Blake Krass breaks down the college football Week 7 matchup between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Kansas State Wildcats.
Kansas State is hosting TCU for a Week 7 matchup on Saturday afternoon. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET in Manhattan, Kansas.
The Horned Frogs are listed as 1.5-point road favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 55.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction, and best bet for this Big 12 matchup between TCU and Kansas State.
TCU vs. Kansas State prediction, preview
TCU Preview
The TCU Horned Frogs still have a shot to win the Big 12 and get to the College Football Playoff. TCU lost a close one to Arizona State earlier this season, but still has a chance to claw its way back into the title race. The Horned Frogs picked up a good win over Colorado last week, and now have a chance to make a real statement with a road win over Kansas State. Their quarterback, Josh Hoover, is one of the best signal-callers in the country. Other than a late mistake against Arizona State, he has been virtually flawless this season. He finished seventh in the nation in passing yards last season and ranks 11th in passing yards and fourth in passing touchdowns this season. When he is connecting with his top target, Eric McAlister, this offense can move it against anyone.
Kansas State Preview
It has been a rough season for Kansas State. The Wildcats lost their season opener in Dublin against Iowa State. Just like when Florida State lost its season opener in Dublin in 2024, everything spiraled out of control after that loss. The Wildcats gave up 35 points to North Dakota the following week, then lost to Army at home. Since Big 12 play started, they are 1-2, getting a win over UCF but losing to Arizona and Baylor. This TCU team is built similarly to Baylor, with an exceptional passing game but a shaky defense. That could spell bad news for this Kansas State defense, which ranks 99th in defensive quality drive rate. Avery Johnson and Dylan Edwards working it on the ground is the only way this team can move the ball, but Edwards is set to miss this game with an injury. That will make life tough on Kansas State offensively as well.
TCU vs. Kansas State pick, best bet
My best bet is for TCU to get the win over Kansas State. The TCU moneyline can be bet at -120 at DraftKings Sportsbook. TCU’s only loss this season came on the road against Arizona State. TCU’s weakness is undoubtedly its secondary, which Sam Leavitt and Jordan Tyson were able to attack. Kansas State does not have a passing attack that can push it down the field in the same way. Josh Hoover also threw two uncharacteristic interceptions in that game, mistakes he is not likely to make again. The only great offensive performance by Kansas State this season came from Dylan Edwards on the ground against UCF. Without Edwards, their offense lacks any explosiveness. TCU should get this win and keep its Big 12 title hopes alive.
Best Bet: TCU ML (-120)