and 38 tackles. He and the K-State secondary will have to be on the same page to contain Houston's passing attack.

Players to watch - Houston

Quarterback Donovan Smith- Last week against Texas he threw for 378 yards 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. The Texas Tech transfer comes into this game with 1,979 yards passing with 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The Kansas State defense has given up some big pass plays this season and if the opportunity arises Donovan Smith will be ready to take advantage of those chances.

Linebacker Malik Robinson- Coming off of an 11-tackle game Malik Robinson will be looking to have the same kind of performance this week with a great rushing attack coming at the defense.

Prediction:

The weather forecast in Manhattan Kansas on Saturday is for temperatures in the low 40's and rain increasing in the afternoon. Houston is going to be coming into an energized environment at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. If Houston cannot stop the rushing attack in less-than-ideal weather conditions, it will be a long day for the Cougars. Avery Johnson and Will Howard will split more time in this game and both will be able to get enough going to pull out the win. The K-State defense will need to come up with some turnovers to help slow down a very good Houston offense. Las Vegas has the line in this game set at 17.5 points in K-State's favor. That seems high and this game will be closer than that but K-State wins 31-21.