Kansas State @ Texas Tech preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 10, 2009 ) Kansas State 14, Texas Tech 66

THE STORY: No. 18 Kansas State is looking for its first 6-0 start since 2000 when it visits Texas Tech on Saturday. The Red Raiders are 8-3 all-time in this series and have won the last five meetings. In the last three games, the Red Raiders have pounded the Wildcats by an average score of 61-21, including a 66-14 blowout two years ago in Lubbock in which Texas Tech racked up 739 total yards. K-State has vaulted up the rankings with impressive performances in wins over Miami, Baylor and Missouri.

TV: FSN. Line: Texas Tech -3

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (5-0, 2-0 Big 12): One of only 13 unbeaten teams left in the country, the Wildcats have been one of the nation’s biggest surprises. They’re having success by controlling the ball. Kansas State has won the time of possession battle in all five games and leads the nation by holding the ball for an average of 35:57. Collin Klein is a big reason for that, as the junior is fourth among quarterbacks in rushing yards, trailing only Michigan’s Denard Robinson, Navy’s Kriss Proctor and Nebraska’s Taylor Martinez. Klein had a career-best three rushing touchdowns in a 24-17 win over Missouri and now has seven scores this season.

ABOUT TEXAS TECH (4-1, 1-1 Big 12): Seth Doege set career highs in attempts (66) and completions (44) in the Red Raiders’ 45-40 home loss to Texas A&M last weekend, and now the junior ranks third in the nation in completions per game. Texas Tech — traditionally a pass-happy team — ranks sixth in the nation in passing yards but was getting solid production from junior running back Eric Stephens. Stephens ran for 570 yards on 109 carries, but he dislocated his knee in the loss to the Aggies and is out for the season. Fifth-year senior Aaron Crawford is expected to fill the hole left by Stephens.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Red Raiders have scored at least 58 points in their last three games against K-State.

2. Texas Tech wideout Eric Ward has scored at least one touchdown in every game and is tied for the national lead with eight receiving touchdowns.

3. Klein and Kansas State running back John Hubert are averaging 187.4 combined rushing yards.

PREDICTION: Texas Tech 35, Kansas State 24 -- The Red Raiders will score a couple of early touchdowns to take the Wildcats’ ball-control offense out of its comfort zone.