TCU's bid to remain among the one-loss hopefuls for a berth in the College Football Playoff will be made Saturday without its starting running back, B.J. Catalon.
Catalon was injured near the end of the Horned Frogs' comeback win over West Virginia last weekend. He was knocked out of the game after taking a hit to the upper torso. He didn't practice this week, and head coach Gary Patterson announced Friday that Catalon would be unavailable for TCU's home game against Kansas State, according to hornedfrogblitz.com.
Given that Kansas State's rush defense is one of the best in the nation, the timing couldn't be much worse for the Horned Frogs. KSU is ranked No. 10 in the NCAA in rush defense, allowing just 100.9 yards per game.
Catalon (5-foot-9, 190 pounds) has rushed 98 times for 493 yards this season for a 5.0 average and 10 touchdowns.
Like TCU, Kansas State is looking to stay only once-beaten in hopes of landing a playoff berth. TCU is ranked No. 6 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, while Kansas State holds the No. 7 spot. The winner figures to move up at least one spot if LSU defeats No. 5 Alabama.
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