Kansas State @ Oklahoma State preview
Boone Pickens Stadium
Last Meeting ( Nov 1, 2014 ) Oklahoma State 14, Kansas State 48
No. 19 Oklahoma State and visiting Kansas State both are undefeated heading into Saturday's Big 12 matchup thanks to strong defensive fronts. In a league known for its big offensive numbers, the Cowboys and Wildcats are supporting their young quarterbacks by harassing the opposition's.
The Cowboys lead the league in yards allowed (299.5) while the Wildcats top the Big 12 - and rank eighth nationally - in run defense, allowing 78.3 yards. Oklahoma State (16) and Kansas State (12) are tied for fourth in the country with four sacks per game. "It's good for us to keep getting pressure on the quarterback, without having to bring five or six (rushers) and play coverage behind them," Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer told The Oklahoman. Oklahoma State's Emmanuel Ogbah leads the league with 5.5 sacks while teammate Jordan Sterns tops the Big 12 with 40 tackles.
TV: 4 p.m. ET, FS1. LINE: Oklahoma State -8
ABOUT KANSAS STATE (3-0): Former walk-on Joe Hubener is 36-of-67 for 585 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions since taking over for injured starter Jesse Ertz during the first game. Redshirt freshman Justin Silmon leads the team with 210 yards and a score while Hubener adds 105 yards and a touchdown. Kody Cook (148 yards, two TDs), Deante Burton (124 yards, 1 TD) and Dominique Heath (121 yards, 1 TD) each have eight catches.
ABOUT OKLAHOMA STATE (4-0, 1-0 Big 12): Sophomore Mason Rudolph has thrown for 1,237 yards and six touchdowns but is coming off a three-turnover performance against Texas. David Glidden (15 catches, 324 yards, three TDs) leads three Cowboy receivers with double-digit receptions. Coach Mike Gundy said the Cowboys will continue to use a package designed for former starting quarterback J.W. Walsh (6-of-9 for 47 yards and three TDs; 14 rushes for 74 yards and two scores).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Kansas State has lost four straight at Oklahoma State by an average of 4.5 points.
2. Oklahoma State's leading rusher, Chris Carson (274 yards, three TDs), left the Texas game with an ankle injury but will practice this week in hopes of playing.
3. The Wildcats are 18-7 following an in-season bye week under 24th-year coach Bill Snyder.
PREDICTION: Oklahoma State 32, Kansas State 23