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Both teams suffered bad losses last weekend. What gives me confidence that Oklahoma State can bounce back is the overall talent and experience on both sides of the ball. OSU can win with their passing game, and will more than likely ensure that RB Ollie Gordon gets rolling this week. Also, we're still waiting for the 'breakout' game from KSU QB Avery Johnson. I don't see it happening this week.
The Wildcats' Avery Johnson may be the best running quarterback in college football. While the Kansas State offense had a meltdown last week in Provo, the Wildcats will be in a much more friendly environment on Saturday in Manhattan. Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II has struggled all season. Give me Kansas State.
Oklahoma State might have a quarterback problem as seventh-year Alan Bowman was terrible last week in the loss to Utah, but backup Garret Rangel was worse in relief. Bowman will start again. The Pokes had the nation's top returning back in Ollie Gordon, but he has done very little other than the opener against an FCS opponent. OSU is 2-6 in past eight Big 12 road games. Even though Avery Johnson struggled in K-State's loss to BYU last week, he's an upgrade at quarterback on either OSU guy. Johnson had been 5-0 as a starter. K-State has won nine of its past 10 at home.
I have very little trust in either of these offenses right now. Kansas State has yet to find any kind of consistent effectiveness throwing the ball and Oklahoma State, despite having star running back Ollie Gordon and a ton of offensive line experience back, can't run the ball. Look for Kansas State to try to control time of possession at home and win a low-scoring defensive battle.
In Big 12 vs. Big 12 matchups thus far this season, the home team is 7-2 straight up (and should be 8-1). Here's the difference for me though: Kansas State is surrendering only 83.3 yards per game rushing while Oklahoma State is giving up 180.3. The Wildcats avoid an 0-2 start in conference play with an important home victory. Kansas State 30, Oklahoma State 22.
Team Injuries
