Game Week: TCU Hosts Kansas State

At the beginning of the season the entire country had this weekend scheduled, because one Big 12 game stood above the rest: Baylor-Oklahoma. Now, TCU-Kansas State has eclipsed it as the premier matchup in Week 11.

Not that Baylor-Oklahoma isn't a big game, it's huge, and an Oklahoma win would go a long way to helping TCU.

But no one saw Kansas State and TCU coming, which makes this Top-10 matchup even sweeter.

Kansas State enters the matchup 7-1 overall and 5-0 in Big 12 play. Their lone loss was a 20-14 loss to Auburn in Manhattan. Most think they should have won, seeing how they missed two field goals and dropped a pass in the endzone (that was intercepted). In conference play they've already defeated Iowa State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas and Oklahoma State. A lot of folks are talking about the karmic righting of the universe based on their win over Oklahoma, where the Sooners missed two field goals (including a 19-yarder), and had an extra point blocked.

Jake Waters is very similar to Trevone Boykin, in that he's a true dual threat quarterback. He's thrown for over 1,800 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions this season, while rushing for over 400 yards and seven touchdowns. In comparison, Boykin has thrown for 2,472 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions, while rushing for 423 yards and four touchdowns.

The run game extends beyond Waters though, as running back duo Charles Jones and DeMarcus Robinson have combined for 763 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. TCU's run defense will be in for a big test on Saturday night.

For the second week in a row, TCU's secondary will be required to lock down two dangerous wide receivers as well, in Tyler Lockett and Curry Sexton. Lockett and Sexton both have 49 receptions on the season, with 682 and 609 yards, respectively. Both are averaging over 12 yards per catch as well. Kevin White is coming off of Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors, and he'll be called upon again to step up.

Across from White, there are question marks, as Ranthony Texada saw his playing time slip a bit in favor of true freshmen cornerbacks Torrance Mosely and Nick Orr.

Meanwhile, TCU's offense is looking to bounce back from a tough outing against West Virginia. Josh Doctson is still dealing with a rolled ankle, and running back B.J. Catalon is questionable to play. With those two banged up, Boykin will have to rely on other weapons to get the ball in the endzone, something he's been able to do all season, minus last week.

We've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again. This game is a blackout, and no one should hesitate for a second to put on a black shirt and make your way out to the stadium. It'll be nice and cool at game time (6:30 p.m.), so come ready to make noise and help the Frogs bring the heat.