Oklahoma State @ Kansas State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 20, 2007 ) Kansas State 39, Oklahoma State 41

If last week’s games are any indication, whichever team has the ball last should win Saturday’s matchup between No. 20 Oklahoma State (6-1, 2-1 Big 12) and Kansas State (5-2, 2-2 Big 12).

Both lost shootouts last weekend. The Cowboys produced 41 points against a tough Nebraska defense but still lost by 10. The Wildcats fell 47-42 to surprise Big 12 South leader Baylor.

The Cowboys have become used to shootouts. They rank second nationally in scoring (48.3) and 89th in points allowed (30.6).

Oklahoma State will be without star wideout Justin Blackmon, who leads the nation in receiving yards (1,114) and touchdowns (14). The sophomore was suspended by after his arrest Tuesday on a DUI complaint.

Blackmon is a big reason why the Cowboys own the nation’s fifth-best passing attack, which averages 350 yards per game. Junior quarterback Brandon Weeden has shined in his first year as a starter. He’s thrown for 2,249 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Oklahoma State also has a dominant running back in senior Kendall Hunter. He has gone over the 100-yard mark in all but one game this year. After gashing Nebraska for 201 yards and two touchdowns, Hunter is averaging 147 yards per game with 12 rushing scores this season.

Kansas State counters with a rushing attack led by senior Daniel Thomas, who has cooled off a bit after a scorching start. In the first three games, Thomas ran for 552 yards and six touchdowns. In the last four he has 343 yards and three touchdowns.

Senior quarterback Carson Coffman has been steady. He’s completing about two-thirds of his throws, with eight touchdowns against four interceptions.

Both teams need to win to stay in the hunt for the Big 12 Championship Game. The Wildcats are tied for third in the North, two games behind No. 8 Missouri. The Cowboys sit a game behind Baylor in the South and are tied with Oklahoma.

Kansas State needs one more win to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2006.

The last three meetings between these two teams have been decided by a total of 10 points. If it comes down to a field goal, don’t bet against Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey. He is a perfect 15-for-15 this season and has hit from 52 yards out.

Oklahoma State leads the alltime series 34-22, but Kansas State is 4-2 against the Cowboys in the Big 12 era.