The Oklahoma Sooners host the Kansas State Wildcats in a Big 12 matchup that will have many implications on the Big 12 standings.
Both teams trail Baylor and Oklahoma State coming into the midpoint of the schedule, but a loss probably ruins a chance to catch either of them.
Records:
Oklahoma: 5-1 (2-1 Big 12)
Kansas State: 4-1 (2-0 Big 12)
Last Meeting: Oklahoma won 41-31 in 2013
Key Stat: Offensively Oklahoma and Kansas State are almost identical, averaging 254 and 255 passing yards per game, respectively. The running game has averaged 191 (Sooners) and 189 (Wildcats) yards per game.
Oklahoma Outlook: The Sooners came away with a victory in the Red River Shootout, edging Texas 31-26 to push their record to 5-1.
Despite scoring the fewest point total of the season versus Texas, the Sooners offense continues to role behind Trevor Knight, who has now racked up over 1,500 yards passing.
Running back Samaje Perine has found the endzone nine times, while leading the Sooners with 568 rushing yards.
Kansas State Outlook: The Wildcats dismantled Texas Tech, pushing their record to 4-1 on the season. Their only loss remains to be the close defeat against Auburn - the only ranked team they have faced prior to this matchup.
The defense has continued to hold strong, allowing just 21 points per game, putting them in the top 33 total defense in the country.
Senior quarterback Jake Waters has combined for 13 total touchdowns, leading the Wildcats in passing and rushing this year.
What to watch for: This is a battle of teams with almost identical stats on both sides of the ball. On paper these teams look pretty evenly matched, though Oklahoma has a slight edge playing at home in this one.
Neither team has played a very difficult schedule to this point - Auburn and TCU are the only ranked opponents these teams have played - so it will be crucial to see which team can carry their success over against a tougher opponent.
What they're saying - Sooners:
Stoops not happy with player's public support of suspended Frank Shannon (NewsOK.com)
Bill Snyder "Oklahoma is most important game we will play this season" (Crimson & Cream Machine)
What they're saying - Wildcats:
Experience to play major factor in trip to Norman (The Collegian)
Wildcats/Sooners sqaure off in Big 12 showdown (The Wichita Eagle)
Prediction:
Oklahoma - 35, Kansas State - 27
The Sooners get the edge playing at home, though K-State pulled off the upset last time they went to Norman in 2o12. This game will likely hinge on the outcome of a handful of plays.
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