DMN Preview NT vs KSt

[OldTimer]

Preview: North Texas (1-1) at Kansas State (2-0)

09:27 PM CDT on Friday, September 23, 2005

By BRETT VITO / Denton Record-Chronicle

Line: Kansas State by 24 ½

WHAT'S ON THE LINE

NORTH TEXAS – UNT is looking to get back on track after a 54-2 loss to Tulsa last week. A solid showing would help UNT build momentum heading into its Sun Belt opener against Troy.

KANSAS STATE – The Wildcats can move to 3-0 heading into their Big 12 opener against Oklahoma.

WHO'S HOT

NORTH TEXAS – Senior RB Patrick Cobbs has rushed for 203 yards on and has cleared the 100-yard mark in each of the Mean Green's first two games.

KANSAS STATE – Junior RB Thomas Clayton is leading the nation in rushing (164.5 yards a game) and could build on that total, if he plays. Clayton was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery in an incident involving a parking services employee. Kansas State coach Bill Snyder indicated Clayton would face disciplinary action but declined to say whether he would play.

WHO'S NOT

NORTH TEXAS – Redshirt freshman quarterback Daniel Meager took a step back after a solid first start when he completed just 9 of 21 passes for 63 yards and threw a pair of interceptions against Tulsa.

KANSAS STATE – Punter Tim Reyer is averaging 40.5 yards a punt but had one blocked and returned for a touchdown against Florida International.

THE STAT THAT TELLS THE STORY

NORTH TEXAS – Cobbs has accounted for 232 of UNT's 403 offensive yards this season. The senior has also caught eight passes for 29 yards.

KANSAS STATE – The Wildcats' third game of the year is normally their last nonconference contest. K-State is 13-1 in their third game since the 1991 season, including an 11-0 mark at home.

KEY MATCHUP: UNT RB PATRICK COBBS VS. K-STATE LB MAURICE MACK

Cobbs has been one of UNT's lone offensive threats early this season, rushing for 100 yards in both the Mean Green's games. UNT will need another big night from the senior to stay with K-State, which ranks 14th nationally in rushing defense. Mack leads the team with 14 tackles, including three for losses.

NORTH TEXAS WINS IF: Cobbs and sophomore RB Jamario Thomas can get UNT's running game going and keep Kansas State's offense off the field.

KANSAS STATE WINS IF: The Wildcats can keep their running game rolling with or without Thomas Clayton.

Preview: North Texas (1-1) at Kansas State (2-0)