The Associated Press
No. 25 KANSAS STATE (2-1) vs UTEP (2-1), noon ET. (FSN)
Line: Kansas State by 26.
Series Record: Tied 1-1.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
The Wildcats will be trying to bounce back from a 20-14 loss to fifth-ranked Auburn, while UTEP will be getting back on the field after a week off. UTEP had a similarly frustrating loss to another Big 12 team, Texas Tech, a few weeks ago.
KEY MATCHUP
UTEP RB Aaron Jones against the Kansas State defense. Jones has already run for 549 yards and seven touchdowns in just three games, including 239 yards and three scores in the Miners’ season-opener against New Mexico. The Wildcats held Auburn to 128 yards on the ground.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UTEP: QB Jameill Showers needs to give the Miners a bit of balance. Jones has been carrying the load through three games, but the Wildcats will likely gang up on the run. That means the senior Showers will need to complete more than 52 percent of his throws, his average so far this season.
Kansas State: WR Tyler Lockett is one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football, but he’ll be trying to atone for a major gaffe against Auburn. Lockett let a sure touchdown pass hit his shoulder pads and get picked off, a major momentum-swinger in the game.
FACTS & FIGURES
Kansas State won the last meeting in 1999. UTEP won the first meeting in 1947. … Kansas State has 23 players from the state of Texas on its roster. UTEP has no players from the state of Kansas. … The Miners average 314 yards rushing, eighth-best in the Football Bowl Subdivision. … UTEP is 0-13 against Big 12 opponents since the formation of the league for the 1996 season. … Kansas State has committed 13 penalties in three games, including none last week against Auburn. … The Wildcats were 12 of 12 on red-zone opportunities to start the season. They were 2 for 5 against the Tigers. … All five of RB Charles Jones’s touchdowns for Kansas State have come out of the Wildcat formation. … Lockett needs 16 yards receiving to pass his uncle, Aaron Lockett (2,400) for fourth-most at Kansas State. He needs 73 yards receiving to pass Michael Smith for third behind his father, Kevin Lockett, and the Packers’ Jordy Nelson.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.