Preview: Troy at #17 Kansas State

Photo Credit Nick Friesen

The Troy Trojans travel to Manhattan Kansas to face the 17th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats. This game could be a surprise good game this weekend between the Sun Belt and Big 12.

Broadcast Information

• Kickoff is Saturday, September 9th at noon EST on FS1.

• Eric Collins and Devin Gardner are on the call.

• Listen at K-State Sports Network or on the Troy Sports Radio Network.

What's at stake?

Both teams come into this game coming off of great seasons. Troy finished 12-2 in 2022 meanwhile Kansas State finished 10-4 including a Big 12 Championship. Even though Kansas State had a good season they were surprised early in the season by another Sun Belt team Tulane. Troy is attempting to build off of the success in 2022 and take it a step further by winning the Sun Belt Conference and making a New Year Six bowl. If they want that opportunity a win in Manhattan is needed. K-State on the other hand wants to get this one to keep building momentum toward another run in the Big 12.

Key Players - Kansas State

QB Will Howard - Kansas State

LB Daniel Green - Kansas State

Key Players - Troy

QB Gunnar Watson - Troy

RB Kimani Vidal - Troy

Key Matchups:

The Troy rushing attack against the Kansas State defense. Last week Kansas State only gave up 6 rushing yards to Southeast Missouri. Also last week Kimani Vidal Troy's workhorse running back had 248 yards on 25 carries against Stephen F. Austin. If Troy can control the clock and keep Will Howard and the explosive Kansas State offense off the field Troy will have a great shot.

Troy last week against Stephen F. Austin had four turnovers. If they turn the ball over that much in Bill Snyder Family Stadium and Kansas State does not it will be a long Saturday for the Trojans of Troy.

Prediction:

This game will come down to ball control, limiting turnovers, and explosive plays. If Troy does not turnover the ball over and control the clock it will be a very close game down to the wire. Kansas State is not looking over Troy this year after the letdown against Tulane. The Wildcats come out fast and with a purpose and Troy will not be able to keep up in this game. Will Howard will keep showing his development in this game leading to a Kansas State victory 38-17.