Kansas State @ Miami preview

THE STORY: Miami faces a stern home test for the second straight week when it takes on unbeaten Kansas State on Saturday afternoon. The Hurricanes, playing through major off-the-field distractions and coming off a season-opening loss at Maryland, redeemed themselves last weekend with a 24-6 rout of Ohio State. Miami QB Jacory Harris threw a pair of first-quarter touchdown passes in his return from a one-game suspension.

TV: ESPNU. LINE: Miami -13.

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (2-0): The Wildcats rebounded from an opening-week scare against Eastern Kentucky by rolling over Kent State, 37-0, last Saturday. Kansas State leads the nation in total defense, surrendering just 164 yards per game (64 rushing, 100 passing), as well as scoring defense (3.5 ppg). Nigel Malone has spearheaded the strong defensive effort with a pair of interceptions, while Davis Garrett returned another pickoff 45 yards for a touchdown against Kent State.

ABOUT MIAMI (1-1): The Hurricanes, now close to full strength after preseason allegations of NCAA violations led to the suspensions of eight players, held Ohio State to 35 yards passing on four completions in last week's victory, which snapped a four-game losing streak dating back to last season. Offensively, the return of Harris helped, but Miami has been led thus far by RB Lamar Miller, who ranks fourth in the nation with 151.5 yards rushing per game after going for 185 yards against the Buckeyes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami has scored on all seven of their trips inside the red zone (5 touchdowns, 2 field goals). Kansas State opponents are 1-for-3 converting inside the 20-yard line.

2. The Hurricanes have never faced the Wildcats, but they are 26-10 all-time against current Big 12 opponents.

3. Both teams rank among the most penalized FBS teams — Miami is tied for 94th nationally (7.5 penalties per contest), while Kansas State is tied for 105th (8.0).

PREDICTION: Miami 17, Kansas State 16. The Hurricanes might be due for a letdown, and the Wildcats' defense should be able to keep it tight, but Miami represents a much tougher test than anything Kansas State has faced thus far in 2011.