Both teams look to solidify their positions as Kansas State seeks revenge for last year's loss
Category: Sports
MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas State Wildcats are set to face the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. CT at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats, currently undefeated with a 2-0 record, are looking for payback after suffering a loss to Tulane in 2022.
This matchup marks a key moment for both teams as Kansas State aims to wrap up its non-conference schedule unbeaten, following a dominant 34-7 victory against Washington State last week. The Green Wave, entering the game with a 1-1 record, recently secured a narrow 28-24 win against South Alabama.
The significance of this game extends beyond mere wins and losses. Kansas State, under the leadership of head coach Collin Klein, has not allowed a touchdown in its first two games, a feat that adds pressure on the Wildcats to maintain their defensive prowess. Averaging over 300 rushing yards per game, Kansas State’s offense is led by star quarterback Avery Johnson, who threw for 192 yards and three touchdowns last week. Johnson also rushed for an additional 78 yards, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
In their previous meeting, Tulane managed to edge out Kansas State, creating a sense of urgency for the Wildcats to reclaim their dominance. Klein noted that the loss from last year is still fresh in the team's mind and emphasized the importance of making a statement as they prepare to enter Big 12 play.
As both teams prepare for the game, injuries could play a role in the outcome. Kansas State's quarterback Blake Barnett is out for an extended period due to an injury sustained in Week 1 against Nicholls. Meanwhile, Dillon Duff is listed as day-to-day, having made good progress after missing the first two games. Defensive back Donovan McIntosh is warming up and may see action after missing the first two games, which could bolster the Wildcats' defense.
On the Tulane side, running back Jamauri McClure has missed the first two games due to a left-foot injury. McClure was a key player last season, rushing for 540 yards and two touchdowns. His absence could significantly impact Tulane’s offensive strategy. Wide receiver Zycarl Lewis also missed last week's game, and linebacker Chris Rodgers has been limited in snaps due to injuries sustained earlier in the season.
As the game approaches, the betting lines favor Kansas State significantly, with the Wildcats being 20.5-point favorites. The odds are reflective of their strong start to the season and the expectation that they will continue their winning streak. Tulane, on the other hand, is seeking to turn their season around after struggling against the spread, currently sitting at 0-2 in that regard.
Key players to watch include Kansas State’s running back Rodney Fields Jr., who had a standout performance against Washington State with 105 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. For Tulane, running back Jaylin Lucas is another player to keep an eye on; he rushed for an impressive 214 yards and a touchdown against South Alabama, averaging nearly 16 yards per carry this season.
The Wildcats are looking to solidify their status as a contender in the Big 12 with a strong showing against Tulane. A victory would keep them undefeated and build momentum heading into conference play. Kansas State has a history of competitive matchups with Tulane, and this game will likely be no different as both teams seek to assert themselves early in the season.
Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN2, as well as streamed live on ESPN+. For fans unable to access traditional viewing options, free trials from services like DIRECTV and FuboTV provide additional avenues to catch the action. As anticipation builds, the Wildcats look to extend their winning streak to three games, setting the stage for an exciting afternoon of college football.
With both teams eager to demonstrate their capabilities, Saturday's matchup is shaping up to be a defining moment in their respective seasons. Kansas State will aim to prove that last year’s loss was an anomaly, and Tulane will strive to show that they can compete against top-tier programs. The outcome of this game could have lasting implications for both teams as they navigate the challenging waters of college football.