Iowa State @ Kansas State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2010 ) Iowa State 20, Kansas State 27

THE STORY: No. 15 Kansas State will try for its first 10-win season since it went 11-4 in 2003 when it takes on Iowa State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats, who have won two straight since dropping back-to-back games against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, are still trying to earn a bid to a BCS bowl. To get there, they’d likely need a victory and an Oklahoma loss to the Cowboys in the "Bedlam" game, and even that might not do it. Iowa State, meanwhile, is bowl eligible and aims for its second seven-win season in the last three years.

TV: NONE. Line: Kansas State -10.5

ABOUT IOWA STATE (6-5, 3-5 Big 12): Iowa State is coming off a 26-6 loss at Oklahoma and has struggled on the road in Big 12 play, posting a 1-3 record and losing by 20 or more in each of its losses. Against the Sooners, Iowa State committed four turnovers and produced just 245 total yards and 13 first downs. Quarterback Jared Barnett, who took over the starting job in late October, finished with a season-low 125 passing yards after throwing for 376 and three touchdowns the week before against Oklahoma State.

ABOUT KANSAS STATE (9-2, 6-2 Big 12): The early start time against Iowa State should be good for Kansas State, because it can focus all its attention on the Cyclones before heading home to watch the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State game. While an Oklahoma State win could help the Wildcats earn a BCS invite, an Oklahoma victory could help them earn a share of a Big 12 title, their first since 2003. Kansas State enters the game off a bye week, which couldn’t have come at a better time. Quarterback Collin Klein, who has 25 rushing touchdowns, has been nursing injuries and coach Bill Snyder said he needed the break. Klein, a junior, needs three touchdowns to break Ricky Williams’ all-time Big 12 mark.

EXTRA POINTS:
1. Kansas State has won 17 of the last 21 meetings with Iowa State.
2. A victory would give the Wildcats their eighth double-digit win season under Snyder.
3. Iowa State has forced nine turnovers in its last two games.

PREDICTION: Kansas State 35, Iowa State 17 - The Wildcats rarely lose at home to inferior teams, and they should have more focus with so much at stake.