Kansas State Wildcats Drops Fourth Straight In Loss To TCU

The woes for the Kansas State Wildcats continued for a fourth straight weekend. 

On Saturday, they were defeated on the road by the TCU Horned Frogs 20-10 at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth. This was the fourth consecutive for the Wildcats, who dropped to 4-6 overall and 1-6 in the Big 12 conference. 

The Wildcats trailed 10-0 at halftime and were never able to recover against one of the conference's top defense. The Horned Frogs were rated as the No. 2 defense in the Big 12 entering the game. 

The Wildcats were once again at a disadvantage because of the quarterback position. Kansas State first-year coach Collin Klein decided to start Dillon Duff under center for the second time in three games. In all, the Wildcats have used three different starters since Avery Johnson was injured after their victory against the Kansas Jayhawks last month in the Sunflower Showdown. 

The Wildcats had so much stability at the position with Johnson in the lineup. He had started 32 straight games before the injury. Duff, who is a sophomore, was solid in his second start. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 244 yards and one touchdown. 

This was the first time Klein used one quarterback in one game. In the past two games, Duff and Blake Barnett in the same game. Duff and the passing offense was the Wildcats' only threat. He completed eight passes for 115 yards and one touchdown to receiver Jaron Tibbs. 

The Wildcats were done in by two turnovers, fumbles by Duff and running back Rodney Fields Jr., which helped TCU keep control. The Horned Frogs did not have any turnovers. 

Now, the Wildcats are trying to salvage the rest of the season. It began with so much promise under Klein, who returned to his alma mater after serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A & M for the past two seasons. 

At this point, the Wildcats are already looking toward to next season. The coaching staff is hoping to build on the solid 2027 recruiting class they have assembled. Then Klein can start placing his stamp on the program. 

Klein has at least another season or two to win over the fan base and administration. The Wildcats return to action next week against the Arizona Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. 

The Wildcats are still two wins from becoming eligible. Last year they finished 6-6 but refused to play in a bowl game.