Associated Press
No. 20 Oklahoma State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) at No. 23 Kansas State (3-1, 0-1), Saturday, 12 p.m. ET. (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Kansas State by 6.
Series record: Oklahoma State leads 43-27.
WHATâS AT STAKE?
Oklahoma State and Kansas State meet Saturday in a game that is crucial to remain in the hunt for the Big 12 title game. The Cowboys are coming off a tough loss to Utah, one of the favorites to win the league, while the Wildcats were embarrassed last week at BYU. Oklahoma State won a close game in Stillwater last season while the Wildcats blew out the Cowboys two years ago in Manhattan.
KEY MATCHUP
Kansas State QB Avery Johnson against the Oklahoma State defense, which gave up 456 yards to the Utes last week. Johnson had his worst game as a college quarterback against BYU, throwing for just 130 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. One of the picks deep in his own territory led to the Cougars scoring a touchdown at the end of the first half.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oklahoma State: RB Ollie Gordon II returned this season with Heisman Trophy aspirations. But he was shut down by the Utes last week, carrying 11 times for 42 yards in the Cowboysâ 22-19 loss. He has been held to 50 yards or less rushing each of the past three games.
Kansas State: RBs D.J. Giddens and Dylan Edwards have been tough to stop most of the season. Giddens has 93 yards rushing against BYU, though he also had a fumble that was returned for a score. Edwards only carried six times but had 41 yards.