Kansas State football seeks bounce back win against surging UCF

Manhattan, KS – Chris Klieman and his Kansas State Wildcats need to bounce back after a pretty weird week. That said, the Kansas State football team faces a rather intriguing test at home this weekend as they host the Big 12 newcomer UCF Knights at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

Kansas State is looking to to find a win at home after disappointing K-State football fans with a perplexing 30-27 loss on the road against the Missouri Tigers last week.

While Kansas State was falling on the road in a bizarre contest, UCF enters into this matchup with an unblemished record. The Knights, led by Gus Malzahn, are able to boast a perfect 3-0 record after handling business against Kent State, Boise State and Villanova.

Kansas State football vs. UCF Knights preview

Examining the Kansas State offense

The Kansas State offense has been pretty solid through the Wildcats’ first three games of the 2023 season.

Led by quarterback Will Howard, Kansas State is averaging 464 yards per game while Howard has been completing 66% of his passes to throw for 817 yards and 8 touchdowns against 3 interceptions. On top of that, Howard has also rushed for 59 yards and 3 scores.

That should concern UCF’s defense a bit.

Without the services of Deuce Vaughn at running back, Klieman has turned to DJ Giddens and Treshaun Ward to lead the rushing attack. For the most part, it’s worked out relatively well with K-State averaging 171 rushing yards per game to go along with 6 rushing touchdowns on the year.

It’s probably safe to venture a guess that this multidimensional offense will test UCF’s defense.

UCF defense seeking consistency vs. Kansas State football

So far this season, Gus Malzahn’s offense has been explosive for the Knights, but UCF has also seen some really solid play on the defensive side of things.

While UCF averages well over 8 yards per play, the Knights’ opponents are only able to manage 4.6 yards per play. The Knights are keeping their opponents to just 283 yards of offense per game.

And so far, UCF’s foes have only managed to score four touchdowns against the Knights. Not bad!

Tre’mon Morris-Brash leads the way for UCF’s pass rush and has been a star on defense for the Knights this year. Through just three games, Morris-Brash has racked up 7.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. Meanwhile, in the defensive backfield, Nikai Martinez has been thrilling to watch and already has one interception.

For UCF to contain the Kansas State offense, the defense needs to play a complete four quarter game.

But they might actually be able to do that this year.

Intriguing matchup of fun Big 12 football teams

This is a fascinating matchup between two fascinating Big 12 teams. One being a longstanding member and the defending conference champ. The other is sometimes seen as a bit of an upstart program that is looking to prove to doubters that it belongs.

But both are a ton of fun and deserve some recognition for all they’ve accomplished.

Kansas State suffered a heartbreaking loss last week, but the Wildcats still have plenty of time to right the ship and make it back into Big 12 conference title contention.

And the Knights are really trying to show that their brand of football deserves more respect. As a quick aside, UCF’s offense is going to be really fun to watch in this conference.

This game deserves plenty of attention this week.

How to watch Kansas State vs. UCF Knights: TV channel, live stream, stats

If you’re planning on tuning into this game, you’ve got a chance to watch a good one. This matchup features plenty of compelling and thrilling storylines and both of these teams will be fun to watch as they try to compete for a spot in the Big 12 championship game.

Do either of these teams belong there? I have no clue! Are they both fun to watch? Absolutely. With how weird the Big 12 can get, could either make it? Probably!

Here’s what you need to watch this game:

Who: Kansas State Wildcats (2-1, 0-0 Big 12) vs. UCF Knights (3-0, 0-0 Big 12)
Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas
When: 7 p.m. CT

K-State football vs. UCF Knights TV channel

This isn’t the biggest game of the weekend, but it’s a contest that should. be tuned into. Luckily, it really isn’t that hard to find this Kansas State game.

TV channel: FS1

Kansas State Wildcats vs. UCF Knights live stream, live stats

UCF is trying to stay unbeaten. Kansas State wants to win the Big 12 again. Two fun offenses. Two disciplined defenses. This could get interesting. And you can stream it!

Or you can keep up with live stats!

Live stream: FOX Sports
Live stats

Kansas State football vs. UCF football radio broadcast

Interested in listening to the game? That’s available as well.

The Big 12 is one of the most fun college football conferences over the past few years. It’s great to see yet another interesting matchup added to the conference as realignment has really messed with the sport of college football.

The Underdog Tribune