Kent State @ Kansas State preview

THE STORY: Kansas State was picked to finish second-to-last in the Big 12 this season, and the Wildcats did nothing to dispel that notion in their opener. After a week off, Kansas State will open the playbook more and strive for better results in its first meeting with Kent State. The 10-7 season-opening victory over Eastern Kentucky was No. 150 for legendary coach Bill Snyder, but if that contest is any indication, wins may be few and far between. The same can be said for the Golden Flashes, whose offense was inept in a 20-12 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette last week. Kansas State is 11-5 after a bye under Snyder and 58-3 at home against non-conference opponents since 1990.

TV: Fox College Sports. LINE: Kansas State -17.5

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (1-0): Collin Klein threw a 33-yard touchdown to Chris Harper with 1:39 remaining as the Wildcats avoided what would have been a stunning home loss to an FCS opponent. John Hubert, filling the void left by Daniel Thomas’ departure to the NFL, ran for 91 yards in his first career start. Meanwhile, Tennessee transfer and former top recruit Bryce Brown carried three times for 16 yards and lost a fumble.

ABOUT KENT STATE (0-2): The Golden Flashes run a variation of the spread offense, but it isn't very effective. Four turnovers overshadowed another strong performance from the defense (159 yards), which finished 10th in the nation last season. Defensive end Roosevelt Nix became the first freshman to win Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The 17 points were the fewest in a Kansas State opener since 2001. “We probably put 15 percent of (the playbook) on the field,” Snyder said.

2. Kent State hasn’t had a winning season since 1987.

3. Kansas State ramps up its season when it travels to Miami (Fla.) next week before beginning its Big 12 season against No. 24 Baylor on Oct. 1.

PREDICTION: Kansas State 24, Kent State 3 - Despite their own shortcomings, the Wildcats shouldn’t have a problem with the Golden Flashes, who totaled 186 yards against Louisiana-Lafayette.