Kansas State Faces TCU as Both Teams Search for Answers

Kansas State travels to Amon G. Carter Stadium to face TCU on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, with both programs searching for answers during a difficult autumn.

The Wildcats hoped to contend for the Big 12 championship this season, but instead arrive sitting at 4-5 overall and 1-5 in conference play. CT kickoff on ESPNU.

Kansas State has dropped five of its last six contests, while TCU has also lost two of its last three after falling 29-28 to Arizona in a tight road game.

The visiting Wildcats face steep odds against a formidable Horned Frogs defense. Yet, hidden within the season statistics lie a few narrow paths where Kansas State might find relief.

Kansas State vs. TCU Preview — Big 12 Conference

Ground game struggles and defensive matchups

TCU ranks 128th nationally and last in the Big 12 by averaging just 107.3 rushing yards per game. That offensive limitation could offer a reprieve for a Kansas State defense that ranks 15th in the conference in rushing yards allowed.

The Horned Frogs also rank last in red zone offense and near the bottom of the league in turnovers. Whoever takes the snaps for Kansas State between Blake Barnett and Dillon Duff will nonetheless face a daunting test against a TCU defense allowing a conference-best 15.8 points per game.

Kansas State Faces TCU as Both Teams Search for Answers

That defensive unit ranks 12th nationally in pass efficiency and 22nd in total defense. Wide receiver Jordan Dwyer has emerged as a bright spot for TCU, though, coming off a nine-catch, 86-yard performance against Arizona after missing the first three games of the season.

With Avery Johnson likely sidelined for the remainder of the year, Kansas State’s most viable path to victory involves keeping the score low and relying on defensive stops. The stakes remain high for both squads as they fight to salvage a disappointing campaign before closing out the regular season.