Oklahoma State appears from a distance to be a more dynamic version of Baylor on offense and perhaps better at stopping the run on defense.
The Cats will have to show the ability to put together drives that lead to touchdowns and will have to keep the Cowboys offense out of the scoring zones and perhaps a couple turnovers.
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KEY PLAYER: Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State
Justice Hill’s performance on Saturday will go a long way to determine the Cowboys’ ability to win. If he’s able to get past the first level, especially with the struggles this defense has had tackling, the game could get out of hand. Running the ball will tire out the Cats front.
However, if Kansas State can slow down the Cowboys running game, they’ll have a chance. If Hill can be slowed down, the Cowboys can be forced to make mistakes.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 31 Kansas State 20
The game will remain close throughout, but an inability to generally sustain drives will doom the offense. Oklahoma State will add a late score, putting the game out of reach.
K-State, if they lose, will have suffered their fifth defeat with games against Iowa State, TCU and Oklahoma still to come, making the opportunity to even reach a bowl game unlikely. The good news, however, is that there’s a reason they play the game. Anything can happen.