How to watch Texas vs. Kansas State: Game time, TV, live streaming, and more

Kansas State put one of the final nails in Charlie Strong's Texas coaching coffin a season ago when the Wildcats defeated the 'Horns 24-21 in Manhattan.

The Purple Wizard this year is on the cusp of the top 25, and the team brings back Jesse Ertz, who methodically demoralized the 'Horns with 94 rushing yards and a 20-for-27 passing effort in 2016.

Still, Texas is nearly a four-point favorite in this one, not only due to home field advantage, but also because it appears that the 'Horns are trending upwards more than the Wildcats.

Texas has beaten the spread three weeks in a row after a 56-0 shut out to San Jose State, a double overtime thriller loss to USC, and an effective (and boring) 17-7 victory over Iowa State.

Meanwhile, Kansas State has had a less than ideal past two weeks after falling to Vanderbilt 7-14 on the road, and then winning ugly at home 33-20 over 0-5 Baylor.

This may end up being a rare Big 12 defensive battle, as both offenses are struggling.

The big narrative for Texas in this one will be whether Tim Beck's group can finally hit its stride.

The Longhorns offense has lost the electric element the team had in 2016, as no running back has remotely filled D'Onta Foreman's massive shoes, while Texas' injury-riddled offensive line hasn't provided adequate protection for Shane Buechele or Sam Ehlinger.

The Wildcats will look to establish the run game and get better play out of their wideouts, who performed poorly against Baylor.

Like Iowa State last week, Texas could find itself in another closely contested match-up. Texas needs a win against Kansas State to keep up the momentum with a difficult stretch looming against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in the next two weeks.

Here's your pre-game reading from this week at Burnt Orange Nation:

• Burnt Orange Nation's Q&A with K-State SB Nation blog "Bring on the Cats" on Jesse Ertz, the Purple Wizard, and prospects of Saturday's game.
• If Texas wants to improve its offense against Kansas State, it starts with the offensive line.
• Looking at the offensive running scheme that will be effective against Kansas State.
• Toneil Carter could establish himself more and more in the Texas run game as the season progresses.

How to watch, listen, and stream

Where: Darrell K. Royal Stadium (Austin, Texas)

Kickoff time: October 7, 6 pm CT

TV: FS1

Radio: 104.9 The Horn, 99.3 FM

Online Streaming: Fox Sports Go

Live Stats: Side Arm Stats

Odds: Texas (-3.5)