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Five storylines to watch as Kansas State Wildcats return to action vs. Arizona State

Kansas State Wildcats tight end Will Anciaux (80) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the third quarter at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium.

It feels like a long time has passed since the Kansas State football team was last in action.

The Wildcats had to stew on a shocking loss against the Houston Cougars during their idle week, and now they have to wait until Saturday to take the field again in an important Big 12 game against Arizona State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

This is the type of game that could test K-State both physically and mentally.

Here is everything you need to know to start preparing for this week’s game.

Arizona State at Kansas State: Game details

Kickoff: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan

TV: ESPN

Radio: KCSP (610 AM) in Kansas City and KFH (1240 AM and 97.5 FM) in Wichita

Betting line: K-State by 8.5 with an O/U of 50.5

Five things to know

1. Cam Skattebo is one of the best running backs in the country. But will he play against K-State? Arizona State’s star player was sidelined with an injury during a victory over UCF on Saturday, and it is unclear if he will return to action against the Wildcats. The Sun Devils have made it clear they don’t want to rush him back to the field early. But he is talented. Skattebo has rushed for 1,001 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

2. This game could have Big 12 championship implications. Arizona State and K-State may not have a direct path to the Big 12 championship game, but both teams are still dreaming of a trip to Arlington, Texas The Sun Devils and the Wildcats are both one game back of Colorado for second place in the league standings. The winner of this game will stay in the race. The loser of this game may be eliminated.

3. Arizona State is the biggest surprise team in the Big 12. Boy, were the experts wrong about the Sun Devils. Arizona State was picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason football poll and now is fighting for a conference title at 7-2. Kenny Dillingham is in the mix for Big 12 Coach of the Year along with Deion Sanders and Kalani Sitake.

4. K-State played well after its first off week of the season. Bye weeks have not always been kind to Chris Klieman and the Wildcats. Winning games after extended rest has been challenging over the past few years. But the Wildcats handled their downtime well earlier this season. K-State got the first weekend off in October and then won consecutive games against Colorado, West Virginia and Kansas.

5. This will be a battle of strong run defenses. Arizona State and K-State both love to run the ball. They are also both excellent at stopping the run on defense. K-State is only allowing 3.1 yards per rush this season. Teams are only rushing for 3.6 yards per attempt against Arizona State. That could make passing an important part of this game with Sam Leavitt and Avery Johnson both looking to open things up with their arms.