TCU vs. Kansas State: Quarterback Injuries And Missing Starters Could Decide Big 12 Showdown

FORT WORTH - TCU and Kansas State are both running out of opportunities to salvage disappointing football seasons, and injuries could play a major role in Saturday's Big 12 matchup at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

The Horned Frogs (4-5, 2-4 Big 12) are trying to recover from a heartbreaking 29-28 loss at Arizona, while Kansas State (4-5, 1-5) arrives following an embarrassing 66-28 defeat against Oklahoma State.

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Both teams need two victories in their final three regular-season games to become bowl eligible.

But Kansas State faces the more significant uncertainty at quarterback.

Starting quarterback Avery Johnson has missed three consecutive games with an injury involving his neck and shoulder area, leaving first-year coach Collin Klein searching for answers at the most important position on the field.

Backup Jacob Knuth has also been sidelined with an ankle injury, forcing the Wildcats to rely on Blake Barnett and Dillon Duff.

Neither has established himself as the clear starter.

Barnett opened last week's game against Oklahoma State but struggled with turnovers before Duff replaced him in the second half.

Klein said both quarterbacks would compete in practice this week and indicated that each could play against TCU.

"They're both going to compete this week and both get a lot of reps," Klein said.

The uncertainty creates an interesting opportunity for TCU defensive coordinator Andy Avalos, whose unit will attempt to exploit a Kansas State offense dealing with considerable disruption.

But the Horned Frogs have their own injury problems.

Running back Jeremy Payne has been dealing with an undisclosed injury, while Jon Denman was unavailable against Arizona.

Their situations have created uncertainty in a TCU rushing attack that has struggled to establish consistent production.

Payne entered the week with 429 rushing yards and two touchdowns, making his availability particularly important.

The receiving corps has also been depleted.

Cooper Reid, Keagan Cunningham and Terry Shelton were among the players unavailable against Arizona.

Shelton's condition has reportedly improved, although his status for Saturday still requires confirmation.

TCU has also dealt with injuries to offensive lineman Cade Bennett, safety Julius Simms and cornerback Devondre McGee.

Those defensive absences could become important against a Kansas State offense capable of creating problems with its running game, even without Johnson.

The good news for TCU is that quarterback Jaden Craig remains available.

Craig has thrown for 2,439 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, giving the Horned Frogs an experienced passing option against a Kansas State defense that surrendered 66 points last weekend.

Tight end Kari Ashley has emerged as one of Craig's most reliable targets, with 52 receptions for 655 yards and four touchdowns.

Still, Saturday's outcome could depend less on offensive statistics than on which team can overcome its personnel problems.

Kansas State must find stability at quarterback.

TCU needs enough healthy playmakers to establish offensive balance while avoiding the costly mistakes that have contributed to its recent losses.

And for both programs, the consequences extend beyond Saturday.

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Another defeat would leave the loser needing victories in its final two regular-season games just to qualify for a bowl.

TCU hosts Kansas State on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ESPNU.