Know Your Opponent: The battle for Large 12 seeding tightens up

No. 22 Kansas State 5-2 (3-1)

Kansas State appeared to be in place to tug off an upset in opposition to TCU after backup quarterback Will Howard’s profession efficiency changing injured beginning quarterback Adrian Martinez. Steady offensive success will once more be a key issue going up in opposition to one other arsenal of an offense in Oklahoma State. Whether or not Martinez or Howard is main the offense, the play calling can be essential in maintaining. Persistently and successfully passing the ball can propel the offense to new heights as seen early on with Howard on the helm in opposition to the Horned Frogs within the 38-28 loss.

No. 9 Oklahoma State 6-1 (3-1)

The Cowboys adopted up their shut loss to TCU with a comeback 41-34 victory in opposition to Texas. Their No. 4 ranked scoring offense placed on their traditional efficiency led by quarterback Spencer Sanders, nevertheless it was their often-struggling protection who accomplished the comeback. Permitting solely 3 second-half factors, the Oklahoma State protection might be the staff’s lacking piece to unlocking their full potential. Dealing with off in opposition to Okay-State, the Cowboys protection can be essential to cementing themselves in second place within the convention. The Wildcats are the ultimate ranked staff left on their common season schedule, making a win in Manhattan an enormous step for Oklahoma State in securing a ticket to the Large 12 Championship sport.

Matchup to look at: battle between the quarterbacks

Whereas quarterbacks are sometimes in contrast, they by no means really face one another on the sector, however the play of every staff’s quarterback will dictate who will go away the sport with just one Large 12 loss. Every staff has allowed opposing quarterbacks to rack up the numbers for in-conference play up to now. This development will possible proceed as Sanders and both Martinez or Howard are absolutely able to main their respective offenses down the sector all sport.

Sanders’ time because the beginning Cowboy quarterback started his freshman season and continues into his senior yr. His career-best 290 passing yards per sport highlights how devastating he has been to opposing defenses this season whereas additionally operating for 50.3 yards per sport. Contributing to each the passing and operating sport continues to be most likely not his finest trait. Sanders has unfold the ball to his receiving choices splendidly, with 4 receivers averaging over 40 receiving yards per sport and freshman Stephon Johnson Jr. accumulating 90 yards in his first sport with heavy taking part in time. Taking down Sanders is not going to be so simple as locking on one or two passing choices when he makes use of all weapons at his disposal.

The Wildcats’ passing assault has not matched the Cowboys’, however the potential is there. Whereas Martinez’s operating assault has been essential and among the many finest within the nation from the quarterback place, a rise within the passing sport is critical. Howard was capable of throw for slightly below 200 yards within the first half however appeared to nonetheless be given restricted alternatives to move the ball. Offensive coordinator and former Okay-State quarterback Collin Klein’s development of leaning into the operating sport quite than airing the ball out together with his play calling should finish. Irrespective of who’s taking part in quarterback in opposition to Oklahoma State, each have illustrated they will make the wanted throws.

Associated:

Know Your Opponent: Two first-place Large 12 groups go head-to-head

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Key gamers

Okay-State:

Huge Receivers Malik Knowles/Kade Warner

Complete Secondary

Oklahoma State:

Huge Receivers Bryson Inexperienced/Brennan Presley

Security Kendal Daniels

Prediction: Oklahoma State 33-27