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The Houston vs Kansas State of Week 9 will mark another action-filled clash in the Big 12 conference. So far, the Kansas State Wildcats have won five of the seven games they've played this campaign.
After losing at the hands of Oklahoma State, the Wildcats have gone on to record a two-game winning streak. Week 7 saw them lock horns with Texas Tech, which they won 21-38. However, last weekend's game against TCU proved to be the highlight for Kansas State. They managed to dismantle the 2022 national runners-up 41-3, placing them in fifth place in the Big 12 rankings.
On the other hand, the Houston Cougars have not quite enjoyed the same success as their counterparts. They have won just three out of seven games this campaign. Last weekend saw them go against the Texas Longhorns, which ended in a 24-31 defeat. They are currently ranked 12 in the conference.
Can the Cougars mark an improvement in their campaign going ahead?
Houston vs Kansas State: Head-to-head
This weekend's game will be the first-ever matchup between Houston and Kansas State. These teams have never played each other as before this season, the Houston Cougars were a part of the AAC conference (from 2013 till 2022).
Thus, the first game of the Houston vs Kansas State series will be played at the Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the home turf of the Wildcats. It will be interesting to see who gains the first win in this new rivalry.
Houston vs Kansas State: Week 9 preview
The Cougars will be looking forward to regaining their winning momentum after their loss against Texas last weekend, but Kansas State is expected to cruise past their new Big 12 rival.
There is one cause for concern for the Wildcats, however, which is from a psychological perspective. While the game against Houston might not pose a big challenge for the players, there is a possibility of them looking past their opposition as they next face Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns.
The Wildcats cannot afford to give the Cougars a free pass in the game. Texas Tech transfer QB Donovan Smith could be the trump card for the Cougars to capitalize on any mistakes on the field. So far, Smith has put up 1,979 yards and 16 TD passes, so it will be interesting to see who reigns supreme this week.
