No. 17 Kansas State seeks maiden win over Tulane, which would like a victory to bolster CFP resume
Kansas State linebacker Desmond Purnell (32) celebrates after a tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UT Martin Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. Credit: AP/Charlie Riedel
No. 17 Kansas State (1-0) at Tulane (1-0), Saturday, noon ET (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Kansas State by 10.
Series record: Tulane leads 2-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Kansas State is looking to hold firm in the national rankings before opening Big 12 play against Arizona on Sept. 13. The Wildcats also are looking to avenge a home loss to the Green Wave two seasons ago that was surprising at the time, but less so in hindsight. That 2022 Tulane squad went on to beat USC in the Cotton Bowl and the Green Wave is now seeking its 25th victory in 30 games. Tulane also could bolster hopes of getting into the new 12-team College Football Playoff by beating a power conference team.
KEY MATCHUP
Kansas State's veteran defense, which returns eight starters, against Tulane freshman quarterback Darian Mensah, who surprisingly won the starting job over Oregon transfer Ty Thompson and returning back Kai Horton. Mensah fared well in his college debut last week, completing 10 of 12 passes for 205 yards and two TDs in a 52-0 victory over Southeastern Louisiana. K-State has five of its top six tacklers back from a year ago, led by linebacker Austin Moore and safety Marques Sigle.
Tulane running back Makhi Hughes (21) carries past UTSA linebackers Martavius French (10) and Avery Morris on a 58-yard run in the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Credit: AP/Gerald Herbert
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kansas State: RB DJ Giddens, who rushed for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, opened this season by gaining 124 yards on 13 carries in a season-opening, 41-6 victory over UT-Martin last week. He has rushed for 100 or more yards in five straight games.
Tulane: WR Mario Williams, a transfer from USC, caught four passes for 124 yards in his Green Wave debut last week.
FACTS & FIGURES
Kansas State running back DJ Giddens (31) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UT Martin Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. Credit: AP/Charlie Riedel
Before Tulane's 17-10 upset victory in Manhattan, Kansas, on Sept. 17, 2022, the only other meeting occurred in New Orleans on Sept 17, 1988. The Green Wave won that game 20-16. ... Kansas State gained 283 yards on the ground last week. ... Since 1990, K-State is 98-20 non-conference games played during the regular season. ... The game is the first of two straight for Tulane against teams that entered this week in the rankings. The Green Wave visits No. 15 Oklahoma next week. ... Tulane is in its first season under coach Jon Sumrall, a Green Wave assistant from 2012 to 2014 who spent that past two seasons as Troy's coach.
