K-State 4-5 (3-3)
Kansas State is coming off a bye week after its 43-20 home loss to Texas Tech. While the Wildcats lost by 23 points, the game was much closer than the final score indicated. The Wildcats will now face a struggling Oklahoma State team, but they should not take them lightly, as they have improved their play as of late.
Tight end/wide receiver Linkon Cure has seen an increased role as of late. The five-star was battling an injury earlier this year, so it was only a matter of time before the talented freshman started to make his mark. With a bye week for extra reps and a faltering Oklahoma State team, Cure has a chance to really break out against the Cowboys.
Linebacker Asa Newsom has a ton of talent and will be able to display that now that linebacker Austin Romaine has been ruled out for the year. Newsom has battled injuries during his time at K-State, but when he has been on the field, ‘Cats fans have seen his potential. Newsom has phenomenal athleticism for a linebacker and should show it on Saturday against Oklahoma State.
Oklahoma State 1-8 (0-6)
Oklahoma State was off last weekend with a bye, following a 17-point loss to Kansas. The Cowboys probably played their best game of the season against KU and found a little rhythm on offense that they haven’t had all year. While Oklahoma State is struggling, the bye week gives them extra time to prep and possibly add in gadget plays to catch K-State off guard.
Quarterback Zane Flores returned to action last week against Kansas and threw for 235 yards, his best on the season. Flores looks like the future of the program going forward for Oklahoma State, despite being a freshman. Look for him to start the final three games of the season and improve as he gets experience under his belt.
Running back Rodney Fields Jr. has been a bright spot for the Cowboys, averaging over five yards a carry on the season. Fields Jr., like Flores, is also just a freshman, which could bode well for Oklahoma State in the future. Fields Jr. also duals as a good receiving back and can impact the game that way as well.
