Oh, how the Cowboys have fallen. Two years ago Mike Gundy's team was a top-five team before losing to Baylor in the Big 12 Championship Game. But after roster attrition and the program choosing not to use the transfer portal, Oklahoma State is one of the worst teams in the conference. The Cowboys have lost back-to-back games, including a loss at Iowa State, also one of the worst teams in the Big 12. Meanwhile Kansas State has one of the best quarterbacks in the conference in Will Howard, and the Wildcats' only loss, at Missouri, doesn't look so bad. Kansas State is a strong contender to make the Big 12 title game, and I expect the Wildcats to play inspired coming off the bye week.

Oklahoma State+12 - Both teams had an extra week to prepare however I think the Cowboys needed it more. QB Alan Bowman got another week to shake off the rust from being a backup the past two years at Michigan. Bowman is in this sixth year after starting his career at Texas Tech. My model has Kansas State by three.

K-State certainly should be favored but 12.5 in Stillwater? Are the Pokes starting Russell Hammond at quarterback? Actually, they have decided on Alan Bowman after back-to-back losses and off a bye. It's OSU's first Friday home game since 1956, so it should be quite the raucous atmosphere. It's also the Blackout Game for 2023. OSU has won the past two at home in the series. I am not predicting an upset by any means but do believe Mike Gundy's guys stay within 10. K-State's lone road game so far was a loss at Missouri. Only Caesars currently has 12.5. The rest have 11.5.

The Cowboys might have been prematurely written off following their 33-7 home loss to South Alabama as a touchdown favorite. They have been beset by uncertainty at the QB and RB positions, as well as devastating turnovers. But coming off a bye and with some of those position battles settled, expect an improved performance from a program that has won three of the past four in this rivalry. Take the points.

This game does not scream offense. Our Model has both team totals implied going under. Oklahoma State is a bit of a mess right now with three different quarterbacks playing a bulk of their snaps. While Kansas State's Will Howard is looking healthier, they may sit him for precaution if they get a solid lead in the second half. And even if not, we could still see a run heavy approach to error on side the of caution.