Big 12 Power Rankings: Baylor, Kansas, and Oklahoma State All have Big Weekends

Nov 16, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats kicker

(3) is congratulated by teammates after kicking the game winning field goal against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Kansas State won 33-31. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

4. Kansas State Wildcats

Record: 6-4 (4-3)

Previous Ranking: 5

Last Week: KSU 33, TCU 31

This Week: vs #20 Oklahoma

Next Week: at Kansas

Slowly but surly, Kansas State is regaining the form that led them to a Big 12 title last season and a Cotton Bowl appearance the year before that.

K-State has a tremendous chance to beat both Oklahoma and Kansas to end the season with eight wins and a 6-0 finish. Vegas seems to like these odds as they have K-State as three-point favorites for Saturday’s game.

There is a lot to like about the matchup against Oklahoma for Kansas State. First, Oklahoma has very little in the way of a downfield passing game. Even with Trevor Knight in, who is a better quarterback option than Blake Bell, Oklahoma lacks consistency in the passing game. This forces to Oklahoma to be aggressive in the running game, which plays into KSU’s style of play.

If Kansas State can limit Brennan Clay and Damien Williams‘ impact in the running game then the Wildcats will have a serious opportunity to walk away with a win. This is how Texas and Baylor were able to shutdown Oklahoma even though the Sooners defense is a strong unit.