No. 23 K-State (3-1, 0-1)

Kansas State football was embarrassed last week at BYU, falling short of its potential first 4-0 start since 2012 with a 38-9 loss. 

Starting conference play with a losing record is not ideal, but the situation is not as dire as it seems. 

Head coach Chris Klieman has a strong track record of not letting one loss turn into two. For example, the last time Oklahoma State came to Manhattan, the Wildcats had just lost to TCU and responded with a 48-0 Pokes pummeling.

Sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson will look to respond as well after throwing two interceptions in the BYU loss. Klieman said he has full confidence in his leaders being focused  on the task at hand this week.

No. 20 Oklahoma State (3-1, 0-1)

Similar to K-State, the Cowboys enter the second week of conference play on the opposite side of the win column after falling to the conference title favorite, Utah. 

As another contender for the league title, Oklahoma State is led by veteran quarterback Alan Bowman. A seventh-year athlete, Bowman will know how to stay composed in a hostile environment. 

Another key piece to the Cowboys’ offense is junior running back Ollie Gordon II — one of the premiere backs in the country. 

Despite the stars on the field, Oklahoma State’s offense hasn’t hit its stride. They’ll look to break out of their slump, remembering the beatdown handed in Manhattan two years ago.

Who to Watch: 

K-State: DT Damian Ilalio, LB Austin Romaine, LB Austin Moore

OSU: QB Alan Bowman, RB Ollie Gordon II, WR Brennan Presley

Sept. 28 @ 11 a.m.

Betting: K-State -4.5 (-192 ML), O/U 55.5 

Prediction: K-State 28-24

Stats: KSU

Turnover Ratio: -2

Avg. punt yards: 17.1 yds

Rush yds. / att.: 6.5 yds

4th Downs: 3-6

Stats: OSU

Turnover Ratio: +4

Avg. punt yards: 43.6 yds

Rush yds. / att.: 3.3 yds

4th Downs: 5-7