TCU Defense Poses Major Test for Kansas State

Kansas State’s offense faces a difficult matchup Saturday in Fort Worth against a TCU defense that has been among the Big 12’s strongest, despite the Horned Frogs’ 4-5 record. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT, with the game set to air on ESPNU.

TCU is giving up an average of 15.8 points and 304.7 yards per game. Kansas State coach Collin Klein said at a Monday press conference that TCU’s front seven is big, fast and physical, and praised defensive coordinator Andy Avalos for developing the unit. Klein called it one of the best defenses his team is likely to face this season.

Linebacker Hudson Hooper leads TCU with 62 tackles through nine games. Defensive tackle Ansel Din-Mbuh has four sacks and has disrupted offenses at the line of scrimmage; he was named to the first team of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Midseason All-Texas Team. His interior pressure could test a Kansas State offensive line that has had trouble establishing the run.

Defensive back Jamel Johnson has more than 50 tackles, an interception and a sack. Against Kansas on October 31, he recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. TCU has also limited explosive plays, challenged rushing attacks and pushed opponents into difficult third downs.

Kansas State has struggled to find offensive consistency, especially when it falls behind the chains. Avoiding negative plays and keeping down-and-distance manageable will be important against a defense equipped to pressure the run and make tackles at every level.