UTEP @ Kansas State preview

The Kansas State Wildcats managed to hang around the USA Today Coaches Poll despite a narrow loss to Auburn last week. They'll look to strengthen their positioning Saturday afternoon as they welcome the Texas-El Paso Miners to Bill Snyder Family Stadium. No. 25 Kansas State hung around against the No. 5 Tigers, but ultimately dropped a 20-14 home decision in which it turned the ball over three times and managed just 40 rushing yards on the day.

The Wildcats will need a stronger effort on the ground Saturday afternoon in order to keep pace with Miners running back Aaron Jones, who has been dynamite through his team's first three games. Jones enters the week fourth in the nation with 549 rushing yards, including a 168-yard, two-touchdown performance in last week's 42-24 drubbing of New Mexico State. Jones also has seven of UTEP's 13 touchdowns on the year, making him the man to stop for Kansas State.

TV: Noon ET, FCSP. LINE: Kansas State -26

ABOUT TEXAS EL-PASO (2-1): Miners head coach Sean Kugler takes great pride in having one of the most robust rushing units in the NCAA - but he'd gladly trade it for the offensive and defensive depth the Wildcats possess. "Top to bottom - offense, defense and special teams - they are a really solid unit," he told the Wichita Eagle. "Really, they are where we are trying to get our program at some point. We would love to emulate what they are doing." UTEP's ability to control the clock - it ranks fourth nationally in time of possession - will be critical to its success Saturday.

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (2-1): Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder heaped praise upon Jones, who is just 262 yards shy of equalling his 2013 tally. "I like the fact that he has some speed and can move around pretty well," Snyder said at a news conference earlier this week. "He runs well, and aggressively ... straight ahead. He's a good downhill runner and he carries piles. You cannot arm tackle him - he won't allow that to happen." The Wildcats' rush attack is no slouch despite last week's dud against Auburn, averaging better than 170 yards per game with 10 touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. UTEP is 1-31 all-time on the road versus ranked opponents, with its only win coming at No. 14 Arizona State 40 years ago.

2. Snyder offered his support for Kansas State K Jack Cantele, who missed three field goals against Auburn. "We're all behind him," Snyder said. "Everybody supports him."

3. The Miners have turned the ball over just once in three games while committing only 12 penalties.

PREDICTION: Kansas State 31, Texas El-Paso 10