K-State Wildcats vs. OSU Cowboys: Football game time, TV, odds, score prediction

This matchup lost some luster when Oklahoma State and Kansas State both suffered their first losses of the season.

But it is still the Big 12 Game of the Week.

The winner of this game will remain very much alive in the race for a conference championship. The winner of this game will also be able to keep dreaming about a berth in the expanded playoff. But the loser of this game will probably end up chasing lower goals.

In other words, much is at stake.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game ...

No. 20 Oklahoma State at No. 25 Kansas State

Kickoff: 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan

TV/Stream: ESPN

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

The line: Kansas State by 4.5 with an O/U of 57.5.

K-State game prediction

Motivation should not be an issue for either of these teams. Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State historically play well as underdogs. Chris Klieman and K-State always seem to respond after a defeat, as the Wildcats haven’t lost consecutive games since 2011.

This contest should come down to the matchups. On the surface, it seems like K-State should have some advantages.

The Wildcats are the only team in the Big 12 that is averaging more yards per run (6.5) than per pass (6.4). But that might not hurt them against the Cowboys. Oklahoma State has played two games against teams from power conferences this season, and both it allowed more than 230 rushing yards in both games. Arkansas ran for 232 against Oklahoma State and Utah rushed for 249.

K-State running backs DJ Giddens and Dylan Edwards should be eager to carry the ball against this defense.

If the Wildcats ran at will on the Cowboys this might not be much of a game.

But it’s worth noting that Gundy is an excellent coach and might have a trick or two up his sleeve when it comes to making corrections.

K-State has also been weak on defense against the pass this season. That could be problematic against Oklahoma State quarterback Alan Bowman, who has thrown for 1,173 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Arizona, Tulane and BYU were all able to hurt K-State through the air. Klieman will need to make some adjustments on that side of the ball while also taking account of OSU running back Ollie Gordon.

I could see this game going a lot of different ways. It wouldn’t shock me if either team won by two touchdowns.

But recent trends favor K-State. The Wildcats play their best when they are coming off a loss and they shouldn’t have to rely on their passing game to win this game. The Cowboys also fell way behind against both Arkansas and Utah before they rallied late. It will be harder for them to mount a comeback on the road.

Kansas State 28, Oklahoma State 21

Last week’s prediction: K-State 24, BYU 23

Actual score: BYU 38, K-State 9

Season record: 3-1

Season record ATS: 1-3

Season record O/U: 2-2